Alan Rickman Guestbook

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Wait, why has Patrick Doyle taken over? What happened to John Williams? Is he dead? Or just fired?
Julia
Canada - Monday, October 31, 2005 at 04:43:28 PM (EST)

What do you call someone between a mod and a rocker? I remember going months{hanging head in embarrassment} without washing my jeans, till they had a ambiance all their own, but I wasn't the Elvis type, and I wasn't a mod either-{too poor}. I wasn't a hippy either, as I didn't do the free love or drug thing-am I a mocker, or a rod, or a squippy? { a square hippy}
ACC
- Monday, October 31, 2005 at 04:30:00 PM (EST)

Interview with Patrick Doyle who is scoring GOF:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2090-1847194,00.html
Renie
Happy Halloween--with apologies to Jamie . . . , - Monday, October 31, 2005 at 11:46:41 AM (EST)

Unbelieveable. In the amount of time it took me to type in about the hello poll, 12 other people have voted and put Russel Crow in the lead. So I take it the AR voting is closed?
fir
- Monday, October 31, 2005 at 09:27:28 AM (EST)

How can this be? I went to the Hello poll to vote as I do most days when I sign on, and there is a new poll. Each of the canidates had ZERO votes. I click on Colin Firth and set him in the lead with ONE vote. hahaha.
Hurricane Wilma was scary. Lots lots of trees, fences, and pool cages down around this area. Also the electricity was out for several days. lots of catching up to do.
fir
- Monday, October 31, 2005 at 09:23:48 AM (EST)

Hello everyone, maybe it isn't exciting news for you all but for all Dutch fans reading this guestbook; tonight Alan will be on Dutch television in Robin Hood; Prince of Thieves. For me it will be the first time that I will see this film so I'm very happy!! Love to you all, Iris
Iris
Utrecht, The Netherlands - Monday, October 31, 2005 at 04:58:47 AM (EST)

Slope, your comment about the Beatles being Mods or rockers made me laugh, as I remembered an interview years ago with Ringo when asked if they wer Mods or rockers and he replied: "Mockers"..if interested, the new issue of Readers Digest features the Beatles in a supposedly tell all about them. (the same things we have been reading for years though) it was fun to read and it brings back that old feeling of when I was 13 and they first appeared on the scene. Maybe we'll see AR on the cover of Time or Newsweek someday-wouldnt that be great?? Good night all-trying to cope with the new time change (fall back an hour).
Pam
MA - Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 11:21:27 PM (EST)

Suzanne, I'm not quite sure whether the Beatles were Mods or not. I believe their roots were as Rockers a la Elvis with biker black leather and slicked-back hair, but they evolved into semi-Mods, I guess. The Who and possibly the Stones were more Mod-ish. And for a more recent example of Mods style, try the 1980s new wave group The Jam, whose Paul Weller reincarnated the fashion, if not exactly the music! ;-)
Slope
Canada - Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 10:35:45 PM (EST)

Catherine, et all

We must absolutely do the RADA donation again! It's so exciting, feeling like you're making a difference in the world!
Barbara the Wallpaper-er
- Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 09:39:41 PM (EST)

Catherine, that is absolutely splendid news about the RADA fund and its recipients! Thank you so much for the update. I can't think of a better way to honor AR on his birthday than to continue to support this fund. Maybe in honor of his upcoming landmark birthday we can double the amount of next year's gift?

And on a completely different topic, I have recently made quite a few updates to my site, so have a look--especially in the Film section and the Role Not Taken section.
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH USA - Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 08:15:51 AM (EST)

Catherine, of course we want to run it for next year -- 2006 marks AR's 60th! I'd say that was cause for a big celebration!
Julia
Canada - Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 08:01:20 AM (EST)

Catherine, thank you so much for the RADA donation update! Eight students, wow, that's amazing! Thanks to everyone who donated and made it such a success. And many thanks to Catherine for all the time and effort you put into it. You definitely have my vote to run it again for his next birthday!

Claudia, thanks for the shipping Info. I did pre-order it from Amazon.co.uk! *sigh* But I received an e-mail from them today saying they shipped the CD, so I'm hoping that means there will be no delay.

And thanks, Slope. I'll see if I can rent that. Were the Beatles Mods, also? If so, I'm definitely a Mod. :-)

Welcome, Carly Lynda and great to see you again, SeverinaSnape!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 12:24:23 AM (EDT)

Aurora, no you did not read it wrong--the RSC are charging £15.95 + £8.75 for shipping. They even confirmed it by email. :p
Slope
Canada - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 06:00:07 PM (EDT)

Hi Catherine, thanks for posting the update about this years´donation to Rada. Count me IN for the next one please, since it is a wonderful organisation to contribute to and very close to AR´s heart. Thanks again.
Peekabooh
the Netherlands - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 05:20:40 PM (EDT)

As per post on Claudia's Guest Book, please add my name to the Alan Rickman RADA Donation 2006 as I most fervently wish to contribute to this wonderful British establishment, especially given AR's patronage.
Carly Lynda <AlanRickmanNet@aol.comfoo>
MONTRAL,, Qc Canada - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 02:53:31 PM (EDT)

Thanks, Claudia, for the info on the Shakespeare CD. That's a lot better than the £15.95 + £8.75 shipping listed at the RSC website. unless I just read it completely wrong. Hip hooray for the British Library.
Thanks, too, Catherine, for the update on the RADA birthday donation. I repeat “Yes!” to doing it another year. I think scholarship assistance to future ARs is a great way to honor the man’s birthday.
Aurora
- Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 02:30:17 PM (EDT)

Catherine, I vote "Yes, please!" on the RADA birthday contribution. I think it's a fabulous thing to do, in general and in honor of AR--and thanks so much for all your work organizing it.
Susan CA
- Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 02:13:03 PM (EDT)

It's been an absolute AGE since I posted - saw the note at Claudia's about the RADA contribution vote... Put me down for a YES! I remember what it was like having to work my way through Uni and go full time - I dont wish that on anyone!
SeverinaSnape
London, - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 01:47:13 PM (EDT)

Catherine, that's great. I keep seeing the listing for "The Alan RickmanFan Club" in the donations page of the RADA Friends Mag but they never say what it has been used for so thanks for the update. My vote is a big YES for another donation page. I think it is a wonderful gift for AR as it supports something VERY close to his heart, lets us leave a message for him, and might help the "next" Alan Rickman of the future. Thank you for setting it all up.
Elaine
- Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 12:44:15 PM (EDT)

Thank you so much for the report, Catherine! What wonderful news that is!

My vote is a huge YES to sticking with another donation round for RADA!

Claudia
GA - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 12:27:03 PM (EDT)

That's excellent news Catherine, if you're taking a poll, I'm in. Thanks so much for all your hard work!
Laurie
VT - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 12:25:24 PM (EDT)

Hi all

Sorry it's been ages since I last posted anything. I am now studying again as well as working full time, so things are rather hectic!

Just wanted to let everyone know that I have finally found out from RADA about how all the money that was raised earlier this year from the Birthday Donation has been spent. No wonder it has taken so long for the information to filter through - we raised enough to help (administered via RADA's hardship funds) EIGHT people, which is absolutely exceptional, so a big thanks again to everyone. We have helped four students who have now gone into Year 2 of their courses, and four students who are currently involved in the technical (stage management) aspects of their studies. Four guys and four girls. I'm not going to post their names here in public, but just drop me a line if you want to know who are the potential stars of tomorrow that all who donated have helped.

This might (with Suz's et. al's agreement) be a good time to take a quick straw poll as to whether we run the donation again in the New Year again in time for Alan's birthday. RADA, I might add, are of course very keen!

Best wishes all.
Catherine <catherineharpham@hotmail.comfoo>
Reading, England - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 11:52:57 AM (EDT)

Thanks for the info, Claudia! Wow that's cheap for shipping overseas! I'll have to find out whether it's the same price to Canada (not necessarily).
Slope
Canada - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 11:04:33 AM (EDT)

Slope, the shipping was £1.75 (Air) from The British Library. Bookfellas says £5.00 per order.

Claudia
GA - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 10:44:46 AM (EDT)

Claudia, thanks for the info re: British Library (I visited there last fall and recommend it highly) as a source for the Shakespeare CD. How much do they charge for shipping? I see that Amazon.ca has it as special order now (they didn't have it before). I hesitate to order from Amazon.uk as they often slap on a duty charge at the CDN border... :p
Slope
Canada - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 09:54:10 AM (EDT)

RE: The new Shakespeare CD

I pre-ordered my copy of The Essential Shakespeare Live CD from The British Library a few weeks back. Conversion total (includes shipping) was $27.74. IMO, I think it will be well worth every penny. *grin*

Got a report yesterday that a friend that ordered hers through Amazon.uk has been told that her order might not ship for 3-5 weeks. This of course caused me some worry so I called The British Library this morning and have been told that my order should have shipped Wed. or Thurs. I told him of the Amazon message and he said that Amazon might not have received their order yet and since the CD originated with TBL, they have the product in house and have been actively shipping orders. So anyone that ordered through Amazon might want to consider canceling the order and go through TBL. Sue reports that she received hers today and she ordered hers through BookFellas

Claudia
GA - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 09:44:26 AM (EDT)

Hi everybody, here is a link to an GoF interview with Mike Newell and David Haymen:interview GoF director
Hikity
warm and sunny Germany - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 08:16:23 AM (EDT)

Hello everyone, I don't know whether I have found the same link with Harry Potter clips in which mister Rickman plays Snape, but I found the one with Snape slapping Harry and Ron very amusing; http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/MTarchives/007806.php
Iris
Utrecht, The Netherlands - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 05:53:09 AM (EDT)

SUANNE: My boyfriend had to enlighten me as well about the MODS and the ROCKERS..... I am too you to remember... ;-)
And SLOPE explained it very well....
Simone <simone@7scout7.comfoo>
Switzerland - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 02:37:37 AM (EDT)

Good work of the owner of site. I want to say thanks for the made so good site. Successes! I'll come back soon;)
Refurb <iglesi@yahoo.defoo>
Madrid, Spn Spain - Friday, October 28, 2005 at 07:15:22 PM (EDT)

Suzanne, if you want to see a filmic portrayal of the Mods vs Rockers era (the 60s), I recommend (The Who's) "Quadrophenia" starring Phil Daniels. The mods rode scooters and wore skinny ties and trousers and the dry look, while the rockers drove motorcycles and dressed in leather with slicked back hair a la Elvis. I hope I've summarized that correctly. :p
Slope
Canada - Friday, October 28, 2005 at 06:26:40 PM (EDT)

Andrew, thank you for your added observations! It is so good to hear what a great impression AR has made and how he inspires. And thanks again, Simone. Are "Mod" and "Rocker" strictly British terms? Or am I a bit (just a bit!) too young to remember them? :-)

And thanks so much, Aurora, for the Snape clip link! Below are a couple of more clips (from iesb.net, which has 13 HP-GoF clips!) with a bit of Snape:

We Now Have Our Three Champions
The Rules Are Absolute

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Friday, October 28, 2005 at 06:17:55 PM (EDT)

Hi there.... the mod comment Anthony made was because Alan said he was a Mod rather then a Rocker in his younger years...... Suzanne: Sorry, Sheena did a great job in remembering it all .... i really can`t add anymore....
Simone <simone@7scout7.comfoo>
ch - Friday, October 28, 2005 at 05:05:24 PM (EDT)

I went along to see the interview . . just to humour Simone . . & was very surprised cos I was quite inspired by the interview . . I had expected Alan to be a bit of a snob & quite full of himself . . & to my surprise I found him very genuine & caring . . full of passion for following your own inner voice & just being yourself . . and quite dismayed by hollywood shallow veneer & glitz . . he seemed very worried about how art & creativity are being suppressed . . . and how the UK art scene has such an inferiority complex . . as one who is very fed up with formulae movies I sure long for his next creations & hope his origionality can come true . . overall an inspiring evening & left me wondering how I personally can help the cause . . thanks for sharing . . . mods forever . . A
Anthony (Simone`s boyfriend) <anthonyhfoster@mac.comfoo>
Switzerland - Friday, October 28, 2005 at 04:56:51 PM (EDT)

Aurora, I wouldn't mind the shipping cost if I wanted to buy several items, but other than the CD, I don't see anything that I must have from the RSC catalogue. Maybe next year if they make a Volume 2 CD, then I'll buy the two together. ;-) The other problem is that generally RSC merchandise is not sold in regular stores. :(
Slope
Canada - Friday, October 28, 2005 at 08:14:41 AM (EDT)

Oh, and SLope, I see your point about the RSC CD. It's a pretty stiff price. (: I'd Like to support them by buying it. Maybe first a note in the request box at the public library.
Aurora
- Friday, October 28, 2005 at 07:28:27 AM (EDT)

GOF SPOILER FILM CLIPS! Among these video clips getting dates is the one from which we have seen stills of Snape grabbing Harry and Ron by the hair. lots of non-speaking Snape action! Re-setting the scene is an interesting departure from the book.
Aurora
- Friday, October 28, 2005 at 06:48:51 AM (EDT)

Thank you, Sheena, for your wonderfully detailed report! And for telling us about Melanie's news as well. Sadly, it looks like he may have overbooked himself for some of the upcoming events. Do you remember (or could you find) the article that said Snow Cake was due out in the Spring of 2006? Thanks!

And Simone, I'm so glad to hear you had a great time at the Chelsea interview, too. Please feel free to add anything else you can think of. It's always nice to hear different perspectives. Still waiting to hear your report, Elaine! :-)

Aurora, I think you're right about the types of roles AR chooses. As he said before (on several occasions), he likes to pull the rug out from under people. :-)

Peekabooh & Martha, thanks for the links, and thank you, Renie and Slope, for the Essential Shakespeare Info! I have mine on pre-order, so hopefully I'll be receiving it soon.

Welcome, Monika and Sandra! Sandra, if Catherine is willing to help (as she has previous years), we will probably be doing the RADA Birthday donation again. It is so tremendously helpful to an aspiring actor, which we know AR greatly appreciates. Hi, Constance! *waves*

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Thursday, October 27, 2005 at 09:20:28 PM (EDT)

Have you any ideas for a birthday present for alan for february (60_ Sandra
Sandra Luckett <sandracoward@yahoo.co.ukfoo>
feltham, Middx U.K. - Thursday, October 27, 2005 at 12:22:30 PM (EDT)

You are all very welcome. I am glad I managed to remember so much, but I do know I managed to forget some of the things said. I also know there were questions and answers I missed due to people coming in late and so on.

Slope I was told he was flying out on Wednesday 26th October. So when you wrote your message he may have been on his way as that was yesterday.
Sheena <dragon@amberdragon.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
Berkshire UK - Thursday, October 27, 2005 at 06:44:12 AM (EDT)

Wow! Thanks, Sheena.

Saw this last night: "Erin O’Connor, David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Laura Bailey, Lily Cole, Nick Rhodes, Alan Rickman, Jennifer Saunders and Isabella Blow are among celebrities expected to join friends at The Supper Club on1 November to raise money for Terrence Higgins Trust - the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity."
Article here. Is he waiting until after to go to LA, I wonder?
martha
maine, - Thursday, October 27, 2005 at 06:01:22 AM (EDT)

Sheena:
I was at the Chelsea interview as well. And i can´t believe how much you could remeber. I really don`t think you missed anything. Even though i was there, i enjoyed reading your report.
I thought he looked great. Much more relaxed, felt almost like you were sitting in a pub with him, listening to his stories. I was sitting in about the fourth row right in front of him...and couldn´t stop smiling (like a bloody teenager)..... ;-)
Anyway .....Well done Sheena, regards Simone
Simone <simone@7scout7.comfoo>
switzerland - Thursday, October 27, 2005 at 04:58:36 AM (EDT)

So he's off to the States tomorrow...I wonder if he'll be in London when JS opens in a play at the Royal Court on Nov 16? Sounds like a possible opportunity for some Alan-spotting...
Slope
Canada - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 10:53:34 PM (EDT)

Sheena, thanks for the report. The bit about 'He had a few little digs at the current government' made me think of Jamie's line 'I blame the government!' from TMD.

And he's proud of his Jaques in AYLI, eh? Good thing they put some of it on the RSC Shakespeare CD...now if only I could hear it...
Slope
Canada - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 10:51:20 PM (EDT)

Sheena, A big thanksw also from me to you for that fantastic report. How lucky you are to be that close to him!!! Thanks for making my day-Pam
Pam
MA - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 09:00:23 PM (EDT)

Sheena - Thanks for the Chelsea report! Those of us who live so far from teh man really appreciate your details!
Dee
Indiana - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 08:50:59 PM (EDT)

I am hesitating to purchase this RSC Shakespeare CD due to the high cost of shipping to Canada. :p I am disappointed it doesn't include Juliet Stevenson too. ;-)

Hopefully, someone with deeper pockets will post Alan's Jaques somewhere...
Slope
Canada - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 06:09:52 PM (EDT)

One CD, 40 years of theatre's greatest hits

• Live recordings resurrect legendary RSC moments
• Tapes were previously only heard by academics

Charlotte Higgins, arts correspondent
Wednesday October 26, 2005
The Guardian

From Peggy Ashcroft's spleen-wrenching, chilling Queen Margaret, to the gorgeous cadences of Laurence Olivier's Coriolanus, some of the most remarkable performances from the Royal Shakespeare Company's illustrious history are to be made available for the first time on CD.

Until now, the existence of more than 200 complete live recordings of RSC Shakespeare productions has been known only to a few. The British Library sound archive has been recording performances for 40 years, but they have been available only by appointment to academics.

From tomorrow such legendary theatrical moments as Paul Scofield's 1964 King Lear and Janet Suzman's Cleopatra of 1973 - performances that have existed only in the memories of theatregoers - can be heard by the public once more. Gregory Doran, associate director at the RSC, has selected 20 complete scenes from 18 plays for the double CD. His choices range from Donald Sinden's 1971 Malvolio in John Barton's production of Twelfth Night, to Alan Rickman's melancholic, dry-as-a-bone Jaques in the 1986 As You Like It. "I had no idea that the recordings existed, but suddenly there you were listening to Laurence Olivier doing Coriolanus, something I thought had completely disappeared," he said.

Choosing between the many interpretations of great roles such as Hamlet and Henry V was punishing. The director John Barton, according to Doran, suggested it would be invidious to select a single Hamlet. In the end he chose David Warner's 1966 version - at the time revolutionary for its naturalism and youthfulness.

Nostalgia caused him to plump for Richard Pasco's Richard II from 1974, which he saw as a schoolboy. "These are personal options so it's in no sense supposed to be 'definitive'," he said, adding that he hoped there would soon be a volume two. "I'm sure people will be saying, 'Where's David Suchet's Shylock? Where are Fiona Shaw and Juliet Stevenson?"

The peculiar quality of these live recordings, as Steve Cleary, curator of drama and literature at the sound archive said, is that "it gives you a sense of what it was like to be in that audience".

"There's an astonishing immediacy," added Doran. "Of course sometimes there are fluffs; and sometimes a whole performance is ruined by someone in the audience having a coughing fit." Lines are sometimes obscured by laughs, and the listener can only imagine, or if lucky remember, the visual gags. "There's a whole five-minute laugh for Donald Sinden's Malvolio," said Doran, "at the moment when he entered the garden, checked his watch against the sundial, and then altered the sundial."

It will be for the listener to judge whether today's demotic immediacy wins out over the verse-speaking technique that once prevailed. "It's really good for young actors to hear the speed and dexterity of some of the old performances," Doran said. "To listen to the greats doing Shakespeare with such ease, and realising the skills required to create the illusion of such ease, is very important."

David Oyelowo, whose Henry VI, in Michael Boyd's 2001 production, is on the CD, said: "There's a joy and a sadness in the fact that as a theatre actor your toil will live on only in people's minds. I feel honoured to be heard alongside the actors who inspired me to become an actor - but I'm also excited at the prospect of hearing what all the fuss was about."

(For the full article, see Guardian
Slope
Canada - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 06:06:55 PM (EDT)

I agree Aurora, which is why I mentioned no names and gave no address.

I am glad you liked the report, it is amazing what you can do when you pay attention to what is being said.

I have been told that he flies to LA today to begin work on Nobel Son. I remember seeing an article stating that "Snow Cake" was due out in the Spring of 2006 but not sure how true that was. I am looking forward to seeing Perfume as well, the book is very good.

I think it is a case of him liking the audience to work and not just sit there complacently. He seems to want to shake the audience up and make them think.

Sheena <dragon@amberdragon.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
Berkshire UK - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 05:01:09 PM (EDT)

Sheena, thanks again. I appreciate your report. But I also think it's best to refrain from entering into "they said, I said" debates. Nobody comes out better for it. Keeping one's cool is always the best policy.

I've been trying to find any new info on Snow Cake or Nobel Son. Nothing! In the meantime, thinking about Perfume, I have a feeling that it's going to be scandalous when it comes out next year. Can't wait. At least it will so be in the U.S. The orgy scene has got to get the film an NC-17 rating. It seems to me AR rather enjoys violating taboos. "Incest: check, done that. Twice. Played a homosexual: Check, done that. Seducer of underage girl, legally rape: Check. Torturer: check, done that one. Immoral priest: yeah, did it."
I'm sure I've missed some. I think he takes a real delight in "bold" parts and situations that make audiences squirm. As for scandal surrounding Perfume, it is likely to make the film and its actors high profile. What's the saying--there's no such thing as bad publicity?
Aurora
- Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 04:39:21 PM (EDT)

You are welcome everyone. I am glad I could remember so much. Yes it was all remembered despite the lies and attacks against me on another Guestbook. The people there need to remember that there are laws against calling people liars. I can prove I did not record anything, I did not even take notes. I just paid attention to what was being said and I respected his request not to have anything taped etc... Not that I had anything with me to make a recording on anyway.
Sheena <dragon@amberdragon.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
Berkshire UK - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 02:50:14 PM (EDT)

Thanks for the lovely report, Sheena.
Aurora
- Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 02:33:26 PM (EDT)

Thank you very much for your detailed and great report, Sheena (another lucky girl...)
Hikity
Germany - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 02:26:37 PM (EDT)

You are all welcome. I did my best to remember what was said, but I know I missed somethings he said. It doesn't mean any of it wasn't interesting, just that my memory has failed me. It was a really nice talk.
Sheena <dragon@amberdragon.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
Berkshire UK - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 01:51:37 PM (EDT)

The Essential Shakespeare Live
The Royal Shakespeare Company in Performance

From the Talking Bookshop: "The British Library and the Royal Shakespeare Company join forces to publish this remarkable treasury of live Shakespeare recordings. Selected from an extensive collection of recordings made by the "British Library Sound Archive", this set offers scenes and speeches from some of the most celebrated Shakespeare productions in the history of the Royal Shakespeare Company. All the recordings in it are being published for the first time. The twenty extracts have been personally selected by RSC Associate Director, Gregory Doran. They cover a period of over four decades of exceptional Shakespeare performances, from Laurence Olivier as Coriolanus in 1959 to Judi Dench in All's Well that Ends Well in 2002. Here are some of the RSC's most celebrated productions - the now legendary "Wars of the Roses" from 1963, Peter Brook's "King Lear with Paul Scofield", and John Barton's "Richard II" with Richard Pasco and Ian Richardson. Other notable actors represented include Peggy Ashcroft, Alan Howard, Derek Jacobi, Ian McKellen, Alan Rickman, Anthony Sher, Donald Sinden, Robert Stephens, Patrick Stewart, Janet Suzman, and David Warner.

Two CDs with this booklet includes the texts of the extracts from the plays."

Track Number 6 on Disc 2 is "As You Like It", featuring Alan Rickman.

The CD's listed as not yet published, the cost is £15.95 and the ISBN is 0-7123-0524-6

Here is the site for more information.
Renie
- Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 01:49:15 PM (EDT)

Thanks Sheena. Your report was amazing.
Maureen
- Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 01:47:33 PM (EDT)

Sheena, what a wonderful report. Your considerable efforts are really appreciated. Thanks for giving US access.
Renie
Marin, CA - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 12:56:55 PM (EDT)

You are welcome Peekabooh. I am sure I missed a lot of what was said out. But I did my best to remember, it was a very interesting talk.
Sheena <dragon@amberdragn.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
Berkshire UK - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 12:50:15 PM (EDT)

Suzanne, I am going to write a mail to you as I have an important question for you - Thanks for the wonderful photos of Snape, (he looks so great and thin!! His pudge must have developed right after the end of filming...)
Hikity <Hikity2001@yahoo.defoo>
Germany - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 12:48:21 PM (EDT)

Oh Sheena, thank you so much for your detailed report of the Chelsea Talk, you are a Sweetheart!!!
Peekabooh
the Netherlands - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 12:34:13 PM (EDT)

Sorry this is a long post and may be a little disjointed as I have written things down as I have remembered what was said. So not a verbatim account and I am sure there are things I have missed etc...

OK I am very tired and my pain levels are extreme, but I thought you would all like a report of the evening so I will do my best to remember what was said.

Before the event began, after people had filtered into the lecture theatre and taken their seats, a security guard went around telling people there were to be NO photographs, NO videos and NO audio recordings of the event.

The evening started with Alan Rickman and Andrew Marr being introduced, by a man who was a head of something at the College. My apologies, as I can’t remember either his name or his title, but his introduction was amusing.

The first thing Alan did after Andrew Marr had begun speaking was state that there were to be no photographs taken and request that nobody make any audio recordings or video of the event. As he did not want it ending up on internet sites and if people did things like that then gradually he would stop feeling that he could speak openly at such events and would start self-censoring what he says. Alan Rickman also joked that if he found out anyone had recorded the event he would have to kill them. So therefore those of us who respect his wishes only have our memories to rely on. I was already in a lot of pain so please forgive me if I forget details.

The talk was very interesting and Andrew Marr asked some really interesting questions about Alan's career choices, what made him decide against art and head for the theatre that sort of thing.

Alan spoke about his days at Latymer and how he had "crazy" teachers who worked to inspire their students, he laughed and elaborated explaining that they did everything they could to help their students develop their strengths etc. He spoke about the plays at Latymer and the Christmas Revue shows they did, saying some of the teachers would possibly be questioned now about their methods especially given some of them took every opportunity to get dressed in drag... more laughter.

He spoke about how lucky he was to get the scholarship to Latymer and also about how he was not good at academic subjects, stating that getting 4% for physics was not unusual for him. And that he once had a note on his work from the teacher saying simply "Hysterical", which he took to be the hair tearing type hysterical rather than the hilarious type. He also said the only experiment he remembered from physics was the imploding can and it was simply because to him that was very visual and therefore a bit like theatre. He said one of his teachers was eccentric enough that he allowed them to have their books out for an 'A' level exam simply because he knew they had learnt the subject because of their coursework and he stated that exams should not be tests of a student's memory.

Despite his claims to not be academic he had a love of English at Latymer, which led to him actually being accepted at University to study English. Instead he made the choice to go to Chelsea and study art. He said his two loves at school were English and Art.

Alan also spoke about how he got into Chelsea College of Art, he said that his art teacher at Latymer told him to only take the two pieces of abstract art he had done as his summer project to the entrance interview. He told Alan to lie about what had happened to his other work and claim there had been a flood at home or something and only those two pieces had survived. Chelsea were very impressed with those two pieces but he also had to draw either a still life or a live model for them... He laughed and said his bowl of fruit must have been good. He spoke a little about the classes and how he had to draw his first nude model there etc. He also said that at that point in his life he really had no clear idea what he wanted to do, how during his foundation year he literally just ricocheted from one class to the next. He also felt that a year was not long enough for him to really choose what he wanted to specialise in while he was there.

Touched briefly on his year at the Royal College, and said that he didn't feel it was what he wanted to do and that was when he left and with a group of friends he started "Grafitti". He said how they had a couple of illustrators and a couple of designers and how he basically acted as the 'salesman' taking the portfolio of work around to places that may be interested in graphic design work, trying to bring the work in for the others.

Alan spoke about what it was like in Chelsea etc. during the 60's and he mentioned that he had taken part in (I think it was) the Grosvenor Square demo in 1968. Although he stated for the most part during that time he was not really very politically active.

He had a small chuckle and said he was very definitely a Mod during that time. For those who don't know basically in the 60's in the UK young people were either Mods or Rockers.

Andrew Marr asked Alan about art and if he still paints or draws. The answer was that he draws sometimes when he can. He also said that it is a part of him that allows him to communicate with set designers etc as part of his tool set for acting and directing. He also said that perhaps when he has had enough of acting he will go back to painting, but it would only be on a private personal level, not a career.

He said about as an actor having a little voice inside himself that needed to be protected, his instinct. He said about learning the Alexander technique at RADA and realising that it was something he needed, that it helped him. He mentioned that when he arrived at RADA it felt as though his whole body sighed because finally he was where he should be.

Andrew Marr mentioned a lot of his scenes being cut out of RH:PoT and asked him how he felt about Costner doing that to him. Alan was very gracious about that and wouldn't be drawn on it, he simply said he didn't know if it was a decision by Kevin Costner or if it was a decision of the film company etc. and that people should remember the film was about Robin Hood and he wasn't playing Robin Hood. Alan said that he had only been in the USA for 2 days when he was handed the script for Die Hard and he told his agent that he didn't want to do it... His agent told him that he should do it because people do not normally get handed such a script, especially when they had only been in the USA for 2 days. So he took it, he also said how at the first costume fitting they were trying to kit him out as a terrorist. He asked why and said he would look wrong because he was going to be surrounded by all these guys that were 6'6" etc... so he suggested that Hans be wearing a suit and that way he could meet Bruce Willis' character and pretend to be an American. He explained some of the big scenes the film is remembered for came from him asking questions and using the logical training he got at RADA. He spoke about Galaxy Quest and how all of the main cast members apart from Tim Allen had come from a theatrical background, and how that, made it almost like working in Rep as they would all huddle together every morning to discuss the scenes. They had no rehearsals for Galaxy Quest they just had to get on and shoot it, he said the people directing it etc. didn't understand why you would want a rehearsal.

He spoke about the two times he worked at the RSC and how the first time he was too young and it was wrong for him, but the second time he was more prepared and he knew what he wanted as well as getting the right roles for him there that time round. He said the first time round he knew it was not the right thing when just a couple of days after arriving there he was already fighting with someone over how he portrayed Ferdinand in "The Tempest", the director said to him that if he played Ferdinand that way he would get a laugh and Alan was reaction was "so?" because that was how he saw Ferdinand and wanted to play him. The second time he worked for the RSC was better for him because he knew what he wanted and had more experience. He said one of the plays he considered his best was "As you like it" which he said he had awful reviews for but he would still stand by it as one of his best.

Andrew Marr threw it open to the audience to ask questions and surprisingly no one asked him about Harry Potter, perhaps people are learning that he doesn't like being drawn into conversations about that in case he accidentally spoils it. There were some good questions but I am afraid I can't remember them all, hopefully one of the others who attended can. I do remember that a young American lady did ask about "My Name is Rachel Corrie" and would he take the play to New York, he said that they were thinking about it and trying to sort it out. The sticking point for him though was Megan Dodds' safety, he did not want to put her life at risk. He said he was aware of the threats on the Internet from certain sections and how he has been described as a self-hating Jew, he laughed and said that came as a surprise to his Welsh Methodist side. He also said he had been branded as being Anti-Semitic etc., which, he stated isn’t true, and that the people who wrote such things had obviously not seen the play nor read the book. He also said that people were wrong when they described Rachel Corrie as hating America and being a traitor to her Country etc. He said she was very patriotic, she just did not agree with what her Government was doing in Israel. He also pointed out (very sensibly I thought) that you can disagree with a government without being against a whole race of people.

There was a woman there who asked some really pretentious question about how films and theatre are affected or affect social housing... Alan asked her to clarify as he had no idea what she was driving at so she tried again and he sort of said you mean council housing? Then he said I grew up in a council house... but he (along with the rest of us) was still unsure what she was trying to get at, she seemed unable (or unwilling) to put her question into simpler terms and both Alan and Andrew had a stab at it but then Andrew turned the subject and went off at a tangent.

He said he found the current schools system depressing as he felt that now teachers were more concerned with filling out forms and league tables than actually teaching and he had a few little digs at the government here over that. He said how ridiculous it was, even at RADA they have to fill out forms about how they teach etc... and he stated that when he had been a student at RADA some of his best lessons had been given to him in passing by a teacher in the corridor. He added that one had taught him how Vanya cried in a corridor between classes and he said how would someone like that put it down in a form etc... He had a few little digs at the current government.

He also spoke briefly about how he feels that British films are being forced to cover up our culture or to package it in a way that makes it more acceptable to other Countries. How he felt that was a shame and how he felt that one of the drives behind this was the need film producers feel to succeed in Hollywood. He joked about how in the film Notting Hill there were no black people. Although he did point out that he still liked Richard Curtis, it was just a shame that he felt that for a film to succeed he could not show what the area was actually like.

Asked if he had ever dreamt of making films in Hollywood he had simply replied that he had never actually thought about it and still doesn’t. He said he just gets on with acting and does what he wants to do.

That is all I can remember really for now, perhaps more will come to me later. I hope what I have written is understandable.

Oh for those that are interested in how he looked etc... He was dressed in faded jeans (the ones with the patch on the left knee) a dark grey shirt which had a slight shimmer to it and a darker grey jacket and the shoes he wore were dark with a stripe across them. His hair is grey, darker at the back, slightly, and very pale grey in the front. Yes Rima was with him at the event, she sat in a reserved seat in the second row (I think it was second row). He didn't stay after the talk he left quickly not signing autographs for anyone who tried to approach him as he made his way to the exit, but he did accept some gifts that fans had taken for him. I didn’t approach him as I was sat right up at the back and the wheelchair doesn’t do stairs well.

As an aside I did have a letter from Melanie Parker Tuesday morning and she said that Mr Rickman flies out to LA Wednesday (26th Ocotber). We know he is meant to be judging the short films for the London Film Festival, so I assume he has either had to pull out of that or he will be leaving straight from that. She didn't confirm if it was for "Nobel Son", just that he flies out on the 26th October.
Sheena <dragon@amberdragon.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
Berkshire UK - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 11:15:51 AM (EDT)

Ooops! I forgot to ask... does anyone know when Snowcake will be released???? In Europe as well as here, in the US? This is a movie, I have a feeling, I will adore!
Constance...again
- Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 08:50:29 AM (EDT)

Oh Suzanne! Lovely pictures.... Thanks SO much! I can hardly wait for this HP flick! And... doesn't our dear Alan look wonderful???? He looks... younger!
Constance <conpappa@yahoo.comfoo>
Cary, NC USA - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 08:44:57 AM (EDT)

Severus Snape is a drop dead gorgeous guy . For me he is the sexiest man alive and I would do anything to meet him anytime. I LOVE YOU SEVERUS SNAPE Kisses from Moni (35) Germany
Monika Bose <Monikabose@aol.comfoo>
Stuttgart, GER Baden-Würrtemberg - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 07:30:12 AM (EDT)

Great site, Compliments! I love Alan!!! My Snape's cosplay site: http://dark-anathema.splinder.com
Sev <snape_59@yahoo.itfoo>
Spinner's End, - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 06:07:25 AM (EDT)

Martha, Reedpipe - I don´t think Snape does - errrm, manhandle the students in the books, for one thing it´s not the sort of thing you can do in a school, well a Muggle school anyway. The pencils totally ruin it for me, what´s the point of having quills?
Clara
- Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at 05:29:51 PM (EDT)

Just a little O/T but I thought this was too funny not to share.

SPOILER ALERT HPGoF

have you seen Draco as a dancing Ferret???
Peekabooh
the Netherlands - Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at 06:44:48 AM (EDT)

Reedpipe - I can't remember any scene where he actually touches the students. Have to re-read. *adds to list*
martha
maine, - Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at 05:51:34 AM (EDT)

martha, I've always been struck by the pencils in the HP movies too. And what IS Snape doing in this scene? I know I read somewhere that Dan Radcliffe said Snape was slapping them upside the head or something, but it does look a little more, erm, hands-on in the pics . . .
Reedpipe
CT - Monday, October 24, 2005 at 01:48:20 PM (EDT)

Hi Suzanne Thank you for your warm welcome! I hope to get at my name is rachel corrie as soon as possible, because I, myself write plays and work with directors, so I'm curious for the things mr. Rickman has done! And I will write him this week for some tips. Greetings.
Iris
Utrecht, The Netherlands - Monday, October 24, 2005 at 07:57:27 AM (EDT)

Thank you, Suzanne, I appreciate it. He is very handsome.
Juliana
- Monday, October 24, 2005 at 06:39:32 AM (EDT)

In that HUGE pic of Snape, Ron and Harry, are those boys holding pencils?
martha
maine, - Monday, October 24, 2005 at 06:03:23 AM (EDT)

Hi Juliana, that would be Igor Karkaroff, played by the dashing actor, Predrag Bjelac. Here's one of his websites. I keep thinking I've seen him before, but can't remember what movie.

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 10:48:18 PM (EDT)

Beautiful Pictures, thank you for posting the links.

Forgive my ignorance, but who is the teacher [and actor] with the long, dark hair and goatee standing next to Professor Snape?

Thank you.
Juliana
- Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 08:47:07 PM (EDT)

The Leaky Cauldron now has HUGE, high-resolution photos of the two I posted yesterday plus another:

Snape, Ron & Harry-HUGE
Teachers-HUGE
Teachers at Yule Ball-HUGE

And from http://www.filmfocus.co.uk/, this really cool Snape photo

Great to see you again, Laurie! E-mail sent.

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 08:01:23 PM (EDT)

And I really hope MNiRC comes to NY--or Boston.
Aurora
- Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 07:11:17 PM (EDT)

Yowsa! Elaine, what a labor of love! Thanks so much for those detailed transcriptions. It is generous of you to share. It's obvious that took quite a bit of time to prepare.

And sorry for this OT but are British news readers a) maintaining their dignity or b) snickering when they read the story about the parrot that has died of avian flu? I can't help thinking, "This parrot is deceased. This parrot is no more. It is an ex parrot." Has anyone shown a picture of John Cleesein the background? Sorry, couldn't help it.
Aurora
- Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 06:41:00 PM (EDT)

Hi Suzanne, I haven't posted here for a while but wondered if you could e-mail me, I have a question for you.
Laurie <ljkbroe@yahoo.comfoo>
VT - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 06:15:16 PM (EDT)

Elaine - *waves back* Glad to hear it was as good downstairs. MD really does an outstanding job, and I hope there is some kind of award for her. I'll keep my fingers crossed the the play comes across the pond to New York, or better yet - Boston!
martha
maine, - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 05:51:12 PM (EDT)

Hi martha *waves*. I actually enjoyed it more downstairs. As AR said in the talk, because the set was smaller, it gave MD more thinking time. Yes, upstairs I felt very "involved" with her as Rachel. It was very intimate there but downstairs is still quie a small theatre. Maybe because it was the second time of watching it, I felt as though there was something more other than the total focus on Rachel. If Megan Dodds does not receive some accolade for her performance, then it will be a grave misacarriage of justice!
Elaine
- Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 11:23:13 AM (EDT)

Elaine - Thank you so much for going to all that trouble for us. Did you feel the play was as striking, and intimate, downstairs as it was on the small stage upstairs?

Carolyse - Lucky you going to Lumos! I’m trying to figure out how to fit it into my budget. As far as what not to miss, that would depend on your interests. Lumos, and this years The Witching Hour in Salem are put on by HPEF, Inc, who say this about themselves:

“HP Education Fanon, Inc. ("HPEF") is an educational non-profit corporation founded in 2002 to promote and produce educational Harry Potter themed symposia on an international scale. HPEF draws significant support from members and visitors to such online fandom communities and websites as LiveJournal, FictionAlley, HP for Grownups, SugarQuill, the Harry Potter Lexicon, HP Automated News Aggregator, and the Leaky Cauldron, as well as from academicians from colleges and universities around the world.”

So what not to miss would depend on what your interests are. Teaching, writing, beta’ing, or just delving deeper into topics such as bullying in schools, classroom authority, power structures, abusive relationships, toxic home environments, gay issues, government controls - whose side is Snape on really? The talks are led by a very diverse group and are lively and entertaining. There is also a lot of just plain fun to be had; dances, games, Quidditch. Chris Rankin (Percy) was at the Witching Hour, but I don’t know if he was a speaker or just having a good time.
martha
maine, - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 11:11:30 AM (EDT)

Yule Ball pic: How do the rest of them look wizardly, and AR manages to make Snape look like an 18th century gentleman? ;-)

Thanks Suzanne. I wonder if that first pic came from hte same scene as the "laughing Snape" pic. They were probably laughing because Alan was messing up their hair take after take! lol I loved reading your transcript Elaine. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Liby
- Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 06:20:31 PM (EDT)

Oh, Elaine, thank you again so much! I'm sure that was one wonderful hour. :-)

I was just checking out the Leaky Cauldron website for some HP News and found a couple of new nice and clear Snape photos (which came from Unforgivable-curses.net):

Snape, Harry & Ron in class
Karkaroff, Snape, McGonagall and Dumbledore at Yule Ball

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 03:58:48 PM (EDT)

THanks Suzanne, here's the rest.:

Q. Could not hear this question at all! Something to do with taking the play into the community, around the UK. Elyse said that there had been many requests within Britain from groups that want to do it and that there will probably be many productions in years to come.

AR: I think that in an ideal world too, it’s where it’ll go hand in glove with the the possibility of it being in some way or other of putting it on film because then as a dvd it can travel into schools. I think that’s all very down the line.

Q. To Megan, in developing the play with Rachel, what do you think she has given you?

Megan says it’s a good question but she hates it! She had a lot to give people and a tremendous sense of humour. And the fact that she had so much to give of herself, that inspired her more so than any other thing.

(AR again points out that there are people in the circle with questions)

Q (Can’t hear this as lots of people decided to leave at this time!) Something about Rachel’s writing.

AR: We were led very much, well I mean I would be interested in that anyway as a piece of theatre and we wouldn’t be having a show and it wouldn’t be true. All of the material which you have of her which I hope someday will get published, there are many such…. some of them quite infuriating and her parents were so dead against this being….. and some of it’s quite hard. They find it quite a hook to..er cindy hearing herself described as old and putting on her make up, you know she’s a very beautiful woman, Cindy Corrie, and you can only look at her from the perspective of a 16, 17 year old girl at the time. But they’re very, in a right way, happy with it. She’s not presented as a…….

Q. How does one person carry this show for the entire time, how did you deal withhe challenge of havin only one actor to carry the entire show?

AR: As Megan said in a way line by line. You just have a kind of checklist. Did I hear that word? Did I hear that line? Yes, No. If it’s no, have we now got to work to making sure I heard it? And then I guess a kind of tapestry gets built up that you believe a paragraph and then you believe a page and then connections start to get made and it’s been very important in bringing it down here to, in a sense, to make sure that Megan has more thinking time. Upstairs I think was much more, kind of maybe, in a way more (kinetic?) She could run around a bit more and the space was more a playground. Neccesarily what happens down here is that much greater focus is put on and she has to have time to (find?) she can carry the words

Q. I think it is important that this kind of thing is done. The kind of thing that isn’t in the public forum and that theatre is a way of getting it out to people who can’t see it in anyother way.

AR: Thank you and I agree with you and I think that actually in a way answers somebody’s question down there about what were we aiming for, and why, how did this happen and why and what’s your intention and the all rest of it, and I should have said it then. It was from the word go a feeling that we live in the kind of world that you’re talking about where you don’t know who’s telling the truth, the world is run by, wherever you look, people you don’t trust and I stare at young people and think where the hell are they going to get his information from? At least this you can argue with this material, at least it has blinding clarity and it’s a voice that you can absolutely trust to be her experience. She was there, all of this happened and she writes about it with such clarity that… why ….it aught to be heard.

The last question was to ask if people in “power” were coming to see the play and the panel said Yes. It then finished after almost an hour of questions!
Elaine
- Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 01:53:23 PM (EDT)

WOW, I go out of town for a day and look what wonderful things await me!

Elaine, thank you so very much for your amazing transcript! I know how much time and energy goes into that, so I can't even began to express how much I appreciate it. Looking forward to the next part...... and next week! :-)

Is anybody else planning on attending the In Conversation with Andrew Marr interview in Chelsea on the 25th?

And also many thanks to Donna and Cathy for the Nobel Son and London Film Festival articles! If anybody is going to the Festival, please let us know if you spot him. :-) And I'm so happy to hear that Nobel Son is going to be part comedy! But if he really is going to be in this film, I wonder when they'll be shooting his part, because it sounds like he's going to be mighty busy in London for the next few weeks!

Julia, so you are now 1 degrees on your 6 degrees of separation? :-) I don't think I'd know Lord Snowdon if we ran into each other! LOL

E.P., hope you find the DVD commentaries you're looking for. If your DVD player isn't multi regional, check out a website Claudia told us about called VideoHelp.com, which might have a code for your player.

Hikity, that's interesting about the dubbing. I heard before that Erich was the German voice for Snape, but I didn't know he had died. Very sad. Though personally, I prefer subtitles over dubbing.

And a warm welcome to Jacqueline and Carolyse!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 01:38:33 PM (EDT)

Hello! I have been a lurker on your great site for several years. I love it -- and love AR! This summer my friend and I are going to Las Vegas for the Lumos Harry Potter symposium. Have any of you ever gone to it? Can you give us some ideas of what and what not to see? Wouldn't it be a miracle if Alan were there as a guest speaker-- (LOL) Any ideas about the guest speakers? Thank you SO much!
Carolyse
Ohio - Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 10:33:38 AM (EDT)

Some months ago we were discussing the dubbing artis/dubbing voice for Our Man (esp. in Die Hard). Meanwhile I've found out to my great surprise that it varies - a fact which is quite unusual. In Die Hard it was Lutz Mackensy, in HP1 and 2 Erich Hallhuber (died) and HP3 (and most probably in GoF) Bernd Rumpf. A lovely weekend to all of you
Hikity
Germany - Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 07:59:50 AM (EDT)

I forgot to thank Elaine for her awesome transcript! And there's more???? I can hardly wait!!! After you give your fingers a rest, of course. :) It is so refreshing to see Alan's own words. I almost felt like I was there. Thank you.
Donna
CT - Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 02:14:03 AM (EDT)

I copied and pasted this from the Valley Press Web Site
--------

With ominous clouds lurking in the background, the crew of the low-budget comedy-drama "Nobel Son" set up for another shot. The makers of the movie pressed on with filming Monday, despite threatening storms.

'Nobel Son' film crew braves storms

"We were able to find local financing," he said, "which turned out to be fortunate.
Donna
CT - Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 02:06:38 AM (EDT)

Thank you for the transcript, Elaine! I'm sure your short-hand skills really came in handy during the Q&A and then you took the time to type it up to share with us....your an amazing AR friend! Many many thanks!

Claudia
GA - Friday, October 21, 2005 at 08:27:36 PM (EDT)

Thank you so much for that ranscript! It was very brave of you to tape it all illegally and then to take so much ty=ime typing it up. I think it just brings home how interested AR is in the idea of human agency.

Hi. Have transcribed the first part of the aftershow talk before my fingers gave out. Gaps are things I could not hear. Questions were also difficult to hear because most came from down in the stalls, but you get the gist of it!

First question, about how it all came to be put on stage. AR answers.

6 weeks or something like that after the opening story, the Guardian, which Katherine is one of the editors, printed her emails to her parents, there was just that much in the Guardian, and I was so affected by them, emotionally of course, and politically I guess, but also just the quality of the writing. I brought them to Ian Crawley-Rickson, the artistic director, and he said okay let’s see where this can go because at that time I had no idea what we could do with it. And then Elyse who runs the international department here was brought in and she brought Katherine in, and somewhere in there we met Cindy and Craig Corrie, Rachel’s parents, who were travelling around meeting individuals and organisations that were known to Rachel. So we met them here and we started up a conversation with her parents which of course had to take it’s own time and it’s own temperature because they said they had to go home and it was pretty raw still. They had a lot of Rachel’s writings at home that they needed to go through . And then there was just a kind of waiting period really and I saw them again and they said I’m sorry it ‘s taken so long. Then eventually Rachel’s sister Sarah took the job on of looking through all the work which is obviously painful and long and she said .. what do you want, do you want just the Gaza stuff? And I said everything. And so a bit after that we received a package, or Elyse received a package here at the Court, 180 pages of her journals from the time she was 10. And then we came to the long process of, Katherine, myself, Megan and Tiffany who is the assistant director, of finding a shape for it really and selecting it. I think that the crucial event was watching the video of her memorial service ….which had a remarkable 20 min speech by Colin that you heard her talk about and at the end of it he said “and she was the messiest girl I ever knew” and that in a way gave us the shape because we knew she that she had a letter saying ....Gaza… and being invited there so basically that set up the shape where we’re in a room. We have all this material she talks about decorating her bedroom so all of the pictures and books and letters and photographs and everything from her past are all around her as she packs them up to leave and then packs the bedroom away and leaves and goes to another world.…so that’s how it happened.

Katherine Viner, Megan Dodds, Elyse Dodgson, Tiffany Watt-Smith are the other members of the “panel”.

Missed question (to Megan who answered.)

AR:……so making it present was always the most important thing and it’s the biggest challenge I think that Megan has because its so written…but it’s also so articulate so I think as long as the thinking is alive.and I think that most of acting is about thinking correctly and listening correctly as long as she’s arguing it as it happens to her in an ideal world that’s when it will connect but there’s of course a huge technical problem for Megan.

Q about Rachel’s parents being involved.

Elyse answers. Says that they were very involved every step of the way. Saw the script many times. Spent a lot of time with Megan alone on stage. Invited to watch but with the chance to leave if it got too much for them. They saw it 6 times. Hard for them. They will be back to see the last 2 nights at this run. They get an email every night about that day’s performance

Katherine said that the first time Craig saw Megan on the bed, they had him because that was Rachel. And he got a lot out of seeing Megan as Rachel react to his email as he never thought what that would have been like.

Q Are there plans to take it elsewhere?

Elyse - From the first, plans to translate it into as many languages as possible and would very much next like to take to the USA next year. (cheers!)

Q Your auditioning for Rachel, did you know what king of character you were trying to find? Do you know what I mean?

AR: I do know what you mean. Very quick answer, there wasn’t an audition process. No, I knew, it’s true. I knew Megan because we had done a workshop here and I was quite clear that it had to be played by an american and you know sometimes destiny and casting go together and I just had to kind of cross my fingers and hope that she said yes. It’s that simple

Q. (Difficult to hear) something about did you always see it as a one person show or were there plans to expand it into something more , or as a political thing.

Katherine: Before they received Rachel’s journals she had researched the Gaza side of things but when the journals came they decided that they did not need any of that background.

Tiffany: There had been plans to put something at the end but it did not seem appropriate

AR: It was important to me anyway that this should not be seen as a polemic, of course it’s very incendiary material and of course a lot of things have been written about that. I think it exists for you to agree with or disagree with but it exists as solely of the voice of somebody who was there apart from an eye witness account of her death which we had to put in for anybody in the audience who doesn’t know what happened but it seemed like absolutely the right decision. Ultimately we had to edit out all sorts of things, I mean in other narratives, including I’m sure most of you would not be aware that Colin her long time boyfriend of whom she talks about is also dead and for a long time we thought whether that should somehow be made part of the story and decided not to do that either Q How did he die? AR; He committed suicide.

Q I know it’s universal but I would be interested to know how many Jewish people in the audience. K said that that would not be appropriate.

AR : But I think it’s interesting to hear what people have to say on that point of view.

Q for Megan about ? (can’t hear)

Megan: All shared the information we had. Watched a lot of videos. Got very specific pictures of the background. Talked to as many people as poss who had been to Palestine. The Olympia side, she felt she knew. “Alan just recently went to Olympia and came back with a picture of Puget Pantry. And that was exactly how we imagined it to be.”

Q. A guy with a long political diatribe! What’s your sense of where you need to go now to keep on telling that story to as many people as possible because I think that’s most important.

AR: I think that’s sort of happening I mean, anyway. I don’t know about organising it, that’s not my job as you say I’ve …a piece of work…which we’ve…in many ways. What’s happening to me is such a validation of the role theatre plays which is nothing to do with cinema or reading a book or watching tv or any other form of storytelling and with no particular conscious effort on anybody’s part, I mean there’s some organisation, but this theatre is filling up with very young people and somehow or other I do think that good theatre creates a magnet. That’s what it’s there for, it’s why I’m part of it, it’s why it’s kind of my religion, and that is happening. Young people have discovered that there is a piece of work which is about them as well as what you’ve just been saying as well as what anybody else in here would say would be the story of this play, it’s also about the fact that young people have a life ahead of them and choices and as she says, that your life is not just about what you choose to buy at the mall at the time when many other forces are trying to persuade them that it is.

Q. How do you produce this, direct this, deliver this every day and not go home (moved, I think, could not hear)……., or do you?

(Katherine points at Megan who says “Why Me?”)

AR: I find it more and more uplifting to watch if that’s part of an answer I don’t know about Megan.

Megan says that there are times when she does feel that way, and certain bits of the show will move her in a different way. It’s moving to see people respond to it, sometimes that gets to her. As Alan says, it’s uplifting, it’s positive, it’s a story about hope.

Katherine says that the way that the theatre gets full up and everyone engages with it and responds to it is moving.

AR: So I know that we’re imparting information that people don’t have, so you know, that’s very positive.

Elyse says that the most important thing for her is the Corrie family. It has brought her back to life for them so that’s very positive.

Q. Another political diaribe. The gist of the qustion was is there any criticism of rachel for going as in the questioners country they are not brought up to know about things like Palestine.

Elise says that Rachel’ story is an american story. Priviledged and brought up like to know about things. Tiffany says they met people from Olympia and people there are very aware of what is going on outside the US. A teacher said that you should see Rachel in context with Olympia and what happens there and that because of that, she was able to make speeches at 10.

AR: But as a general rule of thumb I think certainly for actors and I guess for a director, you shouldn’t judge your character so I’m struggling to accept that as an idea. I can’t possibly judge people. It’s not for me to do….(questioner wanted to make her point) Well criticising is judging isn’t it so I wouldn’t do either (something else from questioner) All we can do is tell the story.

AR (points to the circle for the next question): There were some up here.

Q. A lot of US people who had heard others speak about Rachel were ready to accuse people of anti semitism. If you are taking the show to the USA, have you encountered any accusations of anti-semitism? Which part of the US do you want to get this out to?

Katherine says they want to get this out to as many places as possible. Such criticisms have only appeared on the internet from people who have not seen the play. When they do see it they realise that its about Rachel and not politically motivated.

Q. What was the main and informing principle behind bringing this play to an audience?

AR: Well there’s a driving force as a human being when you read something in the newspaper like that and there’s another process that takes place when you think and now I think it should be put on in a theatre so there’s something happens in your head which is a developing thought (questioner - That’s what I ‘m trying to ascertain whether it was the human story behind Rachel or whether you wanted to propogate Rachel’s beliefs) AR: The very first thing was to do with the fact which I often think, that newspapers are things which you might pick up or you might not. You might read that article or you might read something about fasion. You may not have got the Guardian that day. Your day might have been busy and it stayed there and then somebody put it in the bin and that was the guiding principle to me that this was about an extraordinary communicator whose life was over and as a journalist said to me the other day, what would you like to say to Rachel Corrie if she walked in here now and I said well she’s not going to is she, that’s the point. And so I think those are the guiding principles really, and the quality of her writing. Her quality as a communicater which only then developed more and more, the more we saw the stuff she wrote at 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and of course she’s dead at 22. I would never have got involved in it had it not been about that and about a real story, - you know,you talk about anne frank,- a story that demanded to be told in a way. I think it’s important to keep myself out of it now more and more, the more it goes on and the more it’s life continues, the more my energies are about making sure that it communicates itself as directly and as openly as possible to any audience that ….

Elyse said as the Royal Court is the home of new writing, this is a great young writer that we wanted the public to know about.

Q. How was it being directed by a director who is really an actor first, did you find there was a difference?

Megan says that she didn’t. Every director is different. It takes a while to really develop a vocabulary so you understand what you’re doing. You still take your way of working with you.

AR: I think only Megan can answer that question

Q. Have you thought about it as a screen play?

Elyse says that there has been a lot of interest in film and radio and I think it will have a very long life in any form.

AR: Any of you still sitting over that side (points to left) then should look at the set from that side (points right) or you should before you leave. It’s one of the problems of moving this because I don’t know how many of you are aware that we played upstairs first in April which ironically enough for a smaller theatre is much longer because we can use the length, so one of the problems in bringing it down here was the fact that it shrinks. It’s deeper that way and then it shrinks and that’s been hard but Hildegard Bechtler is a great great designer.

Q. How were you able to keep the performance alive and stay fresh for every performance?

Megan said for her she gets an adrenalin rush before going on stage and that gives you a tremendous amount of energy and really focus’ the mind. Then you just do it one word at a time and time them in your head as though you’ve never done them before. Try to make it new every time and really have a need to communicate what you are saying. It takes her a couple of hours after the performance to recover.

And to clear up a question that has been asked, Rima was not there, unless she was held prisoner in a cupboard for the whole night!
Elaine
- Friday, October 21, 2005 at 12:16:20 PM (EDT)

Found this story on CNN.com.

Short films in spotlight at London festival

Thursday, October 20, 2005 Posted: 1:42 EDT (17:44 GMT)

LONDON, England (CNN) -- The international film community -- with all its glam and glitter -- will share the spotlight next week with up-and-coming talent at the 49th annual London Film Festival.

The TCM Classic Shorts competition brings together some of the world's best in short film offerings.

A shortlist of six films has been draw up by a panel of judges, including the biggest names in British film.

Among them are actors Dame Helen Mirren, Alan Rickman and Kate Winslet, as well as director Gurinder Chadha -- best known for film such as "Bhaji on the Beach," "Bend it Like Beckham" and "Bride & Perjudice."

The six film finalists are: "The Clap," directed by Geoff Lindsey; "Ashes," by Corinna Faith; "Jane Lloyd," directed by Happy; "Special People," from Justin Edgar; Andrew Greener's "End Game," and "The Banker," directed by Hattie Dalton.

The top award carries with it a £10,000 (about $17,600) cash prize.

Screenings will take place October 26 at the National Film Theatre during the Short Cuts and Animation portion of the London festival. (Full story) They will also be shown at the TCM Classic Shorts award ceremony November 2.

In addition, the films will air on the TCM (Turner Classic Movies) television channel as part of its Classic Shorts weekend November 5 and 6.

TCM Classic Shorts, which began six years ago, has grown to become one of the most prestigious short film competitions in Europe. Last year's winner, "Nits," was screened as part of the Quinzaine des Realisateurs at the Cannes Film Festival.

Two previous finalists -- "Brown Paper Bag," directed by Michael Baig Clifford, and "About A Girl," directed by Brian Percival -- followed up their TCM Classic Shorts success by winning top short film honors from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

TCM -- launched in Europe in 1999 -- is a division of Time Warner, which is also the parent of CNN.
cathy
- Friday, October 21, 2005 at 10:58:31 AM (EDT)

REGARDING RUBY WAX

Apologies in advance.. I don't know anything about Alan Rickman, only that which relates to Ruby Wax.

I have just finished reading her autobiography (How Do You Want Me) and I have fire in my belly. I need to shout out to her and congratulate her for her triumphs in life. I have never felt so compelled to stalk someone til I read this book (and no, don't call the cops, coz I wont actually DO it).

Ruby, ruby, ruby, you have changed my life. You'II probably never read this, but consider yourself my new heroine. You're amazing. Your book was incredible. I salute you.

With regards from an Australian reader,
Jacqueline xxxxx
p.s. I will name my next pet goldfish Lumpi in honor of you. (take that straight jacket off me!!!)
Jacqueline <jacqueline@unite.com.aufoo>
I'm waxed, - Friday, October 21, 2005 at 06:34:38 AM (EDT)

Thank you everyone for being so nice=) and for all the information, too.
(I'm the one who asked about AR's audio commentary in DVDs, just in case you guys don't remember)
I've already bought The Winter Guest DVD in Reg.2 (through amazon.co.uk. I live in Korea) so I guess I'll have to live with it:D
Anyway, again thank you all.
E.P. <cui-bono946@hanmail.netfoo>
- Friday, October 21, 2005 at 02:53:01 AM (EDT)

Welcome, Magrathea!Girl! Isn't Marvin adorable? :-) I hope you don't mind, but I have moved the rest of your post with HP spoiler to the HP-HBP Board where you may continue discussing this subject freely.

Fir, Play is a difficult one to describe! I believe the three of them are in a sort of purgatory, reliving over and over their regrets about their love triangle. Well, that's my simple synopsis. LOL But I'm sure there's somebody here who could go into more detail. You can also find more about it in the GB archives (June 2001, in particular). I watched it several times in confusion before reading the play, which helped tremendously! Here's a link to the text of Samuel Beckett's Play. Try reading along while they talk. :-) But first, take care and get out of the way of Wilma!
Suz (D.o.C.)

im reading the hgttg book i haven't go to the part with marvin but i saw the movie i love it so funny but i can't wait to see the 4th harry potter movie it's rated PG13

Magrathea!Girl <superfoo>
CA , suj us - Thursday, October 20, 2005 at 04:54:59 PM (EDT)

Fir, yes I do think he is of the age of shrinking. My guess would be that he reaches somewhere around 6 ft height now. It´s a bit difficult to say for me because we Dutchy´s measure in centimeters (between 180 cm and 182 cm I would say).

I hope you and your beloved ones sustain "Wilma". My thoughts and prayers are with all of you right now.
Peekabooh
the Netherlands, - Thursday, October 20, 2005 at 03:24:35 PM (EDT)

oooh, those jeans!!! Thanks Peekabooh and Elaine for reporting. Peek, he didn't seem that tall to you, do you think he is of the age of shrinking? You two are so lucky to get so close! Hope the "illegal" recording comes out. lol.

Thanks Suzanne for all the links. I have recently gotten a high speed cable connection and have been able to download some of the videos here and Claudias. It's extraordinary how many downloads are available. The lists seem to be growing by leaps and bounds. The most bizarre one I watched yesterday was "The Play". Could someone explain a bit about it. They talk so fast I could only grasp small amounts of it. I absolutely love Harry Potter and the Secret Chamberpot of Axerbaijan. Jeremy Irons sounds so great when he says "I'm gorgeous" Too funny. The Vicar of Dilby makes such a great Harry.
Looks like hurricane Wilma is heading my way for a direct hit! Lots of people already leaving town. I'm a bit scared. Not sure what to do. So here I sit reading the GB. :)
fir
- Thursday, October 20, 2005 at 10:28:15 AM (EDT)

Elaine, thanks so much for your entertaining and detailed report of your AR sighting and the play. I particularly enjoyed the bit about 'devouring' the crisps and not sharing them! LOL!
Slope
Canada - Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 06:02:49 PM (EDT)

Elaine and Sarah, thank you so much for sharing! Ah, sounds like our AR. :-) Bringing the play to the U.S.? Putting it on film? That's wonderful news! I'm so glad you had such an amazing evening. Thanks, again, for all the details!

Vera, thanks for the Winter Guest interview Info! I forgot about that one.

My pleasure, Monica. I'll have lots more when I'm finished uploading.

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 04:53:19 PM (EDT)

Hi all. Not been here for a long time, but was lucky enough to be at the after show Q & A last night. I'll repost here what I've postedover at Claudia's.

What an evening! The same thing happened as last time and the bl**dy Circle Line was down again so had to dash off at Notting Hill and get a Taxi. Got there with no time to go and get a drink (mouth=bottom of budgy cage) in the bar and was very annoyed when I overheard someone say that AR was down there. However, a very noticeable voice reached my ears and I looked round to see AR standing at the door! He watched the whole play from that point - 2 rows above me - which was very frustrating because I was aware of him being behind me and me not able to turn round!

Anyway, the play was even better - IMHO - downstairs than in the little theatre upstairs. Megan Dodds seemed to "command" the whole stage. She was brilliant and deserves some kind of award. The talk was very interesting - and as the other person said, there were a lot of people who had very political things to say! AR did not seem to want to get involved with that too much. They did say they were hoping to go to the US with it, and also - AR was quite firm about this - putting it on film. If my illegal sound recording worked, I hope to get a transcript up but eagle eyed ushers were about so had to hide my camera.

Q & A lasted about 30 mins. I finally got a drink and took it up to the seats at the entrance which look over the bar. Saw Ricky-Nicky- *waves" - who had just come for a drink with her friends - good thinking! Saw Phyllida Law leaving, just as Megan Dodds and the other "panel" members arrived to my left - but no AR. But as PL went up the stairs, he came down. He gave her a kiss on the cheek before she left.

He had a glass of red wine in his hand and came and stood behind Ricky Nicky who was buying drinks at the bar. I had a brilliant view from my "eyrie". Yes, Peekabooh, he does use his hands a lot when talking, doesn't he? And never stops talking for ages! But then listens really attentively.

I saw that girl who reported her conversation. Ricky Nicky said that she had been waiting in the bar during the play but went in for just the talk. She sort of "joined" a couple of people who he was talking with. I suppose you have to admire her for being that brave.

He bought a couple of rounds of drinks - and a bag of crisps (Red Tango note!) (US call them chips, I think). He devoured them without offering them around, too! He also had a huge wad of twenties in his wallet. (Throw some up here, mate!)

He was wearing those jeans we've seen before with the knee patches on, a black shirt and a grey sports jacket. No sign of panda hair. Just lovely GREY. Hope he keeps it that way! When he was sitting on the stage, teh pudge was VERY much in evidence. Looks like he's been enjoying a few good meals! Skin was good, maybe cheeks a little rosy.

Of course, I had to buy another drink before last orders. I started at the other end of the bar but the barman was free at AR's end so went and stood right by him INCHES from his back....drool.... No elbow touching for me though.

He was still standing there with Megan Dodds well after last orders but I had to go and get the tube back. A taxi was waiting outside the theatre. For him, maybe?

So, just coming down from up high now. And looking forward to next week
Elaine
UK, - Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 04:30:54 PM (EDT)

Suzanne, thank you so much for that wonderful list!
Monica in Texas
- Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 09:11:26 AM (EDT)

Sarah, thanks for the information. Would you mind telling us a bit more about what was said at the talk?
Vera
Germany - Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 08:21:38 AM (EDT)

AR was at the after-show talk of My Name is Rachel Corrie at the Royal Court Theatre last night. Wonderfully dressed down in un-stylish jeans, grey jacket, black shirt and chunky brown shoes. Hair very natural, very grey. The Q&A session was excellent, though it got a bit overly political and heavy at times. AR tried to bring in the theatrical element as much as possible, which helped diffuse any tension. His disarming smile worked wonders!
Sarah
London, - Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 04:18:05 AM (EDT)

The region 1 DVD of "The Winter Guest" has an interview with AR in the extras--almost half an hour, the long version of the tiny piece on the website. It's really great!
Ellen
- Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 09:36:22 PM (EDT)

Wow, thanks for the HP-GoF auction info & link, Linda! That's a lot of money, but the lucky winner will not only be helping people through this charity, but also have happy memories for the rest of their life (and if the lucky winner reads this, we'd be thrilled if you'd share those memories with us!). :-)

Hi Monica, I'm still not finished overhauling the Video Gallery, but I do have the following 38 Videograms uploaded so far, so here are the direct links (sorry for not having more details):

AABA-trailer2.exe
AI-MP-6-3-01.exe
BD-trailer.exe
C-O'Brien122199.exe
Directors-AM-m.exe
EarlyShow6302.exe
Everything2.exe
fa-bts.exe
FA-preview.exe
FSAS-pt1.exe
FSAS-pt2.exe
GH-interview1991.exe
GQ-20th_Anniversary.exe
H2G2-bts-4-05.exe
hiaf-bts.exe
HP-PoA-ABC-boggart-050904.exe
HP-PoA-ABC-preview050904.exe
HPcosTrailer.exe
JimmyKimmel-111203.exe
play.exe
preacher.exe
StLM-HBO-interview.exe
StLM-HBO-2nd-interview.exe
StLM-NY-premiere.exe
StLM-preview1.exe
StLM-preview2.exe
StLM-preview3.exe
Tango-pt1.exe
Tango-pt2.exe
Tango-pt3.exe
tcm.exe
TEXAS-ID-m2.exe
TonyPLcostumes6202.exe
TonyPLdirector6202.exe
TonyPLrevival6202.exe
TonyPLset6202.exe
view-1.exe
view-2.exe
VWpp122500.exe

(videograms are NOT to be directly linked to from other websites or uploaded to other websites or used in any other way aside from your own personal use without my permission by e-mail, thank you!)

Enjoy! And for more great video clips (especially Windows Media) check out Claudia's wonderful Download Haven.

And a warm welcome to Mine and Allan!

Oh! If anybody went to the MNiRC post show talk this evening, we'd love to hear all about it!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 08:19:33 PM (EDT)

FilmAid International, on the charityfolks.com website, is having an auction for two tickets to the GoF premiere and after party! The description says,

"Calling all Harry Potter fans... bid on this lot for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the world premiere and after party of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York this November."

The current bid is now $5,500 but hey, it's going to charity. But hurry, it ends in 2 days!
Linda
NJ - Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 06:38:59 PM (EDT)

Is there any place that I could find all of the old videograms and clips, without having to looking through all of the archives?
Monica in Texas
- Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 04:34:55 PM (EDT)

l know alan rickman from harrry potter series.and he is my best actor.l love his style however l love snape:) so mr.rickman love u very much.u are one in the world.and dont forget one girl always think u before sleeping.take care...
mine yönetimli <minnos_00@yahoo.comfoo>
istanbul, turkiye - Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 04:18:54 PM (EDT)

Hello. Thanks for all of your marvelous work, especially the deliciously malevolent Professor Snape. Here's hoping that you can continue to play the Potions Master in all the subsequent films.
Allan Shulstad <Allanstpl@aol.comfoo>
St Paul, MN,eh. USA - Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 11:39:19 AM (EDT)

WOW, Peekabooh, your report was fantastic, thank you for sharing! I'm sure that's an experience you'll never forget.
And thanks again, Hikity, for the heads-up!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Monday, October 17, 2005 at 09:44:07 PM (EDT)

Well that link didn´t work out. let´s try again or click on my name if that link doesn´t work.
Peekabooh
- Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 05:02:52 PM (EDT)

Thanks Hikity (lol), here is the link to my LJ
Peekabooh
the Netherlands, - Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 05:00:05 PM (EDT)

You are welcome, Suzanne.. There is also a translation of the "Focus" article into English with pics and a wonderful story from Peekabooh, who met him at MNiRC last week
Hikity
Germany - Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 02:13:59 PM (EDT)

Oh okay, Hikity, I'll check it out, thanks!
Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 09:33:04 AM (EDT)

And BTW: DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE!!! We should easily reach 50,000 by the end of the month, shouldn't we?
Hikity #38793
sunny Germany - Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 06:29:30 AM (EDT)

Hi Suzanne, just wanted to inform you about Chalebh's latest posting over at Claudia's. Chalebh did some great work regarding The Parfume: pics, scanning of article and TV-clip from Friday. Cheers Hikity
Hikity
Haan, Germany - Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 06:14:02 AM (EDT)

Thanks-I thought maybe it had been too long since we saw him-forgot what he looked like LOL-it is a big picture-thanks again, enjoyed seeing the whole thing-that must be an expensive wig-it looks real
ACC
- Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 10:38:56 PM (EDT)

It's okay, link and merged post fixed. And thank you so much for the AR interview!
Suz (D.o.C.)

Help! I messed up the link and swallowed up ACC's post!
Sarah
- Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 09:49:17 PM (EDT)

*gg* ACC! Did you see the WHOLE photo or just the guy in the upper lefthand corner? I think that's the director Mike Newell. Scroll to the right and down a little and you'll see Snape. Scroll down some more and you'll find Harry and Ron. All laughing at something!

Re: "So?" *gg* That was so funny, Martha!

Iris, good luck going to England! I might be going too. It's job related to my sweet hubby and he said he would take me with him if I can get off of work. Woo-hoo!!! Sadly it will be in November so I'll miss seeing the Rachel Corrie play. But while I was looking at the Royal Court Theatre web site I clicked on the "educational pack" link for the RC play and discovered this really nice interview of Alan Rickman. Sorry I don't know if it was posted before but I can't remember ever reading it.

ROYAL COURT YOUNG WRITERS PROGRAMME

Interview with Alan Rickman; co-editor, director.

How did you first come across Rachel Corrie, and can you describe the process which lead you to turn her writings into a play?

I first read Rachel’s emails in The Guardian in March 2003. They were so vibrant that they kind of demanded to be said out loud. I took them to Ian Rickson which then lead to a meeting with Rachel’s parents, Elyse Dodgson and Katharine Viner. Ian took a big brave jump and said ‘alright, I’ll do it’. Almost a year later, we got the 187 page document which contained many of Rachel’s journals, letters and poems which had been typed up very bravely by Rachel’s sister Sarah Corrie.

Why does Rachel Corrie inspire you?

I suppose because we live in a time of such prevarication where people who are in the business of letting us know their opinions are careful and manipulative, and it is not always clear what they really think. Rachel Corrie, whether she was or not, seems to be like an arrow. Her thoughts, opinions and reactions are crystal clear. This is inspiring, especially from someone so young.

What do you want audiences to experience when they watch this play?

I want audiences to experience what they experience. As long as they think something when they watch the play, I don’t expect anything that I could possibly predict. I hope they will be informed and realise that this is relevant to their own lives.

Can you describe the process of working with a design team to recreate Rachel’s world? How hard was it to imagine Rachel’s environments and experiences?

I had a fairly immediate image of a wall for the set of Rachel Corrie. Because I knew that there was going to be a solitary young woman on stage, the real question was what kind of backdrop to give her. A wall is divisive, immovable and inhuman. As well as referencing the actual environment of Gaza, the wall is also a metaphor. And then Hildegard Bechtler, the designer, made the set real and workable. We looked at photographs of Palestine, and many videos to get a sense of the physical environment, the sounds, the light and how different this world was from the world she left behind. America also exists in the set for the first part of the play, and it was essential to the power of the production that Megan could move from one world to another. America was a small, personal world which she created herself, rather than a world which was imposed in Gaza, which she had to find a way of living in. The play moves from personal to impersonal. In her bedroom, the walls are decorated with pictures, poems and photographs. In Palestine, the landscape is ruined,and there is a sense of people’s lives being ripped apart.

What was your biggest challenge in staging Rachel’s words?

My biggest challenge was that Rachel’s words were not written to be staged. We had to create a kind of narrative and progression so that you could feel her mind alive and changing and growing. This also involved using the acting skills of Megan, and the luck of all sorts of gifts, such as suddenly hearing for the first time that Rachel had a very beautiful singing voice.

Here is the link where you can download the whole educational pack.
Sarah
- Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 09:44:21 PM (EDT)

I don't know who that is a picture of, but it is not Alan Rickman
ACC
- Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 06:59:39 PM (EDT)

I received an e-mail from Jennifer (thank you!) with this amazingly large HP-GoF behind-the-scenes photo of Snape laughing that she downloaded from www.hpana.com. Now, if only they'd let us in on the joke. :-)

Welcome, Iris! As you may or may not know, AR is currently directing a play in England called My Name Is Rachel Corrie through Oct. 29th. But I have heard of no specific plans of him acting in a play any time soon or next year. Sorry. Hope you have a great time in England if you go, nevertheless! By the way, AR's personal assistant has told me that although he just doesn't have a lot of time to respond to everyone, he does read (and very much enjoys reading) letters from his fans. So don't be discouraged.

Speaking of MNiRC, any AR sightings,... anyone? :-) If filming for Nobel Son starts next week, I wonder if he'll be at the post show talk on the 18th.

Slope, thanks for the Snowcake Info. I did a search on the Variety website, but could only come up with something called "April Snow." Hmmm...

Thank you, Glowbox, for the added Nobel Son Info and link! This one is sounding more and more definite. And thanks, Reedpipe, for the fact sheet link. I heard that story before, but it always make me laugh!

Also, welcome to Rachelli and Jasmine! Good question about Snape, Jasmine. Maybe he still resents that Harry's father was in on the practical joke in the first place? Just MHO.

*waves to Debbie* :-)

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 06:03:22 PM (EDT)

Hey, that´s really funny of rupert drawing alan! In one way i feel very sorry that Alan will start filming in a new film since I wanted to write him a letter and now he most definately will not read it! Greetings, Iris
Iris
Utrecht, The netherlands - Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 08:19:34 AM (EDT)

Mugglenet has posted scans from the new GoF poster book. Rupert Grint talks about his "most embarrassing moment" on his "fact sheet":

"I drew a picture of Alan Rickman. It was kind of amazing, but really ugly. Then I found out that he was right behind me, watching me draw this picture. He took it really well."

See the full fact sheet here. Wonder if AR gave Rupert some pointers? ;)
Reedpipe
CT - Friday, October 14, 2005 at 10:38:15 PM (EDT)

Glowbox, thanks for the link. I'm looking forward to this project. I love Mary Steenburgen. One of my all time favorite movies was Parenthood with Steve Martin. The scene where the whole family is dining and the power goes out makes me laugh every time, it never gets old. For those of you that have not seen it, Helen (Diane Wiest) a divorce' is having a dinner party, the power goes out and Steve Martin's character goes blindly in a drawer to find a flashlight. You then hear a buzzing and when the light comes on the family is staring at her vibrator held up in her brother's hand. Grandma quips,"That girl needs a man!"

Martha, I did not know Ralf was one of the voices. I stayed home with baby Jack and missed the movie. Jack and I did catch an episode of The Grimm Adventures of Grimm and Mandy. We love it. The kids like the bathroom humor, and I have a thing for boney pale guys with accents in black robes.
Cat
TX - Friday, October 14, 2005 at 09:56:27 PM (EDT)

Another snippet about "Nobel Son", which apparently starts filming in Los Angeles next week. New film
Glowbox
France - Friday, October 14, 2005 at 04:51:57 PM (EDT)

hi,just want to say that im a big fan of alan rickman. However,i just want to know why prof.snape is so nasty to harry as hes father saved his life when they were at school. and snape should be grateful towards him
jasmine birch <jasmine.birch@dsl.pipex.comfoo>
milton keynes, mk england - Friday, October 14, 2005 at 03:41:27 PM (EDT)

Oh Martha, I loved your "So?" You go, girl! Thanks for the laugh!
Debbie <daalber@telus.netfoo>
Canada - Friday, October 14, 2005 at 02:44:13 PM (EDT)

Mary - Professor S expressed the same opinion I had on Snape - just a lot more clearly and succinctly - lol! That being, if Dumbledore has been wrong all these years, then what's the point of the books.

There were many AR fans there. In one discussion on fanfic, the mod asked why people thought there was so much fanfic around HP. People had various responses, including "Snape." Someone suggested AR and the mod said, "But Alan Rickman was 52 when the first movie came out." There was total silence. I did the only thing I could. I said, "So?" Much laughter ensued along with comments about AR's hotness and someone in the back who said, "That voice!"

My "Snape is Innocent" shirt got a lot of comment, but my favorite shirt was, "Dumbledore Made Him Do It."

Next year's conference is in Las Vegas (July 27-30) - registration is open now. Go to lumos2006.org

Cat - Did you know that Ralf Fiennes (Voldemort) is the voice of Victor Quartermaine in the Wallace and Gromit movie?
martha
maine, - Friday, October 14, 2005 at 08:21:59 AM (EDT)

Hi Martha, Professor S. was Annie's favorite. Her theory on Snape sounds fascinating, and as one of those who believe Snape is loyal to the order, I can't help but see the sense in what she had to say. Plus, from what Annie told me she was even a good sport at the Halloween ball on the last night of the symposium, joining in with her fellow Hufflepuff's in the badger dance (Annie has a picture of that). :-)I wish I'd known you were going to be there, I would have had Annie look for you to say hi.

Suzanne, yes, Annie had a blast.

I never mentioned it before, but Annie brought back the British version of the HBP, and as soon as things start to slow down for me.. probably around Thanksgiving break, I'll get to read it. One more thing before I forget yet again.. back at the end of August someone here asked if it was possible to get Pimms in the states.. I know it's a bit late in the year for it, but we did at a local liquor store.. they specialize in all kinds of international liquors. We bought a bottle and I made a few pitchers of it the last few days before school started. I have to admit that I thought the idea of a drink with cucumber in it was a bit strange, but it was wonderful.. and the cucumber added a watermelon like taste to it.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Thursday, October 13, 2005 at 10:49:13 PM (EDT)

Anybody subscribe to Variety? Apparently Snowcake (if it is *the* AR Snowcake) has picked up distribution at some Korean Pusan film festival!? Maybe it's a Korean Snowcake... :p
Slope
Canada - Thursday, October 13, 2005 at 06:20:32 PM (EDT)

i adore alan rickman! i'm 25 from i srael and i found out about the actress along time ago but fell for him recently...
rachelli <rachellir@hotmail.comfoo>
rehovot, israel - Thursday, October 13, 2005 at 05:11:45 PM (EDT)

Hello everybody, My name is Iris, 18 years old and my home is in Utrecht, The Netherlands. I simply adore mister Rickman for his outstandig performance which is always very subtle. His characteristic face and sublime manner of being a true person in his films makes him a true actor! However I have never seen him perform his theaterqualities I would like to see something from him. That is why I am posting this. Does anybody know whether mister Rickman will be part in a play this or next year in England? Because England is for me maybe an option of getting to see him, or maybe his work. I would love to hear something from you! Iris.
Iris de Noord
Utrecht, The Netherlands - Thursday, October 13, 2005 at 08:30:18 AM (EDT)

his daughter? The nose must have skipped a generation
ACC
- Thursday, October 13, 2005 at 12:31:49 AM (EDT)

Hi Vickie,
AR's character in Perfume is Antoine Richis. He appears around one third (or maybe one forth) from the end of the book. Here's a photo (courtesy of Lisa) of him and the actress who plays his daughter, in case you missed it below. :-)

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
I want to go to an HP Convention AND Renaissance Festival!, USA - Thursday, October 13, 2005 at 12:14:54 AM (EDT)

My husband took my daughter Emmaline to see the new claymation flic Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. He told me the main character Gromit went to Dogwarts when he was a puppy.

It's funny; my older brothers have always been Star Trek nerds. I took great pleasure in laughing at their expense. Now, if they only knew. It's really quite sad. I have become what I once mocked! I would have LOVED to attend the get together in Salem. It sounds like a hoot. I can now spend great amounts of time discussing fictional characters in speculative scenarios. I would gladly dress up and go to a Potter convention, take part in a Final Battle (ala' Civil War reenactment), or take a seminar on Hogwarts a History. In short ladies, I have become a nerd. Happily. The useless information I now love holds my fifth graders enthralled. They're really quite impressed. So.... I suppose the information's not so useless after all.

At the very least, it just fun:D
Cat
TX - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 11:53:27 PM (EDT)

Martha, How exciting to be able to go the Salem HP gathering. I saw it on the news and was hoping someone from either here or on the download haven would have an opportunity to attend. It really sounds like fun. Are they planning on having it again next year? I would love to go. We attended the King Richards Faire in Carver MA which was so much fun with people dressed up in Renaissance costumes etc. You could even rent a costume for day if you wanted to. They even have the structures of buildings in the forest which they I assume, keep up all year long. There was even a man dressed up with a staff and a hat/cloak that resembled Gandalf from LOTF at the entrance/exit! He was so amaxing. If you get the chance Martha and havent been there yet, try to attend. They have two more weekends for the faire this year then it re-opens next year Labor Day weekend through October. I love by the way, how you ended up in Slytherin!!! It must have been so neat to see everyone in their costumes. On TV they showed someone dressed up as Rita Skeeter. Was she there while you were??? Have a good one-off to do boring chores before bed. Wish I had a magic wand to wave to clean it up!!! HA HA Pam
Pam
MA - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 08:53:07 PM (EDT)

Hello all. I am in the midst of reading "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer". Very descriptive book. Have read better novels but wanted to read it before the movie comes out. Does anyone know which part Alan Rickman is playing?
Vickie <VLOCK40@AOL.COMfoo>
Cincinnati, OH US of A - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 08:05:50 PM (EDT)

I just love the 'Intelligence' song AR sings in 'Help I'm a fish'! Such cute lyrics and his voice is just sublime.
Elfie
- Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 05:24:58 PM (EDT)

Was just reading about the Salem HP convention...I was at Dragon*Con (SF/Fantasy con in Atlanta, GA; coming up on its 20th year). Costumed out as Professor Sinistra (and it was lovely to go as a character that's not well described; you can do just about anything with it!), and a Death Eater. The Death Eater got me into the parade this year; I marched alongside a female version of Snape...she did a really good job...and a spectacularly well-done Professor Quirrell. Next year, the parade "persona" will be Sinistra...no more marching down asphalt & concrete streets/sidewalks in high heels! :) I noticed a distinct lack of "Snapes" this year at Dragon*Con...could it be because of HBP, I wonder? I also found out something rather heart-breaking: the one guy who did a fabulous Snape last year died earlier this year in a car accident (guy was in his mid-20s, or so). One of the best times during the D*C weekend was a "Tonks" challenging me to a duel, which will be played out next year; we have already decided that the finale will be my laying on the floor, hand with DE mask in it outstretched, and her with her foot planted...gently!...between my shoulder blades. After the last HP panel of that Sunday evening, there was a mock battle between us HP people and one of the faux military units...we exchanged "weapons" halfway through, and I got to have two big (plastic) pistols! Several Slytherins also gathered around one guy who was dressed as Tom Riddle, and we, um...persuaded a Gryffindor to lie in front of us & writhe from our curses! Great fun was had by all (except maybe the Gryff!). Looking forward to movie #4. Cheers!
Elizabeth <ea.kowols@comcast.netfoo>
Buffalo Grove, IL USA - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 02:29:43 PM (EDT)

Suzanne - Great pic. George Washington, I do declare!

Mary - Salem was a hoot! I wish I could have stayed the entire time, instead of just one day. Did your daughter tell you that the “Sorting” quiz was not like any we’ve ever seen on line? The questions were from left field and it was not easy to guess which answers would put you where - if you were so inclined to try. I got sorted into Slytherin! Usually, I’m either Ravenclaw or Gryffindor - never Slytherin. But since I got one of the last four tickets, and they were out of Slytherin and Ravenclaw badges, I took Gryffindor. It was interesting to be in on a discussion of Snape led by a panel consisting of a woman who just finished her M.Phil. at University of Cambridge(moderator), an author and lifelong student of history and Shakespeare, a woman with a degree in Movie and Theater and another in Anthropology who writes and moderates a yahoo discussion group, and Professor S who has a degree in Religious Studies and an online ministry. She was the one dressed as Snape.
martha
maine, - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 10:47:40 AM (EDT)

Alan has an interview on the Chamber of Secrets DVD. I think it's cr*p that his commentary isn't on the Reg. l Close My Eyes DVD.
snapes_witch
- Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 04:44:11 AM (EDT)

Good to hear from you, Cat and Mary.

LOVE that nose, Suzanne! Never mind the wig.
Glowbox
France - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 02:39:45 AM (EDT)

It doesn't look any better in the other views, but then would anyone look good in that wig? Not an attractive look, methinks-don't think I could "get used" to it LOL
ACC
- Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 02:13:30 AM (EDT)

Oh! And Lisa sent me this amazing looking photo from the set of Perfume (thank you!)! She said it's from the current issue of Focus. Does anybody know where/how to purchase this magazine (I've never heard of it)? Not sure I like the wig, may take some getting used to. But the clothes, ahhhh... :-)

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 01:02:01 AM (EDT)

Thanks for checking in, Cat. Glad to hear you and your family are safe! One of my brothers (south of Houston, near the coast) had a remarkably similar story. But it was definitely better to be safe than sorry.

Mary, I just read about the HP symposium in Salem this morning! Sounds like your daughter had a lot of fun.

Hi Jennifer, I haven't seen any reports about when Snow Cake will be released at theaters, but when I do, I'll add it to the Schedule page.

Welcome, E.P.! I may be drawing a black, but the only DVD I can think of that AR does any kind of commentary or interview (a superb good length interview!) is the Region 2 Ver. of Close My Eyes. Which means you'll need to live in the UK (or wherever else R2 is available) to play it, or have a multi-region DVD player. Can anybody think of any other DVDs?

And welcome to Judy, Gem, Kathie and Clare, too!

Slope, thanks for the "Off Stage" link. Having the autographs of all those amazing actors would be a treasure!

Thank you, Donna, for the link to mckennitt's TSJG review, and Susan for elaborating on the non-release of the DVD. Mixed messages, indeed. Has anybody received a reply from Sunlight Productions yet?

And the new photos from HP-HBP are fantastic, thanks Ulrika, Glowbox, Martha and Reedpipe, and everybody for the great links!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 12:57:32 AM (EDT)

Hey Cat, glad to hear all is well with you and yours after Rita.
Mary
- Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 12:07:00 AM (EDT)

Hi to all my fellow Rickmaniacs, I've missed you all but have been bogged down with my studies. I'm really bummed about the inference that Mike Binder is no longer interested in attempting to release Gissing. From what I saw in the short clip on the film's site, it looked incredibly funny to me... so it's a shame.

No AR content from me.. the only thing even slightly related is that my daughter attended the Harry Potter Symposium in Salem, MA and had a blast. Five days spent with hordes of HP fans, she was sorted into Gryffindor (one of the speakers who dressed as Snape, and gave more than a few talks on the character was sorted into Hufflepuff :-) ). Also, the actor who plays Percy Weasley was in attendance... there was a parade in Salem, and he was the grand marshall, as well as showing up at the ball. There were rowdy quidditch matches (on foot) in the mud and rain, and she had a blast. She regaled me with stories about the lectures on a variety of subjects, especially those that were Snape related. I'll put up a link to her photos when she gets them online in a day or two. Other than that, that's all from me in cold, rainy and windy Rhode Island.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 12:04:11 AM (EDT)

My family is back from our lovely 18 hour drive to Austin. It was especially memorable with three overweight dogs (one insistently sitting on my lap, shedding copiously), a cranky toddler and one very irritated three month old.

I have been a bit off-kilter since the evacuation, but when all is said and done, really have nothing to complain about. There was just a few limbs down and a fridge full of stinky food greeting us upon our return. Things are finally getting back to normal. I'm glad to hear everyone is safe and well. It could have been much, much worse. Some of the stories I have heard have been just awful.
Cat
TX - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 11:54:50 PM (EDT)

Hi, nice website. love it. AR rules! Just one quick question: has he done any DVD commentary? It seems unable to find one.
E.P.
- Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 05:03:51 PM (EDT)

does anyone know if and/or when Snowcake is going to be released?
Jennifer
Calgary, - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 04:21:20 PM (EDT)

Pixxaa--Danke!
Lee Eft
- Monday, October 10, 2005 at 11:05:03 PM (EDT)

Anyone here recently won the lottery, feeling flush, and wanting to part with some cash, you could bid on an autographed copy of "Off Stage". ;-)
Slope
Canada - Monday, October 10, 2005 at 06:13:08 PM (EDT)

Love Alan Rickman any sites of his is great.
judy <mcgonagall44@yahoo.comfoo>
las vegas, nv. unitedstates - Monday, October 10, 2005 at 03:45:17 PM (EDT)

The ¡Hola! (Hello magazine) poll on most attractive man has been fascinating. AR is winning his monthly race easily, thanks to his many fans. However, I worry about the current weekly race, because R. Fiennes is about 150 votes ahead in first place, and he would draw votes from Alan Rickman in the year contest. We need to shift focus from the monthly vote to the weekly and work together in preventing R. Fiennes from hurting our candidate's chances next January. I know it's a long time from now, but we must look to the future and vote strategically.
Gem
Mt. Diablo, CA - Sunday, October 09, 2005 at 06:06:58 PM (EDT)

The AARP poll was supposed to run for Nov. and Dec. of 2004. But no one closed it at the end of the year (though at that time AR had 97% of the vote). It took about 1000 votes to move him up .1%--a lot of work. I think the person who started the poll has abandoned it. The Hello poll at least has a definite end.
Susan CA
- Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 01:44:14 PM (EDT)

Forgot to mention that the name of the poll is "Best Actor and Actress Over 50" http://www.aarpmagazine.org/entertainment/movies/Articles/a2004-11-02-mag-bestover50.html
Ulrika
- Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 08:42:58 AM (EDT)

VOTE FOR RICKMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go to this page and VOTE VOTE VOTE!: http://www.aarpmagazine.org/entertainment/movies/Articles/a2004-11-02-mag-bestover50.html (He is in the lead already ;))
Ulrika
Sweden - Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 08:39:16 AM (EDT)

I have just written to Sunlight films, too, just so they get the idea there is a global need for the film! The Hello poll is great but when it gets to end of year and we vote for which month's man is the best, how long is the voting for. Can someone in UK answer this?
Barbara
N - Friday, October 07, 2005 at 03:07:01 AM (EDT)

I think alan is brill in all his movies and my kids love him too,and if he is anything like his sister and nieces in real life,he must be a top bloke,coz they are all fab people too,ive never met him personally but would like to one day,i here he does a mean barbeque,xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
kathie tolley <k.wood43@ntlworld.comfoo>
portsmouth,hants,uk, England - Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 12:05:46 PM (EDT)

I had to laugh when I went to the Hello Mag poll site again today "just to see" how it was going. AR has over 17,000 votes!!! That's more than doubled in two days. Of course while I was there I had to vote again. Do they do a special issue about the winner?
fir
- Wednesday, October 05, 2005 at 07:39:11 PM (EDT)

Thanks Susan. What a shame about the distribution. I'll try writing Sunlight productions too and see what happens. Thanks for the tip, Claudia and shy fan.
Donna
CT U.S.A. - Wednesday, October 05, 2005 at 04:36:54 PM (EDT)

Kit, I'd say he's been in twelve good or pretty good films, counting those for television (Benefactors, Barchester, StLM). Which is about half, better than most actors' percentages. But a shame, nonetheless. Sometimes I think he only reads his character's lines when considering a script, since he's so often the only really good thing about the movie.
Susan
- Wednesday, October 05, 2005 at 04:04:10 PM (EDT)

Susan< re: " a wonderful perfomance in a not very good film." Is anyone counting how many of AR's films come under this heading? Seems like a lot! HE'S always good!
kit
pa usa - Wednesday, October 05, 2005 at 03:40:16 PM (EDT)

Thanks, Claudia! I e-mailed Mr. Binder -- can't hurt to try. :)
Reedpipe
CT USA - Wednesday, October 05, 2005 at 03:25:14 PM (EDT)

I had an email from a shy fan that attended the Gissing screening last week and she says that when Mike Binder found out that some of the people had come from far away that he offered to send them a DVD copy of Gissing and that after the Q&A, he had many requests for the DVD.

So this may be a long shot, but the time taken to contact MB might make it worth your while.

Here's the contact page from Sunlight Productions.

Claudia
GA - Wednesday, October 05, 2005 at 09:50:08 AM (EDT)

Hi ladies - dont know if this has been posted before, but Alan is due to appear on October 25th at Chelsea College of Art in conversation with Andrew Marr.

This is an event that was postponed from earlier this year, I'm sure you will remember. Tickets are £7 each - I spoke to the Marketing/Publicity Dept at the College yesterday and he is definately going to be there and this is definately going ahead.

More details here
KEITH <screentwo_uk@hotmail.comfoo>
BEDFORD, UK - Wednesday, October 05, 2005 at 05:13:23 AM (EDT)

Donna, Mike Binder definitely said that he didn't want to release John Gissing, that any distribution deal would pay nothing, and that he wanted to rework the material into a new movie. How this fits with his brother's saying all over the Internet, "Oh, please come to this film festival to see SFJG and help us get it released" is beyond me. Since Hollywood does a lot of silly things, maybe MB will get the money to remake the movie. The chances of AR's being involved are roughly zero, I'd say. MB showed no interest in using the same actors--he didn't seem to understand that he was in a crowd that was largely Rickmanistas, two of whom had flown in 3000 miles from Florida--and AR doesn't repeat himself. I'm with those who think it's a wonderful performance in a not-very-good film, but it's a terrific shame that we can't have it. And a very mixed message from the Binders.
Susan CA
- Wednesday, October 05, 2005 at 01:44:09 AM (EDT)

I just read an excellent review of "The Search for John Gissing" by mckennitt on her live Journal. She was at the screening last Friday! Sounds like a funny movie. The sad news is it doesn't look like it'll ever be distributed or made in to a DVD. :( Linda and Susan, did you get the same impression from Mike Binder about the release of SFJG as mckennitt?

Ulnka; thanks for the "Snowcake" link! That's the most extensive synopsis I've read yet. Anybody know when it'll come to theaters?

Lovin' all the pics, reviews and news, keep it comin'!
Donna
CT U.S.A. - Tuesday, October 04, 2005 at 11:42:12 PM (EDT)

Hello Suzanne, and Everyone! This is such a good GB, so much news and Photo's. That is really GREAT news about The search for John Gissing!!!!!!!!! Lets hope it will be released soon? or maybe DVD/Video???

Thanks for sharing Jack Binder's news, Suzanne, and everyone. Hope to hear from those who are lucky enough to attend!!!!!!!! Bye.
Barbara the Aussie
Gold Coast, Qld. Australia - Tuesday, October 04, 2005 at 09:03:32 PM (EDT)

Well I hope this works. I came across this Alan Rickman page by mistake, but I'm happy that I have. Its very good.
Clare
Bury St Edmunds, England - Tuesday, October 04, 2005 at 02:02:01 PM (EDT)

Beautiful site! Keep up the wonderful work. Visit our site anytime.
Delight Full Decor <delightfulldecor@charter.netfoo>
Charleston, WV USA - Tuesday, October 04, 2005 at 12:39:40 PM (EDT)

Pixxaa, thnx for the info! :))
Meeressternchen
- Tuesday, October 04, 2005 at 11:44:05 AM (EDT)

Teeny, tiny view of GoF Snape here, thanks to Mugglenet! (First time doing this, hope it works!)
Reedpipe
CT USA - Tuesday, October 04, 2005 at 08:48:44 AM (EDT)

Sorry, here's the link to Claire's Page again. (I hope.)
martha
maine, - Tuesday, October 04, 2005 at 05:49:00 AM (EDT)

Sarah Vey - We have been asked to keep political discussion off this page. Claire has created a page for just this purpose. Feel free to take your thoughts there. If you'd like to write Mr. Rickman, care of his agent, you can find the address at the FAQs page linked at the top of this one.
martha
maine, - Tuesday, October 04, 2005 at 05:46:44 AM (EDT)

Hi Rickmaniacs, Hi Meeressternchen
die deutsche Synchronstimme für AR aus Die Hard ist Lutz Mackensy (Stirb langsam / Eine sachliche Romanze) YUCKK you can see his even yukkier pic at http://www.synchronkartei.de. Der Schauspieler der AR in den HP Filmen synchronisierte ist verstorben. (Erich Hallhuber(†) (Harry Potter und der Stein der Weisen / Harry Potter und die Kammer des Schreckens)) Most Voices come from men fron Berlin :
Michael Telloke->(Dogma)
-------------------
Lothar Blumhagen (*1927)-> (Galaxy Quest)
-------------------
Wolfgang Condrus (*1941)
ex- Kinderdarsteller ->(Michael Collins / Bob Roberts / Wie verrückt und aus tiefstem Herzen)
-------------------
Peter Fricke ->(Robin Hood - König der Diebe)
-------------------
Joachim Kerzel
Berliner; sehr tiefe Stimme; ->Off-Stimme in zwei Drittel aller Filmtrailer;auch Jack Nicholson & Dustin Hoffmann
(Judas Kiss)

pixxaa
Germany - Monday, October 03, 2005 at 04:59:02 PM (EDT)

Yet another film project? Nobel Son
Glowbox
France - Monday, October 03, 2005 at 04:51:34 PM (EDT)

Hello Rickmaniacs :)
BritFilms has posted a synopsis of the film Snowcake, along with a small photo of Alan from the movie.
Check it out here:

britfilms.com
Ulrika <ulrika.svenson@gmail.comfoo>
Stockholm, Sweden - Monday, October 03, 2005 at 12:12:45 PM (EDT)

I am writing to express my shock and dismay that an actor and director of Alan Rickman's stature could be associated with the calculated manipulation of the circumstances of Rachel Corrie's death to the British public. Far from being a peace activist, Rachel Corrie belonged to the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) The ISM operates only in Gaza and the West Bank and is therefore not 'International.' Although it claims to be a peace movement, its solidarity is with the Palestinian suicide bombers, with whom it admits having ties It works closely with suicide bombers, supporting and hiding them. It teaches its members how to throw Molotov cocktails at the Israel Defence Force (IDF). It is funded by the Palestinians and believes that all of Israel is 'occupied land'. It endorses the Hamas slogan "From the River to the Sea * Palestine will be Free" and believes in armed struggle to bring about the destruction of the State of Israel Rachel Corrie was attempting to stop the IDF from destroying the exit from a weapons-smuggling tunnel - weapons used to target and kill Israeli children including the other Rachels mentioned below. She was asked to leave and appeared to comply. However, she secretly crept back several hours later, and died as she stood behind a wall which collapsed on top of her. No one knew she was there till it was too late. Many lies have been told about the circumstances of Rachel Corrie's death, but nothing so far has been said of her International Solidarity Movement activities which included the burning of a replica of an American flag, surrounded by an admiring group of Palestinian children. Below is a link to a page which examines the circumstances surrounding Corrie's death and it includes the photograph I have mentioned. http://www.geocities.com/rachav/Rachel_Corrie_Propaganda.html Please pass on my comments to Mr Rickman. Ties with such an organisation are unworthy of him. Below are the other Rachels who have been murdered by the Palestinian terrorists which Rachel Corrie supported. No cantatas have been written for them. These Rachels are victims, deliberately killed by Palestinian terrorists Rachel Levy Rachel Thaler Rachel Charhi Rachel Gavish Rachel Levi Rachel Shabo and fam.
Sarah Vey <soovey@ntlworld.comfoo>
London, UK - Monday, October 03, 2005 at 08:40:15 AM (EDT)

Slope - Must have been just a temporary melt-down. It's back up.
martha
#7205, - Monday, October 03, 2005 at 05:47:33 AM (EDT)

I think you guys on this board must have broken the Hello Voting page by stuffing the ballot box, so to speak--I just got a "Page Not Found" error! LOL!
Slope
Canada - Sunday, October 02, 2005 at 10:19:04 PM (EDT)

Thanks for the photos, Ulrika and Martha. Keep on voting at Hello, everyone - the vote's open until Oct. 31st (though our Man is well in the lead!)
Glowbox
France - Sunday, October 02, 2005 at 04:27:57 PM (EDT)

Another from Leaky: Snape and McGonagall
martha
maine, - Sunday, October 02, 2005 at 03:22:06 PM (EDT)

Ulrika - Great pic - thanks!
martha
maine, - Sunday, October 02, 2005 at 09:11:37 AM (EDT)

Snape is back!!! Don't know if you guys have already seen this pic of Snape, Ron and Harry from Goblet of fire. Anyway, isn't he GORGEOUS??!!!!

Check it out here: the-leaky-cauldron.org
Ulrika <ulrika.svenson@gmail.comfoo>
Stockholm, Sweden - Sunday, October 02, 2005 at 04:53:39 AM (EDT)

Here's the link Susan. Hello Vote

Thank you Suzanne for sharing the 2nd email from Jack Binder. I'm also looking forward to reading attendee reports.

Claudia
GA - Friday, September 30, 2005 at 03:12:21 PM (EDT)

Link fixed. Vote early and vote often! :-)
Suz (D.o.C.)

Argh. Could someone fix the link, please? Thank you.
Susan CA
- Friday, September 30, 2005 at 01:14:27 PM (EDT)

Voting has started for the Hello poll for most attractive man/September. AR is currently in the lead, but not by much. Please spread the word to the other lists and forums you visit. (May the gods help me do this link right!) HelloPoll
Susan CA
- Friday, September 30, 2005 at 01:13:16 PM (EDT)

nice website
steve <steveroberts06_uk@yahoo.co.ukfoo>
london, uk - Friday, September 30, 2005 at 12:22:27 PM (EDT)

Glad your okay, Susan! Perhaps Cat is still in Austin, but hopefully she'll check in soon.

Linda P. and Susan, I hope you two will be able to get together tomorrow and have a wonderful time! We are all looking forward to your reviews of TSJG and what Mike Binder has to say at the Q&A. Have fun!

And if anybody else makes it to the festival, we'd love to hear from you, too!

Here's another message from Jack Binder today with a small synopsis and some wonderful soundbite reviews:

Reminder: Hope to see you there and kindly help circulate this invitation to the Opening Night screening of this hilarious quality comedy film!

Thank you very much,
Jack Binder - Producer.

**********************************************************

"The Search For John Gissing" starring Alan Rickman, Janeane Garofalo, Mike Binder Opens the Westwood International Film Festival
- Friday, September 30, 2005 at 7:30pm
- Crest Theater, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Westwood, California

Q&A with Writer/Director Mike Binder ("The Upside of Anger") immediately following the screening.

"The Search For John Gissing" tells the story of American businessman (Mike Binder) and his wife (Janeane Garofalo) whose lives are turned upside-down by the British co-worker (Alan Rickman) he has unknowningly come to London to replace.

Also Starring: Sonya Walger, Allan Corduner, Juliet Stevenson, Owen Teale, Nigel Terry

www.westwoodfilmfestival.com
www.searchforjohngissing.com

------------------------------------------------
Mike Binder might just be on to something with “The Search for John Gissing,” a precious commodity - an indie comedy that actually delivers the goods. -HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

A refreshing antidote to gross out comedies … a very funny film, sometimes uproaringly so … executed with deft comic timing and plentiful guffaws … a throwback to the mod English comedies of the 1960s and ‘70s. -VARIETY

… Janeane Garofalo in her best role since The Truth About Cats And Dogs … this could easily be the next big, yet totally unexpected, comic sleeper to come out of London’s independent scene. -MAYFAIR NEWS

“The Search for John Gissing” is the funniest independent adult comedy in years. -SIXTY SECOND PREVIEW

“Wall to wall big laughs. A perfect independent comedy. Could easily be a sleeper hit.” -ENTERTAINMENTSTUDIONEWS.COM

Wonderfully silly comedy … fast-paced … an irresistible combination of witty writing … and talented comic actors. -FILM GUIDE MAGAZINE

Great! … the acting here is dead on … Binder and Garofalo have great chemistry … check out this film, it's a great date movie. -AIN’T IT COOL NEWS

Highly Recommended! … Pick of the Litter! … Rickman steals the show in this Brit-out-of-water comedy … plays like Sixties Neil Simon or Blake Edwards. -THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE

“…an unpretentious mockery of the business world that pits Matthew Barnes (Mike Binder) against John Gissing (played spot-on by Alan Rickman) …impressive supporting cast that includes the hilarious Janeane Garofalo…a wild-goose-chase-turned-revenge-plot refreshing and consistently funny.” -NICOLE COHEN - EYE TORONTO

A non-stop roller coaster ride of a comedy … Writer/Director Mike Binder stars along with the amazing talents of actors Alan Rickman and Janeane Garofalo… -THE HERALD TRIBUNE

… excellent cast … Binder’s briskly written screenplay and snappy pacing, The Search for John Gissing makes for a … funny off-Hollywood farce. - FILM THREAT MAGAZINE

Hilarious! -THE MOVIE TIMES

WINNER BEST PICTURE FILM CRITICS AWARD SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Friday, September 30, 2005 at 12:19:46 AM (EDT)

Linda P, that's great! Feel free to post a review after you see TSFJG. Enjoy the Thai food and the film!
Slope
Canada - Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 09:06:37 PM (EDT)

Hi Y'all: Has anyone heard from Cat since Rita hit? I sure hope that she and her family are OK. We are fine. We just had a bit of wind and not very much rain. We were stocked up, packed up and just sat at home with "all the hatches battened down". My kids slept through the whole thing. I didn't want to get into the horrific traffic since we were not in an official evacuation zone. Thankfully we have power in our area. I'd leave for sure if we were without power in 100 degree heat. Some of my husband's family who live(d?) near Beaumont are still out of their homes. Don't know what they have to go home to yet.
Susan
near Houston, TX USA - Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 05:58:10 PM (EDT)

Thank you so much for a fantastic site devoted to one of the best actor ever, Alan Rickman.
I have been enchanted by his work for years. It was not until I saw for the 10th time Love Actually that I realized, I need to shout this out from the roof tops! I hope to see more of Alan in new films with different roles. I would love to see him in a drama, using that deep water that I know exists within him. After all we know Snape is not a bad guy..and we can see that in his eyes each time he speaks in HP films.
Thanks Alan for the honor of seeing a true actor in his craft. Thank you all for this great site.
R. Wells <Tuey1112@adelphia.netfoo>
- Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 02:49:43 AM (EDT)

Linda P., please email me about SFJG and getting together. Thanks.
Susan CA <rawlinss@rcn.comfoofoo>
- Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 02:44:03 AM (EDT)

Thanks so much to Claudia in Georgia for cluing me in to what’s playing TWO BLOCK from my house in Los Angeles! I would have totally missed it without your message, but luckily just got my Search for John Gissing tix for Friday night. Anyone interested in dinner before the show, I’ll be at a great Thai place, Mr. Noodle a few blocks north of the theater at 6pm. I’m so excited!

Thanks again!
Linda P
Los Angeles, CA - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at 06:25:46 PM (EDT)

Thank you for sharing your email from Jack Binder, Suzanne! Maybe they will make some progress on releasing Gissing this time. *crossing fingers*

Claudia
GA - Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 09:34:45 AM (EDT)

Oh, and so much catching up to do! Thank you, Claudia, Slope, delighted, Glowbox, Sarah, Renie, Georgiana, Carol and everyone, for all the fantastic photos, links, info, reviews and news! And your update was wicked funny, RedTango. :-)

Lee Eft, you hit it on the nail! I can't think of another actor who can convey such feelings and emotions through their eyes like AR can. Truly gifted. And you know what they say; "The eyes are the windows to the soul......" Well, AR must have a lot of soul. :-)

Thanks lurker! No, I haven't had any trouble getting into the DT. But if you are still experiencing difficulty, please e-mail me or Claudia.

Oh, Sue, I'm sorry to hear you missed KS. Hope you're feeling better!

And finally, a warm welcome to all our newbies, including Jim, Becky, Jocelyn, Deborah, Tony, John, Sarah, Skilling, Jenny, Stefan, Cindy, Joanna, Judy, Jennifer and Christina (hope I didn't miss anyone!).

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Monday, September 26, 2005 at 12:23:19 AM (EDT)

I'm still here! Hurricane Rita didn't blow me away. :-) In fact, although it looked scary for awhile there, it ended up hitting about 200 miles east of here, so the wind wasn't too bad. Thank you, Cat, Lola, Aurora and everyone, for your kind thoughts! My thoughts and well wishes go out to everyone who was in the path of this storm. Hope you are well and safe!

That's fantastic news, Claudia, thank you! As it happens, I received an e-mail from Jack Binder (the producer of TSJG) with some additional info. Below is his message:

For Immediate Release: "The Search For John Gissing" to Open the Westwood International Film Festival
- Friday, September 30, 2005 at 7:30pm
- Crest Theater, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Westwood, California

Q&A with Writer/Director Mike Binder ("The Upside of Anger") immediately following the screening.

Greetings,
Your assistance in distributing news of this Opening would be greatly appreciated as we continue in our efforts to bring this comedy to the general public.

Thank you,
Jack Binder - Producer

That is so cool that Mike Binder will be there for a Question & Answer session! Okay, hands up, who's planning on going? :-) I'm really looking forward to hearing all the reports from you fortunate ones!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Monday, September 26, 2005 at 12:07:17 AM (EDT)

Thanks Kit for your comments. Sept.23 2:30.20 Pm. Cannot wait to see Perfume - Have always been a fan of Dustin Hoffman as well as AR! Together at last. Bye.
Barbara the Aussie <bpac350@hotmail.comfoo>
Gold Coast, Qld. Australia - Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 09:51:34 PM (EDT)

Aurora - The roadmap shouldn't be too much of a challenge, there are only about half a dozen roads.

Freeport doesn't have any movie theater, but there are a couple of small ones around here that show art films and lesser known things. Let me know when you're coming, and I'll get 'em to let you over the border. ;)
martha
maine, - Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 06:47:49 PM (EDT)

It's a biggish state, geographically, even if the population isn't very big. :-)
Aurora
- Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 04:39:41 PM (EDT)

I'm reading this as MB trying for theatrical release in art houses. It's not going to show up at the multiplex at the mall. But in Cleveland at the Cedar lee (fill in your local art cinema). The guy hasn't given up. That would mean our Favorite Actor would actually get paid.

No Freeport or Augusta ff? I'll come to the Freeport one and combine with a shopping trip at llbean. OK, I haven't quite grasped the intricacies of the map of Maine. lol
Aurora
- Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 04:37:17 PM (EDT)

Great news about "John Gissing!" Maybe it will finally be released - if only to DVD.
martha
- Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 04:01:23 PM (EDT)

If Mike B. is attempting a second round at festivals, mayhap we can help by requesting the film at a festival near us. In my local area, e.g., the Cleveland International ff, which takes place in March, invites programming suggestions from members of the Film Society, which one can join free of charge. It seems like a good time to become a member and suggest a certain extremely funny film. http://clevelandfilm.org/ Perhaps there’s a ff somewhere near you? Austin, Atlanta, Peoria., Adelaide, Manchester, Kuala Lumpur? It doesn’t make sense to join in Cleveland if you live far from here, but Buckeyes......

Sue, that was very generous. I hope somebody took you up on the offer and used the ticket.

martha, you're still alive!
Aurora
- Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 04:01:16 PM (EDT)

Alan you are a top geezer,keep up the good work Jim
Jim <jimplusmatt@aol.comfoo>
- Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 03:05:15 PM (EDT)

For those of you in the LA area, here's your chance to see The Search for John Gissing

Its screening at the Westwood International Film Festival on the 30th of this month!

Westwood International Film Festival
Claudia
GA - Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 08:18:37 AM (EDT)

Thanks Martha:)
sue
- Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 06:38:29 AM (EDT)

Sue - That's a shame about your missing Kevin Spacey, I know you were looking forward to it. Hope you feel better soon!
martha
maine, - Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 06:26:38 AM (EDT)

I Love Alan Rickman soooo much especially as Severus Snape!!!! and he's soooooo hot!!!!
Becky <becky_girl 620@yahoo.comfoo>
Mansfield, Tx USA - Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 02:29:44 AM (EDT)

Just in case the news didn't get around, we here in west Houston escaped any major, or for that matter minor, damage due to hurricane Rita. Still holding our breath for friends East of here. More later...
lola
- Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 11:39:56 PM (EDT)

ANYBODY IN LONDON WHO WANTS TO SEE KEVIN SPACEY FREE IN RICHARD II THIS AFTERNOON AT THE OLD VIC 2.30pm EMAIL ME NOW AT suedotlockeatgmaildotcom
Feeling sick and can't go and they won't alter tix
sue
- Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 07:05:00 AM (EDT)

Barbara, Edward I, yes. That's why the Brothers of Gynedd books are are AliPat's wish list!
kit
pa usa - Friday, September 23, 2005 at 02:30:20 PM (EDT)

Exellent work webmaster ! You are realy profesional. Visit my site and see my job plz Watches World
Lennon <miklebg@yahoo.comfoo>
New York, New York USA - Friday, September 23, 2005 at 01:35:52 PM (EDT)

Claudia, thank you for the photo's!!!! It is clear to me that AR is very GOOD at doing peoid pieces. It IS a shame that he doesn't like these films........ I can see him in so many characters like these Kings - Charles II, Edward I, Henry VII - yes very much the 7th. Great Kings- all very happy with their wives! Especially "Longshanks", Edward I who really loved his first wife, Queen Elanor of Castile. It seems that he was faithful to her.. Amazing for that time! This King was only half alive when she died in 1294. That is why I think AR could act these roles. He loves the other half of himself just as they did. Bye.
Barbara the Aussie
Gold Coast, Qld Australia - Friday, September 23, 2005 at 04:15:29 AM (EDT)

I love Alan Rickman, he's such a talented actor. I loved him in Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves. And he is doing exceptionally well in the Harry Potter movies as Professor Severus Snape. Snape is just the right sort of character for Alan. Keep up the good work Alan!
Jocelyn McCreery <jocelynmccreery@yahoo.comfoo>
Wichita, Ks USA - Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 04:37:41 PM (EDT)

Thanks for your kind thoughts. We lashed down the boat and are riding out the storm at home. Cat - I'm so glad you took your babies and got out, though I know it was a long trip. It took us 6 hours to make the normal 1 hour drive home from the boat today. All the best,
lola
- Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 01:16:55 AM (EDT)

Re: PERFUME pics--AR looks like George Washington! Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Alayne
- Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 08:36:28 PM (EDT)

I hope Lola, Suzanne, and any others on the Gulf Coast,are well out of the way. I've just seen that Rita has gone Category 5!
Aurora
- Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 07:15:10 PM (EDT)

Hello, I must say I enjoy all about Mr.Rickman...Thanks
deborah <debbiec3@earthlink.netfoo>
pa. USA - Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 03:41:38 PM (EDT)

All I have to say about the "Perfume" pictures-thank God that I don't have a job where I have to wear a wig like that_LOL-I seriously need to watch Sense and Sensibility after those~
ACC
- Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 02:28:53 AM (EDT)

Off topic, Suzanne and Lola, please check in after Rita has hit and your families have returned to let us know you're A-OK. Me and mine are gettin' out of Dodge tomorrow - high-tailing it up to Austin. I know you are both in the general area and I thought of you today. Stay safe - high and dry.
Cat
TX - Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at 11:37:02 PM (EDT)

Add this to your Christmas shopping list:

CD The Essential Shakespeare
The British Library and the RSC join forces to publish this remarkable treasury of live Shakespeare recordings. 20 extracts selected by Gregory Doran spanning 4 decades, including Dench, Olivier, Scofield, Ashcroft, Jacobi and Mckellen.(2 CDs) £15.95
NOTE: In the RSC Gifts 2006 catalogue that I received in the mail, the blurb for this CD also mentions ALAN RICKMAN.

Available through the RSC. See RSC: Shopping Online
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at 10:12:37 PM (EDT)

Hi all!

I received some pics AR from the set of Perfume from a film extra. Enjoy!

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

Pic 4

Pic 5

Claudia
GA - Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at 06:03:16 PM (EDT)

"Help"--I can spell "help." Usually.
Susan CA
- Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at 05:58:35 PM (EDT)

Hugh Grant is already leading in this week's Hello poll. It might hlep if everyone voted for the guy in second place, and then HG wouldn't be in the September runoff, drawing votes away from AR. (Never tried a link before; hope this works.) Hellopoll
Susan CA
- Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at 05:57:18 PM (EDT)

I can't wait to see this! Goblet of Fire
Glowbox
France - Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at 04:50:20 PM (EDT)

Lee - Oh I always feel so sorry for Brandon in that scene, having to watch Willoughby drive off with Marianne (silly woman!). AR brought so much more to the character than there ever was in the book.
Glowbox - loved the Snape shopping too, and look, he's got a shopping trolley just like Alan's! ***wink*** Plenty room for those Potions ingredients and the odd organic banana.....
Aurora - I wear things til they fall off my back. Some of my wardrobe periodically comes back into fashion, I hold on to it so long (whether it fits or not is another matter entirely!) And don't forget the Fish Scarf and those jeans with the knee seam our Man is so fond of wearing.
Anyone in the UK waiting for Close My Eyes to appear on terrestrial channels, wait no longer, it is on this Sunday evening at (I think!) 11.30pm on Channel 4.
AFNH
- Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at 02:34:51 PM (EDT)

Hikity--re Dogma und Fehler(?): danke vielmals! Kennen Sie, wer spricht für ihn in Die Hard? (Ich kenne Deutsch nicht besser als AR kennt Deutsch!:)
Lee Eft
- Monday, September 19, 2005 at 10:19:57 PM (EDT)

Andrew Marr does a good interview, but I do hope he will not cross-examine AR the way he has TB and MH and CK. (But then AR is not THAT political...:)
Alayne
- Monday, September 19, 2005 at 10:01:21 PM (EDT)

**Possible S&S spoilers**--

Brilliant performance in Sense & Sensibility--

I've just been thinking about how profound AR can be at getting across a feeling. In S&S, in the scene where Brandon has come to invite Elinor and Marianne to the picnic at Delaford, and then Willoughby arrives and takes Marianne off for a drive and Brandon is left standing with Elinor watching them drive away, and says, 'Your sister seems very happy'--I had not thought about it before, but the way he watches Marianne drive away, just before he says that, look at his eyes. I just realized that that is how one looks when one is trying to blink back tears without being seen to actually blink them away. How he can manage to convey such feeling in just one look, and how that look adds to the meaning of the words he then speaks! He is a true actor!
Lee Eft
- Monday, September 19, 2005 at 09:57:30 PM (EDT)

Glowbox, Snape shopping is hilarious! And looks so realistic! That's a great find.

AFNH, glad to hear it makes several of us with the no-frills philosophy. I see in a recent photo from Barcelona AR is wearing a NYFD t-shirt that has been seen in other pics over the past couple of years.
Aurora
- Monday, September 19, 2005 at 07:53:45 PM (EDT)

nice to see that you are working on the site, and there will be new updates.
Tony <tony@tm.netfoo>
Au, KL Aud - Sunday, September 18, 2005 at 06:05:06 PM (EDT)

Hey all...just a quick note for those who may not know I have FINALLY updated my website with a brand new and massive DVD expose...so go take a peek!

www.alanrickmangallery.com.

Enjoy! :)
RedTango
- Sunday, September 18, 2005 at 04:25:27 PM (EDT)

Oh my frickin god
I love Alan Rickman
I cant go more then a day without hearing his voice!
lol
Though quite a big age gap between 59 and 13....
hm
Sarah <Padfoot5293@aol.comfoo>
PLainfield, IL United States - Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 10:59:05 PM (EDT)

Really enjoyed browsing through your site. Lots of information and an nice desgin. Keep going!
John woo <cdcdi@yahoo.comfoo>
mii, ere myr - Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 08:00:04 PM (EDT)

Do you think that they will be filming the Andrew Marr interview? I'm very disappointed that I won't be there.
teaqueen
scotland - Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 07:18:46 PM (EDT)

There is now a new date and time for the "In Conversation: Andrew Marr talks with Alan Rickman" event at Chelsea College of Art. It has been re-scheduled to Tuesday 25th October 2005 at 6:30pm, got my tickets for it.
delighted
- Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 01:06:50 PM (EDT)

I saw a man that looks just like Alan Rickman down town it was wierd because at first I couldnt figure out what actor he looked like I knew who he looked like and that was the one from love actually and Proffeser Snape then I remebered that he was Alan Rickman. lol
Skilling <Lilcheeky_monkey@hotmail.co.ukfoo>
- Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 08:27:20 AM (EDT)

No matter how bad he is, he's always good! He brings humor into very intense, dark characters which is why I'm so captivated by him. I would serously cry if I got the chance to meet him. I know he's just an actor and another person but....He's Alan Rickman! (Also just a side note: Snape is innocent!) Break a Leg!
Jenny <lmluver@myway.comfoo>
Madison Hts., MI USA - Friday, September 16, 2005 at 11:41:08 PM (EDT)

Great Page! Thanks for posting it
Stefan Peterhandel <stefanpeterhandel@gmail.comfoo>
- Friday, September 16, 2005 at 06:06:09 PM (EDT)

I LOVE Alan Rickman (heart throb). He is awesome in all his movies; I wish I could see him perform live on stage! I would love to see where they shoot Harry Potter and watch Mr. Rickman act; my friend was lucky enough to see where they film while she was on vacation (we live in the U.S.).
I am Mary Ford's step-daughter (Les Paul & Mary Ford), and I am totally infactuated with Mr. Rickman. Maybe someday I'll get a chance to meet and get his autograph. Does anyone know when he is scheduled to make an appearance in the Los Angeles area? Thank you
Cindy

P.S. I LOVE YOUR WEBPAGE!!!!!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. :)
cindy <harris1952@sbcglobal.netfoo>
Palmdale, CA USA - Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 08:54:15 PM (EDT)

AOL has a long GOF trailer up -- fantastic! And I think I have a new celebrity crush -- the man who plays Igor Karkaroff, Predrag Bjelac. Wow. Yummy.

And I haven't had a chance to check out H2G2 special features yet. That's why I was asking if anyone else had done so.
Julia
Canada - Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 07:25:28 PM (EDT)

Don't know if anyone's seen this hilarious photo manip... Snape shopping
Glowbox
France - Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 03:42:51 PM (EDT)

Julia, I totally envy you (beloj zavistju!) :)))) Tell me all the special features! *Marvin is so cute*
Meeressternchen
- Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 10:26:19 AM (EDT)

Stopped by and picked up H2G2 on DVD today -- has anyone else bought it yet? Apparently, on the special features, you can play hangman with Marvin! Squeeee!
Julia
Canada - Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 08:33:04 PM (EDT)

Lurker, I also experienced some trouble getting there myself. For some reason it links you to dreamhost and not the DT. It must be having some problems.
another lurker
- Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 08:32:34 PM (EDT)

lola - fantastic work, I'm in awe.
Aurora - "I already have a perfectly good jacket. Why would I need another one?" - perfect philosophy, couldn't agree more.
lablanche - Tangerine Dream phase - love that description! Can't help feeling I'd still love his hair even if he dyed it with rainbow stripes!
AFNH
- Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 05:24:24 PM (EDT)

This is O/T-does anyone know if Claudia's site the DT is closed down? I cannot acess it. Thanks and keep up the good work Suzanne with your site. Havent been here for a while and will have to get caught up!
lurker
- Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 03:33:47 PM (EDT)

Me again! Just replying to Joanna, AR's real address isn't on this site, but you can write to him via his agent. Look in the FAQ page for his agent's addresses. I wonder if he's got my CD!!!
Elfie
- Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 12:14:03 PM (EDT)

DEAR ALAN, YOU HAVE A GREAT SITE IN BOTH CONTENT AND DESIGN. KEEP IT UP
ONYEOCHA OWERRI WETEGO
- Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 05:22:16 AM (EDT)

Count me in the group of those who use, wear, drive everything until the bitter end, and I too love the fact that AR seems content with his classic wardrobe choices. On the other hand I am gaining evidence that he may just be trendier than we realize. I am refering to his untucked shirt/top-one-done on three-button-jacket look. I thought I noticed Jeremy Irons with the same look at the Oscars this year, when he gave the award from the audience, but it was such a quick shot, I could not be sure. Then last week, on the program Regis and Kelly, Michael Gelman, the show's producer and a somewhat natty dresser, sported the same look. I dropped my spoon!!! Is it posible AR is a trendsetter?

Thanks Valerie, for the Snape shot!!!
lola
- Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 10:54:57 PM (EDT)

A first look at Snape in GoF. Enjoy!
Valerie
Ohio USA - Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 10:03:56 PM (EDT)

Make that 3 of us. Is that why I’m not a fashion plate? I wear/use/drive/reuse everything until it’s done. I rather like the fact that AR doesn’t value having the newest and latest. I can relate to that. My philosphy is, "I already have a perfectly good jacket. Why would I need another one?"
Aurora
out of style, - Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 08:55:29 PM (EDT)

ACC - I'm with AR. I wear things until they are worn all the way out.
martha
maine, - Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 04:13:50 PM (EDT)

With people losing their loved ones, possessions and homes, it is refreshing that Mr. Rickman wears a jacket more than once, unlike the glamour pusses in Hollywood. I find it sad that Dustin Hoffman is identified by "Meet the Fockers" instead of some of his other stellar performances, but I guess we as a planet have a short attention span, except for us, that is, who even keep track of Mr. Rickman's wardrobe LOL
ACC
- Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 04:11:08 PM (EDT)

Really good
Isla Forrester <islaforrester@hotmail.co.ukfoo>
Aberdeen, 123 scotland - Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 01:09:29 PM (EDT)

Carol - Thanks for the pics and the translation. He's getting his money's worth out of that jacket!
martha
maine, - Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 05:49:47 AM (EDT)

Just a quick observation, while watching the US Open (tennis match)from NY last night, the cameras briefly showed celebrities in attendance; one being Dustin Hoffman. On break from filming or has he finished his part?
Vickie
Cincinnati, OH USA - Monday, September 12, 2005 at 07:20:27 PM (EDT)

Thanks for the translation, Carol - poor AR looks exhausted and rather bored in the pics.
Glowbox
France - Monday, September 12, 2005 at 04:56:28 PM (EDT)

Hi . My name's Joanna..I'm Alan Rickman's big fan.:) I live in Poland..I cannot have a travel to England , London..If i would write to his agent will Alan Rickman get this letter ? I want to know everything about'im.. please write to me asiafilipska@interia.pl I'm waitin' for the messeges..=) If u know his real address...hmm..just write to me. I want to keep in touch with Rickman's fans =) Thank you and good bye =D
Joanna <asiafilipska@interia.plfoo>
Ciechanów, Poland - Monday, September 12, 2005 at 02:31:28 PM (EDT)

Love Alan Rickman.Love the way he plays Severus Snape in Harry potter 1-3
judy <mcgonagall44@yahoo.comfoo>
las vegas, nv. us - Monday, September 12, 2005 at 02:23:47 PM (EDT)

Yesterday, on Claudia's site, Emily posted a link to new photos from a Barcelona press conference: Photos

I had fun this morning trying to translate the above web page, and here's what I came up with:

Running of the Perfume in Barcelona (A pun on “Running of the Bulls”?)

This afternoon, a press conference was held in Barcelona with the director and the producers of the film Perfume, based on the novel of Patrick Süskind, along with three of the film’s stars.

Present were actors Ben Wishaw (Layer Cake), Alan Rickman (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone) and Rachel Hurd-Wood (Peter Pan); the director Tom Tykwer (Lola Runs); and the producers Bernd Eichinger and Julio Fernández.

We have some images of the press conference as well as a small video (please excuse the quality), and information on this German-Spanish-French co-production whose opening is scheduled for 2006. At the moment, with filming in Munich completed, the filming continues in Barcelona and Girona until October.

Perfume is the story of a man who does not give off scent, but that paradoxically, has an extremely developed sense of smell. Obsessed to find a perfume that distills the essence of beauty, he ends up becoming a serial assassin.

This thriller, about the brilliant and ruthless perfumer Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, was based on a world-wide best-seller published for the first time in 1985 in Switzerland by the Diogenes-Verlag publishing house. The author, Patrick Süskind, born in 1949 near Munich, became an international literary sensation. The novel has sold more than 12 million copies throughout the world and has been translated into 42 languages.

Constantin Films (in conjunction with Filmax and Ikiru Films), the same producers that have already adapted the novels The Name of the Rose and The NeverEnding Story, hopes that the 60 million budget of Perfume likewise results in an excellent cinematographic adaptation and a great success with the public.

This film, in addition to the afore-mentioned actors, also features Dustin Hoffman (Meet the Fockers) and the collaboration of La Fura dels Baus [a Spanish performance ensemble] for the elaboration and development of some of the main scenes.

Carol
MI - Monday, September 12, 2005 at 08:49:20 AM (EDT)

Thanks for the input on the PoA premiere, lablanche. I'm in two minds about whether to brave the crowds if there's absolutely no chance I'll be able to get into the theater (and it sounds like there isn't!) and very little chance of getting anywhere near AR.
Reedpipe
CT USA - Monday, September 12, 2005 at 08:48:12 AM (EDT)

Off Stage can be purchased at RADA Enterprises Limited as well as Amazon UK. I own a copy and love it! AR's pic is the very first in the book.

As for the picture of AR and others...they have been available at Getty Images for almost two months now and have been posted on numerous sites. Use the search "RADA Centenary Portraits". AR's is on page 5.

Claudia
GA - Sunday, September 11, 2005 at 05:23:55 PM (EDT)

Brilliant, lola!
Glowbox
France - Sunday, September 11, 2005 at 03:55:14 PM (EDT)

Url for the photo in case the link below fails:
http://www.cambridgejones.com/auction/qauction%20jpegs/alan%20rickman%20final%2020X24.jpg
R
- Sunday, September 11, 2005 at 02:44:50 PM (EDT)

OFFSTAGE is the book which celebrates the RADA centenary - it’s just been published. It contains 100 portraits by Cambridge Jones, one of which is AR. (Also Kenneth Branagh, and Ralph Fiennes-without hair!) Signed copies of the photographs are being auctioned to raise money for RADA's bursary fund. Information for bidding is at http://www.cambridgejones.com/auction/auction.htm. You can also order a limited edition, signed copy of the book and bid on a copy signed by all the subjects through that website.

Here is the photo of AR. (Since this is a fundraiser, could I suggest this photo be enjoyed for only personal use, and not reproduced in print or on websites?) Good thoughts to everyone on this day, September 11-may we all remember to cherish those we love, and learn tolerance and understanding when we are most challenged.
Renie
And the photo even has a h*nd . . . *sigh*, - Sunday, September 11, 2005 at 02:41:21 PM (EDT)

As the queen of OT, I just wanted to post a small bit of information on life in Houston since Katrina. We as a city have absorbed some quarter million LA residents from early leavers to grim, late evacuees. My local community has almost a 1000 people from the hurricane and a call went out for help. As a personal chef, I provide meals for 25 families each week, most of them Brits. They all wanted to do something to help, but felt out of the loop. One suggested buying meals for those in shelters, and the idea blossomed. With their help I have managed to supply food for a hundred families, starting with the sheperd's pies and steak & kidney I usually make, and venturing into red beans, rice and cornbread and jamabalya (that my Brit hubby and customers would never order in a million years). I do not share this for self-agrandisement, but to point out that many of us have displaced persons in our communities and while donations to the Red Cross are great, help begins at home. A few baked goods and a friendly face makes all the difference to people who have lost so much. I bring this back to topic by reminding you all that AR gives selflessly, in so many ways. We should too.
lola
- Sunday, September 11, 2005 at 01:02:20 AM (EDT)

Alan Rickman is one of my favorite actors. He adds so much to his characters. He has a wonderful Shakespeare like voice and I can't get enough of it. His character, Prof. Snape, is stupendous!!!!!!!! I also thought he was wonderful in "Die Hard", "Love Actually", "Galaxy Quest", and "Blow Dry" to name a few. Someday, it would be my honor to meet him. It's funny, but there is a sadness in his eyes and expression in every film. I hope it is only my imagination.
Cindy <harris1952@sbcglobal.netfoo>
Palmdale, CA USA - Saturday, September 10, 2005 at 11:39:04 PM (EDT)

Voting on HELLO site has Alan Rickman at over 8000 votes, more than twice as many as the next man!Yeah!
Susan
TX - Saturday, September 10, 2005 at 10:19:30 PM (EDT)

I was at the PoA premiere last year. It was a madhouse. But then it was super hot and the throngs were eager. I was with a few friends, and we were behind a barricade, all crowded together. We were not able to get into the theatre, and we tried to sneak in. It was cool seeing Rupert and his brother, who was most angry looking. He (the brother) had dyed his hair black, trying not to look like Rupert. I understand they are a year apart. They could be identical twins. Dying obviously did not work. But then, Alan was in his Tangerine Dream phase, so his hair was pretty wacko, too. Nice cut, though.

I should think that in November the crowd will be smaller, but if you have the chance and it is being released next year, Snowcake will be small enough to get close to The Man. I was at the StLM premiere the week before, and less than a yard away. Less than a hundred people were there. Now that was memorable.
lablanche <ellephaba@yahoo.comfoo>
NY - Saturday, September 10, 2005 at 05:33:07 PM (EDT)

You are very welcome, Callette, and I just adored the pun at the end of a very long week!
emtee
US - Friday, September 09, 2005 at 07:34:29 PM (EDT)

Thanks for the premiere info, julie. I thought as much. Perhaps I'll get to the city anyway in hopes of a glimpse!
Reedpipe
CT USA - Friday, September 09, 2005 at 06:47:10 PM (EDT)

I sent AR's agent a demo tape with my singing!
Elfie
- Friday, September 09, 2005 at 06:00:08 PM (EDT)

I came across some big news while googleing today. Alan is scheduled to attend the reception of Shared Experience's 30th birthday gala on November 9th! Tickets are a little steep IMO (I'm assuming 75.00 is pounds sterling which would be about what, $140?), but I would definitely consider buying tickets if I were there at that time (i'll be in England at the end of November! dagnabit). Here's the LINK with the following information.

30th Birthday Gala Celebration Event

Wednesday 9 November, 7pm,
Lyric Hammersmith

We're 30 years old!!

On Wednesday 9 November 2005 at the Lyric Hammersmith, London W6, artist Paula Rego will be hosting a 30th anniversary celebration for Shared Experience, in aid of Shared Experience and the Neurofibromatosis Association.

7pm Reception
7.30pm Performance of BRONTE by Polly Teale
10pm Post-performance reception

Tickets cost 75.00 and are available from:

Shared Experience
The Soho Laundry
9 Dufours Place
London W1F 7SJ

020 7434 9248

Or to reserve a place email us now:
admin@sharedexperience.org.uk

The reception will be attended by Simon Callow (Patron of the NFA), Maureen Lipman, Alan Rickman, Michael Frayn, Claire Tomalin and Lady Antonia Fraser*.

* List correct at time of publication
Sarah
- Friday, September 09, 2005 at 05:42:02 PM (EDT)

Reedpipe, don't quote me on this but I don't think tickets to the NY premiere on Nov. 12th are available to the general public. But don't let that stop you from going to watch and take pictures (along with hundreds of other fans) of the stars arriving! A lot of times they will stop and sign autographs for the fans watching from the sidewalks. I wasn't there but I think that's how it worked last year.
julie
us - Friday, September 09, 2005 at 05:23:24 PM (EDT)

Were any of you wonderful people at the NYC premiere of Prisoner of Azkaban last year? I want to attend the GoF premiere SO BADLY but haven't a clue how to go about getting tickets, etc. Would the tickets even be on sale to the general public? Or are these things generally by invitation only?
Reedpipe
CT USA - Friday, September 09, 2005 at 02:37:29 PM (EDT)

emtee, thank you very much! You certainly eased my severe (or Sever-us?) AR pic deprivation.
Callette
- Friday, September 09, 2005 at 07:42:36 AM (EDT)

Thanks for sharing, but I don't want to know. Bet he doesn't either LOL-at least not the details
ACC
- Thursday, September 08, 2005 at 07:14:57 PM (EDT)

I think Alan Rickman is sexy as hell. I would like to meet him on a dark rainy night for a night of hot passion. I would also like to sleep with him when he is dressed as Snape. Even though I am only 23 I think he is stunning and his voice is the sexiest I have ever heard. I am not a freak or a stalker/bunny boiler but just thought you might want to know x x x
Jennifer Hill <jenskyhill@msn.comfoo>
Manchester, UK England - Thursday, September 08, 2005 at 04:35:24 PM (EDT)

Just voted for Alan. As of 8:30 a.m. Calgary time, Alan has 2,844 votes and Kiefer has 1,593!!!!
Jennifer
Calgary, - Thursday, September 08, 2005 at 10:28:52 AM (EDT)

Ladies, don't forget to VOTE for Our man!
Hikity
near Colognehattan, Germany - Thursday, September 08, 2005 at 04:06:29 AM (EDT)

Guest, glad to hear that you were warm while posting (in a heated "manor", no less)! ;-)
Slope
Canada - Wednesday, September 07, 2005 at 10:35:43 PM (EDT)

Alan Rickman 1283-----Kiefer Sutherland 1049 Atta girls.....
Alfan
Canada - Wednesday, September 07, 2005 at 04:38:22 PM (EDT)

I wasnt being rude i was asking an honest question which thankfully has been answered. The only reason why I posted the question in a heated manor, is because of the time, its been years since they havent been up. Well thankyou for taking the time to answer, and sorry to the people who thought i was being rude wen i asked a simple question :)
guest
- Wednesday, September 07, 2005 at 12:19:33 PM (EDT)

Vote for Alan in UK´s Hello Magazine and make him the Most Attractive Man of the Week

You can vote for him every 15 minutes!
Peekabooh
the Netherlands, - Wednesday, September 07, 2005 at 12:08:47 PM (EDT)

Well done!Very nice website.Iam a huge fan of Alan Rickman and I was delighted to find this website.Keep up the good work!!
Christina Depasta <christiedepaste@yahoo.grfoo>
Athens, Papagos Greece - Wednesday, September 07, 2005 at 08:30:30 AM (EDT)

Hello everyone!
Oh, man, a lot sure did happen in the world while I was away for a week. I had no Internet access and very little TV, so I did not learn of the full extent of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath until I returned home. The images and stories are truly sad and my heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected. And not only for this disaster, but also the typhoon on the other side of the world and the airplane crash in Indonesia! I have added a couple of links to the top of the GB for The United Way and Red Cross. If you haven't given already, please contribute, if you can.

A special thank you to Claire and Claudia for taking excellent care of the GBs while I was away.

Thanks, Renie, Pam and entee. :-) Guest, yes, I am planning on getting the Photo & Video Galleries back up (and adding more files to the Sound Gallery) and much more. Unfortunately, "real life" complications (not to mention numerous server problems) have caused delays for quite a while and are forcing me to work more slowly then I'd like, which I apologize for. Believe me, I am more eager than anyone.

Claudia, thanks very much for the VideoHelp.com link. I received my RADA DVD, but unfortunately, it wouldn't play in my Sony DVD player, so I will check out the link you provided to see if I can find a crack. At least it did play in my computer DVD drive, so I was able to see it and enjoyed it immensely!

And thanks, Claudia, Sue and Mel, for the Barcelona photos and Renie, for the Andy Gott's Degrees book and exhibition info and link!

Welcome, Robin! I often wonder the same thing. :-)

To everyone who has sent me e-mail, please bear with me and I will reply as soon as I can. Thanks!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Wednesday, September 07, 2005 at 01:22:19 AM (EDT)

1. An enormous debt of gratitude to Suzanne for this forum!

2. Callette: Hope these help! There are lots more great sites around, but I happen to have links on hand to these from when I was sending pictures to cheer up a friend.

This photobucket has a ton of pictures http://photobucket.com/albums/v73/LunarFlame/Alan%20Rickman/

Alan Rickman Daily is a live journal where members post lots of great pics http://www.livejournal.com/community/rickman_daily/?skip=60

Stazi's Filmography section has a lot of movie caps. http://www.alan-rickman.nl/index.html

Alan Rickman Fans has a gallery at http://gallery.alanrickman-fans.com/

Finally, this one is called Truly, Madly, Deeply http://www.mcamy.net/rickman/
emtee
- Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 08:56:11 PM (EDT)

Suzanne, your site is wonderful just the way it is. Please dont change a thing! I lurk more than contribute, but love everything you guys write about and bring us up to date on. Tomorrow is the 1st day of school around here and all the kids go back to school. At first it seemed sad to see summer coming to an end, but I really love the autumn season with the pumpkins, changing colors of the leaves, apple cider and of course apple pie with cheese (or ice-cream) Take care all, Will be back when I can. Who knows, maybe I'll actually find out some good AR information to share! Pam P.S. I have also been reading the Mitford series of books-what good feel stories they are-so heart warming, if you dont know of them.
Pam
MA - Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 07:57:14 PM (EDT)

Well, guest, you managed to do an awfully good job of sounding rude. The webmaster here does all she can and more--and your suggestions as to what she should, and should not do, are amiss. Enjoy what you find here, and be thankful there is so much--even if you are only a "sometime" visitor. (There is also an email address for private mail--but of course then your name would appear, I suppose.)
Renie
Decidedly not suffering fools silently today., - Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 07:29:22 PM (EDT)

i was just wondering when the whole of this site will be completed, its been like this for 5 years, no joke. Perhaps you should just make this web site for the two guestbooks/forums you own, as people who visit sumtimes like me, can actually know wots on the site. Im not trying to sound rude, just sort of dissapointed that the gallery ect has not been actually completed in years and years. Perhaps take my ideas or just keep it the same if u want! lol, this part of the site is good though, so no problem there!
guest
- Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 02:34:12 PM (EDT)

Claire & lablanche, thank you! I managed to see parts of it. The gallery, however, was not available. Where is the most extensive AR picture Gallery anyway?
Callette
- Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 05:26:29 AM (EDT)

Nice site!
mona <Imona_hotchick@shinyfeet.comfoo>
Beverly Hills, CA USA - Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 12:34:55 AM (EDT)

Just trying to be helpful, thank you for the info--I'll add that one to my search list!
Slope
Canada - Monday, September 05, 2005 at 02:21:49 PM (EDT)

Slope--don't know if this info helps you, but the RADA DVD played fine in my Zenith XBV442 DVD/VCR player which I bought a couple of years ago at Circuit City for about $100.
Just trying to be helpful
USA - Monday, September 05, 2005 at 11:17:37 AM (EDT)

Thank you Suzanne for your reply... I can keep on fantisizing about him playing my main character's role. ;-) What is most stirring for me is that Mr. Rickman as Snape really looks like my own character whom I created in 1992, long before the Harry Potter series - and in the books, by the way, Snape not handsome at all.
Marie
- Saturday, September 03, 2005 at 09:46:05 PM (EDT)

Claudia, thanks very much for your kind offer...I might have to take you up on it. Will check out a few stores here first though. Er, I should place my order for the dvd too! ;-)
Slope
Canada - Saturday, September 03, 2005 at 06:35:24 PM (EDT)

Slope, I got word from another friend here in the US a little while ago that owns an older player and the DVD isn't playing for her. I've suggested that she look here to see if there is a hack available for her player. You might take a look and see if there is one for yours. VideoHelp.com

The only other alternative I have offered my friend is for her to send me her DVD and I'll make a copy for her that will definitely play on a region 1 player. I will be glad to extend that offer to you too. You can email me when you decide.

Claudia <flipper828@aol.comfoo>
GA - Saturday, September 03, 2005 at 04:26:06 PM (EDT)

Claudia, thanks for the info. I don't know whether we get those brands in Canada--the States has so much more selection. I'll have to surf around and see where I can get one.
Slope
Canada - Saturday, September 03, 2005 at 02:33:38 PM (EDT)

The manufacturer name of the two region 1 players that do play the RADA DVD are "CyberHome" model CH-DVD 500 and "AMW" model S99.

Claudia
GA - Friday, September 02, 2005 at 08:23:33 PM (EDT)

Thanks Martha for the note - spam deleted.

Claire
- Friday, September 02, 2005 at 04:50:18 PM (EDT)

Alan Rickman is an absolutely mesmerizing actor. Is he ever going to be in my part of the world?
Robin <Robin.C.Craig.L9L4@statefarm.comfoo>
Radcliff, ky usa - Friday, September 02, 2005 at 10:53:18 AM (EDT)

Claudia, OK, thanks for the tip re: the RADA DVD. Someone from RADA Enterprises had advised me in an email that it was only available in Region 2. I may take a chance on it.

Out of curiosity, if you wouldn't mind, could you please tell me what make of DVD players you have that it does play on (in case I need to rush out and buy another one)? Thanks!
Slope
Canada - Thursday, September 01, 2005 at 10:18:19 PM (EDT)

I hope all are safe and well in spite of the unforgiving "monster of a hurricane"
Janine
Melbourne, Australia - Thursday, September 01, 2005 at 08:39:57 PM (EDT)

FYI for risk-takers: Information on the RADA DVD lists it as region 2 but I really believe its a region 0 because it plays on 3 of the 4 players in my home. 2 of the players it plays on are region 1 and never been hacked. The player it wouldn't play in is actually a DVD recorder which is pretty finicky about what it will play any way.

The RADA DVD has quickly become one of my favorites in the entire collection.

Claudia
GA - Thursday, September 01, 2005 at 09:41:48 AM (EDT)

Just amazing what you pick up when reading - I'm currently reading "THE FOUNDLING" by Georgette Heyer written in 1948, and there is a character in this book called "SNAPE" who is a overbearing Tutor to a young 15 year old in the Regency era. (18th Century) The young man in question is Mr Tom Mamble. It seems that this Snape is into hurting this young man. I wonder if J.K. Rowling is as big a fan of Georgette Heyer as I am???????? Coincendence???????
Barbara the Aussie
Gold Coast, Qld Australia - Thursday, September 01, 2005 at 02:13:23 AM (EDT)

Hey just enquired about the RADA DVD and apparently it only comes in Region 2 (non-North American) so you need a multi-region dvd player to watch it. :(
Slope
Canada - Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 09:30:48 PM (EDT)

This sometimes works if a web page is *lost* Internet Archive Wayback Machine Some of Tammy's site is available this way:Type in the web reference shown in the post below then cancel the log in screens.

Claire
- Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 06:30:44 PM (EDT)

It does, indeed appear that Tammy's site is no longer. I tried to access: http://www.nd.edu/~tchapman/alanrickman.html, and got a log in, and then not available.

It used to be open to anyone. After the wiping of my identity it makes me wonder about her. I do know she married a coupl of years ago. Perhaps she moved and no longer works for the university.
lablanche
- Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 12:37:54 PM (EDT)

I wonder what has happened to a certain AR site. It had a headline saying something like "if velvet would speak, it would ahve the voice of Alan Rickman". It contained a very large gallery and some awesome sound and video clips. It was run by someone whose name begins with the letters TA. Has the site moved or is it entirely lost? I miss it. (oh, and the address of the site begun with www.nd.edu if I remember correctly).
Callette
- Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 08:41:22 AM (EDT)

The Toronto Film Festival's searchable film list is now available. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any films starring or directed by Mr. Rickman.

[Juliet Stevenson stars in "The Last Hangman", which screens at the film fest. http://www.e.bell.ca/filmfest/2005/films_description.asp?id=212 ]
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, August 30, 2005 at 06:22:58 PM (EDT)

Lablanche, just a follow-up to my earlier post. Unfortunately, it looks like Sycophant Hex will not be able to help out after all. However, I've found a very good alternative that would work and would help you out in the same way. Please drop a line when you get a minute --- hope you're not too snowed under right now. Thanks.
Carol <carecrystal@aolfoo>
MI - Tuesday, August 30, 2005 at 01:58:29 PM (EDT)

According to Imdb they're still in production, no release date as yet. Couldn't find any additional info by Googling.
snapes_witch
- Tuesday, August 30, 2005 at 12:27:37 AM (EDT)

Anyone know when Snow Cake is due to be released? Hope no one has asked this recently . . .
Jeanie
Kansas City, MO - Monday, August 29, 2005 at 09:58:26 PM (EDT)

He's filming 'Perfume' (based on the German novel)with Dustin Hoffman.
snapes_witch
- Monday, August 29, 2005 at 06:08:59 PM (EDT)

Loooove seeing new photos! What is AR doing in Barcelona? And who is he with? yippee for new photos! L/mtnchk
mtnchk
CO USA - Monday, August 29, 2005 at 05:19:39 PM (EDT)

The ever fabulous Sue has found some new AR pics from Barcelona!!!!

AR in Barcelona

And then this one from Mel. Oh la la....

AR, Rachel and Ben

Claudia
GA - Monday, August 29, 2005 at 03:18:00 PM (EDT)

Thanks Renie for the news on the Gotts project. I can't believe I had forgotten about that!

Claudia
GA - Monday, August 29, 2005 at 10:00:09 AM (EDT)

More on Andy Gott’s “Degrees” book (remember that?) of celebrity photos: the book will be available on October 6th. The 'Degrees' exhibition begins Sept. 30th and continues until Oct. 29th in London. On the preview night there will be an auction of prints that have been signed by the featured actor, to raise funds for diabetic research. Lots include: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Minnie Driver, Ewan McGregor, Julia Roberts, Kirk Douglas, Patrick Stewart, and others--you can check with sales by email about any AR signed copy. The preview night will be by invite only but Gotts’ website will be taking bids online until 27th September.

Click the “portfolio list” off the main page to see the list of sitters (including AR) for the project. (Fausta, Alan Bates wrote the forward for the book; it was Bates’ last penned work.) Sorry if someone updated us on this already and I missed it.
Renie
- Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 08:31:24 PM (EDT)

Lablanche, if you are still looking for a viable alternative to hosting your group, please contact me. I just checked with MetaMuse at Sycophant Hex, and she says may be able to host your Mischief Managed group. I'll also follow through and send an e-mail to Veresna about this.

(I know this is quite a bit of time after your inital post on this and I apologize. Life has been interfering with my AR interests these days and I'm only now catching up. Sigh.)
Carol <carecrystal@aol.comfoo>
MI - Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 05:39:50 PM (EDT)

To all the Deep South Rickmaniacs in the Gulf Coast area, especially around New Orleans--be careful in the next few days and please take every precaution against the oncoming hurricane. This one looks like a real monster.

MA
- Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 10:16:33 AM (EDT)

Hi guys, its been a while since I last posted! I was over at Claudias download haven GB and glad I did. If you havent been there yet, please go in and wish Claudia happy Birthday as she is celebrating today.
I also mentioned to everyone over there that while sorting books/tapes etc. for the November book sale that I came across a VHS tape of Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. If anyone is interested in this tape, please let me know and when I get back up there again within the next two weeks, Ill gladly get it for you.
Off to read all the posts now. I just finished reading everything over there-whew-see what happens when you miss a week or so around here??? Have a good one everyone and enjoy the last days of summer-Pam
Pam
MA - Saturday, August 27, 2005 at 10:53:16 PM (EDT)

Phew! Glad to admit that I over-reacted. The page is back up!
Kari
- Saturday, August 27, 2005 at 04:09:58 PM (EDT)

Alone,down the lost tunnel there,His pain endured to much to bear. a shrouded figure in darkness hidden,His hopeful dreams long ago for bidden marked by darkness,but seeking the light,Searching,Searching for and end in hind sight.This is part of a poem that I gotten off of a vidio that is salled Severus Snape.I am a reall fan of Severus Snape.Which Alan Rickman plays which he does a good job.
mcgonagall44 <mcgonagall44@yahoo.comfoo>
las vegas, nv - Saturday, August 27, 2005 at 10:54:04 AM (EDT)

This just in today from The Leaky Cauldron! The premieres of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire are:
London, Nov. 6th
New York, Nov. 12th

Let's cross our fingers that AR will be able to attend!

Thanks for the all the info, Renie and Slope!

Hmmm, I can't get into Red Tango's site either. Hope you're right, Laurie.

Welcome to Jennifer, Marie, Guen, Maria, and good to see you, mtnchk!

And yes, Marie, as far as I can tell, he speaks French fairly well (and with an excellent accent, to my ears). :-)

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Saturday, August 27, 2005 at 12:57:19 AM (EDT)

Kari: I was able to access the Alan Rickman Gallery this morning. Red Tango posted a while back saying she is really busy at the moment and will update when she can.
Laurie
VT - Friday, August 26, 2005 at 06:13:43 PM (EDT)

Uh, anyone know what happened to the great alanrickmangallery site (the one with the Fashion Police and Panda categories)? Am I being paranoid or have the same misguided people who've been shutting down Yahoo groups decided that it also deserved to die?
Kari
- Friday, August 26, 2005 at 03:52:39 PM (EDT)

From Press: [snip] "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy DVD will be released in the UK on September 5 - eight days before its release in the US. Special features include behind-the-scenes interviews with the film's cast and crew, a special 'making of' documentary and deleted scenes."

I saw the releveant parts of this movie, finally, on a plane--and, ummm, saying that AR's voice was the best part of the film is a kind understatement, I'm afraid.
Renie
Maybe all future movie contracts ought to require use of his voice AND hands. (Is that too demanding?), - Thursday, August 25, 2005 at 08:30:40 PM (EDT)

Ali-Pat, you're welcome. Patrick Doyle's personal and professional story (he nearly left theatre and music but Kenneth Branagh gave him the music for Henry V to do) can be inspirational to all of us. As Commander Taggart would say . . .

I agree about S&S. Going through Persuasion and S&S (these books always feel so homey and enjoyable, like heaps of mashed potatoes when you're craving comfort food) again, and I can't help but admire anew the contribution of Jane Austen. The more so since her authorship was kept secret during her lifetime. I wonder if anyone has conjectured (in the form of a novel) on the contents of Jane's personal letters, which were burned by her sister Cassandra? With so many able Austenites around (witness the Republic of Pemberly, Bridget Jones, "The Jane Austen Book Club", etc...) it seems someone ought to have a go at it.

Besides, thanks to Jane, Emma Thompson won a Golden Globe for S&S, and Kate Winslet was nominated for an Oscar at 20 years old. Kate is so wonderful, the way she is so rude to Colonel Brandon, I just want to smack her one.
Renie
Marin, CA - Wednesday, August 24, 2005 at 11:37:20 AM (EDT)

i just want to say what an amazing actor mr rickman is, after watching him in the harry potter movies it made me want to check his his other work. he is truely an amamazing actor keep up the good work, remember girls like bad boys, or at least those that play one..
jennifer <jennyb29jen@netscape.netfoo>
newton, ma 02466 - Tuesday, August 23, 2005 at 11:10:25 PM (EDT)

Well the Toronto Film Festival has reported that 500 celebs are expected to attend this year...but no sign of Rickman...only Max Minghella and Orlando Bloom, among others.
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, August 23, 2005 at 08:58:05 PM (EDT)

Hello, I have only discovered recently how talented Alan Rickman is (with Robin Hood and the Harry Potter movies, and I am desperately looking for his Rasputin). I am in the process of writing a historical medieval novel from which I may eventually base a script, and for now - just for my own, personal enjoyment - I am looking around for actors to fill this or that role. As I have said, it is just for fun, there is nothing more to it. My whole thing is in French, and I just wondered if anyone of you fans knew if Mr. Rickman speaks French! Yep, in case you are wondering, I am crazy. ;-)
Marie
Sherbrooke, QC Canada - Tuesday, August 23, 2005 at 06:50:03 PM (EDT)

I haven't posted in a long time. But, feeling that energy that we may be seeing or hearing more of AR since the new HP movie is coming out soon! Hope you all are well! L/mtnchk
mtnchk
CO USA - Tuesday, August 23, 2005 at 01:22:36 PM (EDT)

I LOVE THIS VERY PAGE SO KEEP IT UP MY DEAR.
UZOAGBA ABA <Uzoagba@yahoo.comfoo>
ASABA, ASABA OWERRI - Tuesday, August 23, 2005 at 12:59:32 PM (EDT)

Thanks for that article on Patrick Doyle, Renie. Glad to hear he is in such good health! I was just thinking about him the other night as I watched S&S for the umteenth time. What a beautiful, painterly film that is. And the music is perfect. I look forward to the GOF soundtrack!
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH USA - Tuesday, August 23, 2005 at 07:23:07 AM (EDT)

heyyy, my friend heather and i are like, snape fanatics lol. we love making fun of him!! hee hee its a lot of picturing him singing Rock Lobster and wearing a tu-tu. anyways.. WE LOVE YOU SNAPE!
Guen <snapes.number.1.fan@hotmail.comfoo>
CA U.S.A - Monday, August 22, 2005 at 06:14:31 PM (EDT)

Here are snips from an article on Patrick Doyle, composer for GoF:

The 52-year-old is putting the finishing touches to the score for the film, which opens worldwide in November. (Friday, Nov 18 for US and UK--Thanks for the release dates, Meeressternchen.) He has worked with Goblet of Fire director Mike Newell twice before. "He's just great, we get on terribly well, and I was thrilled to be asked. It certainly went down a storm in my house," he said. "I read the script before they started shooting. My involvement has gone on for a year, and I've written zillions of themes for it.”

"People who have read the book will know that it is very dense in terms of its storyline, and all of the imagery is very big." Other departments involved in the film had put in immense efforts. He said. "When it comes to your turn, you feel this huge Goliath-type presence. Nothing has been a breeze. Everything demands the most of you. You have to be at the top of your game. It's an enormous presence, the biggest thing I have ever been involved in, and you feel the enormity of it all."

A few years ago, Patrick was diagnosed with leukemia while working on an animated film called Quest for Camelot. Tests revealed that he had acute myeloid leukemia, which required an aggressive form of chemotherapy. In hospital, unable to do anything else, he finished the score for the film. He underwent nearly six months of intensive chemotherapy before being pronounced clear. Once he got over it, he says, he promised himself that he would never moan again. "I'm going to have a great time, and that is what I'm doing at the moment."

He cheerily reports an upbeat recent coda to the whole episode. "I got a letter from the London hospital where I was treated,” he said. "They asked if they could dispose of three bags of my marrow - they felt it was time they could destroy it. That was a fantastic piece of news. I never thought the day would come when I would receive that letter. It was one of the best things that has ever happened to me." [End snips]

Thanks for special attention to the h*nds, Claudia. Much appreciated.
Renie, - Monday, August 22, 2005 at 12:59:07 PM (EDT)

hi! Who is RIMA HORTON?????You just broke my heart..Well,i 've seen Alan with a cute girl when it was the *avant-premier* of love actually.Anyway...klaps klaps,and as we would say in Greece...aftos hanei! I m desparate but i won't give up.Right?
Maria <papamichalismary@hotmail.comfoo>
Greece - Monday, August 22, 2005 at 07:54:12 AM (EDT)

I LOOK FORVARD TO THE NEST MOVIE SPECIEL HARRY POTTER MOVIE
gurli nielsen <hogenhoff@mail1stofanet.dkfoo>
VIBY J, DK DENMARK - Monday, August 22, 2005 at 06:36:24 AM (EDT)

Kim S. sent me a link to a German website that has some great "Perfume" shots (thank you, Kim!).

And thanks, Claudia, for the wonderful RADA screen caps!
And a warm welcome to Prateeksha, Saghar and Rob!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Sunday, August 21, 2005 at 12:50:18 PM (EDT)

Nice site. Mr. Rickman is fascinating. Thanks for sharing this info.
Rob <rarn@webuyhousesflorida.comfoo>
fl usa - Sunday, August 21, 2005 at 10:58:10 AM (EDT)

Claudia, thanks for the screen caps--you're an absolute multimedia goddess! ;-)
Slope
Canada - Sunday, August 21, 2005 at 10:29:14 AM (EDT)

I love you.Your role is pretty important and you are actually doing an EXCELLENT job with it that I will always continue to see Harry Potter.you are the best
saghar <sagharbala@yahoo.comfoo>
Iran - Friday, August 19, 2005 at 04:47:40 PM (EDT)

Thanks Claudia! Absolutely amazing!
Val
- Friday, August 19, 2005 at 03:28:45 PM (EDT)

Yowza!!!! Indeed, Claudia! thank you for the pics!
Jennifer
Calgary, - Friday, August 19, 2005 at 12:58:43 PM (EDT)

screen caps...
Melanie..
Geez, what's wrong with me?
aef
- Friday, August 19, 2005 at 12:01:07 PM (EDT)

Thank you so much for those sceen caps, Claudia. You're absolutely wonderful! And, of course, thanks Suzanne for Mekanie's answer. Let's hope that he will attend the premiere (even though I won't be able to make it there).
aef
- Friday, August 19, 2005 at 11:08:07 AM (EDT)

Hey Alan, Rickman ( Professor Snape) I am a big fan of you and all the other Harry Potter characters. Your voice is pretty deep but it is also calm. How can you be so calm and you are such a good actor. I have not missed out even one movie or book of Harry Potter and you are just so cool in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince except for the part when you ------. Your role is pretty important and you are actually doing an EXCELLENT job with it that I will always continue to see Harry Potter. I can't wait for the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire movie to come out on November 18th. Yipeeeeeeeeeeeee. Thanks a lot, Your fan, Prateeksha Ravi
Prateeksha Ravi <preethi93893@hotmail.comfoo>
Mississauga, ontario Canada - Friday, August 19, 2005 at 10:59:42 AM (EDT)

Thank you so much for the message from MP, Suzanne! You are so sweet to share the information you receive.

I hope yall enjoy the RADA DVD as much as I have. Here are a couple screen caps to keep you until you get your order.

Let me at ya....

So you want to act, eh?

Personal reflection, maybe?

One of those wonderful hands!

Thumbs out

Yowza!!!

Claudia
GA - Friday, August 19, 2005 at 09:20:22 AM (EDT)

Suzanne -- Thanks so much for keeping us up-to-date with Melanie's reply. I hope we get the official word soon. Of course, the premiere is too far away for me to attend, but I'm hoping to see some great photos! This AR drought is getting dull...
Dee
Indiana - Friday, August 19, 2005 at 12:54:32 AM (EDT)

Hey guys,

I received a reply from Melanie about the Harry Potter situation. She said even she hasn't heard anything about AR signing up to do any of the other HP films. So nothing official yet.
And as for him attending the HP premieres, she says it's too early to tell, because he doesn't know what his shooting schedule will be until closer to November.

So the good news is, it seems he is going to try and make it there if he's able!

And onto other things:
Thank you so much, Claudia, for posting the BTS at RADA DVD info (and Emily for finding it)! I ordered mine today. :-) And thanks to Jeremie for the Cambridge Jones RADA book info and link!

Yup, aef, it certainly is. :-) Thank you for the quotes and link!

And thanks, Angie, for the Mike Binder website link (great SFJG clips!) and Slope for the LLD, Sharleen, and Perfume links!

Speaking of Perfume , Ali-pat, will you tell us what you think of the book after you've had a chance to read it? :-)

Just Another Lurker, yeah, you're crazy (just kidding!). I've never heard of Ricky Gervais or Extras. Is this a U.S. series?

Sorry to hear about all the yahoo group and e-mail deletions! Hope y'all get everything worked out.

And finally, welcome to Gloria, Maria, Kellie, Nic, Helena, Jennifer, DaStar, Joanna, Ellie, Em, Delphina, Patti, Simon, Gracie, Jimmy, Angie, Cinderella, Sophie, Sandra (and anybody else I missed!). Wow, so many newbies! It's great to hear from you all!

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Friday, August 19, 2005 at 12:37:13 AM (EDT)

Claudia, thanks for the tip on the RADA DVD! I'm assuming it comes in a Region 1 version for North America? Who else is featured along with Alan?
Slope
Canada - Thursday, August 18, 2005 at 09:05:36 PM (EDT)

This is not much news, but it's always nice to hear someone else appreciates Alan, isn't it? ;P

Quotes from James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George in Harry Potter series)' interview with the Snitch Seeker:

Who are your favorite characters in the movies?
James: *hesitates* “I’d have to say probably Snape” *much laughter and surprise* “and George obviously” *laughs and looks at his brother*

On Alan Rickman:
James: “We do see him around. He’s such a nice guy to talk to. His voice is like this, very deep (deepens voice) and he’s especially intimidating as Snape. But he’s a really nice guy."

Apology if this is old news. In case you're interested, the full interview is at the snitch seeker
aef
Thailand - Tuesday, August 16, 2005 at 09:52:20 PM (EDT)

Several weeks ago, Emily mailed a link to me to RADA Enterprises because it had a listing for Behind the Scenes at RADA DVD. The listing was very vague at the time and she wanted to try to find out more before posting about it. Well, I decided I would take a leap of AR faith and try to order it. I figured even if it didn't have any AR on it, I'd still enjoy it and the money would go to a good cause.

Well, I received the DVD yesterday. And its so much more than I expected. AR does make an appearance twice. Once he talks and the other is towards the end and are some sexy poses on the stage.

I'm sorry but I will not be making a clip from this DVD for the download haven because it is readily availabe and the money does go to a very worthy organization. I highly reccomend this DVD for anyone that might be curious about what goes on at a drama school. It is a brilliant tour of RADA and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

The link above now has an order form you can download. Or you can order it like I did. I called RADA at 44 207 908 4805 and gave them my information (name, address, phone number, credit card, and email address). They will forward the information to the right department and in a few weeks, you'll have your DVD. The man I dealt with, Andrew was very helpful and prompt. You can reach him at info@radaenterprises.org

The site states £20 but my invoice says £14.95. For US buyers, after conversion the total was $19.96. I don't know what to say about the price difference but I didn't question them on it.

I've posted a few screen caps from the DVD on the Alan Rickman Download Haven Guestbook.

Claudia
GA - Tuesday, August 16, 2005 at 10:26:08 AM (EDT)

I adore AR...I had an experience when I was at the mall, too. I was walking to one store when I saw a guy's profile, and he looked exactly like AR so I freaked out. AND he was wearing all black, so he looked like Snape! lol It was embarrassing after I realized it wasn't him :D...
jessica
PA US - Monday, August 15, 2005 at 06:55:14 PM (EDT)

We _know_ AR's was in Baltimore, just not during baseball season!! I know what you mean though, I did a doubletake at the Mall one afternoon!
snapes_witch
- Monday, August 15, 2005 at 01:56:09 PM (EDT)

Just another, I guess we're all a little obsessed! I saw "AR" at a minor league baseball game in Baltimore, carrying a tray full of hot dogs and drinks! I almost dropped my hot dog. Whoever this was, he looked like he didn't belong there. My husband was there too, so I had to sit still and gawk.
kit
pa, usa - Monday, August 15, 2005 at 01:43:06 PM (EDT)

Maria, he is not, but he is officially together with Rima Horton. Hikity, I see. :) I'm sure you'll have much to discover!!
Meeressternchen
- Monday, August 15, 2005 at 12:30:12 PM (EDT)

Veresna, I have faced the same problems when trying to get into the Yahoo-group..there are always stupid people around. Another annoyance (not half as bad as yours of course): As soon as I give my mail address here I am certain to receive loads of bulk and spam mail Meeressternchen, university starts middle of October again, and my hubby is going to work (stand-in) in Azerbajian. I found a really amazingly good travel book about the country written by an American traveller via amazon - now we are prepared, :) :)
Hikity
Germany - Monday, August 15, 2005 at 10:38:06 AM (EDT)

The Leaky Cauldron has a voting poll up, re: Severus Snape:

Savage Slaughterer

Snide Sniveller

Sneaky Superspy

Sinless seraphim

So far, the category I'd place him in is first.
Veresna
- Monday, August 15, 2005 at 09:37:11 AM (EDT)

I first noticed Alan Rickman from Galaxy Quest, and then started finding him in other roles. My FAVORITE is of him as Col. Brandon in "Sense and Sensibility". I HATED that they passed over him just to make sure the girl was ok after the rainstorm. He was so devoted to her and the whole family! I think HE made the movie! I would have rathered more from Col. Brandon's point of view so we could see more of him.
Gloria Cresswell <cynethryth418@iwon.comfoo>
Brampton, ON Canada - Sunday, August 14, 2005 at 04:30:14 PM (EDT)

Hello to everybody! It's the first time i write for Alan in this site.God...he is gorgeous.He's a grate actor but most of all...he 's the sexiest "old" man in the world(sorry for the old but he is for me because i'm only 15!).I love his movies,espesially LOVE ACTUALLY. I hope when i'll grow up,i meet him!!!!!!!!!!!!!By the way is he married?(grrrrrr) and sorry for the grammatical or anything mistakes i've done,i'm from a foreign country.AH!!Canterbury in England is perfect as it is the eliot college!
Maria <papamichalismary@hotmail.comfoo>
Koropi, Greece - Sunday, August 14, 2005 at 04:14:21 PM (EDT)

Is anyone watching Ricky Gervais's new series, Extras? In the second episode (with Vinnie Jones as guest), there is a scene where two extras are sitting on some steps and chatting with each other. One of them looks very much like AR. The scene is shown within the first two minutes of the episode and, of course, slips by quickly. The man is turned away from the camera but there is a hint of profile that looks very much like our man. Not to mention the hands.

Did anyone out there notice that? Am I going crazy? Am I so smitten that I see AR everywhere? Do I need to get a life?
Just Another Lurker
- Sunday, August 14, 2005 at 01:10:33 AM (EDT)

Lablanche--why not use LiveJournal? It can be free or paid (only $25/year), and has lots of security options (enabling you to keep out unwanted prying eyes if you so desire).
Lily
- Saturday, August 13, 2005 at 05:27:57 PM (EDT)

Lablanche, so sorry to hear about your group. I think it's awful they could just delete someone like that without any warning, especially if everyone in your group was enjoying it. I agree with you, if someone doesnt like the material, they dont have to read it. They can go to another site that is more to their liking, not ruin yours or anyone else's because it doesnt "live up their standards". No wonder you are infuriated. I would be too. I have never checked out those yahoo sites but they douns good. Is there a lot of AR stuff over there?? The closet thing I have checked is the TARF site. (not sure if thats a yahoo group or not) Wish people would just get along..sorry for the O/T. Have a good day-I plan on watching a good AR movie tonight. Our old TV broke and we purchased one a little larger (32 inch) so am planning to re-watch the Barchester Chronicles) they should be good on the bigger screen--Take care and good wishes to you and your group LaBlanche Pam
Pam
MA - Saturday, August 13, 2005 at 01:54:11 PM (EDT)

I love your work. You are so mysterious with the roles that you play. it is very intreging.
kellie adams <kellieuofm@hotmail.comfoo>
jackson, mi usa - Saturday, August 13, 2005 at 11:21:36 AM (EDT)

Contrary to current speculation, the reports of my demise are premature.

I am here.

Mischief Managed was deleted on Monday. I started another group with an almost identical name. I uploaded all of Junya's pics and the lefty folder, and then it was deleted on Friday morning and my email account of 10 years was, too. I was, FORTUNATELY, signed into it when they did it, and was able to save about half of the contents by forwarding them to two accounts with excite and gmail. Needless to say I am a BIT spooked by the whole thing and am hesitant to mention how to contact me. Someone is concertedly attacking us, and we are TAME. Naughty, but not too awful.

I am currently in the process of setting up a group at google, but the options are limited, I am new to the format, and I cannot figure out how to post murasaki's images. Any suggestions would be most welcome. Any other suggestions of group sites would be welcome, too. I am so incredibly PISSED OFF that someone could to this to me. I feel EXTREMELY violated. Bloody prudes.

Sorry to be so adament.
lablanche
- Saturday, August 13, 2005 at 11:07:19 AM (EDT)

Ouch! Seems an odd way to do things. Will she be starting up another group? (Sure hope everything was backed up!)
martha
maine, - Saturday, August 13, 2005 at 07:40:15 AM (EDT)

The groups were clearly marked as adult, and you had to click on a page saying you were 18, etc. before being allowed into the group. This is the second time I have lost a Yahoo email account. There is absolutely no kind of warning given. One day you simply can no longer log in to your account, keeps telling you your password is wrong. And then when you go into 'sign in' help which involves supplying more of your initial information (name, birthdate, address, etc.) you come to a page that says your account has been deactivated because you "violated the TOS-Terms of Service" and you are never given any specific reason or told just exactly what you did to get deactivated. Again, as far as I can tell, someone can file a complaint against you and Yahoo does absolutely nothing to substantiate it before pulling the plug. The first time it happened to me, I had been accessing the account not one hour before it suddenly disappeared. Yeah, it's a free service and their terms of service are so vague that they're virtually meaningless, but I wish there were some means of being able to try and defend yourself before being summarily erased from existence and losing some very valuable correspondence!
Veresna
- Saturday, August 13, 2005 at 06:16:27 AM (EDT)

Veresna - OT: That's bizarre! There are a lot of adult groups out there, I would think they would loose a large percentage of their sites if they eliminated all the ones with adult content. Or is there a special category for them? Is there some way the site can be reclassified and reopened?
martha
maine, - Saturday, August 13, 2005 at 05:35:39 AM (EDT)

^"(I)_><^(I)"....MEW! I'm a scaredy cat of foreign travel ever since I saw the movie, "Midnight Express". I guess when you live in Europe, traveling to another country is routine and almost like us traveling to another state (US).
Zzzzz
- Saturday, August 13, 2005 at 01:11:01 AM (EDT)

Fleab's group was deleted too. I thought both groups were in the Adult category, but maybe not.
snapes_witch
- Friday, August 12, 2005 at 09:34:31 PM (EDT)

OT to Veresna - how horrible! I have not even noticed that Lablanche's group is gone now! And I can't think of someone who'd be glad to hack around this much on people's accounts...If yahoo site would have anything against the group's content, they would surely first notify us. :((
Meeressternchen
- Friday, August 12, 2005 at 04:53:02 PM (EDT)

Hi, hope this isn't TOO OT, but I am attempting to respond to a previous post. Lablanche's group is gone: it appears that Yahoo is on a binge of deleting Yahoo groups that have 'adult' Snape contact and more than a few people have lost their Yahoo email accounts as well. Don't know if they are cracking down in general or if some exceedingly 'nice' person is going out of his/her way to complain about certain people (which gets the account immediately deleted, it appears Yahoo has no kind of redress, they just automatically delete you). If it really is an organized vendetta, I think someone has WAY to much time on their hands!
Veresna
- Friday, August 12, 2005 at 04:26:42 PM (EDT)

Yes, thank you for the photo. It's my wallpaper too! Love his watch!
Jennifer
Calgary, - Friday, August 12, 2005 at 10:58:06 AM (EDT)

Here, I found it:

Wednesday, November 16th 2005

Meeressternchen
- Friday, August 12, 2005 at 10:55:58 AM (EDT)

lablanche - OT: If you're out there - What's happened to Mschief_Managd??
martha
maine, - Friday, August 12, 2005 at 08:24:49 AM (EDT)

It's probably my prejudice showing, but I think Alan's is the best photo of the lot. It's my wallpaper, too.
snapes_witch
- Thursday, August 11, 2005 at 11:41:06 PM (EDT)

Jeremie, Thanks for the link. Sigh, that wonderful soulful gaze... That's my new desktop wallpaper!
Julia
Canada - Thursday, August 11, 2005 at 07:21:56 PM (EDT)

Hikity, how interesting - are you having holidays there? The release data stated by Warner Bros. is 18 Nov 2005 for HP4.
Meeressternchen
- Thursday, August 11, 2005 at 06:05:34 PM (EDT)

Barbara, if you're suggesting that Alan's secretly married, no, but he's in a very, very long term relationship with Rima Horton, a retired economics professor. I think the photo in question was a publicity shot for 'Dark Harbor' in which his character was married.
snapes_witch
- Thursday, August 11, 2005 at 02:58:47 PM (EDT)

Meeressternchen, 14 October - I would love to come and surely He will be around - but we come back from Azerbaijan on 7 Oct. Well, talk to my hubby about it. November sounds better to me... Sorry, haven't yet found out the German actor dubbing AR in DH. C y
Hikity
Germany - Thursday, August 11, 2005 at 12:58:55 PM (EDT)

All this talk of Alan Rickman, and he is a great actor - it seems that there is so much that we don't know about him. I have seen a photo of AR, that was posted here, with a ring on his left hand (Forth finger). Will send it to suzanne soon. It was taken a long time ago around the time he was making LLD.

It seems to me that so much is hidden from us fans. It's what he wants, I think. Maybe, his managers will refute this? Bye.
Barbara the Aussie <bpac350@hotmail.comfoo>
Gold Coast, Qld. Australia - Thursday, August 11, 2005 at 03:28:16 AM (EDT)

From RADA's site:

New Book and Exhibition - 100 Portraits to celebrate the RADA Centenary

As a special commission Cambridge Jones ( http://www.cambridgejones.com) has spent the centenary year photographing all the best known faces who trained at RADA. Everyone from Lord Attenborough and Kenneth Branagh to Joan Collins and Sir Roger Moore.

This has never been done before and the intention, when Nicholas Barter and Cambridge Jones first sat down to discuss the possibility of the project, was to show the public just how much of the talent they see and hear everyday came from one single institution: The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

The portraits will be exhibited at The Getty Images Gallery, Eastcastle Street in Summer 2005. (Getty Show opens August 10th). The Observer and BBC2 are covering the project.

An accompanying book of the photographs will be published in August 2005. This will have an essay by Miranda Sawyer to accompany the portraits and an introduction by Lord Attenborough. Published by Dewi Lewis Publishing.

RADA are offering a limited number of advance copies of the book, signed by Cambridge Jones at a 15% discount (Thus reduced to £17) if you purchase them and pick them up from RADA itself. Please email admin@cambridgejones if you would like one reserved for you.

Rickman's picture can be found here
Jeremie
- Thursday, August 11, 2005 at 02:25:41 AM (EDT)

Hikity, Vera - I guess it was 14th Nov., but I am unsue. i will check and post again. The MNIRC premiere is 14th Oct., the previews start on 11th.
Meeressternchen
- Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at 04:35:33 PM (EDT)

It's just my personal opinion (and we all know what that's worth!) but I think he'll do the rest of the movies. He's probably being paid very well for doing a role that's little more than a cameo. Or WB's going to fire him? Not likely!

I would love to have been a fly on the wall when he found out about HBP.
snapes_witch
- Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at 02:59:07 PM (EDT)

@Hikity - you'r right. His "German" voice is awful :o( LG
Ricky
Austria - Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at 01:50:23 PM (EDT)

nic - We all want to know the answer to that one.
martha
maine, - Tuesday, August 09, 2005 at 08:01:11 PM (EDT)

Hikity, that must have been a misunderstanding. Although I asked whether there already was a date for the GOF premiere, I don't plan to attend it.
Vera
Germany - Tuesday, August 09, 2005 at 04:45:27 PM (EDT)

Will Alan continue to play snape in the next three HP films
nic <ncmaleney@blueyonder.co.ukfoo>
Edinburgh, Scotland - Tuesday, August 09, 2005 at 04:05:42 PM (EDT)

DIE HARD: The dubbed version is spoken by German actors and our favorite Man's voice is brrrrrrrrrrrrr (shudder). More tomorrow (I am going to see whether I can find a German name on my DVD)

Vera and Meeressternchen: Let't try first and find out the exact date of the premiere (but I don't know whether there is even a slight chance to get tickets). My e-mail is above
Hikity <Hikity2001@yahoo.defoo>
Germany - Tuesday, August 09, 2005 at 02:02:21 PM (EDT)

Kit, it's some time ago that I watched "Die Hard" in the dubbed German version but Hans is every bit the intellectual he is in the original English version. That's why it is a bit jarring that his German isn't correct in the English version. After all you would expect him to know his own mother tongue. I think the dubbed version is always done by a German actor. I've never heard of an actor who did his own dubbing in German. After all, his German would have to be really good to be able to do that. I don't think that AR would be up to that because in "Die Hard" his accent is rather heavy.
Vera
Germany - Tuesday, August 09, 2005 at 12:26:02 PM (EDT)

Vera, I'm curious about Die Hard in German. When Hans Gruber speaks, does he use the sort-of-German (simple, but not too grammatical)that is in in our English version, or is it upgraded to proper German? In the English version, I'm pretty sure it's his own voice, but dubbed versions are usually not him. That's very hard on THE VOICE fans!
KIT
PA USA - Tuesday, August 09, 2005 at 10:21:04 AM (EDT)

Hikity, I will most probably go to the premiere of HP in Nov. So should you come over, just drop me a line - I would be glad to meet you! :)
Meeressternchen
- Tuesday, August 09, 2005 at 08:54:47 AM (EDT)

Hi i'm Korean fan and i want to make Korean subtitle(caption) for Rickman's movie. For Korean Rickmaniac.(I run Severus Snape site, and there are about 600 members.)

So i've searching for "Truly Madly Deeply", "Dark Harbor", "An awfully Big Adventure", "Mesmer", "Close my eyes", "January Man", "Closet land"(these movies are not released in Korea)'s English Subtitle or script. But i couldn't find ANY OF THESE. Even i searched them in every searching site, every p2p programs like e-donkey.

And i thought may be one of Rickmaniacs have them. and i decided to write this thing in Rickmaniac's site. So, PLEASE if you have any of these movies' English subtitle or script, contact me. PLEASE.
ksy2679@hanmail.net
Helena Kim <ksy2679@hanmail.netfoo>
Seoul, X South Korea - Tuesday, August 09, 2005 at 02:21:59 AM (EDT)

Alan Rickman totally rocks!!!!! I can't wait for his next film. Snow Cake sounds interesting. He is sooooooo awesome!!!!! Hi, my name is Jennifer and I am Alan Rickman's #something fan!!!!!!!!!! :) Alan Rickman is great. Dogma was great. Snape is great. Alan Rickman rocks!!!!!
Jennifer Q <jennicquin@hotmail.comfoo>
La Verne, CA USA - Monday, August 08, 2005 at 11:42:29 PM (EDT)

Mary, I’m not a Catholic, so I’m not qualified to comment in that area. Nonetheless, even without a Catholic upraising, I think Dogma is funny as heck. I love the oddness of a couple of 20 somethings standing in a Midwestern-and hey, I’m a Midwesterner-airport debating theology. Where else are you going to find that? Plus AR is such a rude angel, whatever classification of angel he may belong to, and I cannot fail to appreciate George Carlin as a bishop. Finally, I shall eternally give Kevin Smith credit for recognizing that God is a woman.
Aurora
- Monday, August 08, 2005 at 08:03:56 PM (EDT)

Hikity, do we already know the date of the London premiere? The 18th November is the normal release date, isn't it? I always thought that AR's voice sounds lighter when he speaks German in "Die Hard". Nevertheless I took it to be him because I learnt at university that people who speak a foreign language often speak in a lighter voice than they normally do. Listening to some foreigners, I've realised that this is quite true. Therefore, there might be a "scientific" reason for the fact that his voice sounds different.
Vera
Germany - Monday, August 08, 2005 at 03:53:26 PM (EDT)

Joanna - Near the top of the page is a link to the FAQ page. Please see #2 for your answer.
martha
maine, - Monday, August 08, 2005 at 03:48:11 PM (EDT)

I have been a fan of AR for some time now but have only recently searched the web for info...too busy living. This site was suggested and I am pleased to be here.Thanks for the opportunity!
DaStar <jedidastar@insightbb.comfoo>
Greenfield, IN USA - Monday, August 08, 2005 at 02:43:21 PM (EDT)

Sorry , I've got one question. Would u like to give anserw ?? What is the Alan Rickman's address ?? I found it in the another place but I'm afraid it's wrong. If u know the address or site where I can find it , write to me. My email is www.asiafilipska@interia.pl Im from Poland :) bye bye and thnx :)
Joanna <www.asiafilipska@interia.plfoo>
Warsaw, Poland - Monday, August 08, 2005 at 01:16:47 PM (EDT)

Lee, I took Kevin Smith's usage of the term seraphim in the script, (which was followed by "choir of angels") as his wanting the character Metatron to refer to the type of angel that he was... a general term.

Dogma is one of my fave films, not because AR is in it.. in all honesty, while I'd seen him in other films previous to it.. I didn't even know his name when I first saw it... I appreciate it as a catholic who feels that the church has all but abandoned many of Christ's teachings (not trying to be inflammatory, merely expressing my own personal belief. Smith gets Christ's teachings right and that is what matters most to me.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Monday, August 08, 2005 at 10:45:39 AM (EDT)

Book talk always brings me out of lurkdom!

Snape's Witch--Hope you enjoy Wicked as much as much as I did! Look out for the sequel, Son of a Witch, which should be out this fall. I lucked into an advance review copy and am really liking it.

As for the Edward Rutherfurd novels, I have read Sarum and can recommend that one highly. And I agree with whoever called him England's Michener!

Next on my list--Perfume, which puts this posting squarely on topic (grin).
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH USA - Monday, August 08, 2005 at 08:48:50 AM (EDT)

Suzanne, do you think you have a chance to find out about ARs attendance (or not) at the HP-Premiere in London in November. It would be a good reason to travel in spite of the usually awful weather at that time of the year, :) :)

LeeEft, yes, I agree with you. I don't like obvious mistakes/errors myself. Especially when it comes to history and well-known characters, sometimes my hair stands on end. And therefore, esp. the playwright but also the actor should look behind "things". Vera, I know what you mean and that is the reason why I do not like all these accents, dialects and foreign language talks in films, because they are almost always incorrect with the exception of (local films and actors from the actual region of course).
To come back to Die Hard, I still doubt that it is Alan himself who speaks the slightly Austrian-German words. It's not his voice imho.
Hikity
Germany - Monday, August 08, 2005 at 05:36:53 AM (EDT)

I wish Alan would attend some media event, even though he probably hates them, because I want some nice recent pictures of him to drool over.
Frosty
MI USA - Sunday, August 07, 2005 at 05:18:19 PM (EDT)

Yes, Dee, I've read both 'Russka' and 'Sarum', the story of Salisbury. I'm currently trading off between 'Wicked' by Gregory Maguire (the 'real' story of the wicked witch of the West) and a re-read of HBP (plus keeping up with all the AR and Snape groups). When I finish those two I think I'll read 'The Forest'.
snapes_witch
- Sunday, August 07, 2005 at 04:59:41 PM (EDT)

Trisha's story is still in the works. I think she can get to finishing c. 2 on Monday, if we are lucky. We did spend a long time on an edit on Wednesday, but real life necessitates patience. There was this suggestion I made that she put Snape in a beard whilst he is on the lam, so whole paragraphs needed reworking.

In the meantime, some of you are members and on no mail. Murasaki has just added some new art to his folder, one sketch is inspired by c2 of HBP. Click on my name to get there.
lablanche
NY - Saturday, August 06, 2005 at 08:20:03 PM (EDT)

That should read "come up properly" (wine has gone to the fingers instead of the head....)
AFNH
- Saturday, August 06, 2005 at 07:00:52 PM (EDT)

Compatibility results didn't some up properly on my pooter, but reeling from the result I got 98% for Sean Penn - yikes!
AFNH
- Saturday, August 06, 2005 at 06:59:04 PM (EDT)

While I don't have a problem with you or anyone else critising AR, I nevertheless think that you probably expect too much of him.

Personally, I've never heard either the words "seraph" or "seraphim" before, and I just assume that I'm not the only one. I looked it up and read that seraphim have six wings. Well, Metatron has two, hasn't he? I rather think that this was a mistake of the costume designer though than of the actor wearing the wings.

There are Germans who blame AR for not speaking correct German in "Die Hard". It's true, he doesn't, but if I had been him, I would have relied on the script writer as well and not asked him whether the sentences were correct. If there are mistakes in the script, I'd always blame the script writer not the actor.
Vera
Germany - Saturday, August 06, 2005 at 04:49:12 PM (EDT)

Thanks for posting the "Match Yourself With AR" link! I got 99% physical but as the emotional was only 40-something per cent I guess it wouldn't be a very satisfactory match for either of us!:)

Having said that...

POSSIBLE DOGMA SPOILERS BELOW

I have FINALLY gotten to see Dogma! I'd been wanting to for ages, having read so many comments about it here. I had to set the alarm for VERY EARLY this morning, but I have finally gotten to see it!

Having said that...I will say I was quite surprised. I really admire AR, I think he's a brilliant actor and he seems to be a really interesting person in general. But why did he let his character say "I'm a seraphim"? "I'm a seraph" would have made more sense; "seraphim" is the plural of "seraph"--the statement didn't make much sense to me. Nor did the one he made that Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed. Sodom and Gomorrah WASN'T destroyed; they were two cities, therefore they WERE destroyed.

Perhaps now many of you will criticize me for criticizing AR, but if I didn't like and admire the man I wouldn't care enough to be have been bothered by these two lines. If as he says an actor's job is to interpret the writer for the audience, then what happens to the actor's efforts at researching a character (and presumably that character's lines as well)? I was surprised enough when Emma Thompson's character in Love Actually talked of the baby Jesus in the manger in Jerusalem, as if Jesus had been born in Jerusalem (and ET's a Cambridge graduate--she should know better!). I don't get it. They make their livings as actors; I make my living as an editor.
Lee Eft
- Saturday, August 06, 2005 at 03:37:05 PM (EDT)

Mary -- Thanks for the link to Andrew. His picture looks a little familiar...and not bad looking... But I'd rather be compatible with AR!!

Snapes Witch -- If you enjoyed "London", you might read his book about the history of Russia, "Russka". It's wonderful! Thanks for recommending "The Forest" -- I'll check it out!
Dee
Indiana - Saturday, August 06, 2005 at 01:47:17 AM (EDT)

ellie - please take any discussion of HBP to the spoiler page. The link is at the top of this page. (Lot's of good thoughts there.)
martha
maine, - Friday, August 05, 2005 at 10:29:02 AM (EDT)

hey i have recently read the new harry potter book and after reading it i HATE snape. i just want to say that although alan rickman does a great job at playing snape, i feel really sorry for him to play such an awful character. i still can't get over the fact that he __________ (im not going to say in case some people havent read the book yet) and i thought he was on the good side. but as a result of this I HATE SNAPE!!!!!!! love ellie the fairy from bicester
ellie the fairy <eleanor.broome@btinternet.comfoo>
Bicester, UK - Friday, August 05, 2005 at 08:45:59 AM (EDT)

Dee, I also read 'London' recently and enjoyed it very much. I think of Rutherford as the British James Michener!! 'The Forest' is in my huge To Be Read stack, er stacks, and I've read most of his other books.
snapes_witch
- Thursday, August 04, 2005 at 03:58:05 AM (EDT)

Dee, Regarding Andrew McCarthy, you can find out about which movies you might have seen him in here http://imdb.com/name/nm0000530/ Off the top of my head, the most well known films you might have seen him in are St. Elmo's Fire, Pretty in Pink, Weekend At Bernie's, Mrs. Parker, and the Vicious Circle, Mulholland Falls. Not that well known an actor, but he's pretty good in my not so humble opinion :-)
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Wednesday, August 03, 2005 at 08:07:32 PM (EDT)

Veresna - Sorry if I jumped the gun. Just too excited to keep the news to myself!
martha
maine, - Wednesday, August 03, 2005 at 01:07:03 PM (EDT)

Thanks for the notice regarding my story, but I must caution that all that is posted so far is a rough draft of the first chapter. I think my editor was planning on putting out an announcement after it's 'officially' up at some of the fanfic sites.
Veresna Ussep
- Wednesday, August 03, 2005 at 11:54:17 AM (EDT)

OT -- For anyone interested in the City of London, I'm reading a book right now called, "London: The Novel" by Edward Rutherfurd. It traces how the lives of three families touch each other from 54BC to modern times. It's a fascinated look at the history of London.
Dee
Indiana - Wednesday, August 03, 2005 at 09:42:03 AM (EDT)

Mary, yes all that from one's birth date...what you call 'highly scientific', no? :p Oh well, it's a bit of fun while we're waiting for the next tidbit of news on Al.
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 10:48:53 PM (EDT)

A bit OT: If anyone has ever read and loved, "Love's Labours, Paradise Lost," or any other stories by Veresna Ussep, she has started a post HBP and is posting it on Mschief_Managd. (yahoo group)
martha
maine, - Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 09:06:08 PM (EDT)

Slope -- Thanks for the fun link! Unfortunately, AR and I were only a 85% compatibility, so I checked to see who my best matches are. I got: Andrew McCarthy 100% (Who?!), Jon Stewart 99%(Ohh, I love him!), Brendan Gleeson 99% (Mad Eyed Moody in the next HP movie!)and Mick Foley 97% (A World Federation wrestler? Are they kidding?!)
All in all...I don't think my husband has anything to worry about!
Dee
Indiana - Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 08:51:40 PM (EDT)

Slope - AR not intellectual enough for me??? Uh, yeah! That must be what that meant...
martha
- Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 07:54:53 PM (EDT)

I took the biorhythm compatibility test Slope, my results were physical 85%, emotional 94%, intellectual 41% with a total average of 74%... all that from one's birthdate???

Received an email from Annie, she's made some friends, but is feeling a bit homesick.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 06:28:09 PM (EDT)

I took the compatability quiz: :( my total score with AR was only 85, but we matched 100% on emotional score! They matched me closer with severl others, a singer and actor I've never heard of, and Woody Harelson (nah..not my type) BUT they alo matched me in the high 90s with Liam Neeson! I like him, but I like AR MORE!
Susan
TX - Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 06:27:10 PM (EDT)

Martha, I guess poor ol' Alan just isn't intellectual enough for you...but emotional compatibility is important, don't you think? ;-)
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 04:11:08 PM (EDT)

Pfffft! 46% overall, and only 4% on intellectual. (The emotional number was fairly high, though.)
Johnny Depp and I, however...
martha
maine, - Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 02:33:39 PM (EDT)

Reedpipe, how did you know? Actually, I only got 96% ... ;-)
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 02:20:36 PM (EDT)

Re: Match yourself with AR -- WHOA! Does EVERYONE get 99% compatibility (I'm thinking this is too good to be true)??!! lol
Reedpipe
CT USA - Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 11:29:09 AM (EDT)

This is a great website and it's fantastic to see comments from other fans ! To let you know also, because I am not sure if you know or not, as it's Mr Rickmans 60th birthday in Feb a book of comments from fans is being made up and delivered in time for the big day ! If anyone wants to send in a message please e-mail Alansbirthday@hotmail.com. Come on folks, he's done loads of great stuff for people, time to fo something back !! Hope you can help.
Em <emilygeorge2@aol.comfoo>
Worcs, England - Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 10:07:08 AM (EDT)

Have you guys seen this? Good for a laugh anyway! ;-)

Match yourself with Alan Rickman
Slope
Canada - Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 09:36:57 AM (EDT)

lola, Mary - I doff my chapeau! Guess I need to read a third time.
martha
maine, - Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 05:51:52 AM (EDT)

You're right about the quote belonging to Slughorn lola.
Mary
Warwick, RI US - Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 01:42:18 AM (EDT)

Off the top of my head I think it was Sluggy, talking about the power of love potions, maybe in their first potions class of the year.
lola
- Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 12:21:10 AM (EDT)

Quotationspage.com, which has hundreds of quotes, has a quote from the HBP:
"When you have seen as much of life as I have, you will not underestimate the power of obsessive love."

Anyone remember who said that? Sounds like DD, but I can't remember the circumstances.
martha
maine, - Monday, August 01, 2005 at 10:31:11 PM (EDT)

Alan Rickman ROCKS!!!!!
Delphina <dsilverdragon@hotmail.comfoo>
- Monday, August 01, 2005 at 04:03:35 PM (EDT)

OT news: Juliet Stevenson returns to the theatre in Nov05.
Stevenson Headlines Trilogy in New Court Season
Slope
Canada - Monday, August 01, 2005 at 09:00:21 AM (EDT)

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