I realize that the GB is an international event, and I am certainly not out to discourage the support of theatre (wherever one finds it). I did mean to present the option of contributions in our own back yard(s). However, since this contribution is a GB project (I'm not certain I realized that, initially), please accept my apologies. Truly, I didn't mean to spoil the festivities.

Of course, if anyone does want that list of regional theatres in their area....

I've been giving the charity contributions some thought and here's my two cents. I applaud Delia's message and feel local community theatres/charities should be supported. I'm sure that many of the contributors to the GB also contribute to their own pet charities/causes, I know I do. My understanding is that the contributions to the Almeida were to celebrate the anniversary of the GB and to pick a cause that is near to AR's heart. I, therefore feel it would be nice to either continue giving funds to the Almeida or as Mandy suggested the Bush Theatre. Of course, all contributions are strictly voluntary and no pressure should be put on anyone to do something they are not comfortable doing.

I recently wrote to AR and asked him to send an autographed picture to a friend of mine as a birthday present. I received a lovely note from Melanie Parker of ICM ("for and on behalf of Alan Rickman") and an autographed picture of him. She apologized for missing my friend's birthday and included a picture for me even though I hadn't asked for one! BTW, it's the 'sneer" picture from Karina's photo page and it's signed in a silver pen and it IS his signature. The address is listed on Karina's homepage. I wrote in late Dec. and received an answer last Sat.

Among all the formulaic, feel-good movies released in the post-Christmas season, there's not likely to be one more entertainingly written and exquisitely acted than The Winter Guest. Never sentimental, this visually arresting film explores the most fundamental passages of the human heart with wit and sensitivity. It is the sort of touching parable of foregiveness and reconciliation that stirs an audience's deepest emotions. ......this film adapation (of the play) by Alan Rickman is rendered more potent by the natural intimacy of the film's two stars....it is unlikely that they've ever been able to inform their roles so completely with the nuances that their relationship in TWG affords them. (Some story line follows.)

Thompson has the more difficult and less rewarding role here because it is essentially a reactive one......Frances and Elspeth reach a sort of graceful detente with their demons and with each other........

To his directorial debut Rickman brings an unusual depth and understanding of the material, due in part to the fact that he commissioned the play and directed its first staging. Understandably, he is a little intoxicated with the power of the camera to magnify the changing moods of the emotional landscape, but the results are equally intoxicating for the audience. Together with the cinematographer and art director he creates a gorgeous, topographical tapestry from the wintry setting so that the landscape itself becomes a character.

The Winter Guest is a Channel Four film...it's the kind if indigenous film that, like the best of British television, only seems to get started with public money.

Brenda - Welcome to another Boston fan. If you haven't already found out, "The Winter Guest" is playing at the Sony Harvard Square in Cambridge.

To BC: I own two copies of Persuasion, both covers. I believe Delia(?) hit the nail on the head. One is more provocative to capture attention to the passer-by. Ciaran Hinds is another actor who uses his whole body to convey a message.

As for the music and art used on vids--sometimes the actual music from the film is unavailable for the trailer and the trailer is then bedded with music in a similar style or period. Happens ALL the time. Unfortunately, when the film's score is available, it's not cost efficient to go back and re-track the trailer. So....

I can't explain the art except to say, as with many videos, the releasing company uses whatever they think will draw people to it on the shelf. I've seen many videos on which the art was skewed.

And a question for Melissa, etal re: The Almeida. With no disrespect to Rickman, or the Almeida, or any of the GBs--wouldn't it make more sense to support theatre in your own area? There are PLENTY of American theatres struggling to keep their doors open--theatres that produce wonderful theatre, but who aren't a name brand (or don't feature the star power)...and they need the support.

I'll be happy to collate a list of regional theatres for anyone who'd like to supporta regional American theatre.

I assume the article is online, but if you need it, I can e-mail it to you.

I got my copy of TWG soundtrack today. I was stunned that Sam Goody had it, but it was the only one. $15.99, but its worth it. Haven't played it yet, but judging by the times, it appears to be rather short. Better than nothing, right?

Just for the record, Noel, Liz Fraser does indeed sing the final track "Take Me With You", which, incidentally, AR wrote the lyrics for--an interesting note that I thought you all would like to know. That's all for now...the soundtrack awaits!

I have been keeping tabs on Siskel and Ebert (sp), haven't seen anything. I know they review movies that are not blockbusters. (eg. Mrs. Brown) Has anyone seen Mrs. Brown? I think it is about Queen Victoria?!

Re: The photo of AR holding the bust. It's a full page picture (!!!) in the 8-9-91 issue of Entertainment Weekly. It is accompanied by several other pictures from his various movies (some of which you can also see on Emma's page) and the wonderful article, "Tough Actor to Follow" which Karina has posted on her Article/Interview page.

I, too, saw TWG over the weekend and loved it! :-) I went all the way to downtown Houston (2 1/2 hour drive) where it was playing at the Angelika Film Center. A very nice place with a cafe/restaurant/bar.
It isn't playing at the Angelika in New York?

Anyway, I went to see TWG today...playing at the Paris in NYC, the ONLY place around that's got it, and I've been in a daze. I don't know how I got back to Port Authority from the theatre. The film was absolutely exquisite, so beautiful, I was so moved. The performances were incredible, and we can all agree that the way HE shot it, was beyond belief. I just marvel at it, and am thrilled that the piece is so wondrous, truly a success. I just wish he'd get the recognition he deserves for it. Both the writing and the music were also very affecting, and hopefully I'll find a copy of it somewhere. Also, I'm sure this has been discussed, but someone please verify: that was HIM who bumped into Lily and Chloe on the street while PL was looking through the telescope at the beginning, right?

BAFTA AWARDS CEREMONY: April 19, London

Re: The DC TWG outing Sunday, I'm looking forward to meeting the rest of you.

Re: Alfre Woodard's hug, Joy, I only said I envied it, which I think is a reasonable statement. I wasn't planning on ever accosting Alan. However, the hug did strike me as the kind one gives to a friend. I'm still curious as to whether they know each other and, if so, how.

Re: AR's hands, also notice what he does with them at the end of CL when he puts the handcuffs on Madeline Stowe for the last time. The way he draws his right hand back it's almost a dance.

Re: His hands. (Apologies to those who have heard this all before..."Forgive me, forgive me.") Besides what's been mentioned (and I've not had the pleasure of a handshake myself), it's what he does with them--He uses his hands in delightful and pointed ways in both the characters he inhabits and in his own storytelling. There is not a wasted movement. Watch any (watch all!) of his films and look at his handiwork (sorry!) the way he crumples the blankets in TMD, or runs his thumb along the cracks of the wood floor, the way he grips and handles the back of a chair in S&S ("No, I must go further back...") or MC, the way he pulls on a bit of leaf from a hedge walking in a garden in Mesmer, the way he admires a car with his hands in CME, the way Rasputin grabs the cabinet, the way he walks his hands along the panelling in Mesmer and S&S, the way his hand dallies on a doorknob in MO . . . He is very aware of his hands, and I'm not a painter or visual artist, but I imagine that as an artist, he is doubly aware of his hands. For those of us who are (ahem) interested in his hands, they merit very close attention indeed . . .

2. Joan Baird: If you are in DC, call me! Better yet, come to the movie on Sunday! I'll introduce you to the other DC maniacs (who would never think of accosting the Beloved without his permission!).

It was indeed a lovely "Isn't it wonderful?" hug. She hugged Jada first then turned to AR, "Sure, I'll give you a hug" he says...

People pleeaase. It was a "I'm really glad you won" hug which turned into a "its so exciting you won hug". I also hope that no insists upon a hug of their own if they are fortunate enough to run into AR. Would you like it if some man you didn't know came up and demanded a hug from you?

TWG is rated R because of swearing and bare bodies. But it's not an "R" movie like some "R" movies, so if you're concerned, don't let that put you off. Bay Area folks, it's showing at the Embarcadero.

Julia, yes Alan's copresenter last night, Jada Pinkett Smith, did present Alan with his GG last year. Renie, I think that answers your question about why he was paired with her this year. Alan's other presenter last year was Gary Sinise. I was hoping Gary would win the category Alan was presenting last night just to bring it all full circle (the three of them together again!). But if he had we would have missed one of the most memorable moments of the evening. Julia, I also wondered how Alan knows Alfre Woodard. I certainly envied that hug she got!

"They say you are an imbecile." ... "Is the pain gone?" ... "First we must sin." ... "Kiss me."

...His eyes--after he's fallen to the floor while dancing, looking up at the woman seated at the table. His eyes--seeing visions. His eyes--frightened. His eyes--comforting.

I logged on over at WGA and didn't find Minghella in the membership, but I'll go ahead and call them on Tuesday and see what, if anything, comes up.

Methuen Drama
Reed Consumer Books Ltd.
Michelin House
81 Fulham Road
London SW3 6RB.

Another is through Jim Henson Productions. Minghella wrote a series of Celtic fairy tales that was produced by them. (The series is currently showing on cable.) The Henson production offices are located in Los Angeles.

Maxine, go to the video page itself. Then try to see or download or save - whatever - a clip. If the picture of a plug-in within a circle with a stripe thru it comes up (much like those warning signs in elevators not to smoke - a cigarette with a stripe thru it), you've got to find the plug-in(s) you're missing. You'll be linked to the plug-in page right then and there if you want to proceed.

I, too, was one of the Plug-in-less People, until I launched Netscape and was gifted with plug-ins from a fellow GB poster. That was the only way I could get the page working. Nothing else worked.

Maxine, the contact at Fine Line is Nevin. I was in contact with him when I had my frustrations with the page. He's eager to help, but, to my mind, not a webmaster. If all else fails, tell him what's happening. Maybe he'll have advice. If you find that he's of no help, contact me and I'll give you specs as to how I rectified my set-up.

TWG is reviewed in the Jan 16 Entertainment Weekly, p. 49, and it gets a B! Glad to see a national mag give it good points. Also, the February Premiere has an article on Oscar pics, and they list Phyllida Law as a long shot.

"I have to correct some misapprehensions in Steve Grant's article 'A Winter's Tale' in TO 1429.

Firstly, it was not me but Roger Spottiswoode who visited Dennis Potter before his death.

Secondly, the changes requested by Fine Line Features in TWG were for the always-edited airline and network TV versions. At all times, Fine Line have been generous and imaginative in their support for the film. Indeed, they were the first people to back a difficult project.

But on a brighter note, perhaps it is the Angelika Alan spoke of at the NFI Lecture. For he did an interview there which was on a show I mentioned in an earlier post called "At the Angelika." The episode he was on appeared on Bravo. And also on the Independent Film Channel (IFC) two days ago! His segment was first and lasted about 5 minutes. It's scheduled to come on IFC again tomorrow (Friday) at 3:45 p.m., Saturday at 9:40 p.m. and Monday at 4:00 p.m. Al times Eastern. Hope these are the right episodes. :-)

After reading about the DC Tea Party, M7 at Borders in NY, and the UK Guardian interview (among others), we just couldn't stand being outdone any longer. The members of STARS (Seattle-Twisp) have finally had a meeting!

Today, I met up with Dana (of FOF's PL & Dana) and her daughter Katherine (yes, an AR fan at only 7 years of age...I think her mom had something to do with that!) while they were traveling through Seattle on their way to Olympia (our state's capitol). After talking for months via e-mail, it was fun to finally see each other for REAL over lunch! Of course, we plan to do it again someday (other area fans are welcome!), and are thrilled that now we can add ourselves to the list of "those who have met others from Karina's page"!

(And the "Little Church at Egdon" for FOF Rckmaniacs...)

I've seen TWG in the theatre (in Venice and here in BH)...it's a very different film on the small screen. But you know what? It works wonderfully on the small screen. The intimacy a smaller room helps create is perfect for TWG. The bunch of us decimated a box of tissues...and spent the balance of the evening talking about the film...no one wanted to let it go.

Nothing much happens in the film...just life.

If anyone who attended the NFT interview can remember if AR cited CAC, I would be most grateful.

The one good thing about having to work Saturday is being able to check in with you guys.

Snow Business is the same outfit that did the snow at Blenheim Palace for Branagh's *Hamlet*. (Of course there was actual snow as well...)

Thanks for checking on the Highwayman, Laurie. And thanks for the UK report Mandy.

Happy New Year, all. Thanks for all your hard work, Karina.

THANKS