Alan Rickman Guestbook

Karina, having just re-done my site, I have a new found respect for all of the hard work you have done here on our behalf. Some of the margins are quite right yet...but I'm working on it. Also, there is a link to this page, if that's ok? So, everyone, come and take a look around, sign my guestbook, as I am always open to suggestions from other 'maniacs!

Thanks,

Remaining back issues of Flights of Fancy, August to October up on the picture page. Go to the FOF index page via the link below.

http://freespace.virgin.net/sc.i/Claire.htm

In an old guestbook, I found a phone number for Judy Hofflund, which is close, but off by one digit. The company name is Hofflund/Polone; phone: (310) 859-1971; fax: (310) 859-7250. I couldn't find the exact address, but it is in Beverly Hills, CA.

Karina: You may want to add the above info to the FAQ. Thanks.

Off topic, but Liam & KBranagh fans must buy March's GQ. Ken looks particularly yummy.

Emma

http://freespace.virgin.net/sc.i/Claire.htm

Thanks for the photocopy Robyn.

I repeat ---- a truly awful CARTOON and short profile of AR from the London Guardian last weekend, copy of which can be seen on the Picture Page. And to make up for airing that, a really great picture of HANS!

http://freespace.virgin.net/sc.i/Claire.htm

Debbye:

You have not *seen* CME yet? I did a review on Emma's Page, and I tried to be unbiased but in the end I just think it's a great film and I certainly fell in love with Sinclair!

Note: I have a new e-mail address.

That cartoon *is* baaaad! I wish I hadn't looked. I wish I could stop laughing, I know it's not funny.

I won't spoil the surprise (for lack of a better word) for anyone who hasn't seen it, but I'd like to take a switch to the writer for that first paragraph. Poor Alan!

Edinborgh Film Festival 97. Ang Lee the Taivanese director of such aclaimed dramas as Pushing Hands, The wedding banquet and eat Drink Man Woman is in town to promote his new film The Ice Storm. hearing that his Sense and Sensibility star Alan Rickman is down the road he locates and finally ambushes the usually dourfaced thespian thereafter erupting into a lengthy and endearing fit of gigles...

Regarding the Ice Storm am I the only one to notice the similarities with The Winter Guest frustated parents, confused teenager and a lot of frost and exsyensialism and freak death accidents.. Very nice indeed but could we have something like S&S next time, please!!!!

Eva

Have you posted that picture and article yet? I can't find them!

Thanks,

From Screen International 20th Feb.: TWG enters at number 15 in the list of Top Grossing Films in Belgium. No I don't know how many films are on release in Belgium!

A truly awful CARTOON and short profile of AR from the London Guardian last weekend, copy of which can be seen on the Picture Page. And to make up for airing that, a really great picture of HANS!

http://freespace.virgin.net/sc.i/Claire.htm

Karina, I've been trying to access back FOF--the zipped #3 from Nov to Dec.--and my server can't find it. Would you be able to send it to me (at renie@roughhouse.com) if it's no longer available to download to unzip? Thanks so much.

For those who like any excuse to see a pic at the magazine stand, the Rada ad is in Variety with the ROTN small "sneer." And there are a few spots left to study at Rada, all you stars-in-the-making...Renie

Karina, I've been trying to access back FOF--the zipped #3 from Nov to Dec.--and my server can't find it. Would you be able to send it to me (at renie@roughhouse.com) if it's no longer available to download to unzip? Thanks so much.

For those who like any excuse to see a pic at the magazine stand, the Rada ad is in Variety with the ROTN small "sneer." And there are a few spots left to study at Rada, all you stars-in-the-making...Renie

Been trying to decide if I should read the screenplay before or after seeing the film. Anybody out there want to advise me?

Will anyone do a transcript of the chat Saturday?

Valerie

I'd like to add my belated wishes for a wonderful birthday and a joyous year ahead for Mr. Rickman. I spent my 21 February with friends, champagne, bourbon, chocolate cake ("Happy Birthday Alan" iced across it), and videos of Rasputin (the first time anyone at the party had seen it), S&S, and TMD. A heavenly day, indeed.

Also, I have to tell all of you how much I'm enjoying the adventures on FoF! Can't wait to go back & read all the stuff I've missed. :-)

This whole site is a goldmine.

Thank you so much for the translation. It made my Monday!

Emma,

I like the New Jersey idea. We could at least turn it into an East Coast Tour (including Boston, of course)!

Maybe Mr. Rickman would like to vacation in the entertaiment capital of the US (home to Kevin Smith), central New Jersey... or do a worldwide Visit The Rickmaniacs tour :-)

Heck, we would even treat him to the restaurant of his choice!

1. I'm trying to back up some months and find that September - December 1997 are not available. Are the urls working?

2. If you're thinking of fine-tuning this format, you may want to consider returning to the January 1998 format. The font is darker and the data are presented in a more-compact fashion. Less lines used and it is easier to follow.

Thanks for looking into this and thanks for continuing this site!

Première, March 1998

In films, English actor Alan Rickman is sometimes evil but often nice. For the Winter Guest, his directorial debut, he is more philosophical.

ALAN RICKMAN S'INVITE EN ECOSSE

interview: Eric Libiot

photo: Steffen Thalemann

Even if he would rather we didn't speak of it, Alan Rickman became known as the vicious Hans Gruber in Die Hard, or as the over the top sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood with Kevin Costner. But those who have seen Truly, Madly, Deeply, Closet Land or Michael Collins know that Alan Rickman is an actor who is better than just exhuberant. And The Winter Guest, the first film he has directed, will not say the contrary.

PREMIERE: This film, intimate and close to the characters is very different from the ones for which you are known.

ALAN RICKMAN: If you look a dozen of the films I have made, there are really only two that are like that: Die Hard and Robin Hood. These films were successful, but the roles I played don't have much to do with other characters I have played.One film of which I am the most proud is Truly, Madly, Deeply by Anthony Minghella (The English Patient). I have a lot of affection for Anthony, which is not the case with all the directors with whom I have worked. Some films are more like a battlefield. And they leave their scars.

What is the theme of The Winter Guest?

For Sharman (MacDonald, cowriter of the film with Rickman), it's death. I would rather say it is the hope of a new life for a young adolescent and his two friends. I wanted to film these little moments that have a great importance for all of us.

The film is taken from a play that you once directed. What is different on screen?

The relationship between the mother and daughter is stronger, because for a film, one of the four stories must be more important. Filming these stories is a little like a piece of music: you have to find the rhythm, the harmony. We were also more explicit about the love and sexual relationships of the two adolescents. Finally, the atmosphere of the play was tragic, while on film it is optimistic.

Was it your idea to get Emma Thompson and her mother to act together?

No. Emma was not in the play, but wanted to be in the movie; it didn't pose any difficulty, because she is old enough to have a 17 year old son. And This made the production and distribution of the film easier.

Did she cut her hair before the film or for the film?

For the film. I found that she never looked so beautiful. During the rehearsals I asked her to think of certain French actresses, such as Stéphane Audran or Isabelle Huppert. These actresses have a very subtle manner of keeping their guard or keeping their secret in silence. In England, actresses are much more expressive. I didn't want that. I asked her to think French, and she did it well.

Did you know exactly what film you wanted to make?

Yes, I had everything in mind and I spend a lot of time on the locations before filming. I had to find a balance between what I wanted to do and the exterior constraints. The element to which I paid the most attention was the weather. There was a character with very definite opinions, but also very changeable.

While directing actors, did you learn anything you can use as an actor?

Not really. But afterward I was very happy to rediscover the animal pleasure of playing.

What sort of animal?

A deer. An animal that is nervous, attentive, always on guard, and who can jump all around if necessary.

Like any good Englishman, do you have a desire to direct a Shakespeare play?

Maybe. I'm thinking of Troilus and Cressida. It is one of the few plays Shakespeare wrote without thinking that someone would try to adapt it for film.

Would you act in it?

No. I have always refused to do both. But when I saw Happy Hour, with Steve Buscemi, I told myself that it could be possible. But it would require, as was the case for Steve, that the role was very close to who you really were. If the character were a composition, it would seem to me to be very difficult. In any case, I'm not ready for that.

Have you been influenced by directors you like?

No. Given the theme of this film, the only references I had were on the subject itself, the way in which one can construct one's own life, as when one looks out a window.

What types of films do you like?

If I went to a deserted island, I would bring Nashville, by Altman. And I really liked The lce Storm, by Ang Lee, and not only because I worked with him on Sense and Sensibility. Look, there's another film where I wasn't a villain, you see! I like films where we talk about human beings, and we don't show them either too black or too white.

Your future plans?

Dogma,a satirical comedy with Kevin Smith (Clerks Méprise Multiple) I am a good angel who likes to drink tequila in bars. I am happy that Kevin Smith wants to work with me. Maybe he has seen my eccentric side.

When are you filming?

In March. Before that I am travelling to promote The Winter Guest, and I will take 15 days of vacation--some time to let my wings grow.

Another interesting photograph of AR! Great job! Perhaps there is a kind soul out there who would translate the French article?

Photo ...Full length and article ( in French) up on the Picture Page now!

http://freespace.virgin.net/sc.i/Claire.htm

Thanks Raffaella.

Anche io! I'd very much like to read the Premiere article (and see the photo)

Mille grazi,

Maxine: I also loved Mesmer, although I have only watched it once. I truly am a sucker for clothes like that, but to see him in a leading role, and really his performance was very commanding and yes, mesmerizing...I was enthralled by it...and the kiss...so tender... those hands...those eyes...

Alright, enough, maybe I'll try my hand at IRC...hope everyone enjoys this special day...cheers!

--Pam

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. RICKMAN!!!

Second of all, I'm happy to see someone out there who is also a Jason Carter fan. Great taste!

I'll try to make the IRC chat later today. Chat with y'all later!

Happy Birthday!!!!

And don't forget to check out Noel's special birthday menu, while you are at it!

Weekend birthdays:

Mr Alan Rickman, actor, 52.

Anyway, a question...has anyone gotten TWG screenplay yet? I can order it from the local bookstore for $13... I was wondering how big it was, if there were any photos or notes by anyone involved in the film???

I'm sure I'll be posting tomorrow since I'm clueless about IRC...all the best...

Put up the fullsize picture of the one that appears on the main page ... ready for 21st February. (includes h*nds!)

I tried e-mailing you but it bounced.

HERE we go again

http://freespace.virgin.net/sc.i/Claire.htm

Well here I am. Try the click routine on "Claire" and it should take you to the Picture Page and back issues of Flights of Fancy.

If it doesn't… I've messed the HTML, and use the http reference above.

*************** AR:

It is an old cliché "the older the violin the sweeter the music" but it is as though it were written for you. Each year that passes, every new role, brings a new dimension to the person the we here perceive as Alan Rickman. It only stands to reason that it also brings a new dimension to the person you are in real life. With this in mind, I want to wish you all the love, and happiness, and continued success and whatever else it is that makes you such a special person. Happy Birthday.

OK. So there. That's as mushy as I can get. Now go eat cake!

- Lisa Wagner

In the review of "Close My Eyes," I read: "For Rickmaniacs it features the earliest of the on-film Rickman bedroom scenes." He does bedroom scenes?!? Be still my heart! My keyboard will short out with all the drool. (I'm still a newcomer to his films.)

I would love to find the TROTN tapes, as I adore the sound of his voice. Was the "over $70" figure American?

Thanks,

Call me a 'maniac, but I would even pay to see Mr. Rickman play Timon of Athens!

While T&C is not your garden-variety response, I'm just thankful the man didn't choose "The Taming of the Shrew"!

Robyn

Just a thought.

Dogma Casting Opportunities . . .

For Stand-ins, bit parts / walk ons, or extras, send a head shot and a resume. For extras, send a recent photo and contact info.

Nancy Mosser Casting, 239 4th Ave., Suite 1217, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Would some kind-hearted Rickmaniac please tell me the simplest way to get onto IRC?

Brenda, The irc chat's scheduled for Saturday 21 Feb.,5PM EST at #rickman.

1. He does not act, he "becomes." If you've ever seen him in such diverse roles as those he played in "Truly, Madly, Deeply" and "Closetland," you know what I mean.

2. He is absolutely beautiful!

3. His voice . . .

4. The way he speaks . . .

5. The way he moves . . .

6. Something in his eyes . . .

7. He has an intensity . . .

Mesmer VHS .....WHERE!!!!!

Just got Bravo copy and it's wearing out!

I read a lot about "slides" in the GB. I have never seen AR do this, but I wasn't looking. I'll have to rent all of his movies and look for them. What a hardship!

He was born in '46? And I thought Jason Carter was old! (He is if you're still under 20. I have unusual taste for someone my age. Good taste, but unusual all the same.)

I was thinking about renting Die Hard, but when I read that AR's character is much like Gary Oldman's character in Air Force One, I wasn't so sure. Is he recognizable as AR?

Also, what did people think of Mesmer? I haven't seen it, and I would like to know if it was good, or if it stunk, before I see it. Seeing AR in drech would be too painful.

Thanks, all!

I'm so glad you listed "Closet Land" as a film Mr. Rickman had starred in. I rented it a few years ago, watched it, and promptly forgot the title. Who was his co-star in that movie? I can picture her, amnd I know other roles she was in but I cannot recall her name. Thanks very much.

I can't believe that after all the fruitless web searches for ~anything~ about Mr. Rickman, I finally found a site this extraordinary. I had been convinced that my friends and I were the only people on this planet who obsessed over his performances the way we do. Lo and behold, there's a whole clan of you out there in cyberspace!

My name is Trish, and I live in NY. I saw The Winter Guest at the Paris Theater a week and a half ago, and I'm still in awe. My friends Lisa, Cindy and I are having an AR video marathon this coming Saturday, and you all know why. *s* I've been lurking around here for about a week now, and I'm still amazed that there are other people out there who have watched CME over and over again!

Well, I just wanted to comment on how wonderful this web site is.

Sinclair picture is scanned from my poster for the CME video -- Artificial Eye. On the side of the box is the same picture. Definately a CME publicity shot!

It's a great poster although the picture of Sinclair is smaller than it appears on your screens.

The magazine also includes feauture on forme and upcoming Rickman co stars like Kate Winslet, Kevins Klines and Costners, Affleck and Damon, a postcard from The Winter Guest and a review. I short value for money.

HAH they think it's you who had the "close encounter" ... don't think so, can't imagine you not saying /doing anything!

She is just reporting a posting on another web site folks.

And thanks for sharing your breathtaking adventure.

Bonnie

The knees I notice most are MINE--as in, getting weak at the knees when I see him!

Or . . . LISTEN to him. *SIGH* ;-)

I'm the idiot who didn't sign her name to her post! I was so excited, I didn't think to proofread or sign my name. Sorry!

When I think about that slide, my blood pressure goes way up. Renie loves his hands - I watch everything below the knees. Have you noticed the knees?

BTW, my favorite slide was always the one in RH where he grabs his servant's coat as he slides past him. And then the Die Hard one when he slides out of the office, and shooting the gun and yelling for everybody to go up to the roof; and grabs Bonnie Bedelia's arm and turns her around and looks at her (ooh, mama!).

I'm not sure these qualify as slides, more in the 'leap' category: Jamie's leap from the chair to the piano bench in TMD and Dwight's leap across the room to ask Luther to find the concert on the radio [also involves dangling over a railing].

I've noticed he covers a lot of ground quickly in his movies. I'm sure there's other examples.

Please send me an Instant Message if you have trouble finding the chat room. We usually meet for an hour. The Alan chat is every other Sunday; we alternate with the Ralph Fiennes Forum.

Out of curiousity, how many of you bought the soundtrack to TWG? Also, what does everyone think of the song AR wrote? Is it any good?

I'm asking as a former musician...

Renie - the winebar party would be great - as that was before my time, and I'd love to find out what went on! But I think you'd better send it to Claire, as I used up all my available free space putting up the FOF Archive. Good cause though, so I don't mind!

Re Valentine dreams - I don't think I DARE dream about the real AR - one of his characters is far safer. If I'd dreamt about the real thing, how would I ever look him in the eye when I finally meet him!?

Hugs to both of you. May you be visited by Valentine's Day dreams featuring AR as the character of your choice.

November/December back issues of FOF up on my site .. still looking for 22-31st December posts, somebody must have them stored .Check your discs please .. it's the wedding sequence!

Oh and Jamie and Sinclair are now there with Ed and Achilles.

And please, please, send a recipe for the cookbook! (As long as the recipe is real and reproducible, it doesn't need to have anything to do with AR) (but he can send anything he wants!).

In a nutshell, the review stated that it was a good film, chronicaling the "icy" relationship between a mother and her daughter. Elegantly filmed, while giving AR a LOT of credit for his directorial debut. (which, as we all know, he richly deserved!) No pics of AR, but a nice two-shot of Emma and her mum.

Just thought I'd pass that on. :-)

By-the-by....who many of we Rickmaniacs are going to be on the chat/IRC channel(s) for HIS birthday party! Count me in...I have it written on my calendar!

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

I've been out of town for five weeks (teaching a workshop down in CA), and I come back to find this delectable new guest book! Thank you, Karina! This is *still* the finest, fluffiest web site of all.

I missed you all so much while I was away. I took some videos down with me (S&S, Rasputin, and Closet Land), but it wasn't the same as being able to commune with all my fellow Rickmaniacs. So it's good to be back, and I just want to send you all an electronic hug!

Anna

Hope AR liked "Cyrano" as much as I did .. Anthony Sher great in the part.

More stuff on my page .. been a busy beaver!

Claire

We are newbie-friendly, and very nice, to boot. This week's topic: how did Alan get robbed of an Oscar nomination again, and why is he the most talented and versatile actor working today???

How much GB space can I waste.

The above is now correct.

Having trouble with this comment box .. it keeps disappearing as I type.

Photos will be changed frequently and new ones posted when I can get them. So any new magazine photos needing a home have one now. If you find one that needs sharing .. email it to me.

Really it's a place for me to play where I love second best to FOF, with resizing and extracting Rickman photos. Now I will not be overloading your emails!

There may be the odd "other" photos and pictures in the selection!

Apparently AR *loved* Chasing Amy (Kevin Smith's last film) so much that he contacted Smith to tell him so. As a result Smith showed AR the script for Dogma and AR just loved it...and we all know what happened next.

Also, according to K. Smith, AR will be using his "fantastic" accent in the role as Metatron .. the word "fantastic" was Smith's own .. he referred to the accent as such when he was asked by someone if AR was going to disguise it.

My favorite scene: Hugh Laurie & AR holding the crying baby; had totally forgotten that!

Director: Titanic, LAConfidential, GOod WIll Whunting, Full MOnty, Sweet Hereafter

Actor: m. Damon, R. Ducall, P FOnda, D. Hoffman, J Nicholson

Actress: Helena Bonham-Carter, Julie Christie, Judy Dench, H Hunt, K Winslett

Supporting Actor (I missed one): R. FOrster, A Hopkins, B Reynolds, R WIlliams

S. Actress: K. Bassinger, J Cusak, M. Driver, Rbyn Moore, Gloria Stewart

For those who check the newsaskew pages for the latest Dogma info, the site was shut down last week. It is resurrected at www.newsaskew.com. Found at this site: Kevin Smith is now in Pittsburgh. Most of the cast will arrive in a couple of weeks. KS plans to ask cast members to come online at his board (www.viewaskew.com/wwwboard). KS checks this board almost daily to answer fans' questions.

Many service providers charge webmasters by the amount downloaded. If you are always accessing the front page just to get to the guestbook or have set the guestbook as your Netscape default, you may be running up Karina's bill unnecessarily.

Fabulous job Karina!

Gilda sent lots of wonderful recipes for the cookbook, and there are two new reviews (CME & CL) in the Ricmanista Review, if you haven't seen them yet.

Great to see the page back, Karina! Keep up the great work. TMD, all!

I still need to find a better GB template that will allow the HTML codes to work. I'm not sure why they don't. ON the up side, however, you don't have to use HTML to format the guestbook entries anymore. But, italics and links won't work yet.

There are 3 or 4 new articles on the articles page. I have some snappies that I have to put together into new picture pages (actually, I want to re-install the old snappy software, it was much better than the "new and improved" version 2.

Check out the What's New page from time to time. Using Front Page to edit the site makes it easier both for you to check stuff out and for me to update stuff.

Debby

If there is anything that I can do to help out with the page, just e-mail me and let me know!

Anything to make all the Rickmaniacs happy!

Where did my post go? It was just here a few minutes ago? :-(

I would also like to invite you all to the second annual Alan Rickman Birthday Bash on #rickman. We will be getting together Saturday, February 21 at 2pm Pacific, 5 pm Eastern, 11pm in Italy. Hope to see many of you there!

Misunderstood Rickman makes his intentions clearer.
"The latest round of cuts to the arts would suggest extremely poor timing on my part if my intention at the NFT/Guardian evening had been to attack the RSC per se (January 15, News, Page 2).
Your reporter misses the point. I am very aware of the debt I owe to the company, and whether or not my sympathy for Adrian Noble is "unsought", it is genuine- born out of a long personal friendship and deep professional respect. I was trying to point out the dichotomy between continumal underfunding and real artistic freedom, but I am happy to take this opportunity to apologise for not knowing of recent actor development programmes within the company and to applaud all such measures wholeheartedly.
Alan Rickman
ICM, Oxford Street, London."

Looks like you've been working hard. Sorry I can't be of any help with your layout problems.

I'd suggest a change of font for the GB text as the Arial/Helvetica text is hard to read and would help if it was smaller font or darker.

Don't hit me! I know the hassles of using new software. I'm only trying to be helpful.