Alan Rickman Guestbook

Contact: Ms. Rebecca Eaton, Producer; Mobil Masterpiece Theatre; WGBH; 125 Western Ave.; Boston, MA 02134. Phone: 617-492-2777.

Or, email them at: feedback@wgbh.org. Check out the Masterpiece stuff at our site: http://www.mobil.com

Go get 'em, Rickmaniacs! Just try not to sound TOO maniacal!

And, Renie, that is a wonderful idea to have a calendar of AR events... however, JUST WHERE DO WE FIND THAT OUT??? I'll take any information even sloppily... just anything!!!!! It's been pretty slow these past months!

Next, some of you know I have some ties to the U.S. PBS show "Mobil Masterpiece Theatre." I am lobbying for the producers to consider TWG for next season. I'll get a name and address for us to stage a "spontaneous" letter-writing campaign.

Addedum to the comments on the Yo-Yo Ma show on PBS. A friend of mine saw all six hours of the program last week in a museum in DC. She said it is a must-see. She also said she thought the male ice skater (Torville or Dean, whichever is male) reminded her of AR in his young, skinny days.

Lastly, (a non-AR rant) I can't decide whether to be furious or curious about the "new" movie "City of Angels" that is opening this weekend in the US. It's an Americanized remake of one of my all-time favorite films, "Wings of Desire"-- a Wim Wenders film. See "Wings" if you can. It's on video and well worth the rental. The (German)sequel is called "Far Away, So Close." E-mail me off the guestbook if you have comments/opinions.

Last rant: I just got the Savage Garden cd. My neighbors are sick of "Truly, Madly, Deeply." I don't care.

(Clearing throat) To change the subject ;-), I was thinking that in addition to the on-the-spot updates that everyone posts here, someone with a page might like to keep a "What's Coming Up" section on the status of Rickman's projects. Kind of a "look at the months ahead." It might be organized by calendar months, and show films in production, where the shoots are, release dates, which projects are firm, which are unsure, etc...Then at a glance we would all know what he's going to be doing in, say, the fall, or September...

Just a thought.--Renie

PBS is airing Yo Yo Ma's "Inspired By Bach" series beginning this Wednesday, April 1st. He worked with 6 different Canadian filmmakers and 6 different artists representing different artforms to create visual interpretations of Bach's 6 cello suites. There are collaborations with Mark Morris, the choreographer, Torvil and Deane, the ice dancers, and Atom Egoyan, the director. I think the others are a landscape architect, a Japanese kabuki(?) artist, and a Renaissance architect.

It sounds really interesting, so you might want to check your local PBS station listings.

http://members.tripod.com/~Claudia_Riley/index.html

Also thanks to Stezi the latest Frank pic is there too. Pan European cooperation in action!

C-L-A-I-R-E on

Does anyone have any information on a tv monologue Mr. Rickman did, Billy And Me? Please e-mail me.

Thank you Emma

Thank you,

Re: the previous post, I was reading the Die Hard script the other day, and noticed quite a few references to "beat" or "beats". Having seen the movie over 50 times, I can definitely say that following the "beats" added to the overall tension of the film.

Also, over the weekend, I saw "Closet Land" for the first time. I was hoping I would be able to write the review for the next edition of the Rickmanista..but sheesh! That is one heavy-duty film. The character that AR plays is not even a "villian" in the strictest sense, he's just a sadist! Maybe I'll have to watch it one more time to get a full appreciation of it. I would love to hear anyone else's interpretation of this film.

Also, did yet more tinkering on my web site over the weekend. Thanks to dear Claire, who kindly offered me a thumbnail iimage of Sinclair for my site.

Bye for now...the Oscars await! (Wondering if AR might make the trip from the East Coast to LA for the ceremonies? I'll keep my eyes peeled!)

"With particular props"... I would imagine that this means "with very good mention" or something along those lines. Again, I'm just supposing that "props" is being used in the street sense..."giving props" means giving someone a compliment, especially in reference to someone level of talent.

As for the "schooling bitches" statement...I will have to defer to Chris on that one. Even if it has a benign meaning, I still find it quite offensive.

My oh my...I'm going to have to go and watch TMD to calm myself down.

Have a nice day all!

Mind-bending actually describes this sentence. What does "with particular props" mean? (Seeing what "schooling bitches" translates to, I'm wary of asking!)

"Diehard Fan What an unexpected joy to browse through the January issue and suddenly encounter "The Voice," alias the multitalented actor turned director Alan Rickman ["Winter Games"], speaking from these very pages! 'Bout time! Most interesting also to see him paired, in the very same issue, with the mega article on Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves costar Kevin Costner. Drawn originally to this film because of Costner, I thus happily discovered Rickman's talents (unfortunately none of Costner's were evident in that particular film). From that moment forward, following Rickman's career and taking the road less traveled have been infinitely more interesting and intellectually rewarding. By the way, Kevin, we Rickman devotees are still patiently awaiting a longer video version of the aforementioned film that includes all the Rickman scenes snipped during the movie's tumultuous postproduction. Any chances? Melinda Gildehaus St. Louis, MO"

Would someone in St. Louis please call this dear lady and tell her THANK YOU and give her info about this page?

"Winter Games" is straight from the article, I did not have a spasm!!! I think this may have been the heading of the article from January.

Sorry for the length, but I thought I would save you $3.95 or $4.95 if you live in Canada.

Emma's being far too kind with her links to my page. As I said to her, there's enough room for everyone to do whatever they want with their pages--I just made a comment before because I also had been asking around for theater reviews and posted on my intro a while back that I'd like to put them on as I accumulated them. Absolutely no need for competition, and I wasn't trying to convey that. I have had a lot of other ideas for my site, and because of lack of time and experience, others have done them before me, and I've said, "Oh, Wow! That's what I was thinking of!" You snooze, you lose! <g>

Glad to see the GB back I was feeling lost.

A friend who is not an AR fan saw Rasputin and loved it, but she saw Anna Karerina straight after and wished to swap AR for Sean Bean. Maybe she is becomming a fan.

He is a very charming and sweet man who genuinely cares about his fans.

. . . We had a full cast rehearsal tonight (well, almost full - Carlin's not here yet). It was mind-bendingly good all around, with particular props going to Alan 'the Ricker' Rickman, who really knows how to intone "...wrath of God." . . .

Alan is schooling bitches in flat-out performance clinics. It's an old story, but the man could read the phonebook aloud and you'd be riveted. . . .

Hopefully, I'll be bringing a friend along on the morrow, so tune in.

***End of KS's post.

"Quigley Down Under" - I don't think that this is not by any stretch of the imagination a great film but it was a lot of fun. My favorite part is when Quigley and Marsden are at dinner, and Rickman says: "...pacification by force." He looks great when he says that line. "Quigley" is worth watching for that alone.

But pleasantly surprised that my taste was shared by the other women in the office - one said and I quote (hope she doesn't find this page!)

"He could say 'up your bum' and make is sound like Shakespeare."

My local Blockbuster has a copy of Quigley Down Under. Has anyone else seen this film? Is it any good?

I'll post a list of titles for plays Rickman's done by venue (Almeida, etc), with a "live" link to Gilda's page on each review that's posted on Gilda's page. So send the review to Gilda, and I'll simply do a link to hers for each one reviewed. My apologies to Gilda for my lack of foresight.

In the coming weeks I'll be doing links to the Internew Movie Database for each of the Rickman films reviewed, so one can read about cast, credits, etc. This approach combined with the links to Gilda's page will also make the Rickmanista more consistent.

Has anyone come across any audio tapes (other that DC & TROTN) recorded by AR? WOuld you like to send me a review?

Off topic: Rufus Sewell fans will like to get Vanity Fair for April.

I just had a quick question about Dogma. Is it accurate that SAG members CANNOT audition for the film?

My roomate just got his SAG card after working as an extra on Amistad, and I was just wondering.

Thank and TMD,

Would anyone like to review TMD, QDU, or any other AR film for the Rickmanista?

Anyone who wants to see TWG on LI, eventhough AR will *not* be there, CAC has updated their showtimes calendar at http://www.islandguide.com/cinema/calendar.html.

KS has added some more Dogma extra info at http://www.viewaskew.com/extras.html. Scroll down on that page for the new stuff.

Brent Spiner and Pat Stewart are both my husband's height, plus or minus a fraction--so call it 5'10" for the sake of discussion. Rickman is 5'11 or thereabouts. Not that height is much of a consideration...just call for an apple crate!

Delicious as this idea sounds, it is my understanding that the whole thing was an April Fool's joke, posted last April at the Corona "Coming Attractions" movie site. They said they "couldn't resist." Hmmm.

However . . . the joke would be on them if it gave the *Trek* execs a bright idea. If ANYONE can locate solid evidence that there is more to this idea than just the aftermath of the April Fool's day gag, *please* share info!

AR in one of those tight-fitting uniforms . . . and that VOICE, along with the resonant "bedroom baritone" of Mr. Patrick Stewart . . . *SIGH*.

I don't know which movie to see now. Hmm.....

My apologies to those of you to whom I have long-owed e-mail...a series of electronic misadventures and a crushing workload have prevented me from writing until now. However, I do bring greetings from Mari, with whom I visited recently. She's got series work in Toronto and has barely a moment to herself. but she asked about the GB and asked after several of you (Melissa/Boston, Robyn/Florida, Renie).

A friend of mine (a former Pittsburgh native) has offered me her family's hospitality (I wonder if they know about this?...) if I were to attempt to garner extra work on "Dogma" but, I seriously doubt anything could come of it (it's a non-union gig and that's a no-no for SAGsters). HOWEVER... iIf anyone is so fortunate as to be able to actually work on the film, I hope you'll consider this my official grovel for a journal of the event (you'll have plenty of time, believe me).

I'm hearing the Rickman/ST rumour everywhere I've gone, lately--am trying to confirm it with a friend in Business Affairs at Paramount (he'd have to have a contract, right?) but as yet, no reply. She's thrilled with the notion, though.

Just wondering if anyone has and would be willing to share a copy of Benefactors with me? I've only heard of this .. and now with the storyline of Colin at FOF, I feel quite out of the loop!

Please e-mail me at the above address if this is something you would be willing to make me a copy of. I would be more than happy to provide a tape as well as postage or any other type of reimbursement you might require!

Thanks for the scoop, Andrea! I'm going to force people to take pictures of me this weekend so I can find a good one to send in. Anyway, I was inspired by this news to surf on over to the View Askew site, and found the following quotes rather amusing. Remember, they're being said by AR's character:

Metatron: I'm the voice of God. Look, anytime you hear of some guy talking to God he's either talking to himself or me.

* Stuff Snipped *

Metatron: "If you were to hear the real voice of God your soul would implode, We went through 5 Adams before we figured that out."

Personally, I think one's soul could implode upon hearing Mr. Rickman's voice... :-)

Offtopic: I'm going to be in be in Rome, Florence and Paris in August, and am looking for an inexpensive but nice place to stay (for two) in those cities. If you have favorites, I'd love to hear your recommendations.

Here's Kevin Smith's official announcement from http://www.viewaskew.com/extras.html.

Pssssst! Wanna be in a movie?

Well, I told you I'd do it, and I'm a man of my word.

Here's your chance to be in 'Dogma' - that flick we've been threatening to make since 'Clerks'. You know the story (more or less), you know who's in it, and now you're going to know how to be a part of it.

You may now officially submit info to our casting mistress, Nancy Mosser. You're going to have to step out of the cyber-realm and use snail-mail, but think of the reward: your very own millisecond of screentime!

What's required: you need a picture (Polaroids are acceptable). Send that, along with your name, telephone number, and date of birth to...

Nancy Mosser Casting/239 Fourth Avenue/Suite 1217/Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Tell them how badly you want to be in this flick, and if you're convincing enough, you may find yourself within spitting distance (though if you launch one loogie, we're tossing you off the set) of Linda Fiorentino, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Salma Hayek, Alan Rickman, Chris Rock, Jason Lee, George Carlin, Jason Mewes, or that fat guy who runs the show!

SEE... how boring it is to make a flick!

HEAR... the indiscernible secret language of AD's!

SMELL... the fear in the air, as the production spirals out of control!

Uh... we're hoping to avoid the latter, but there's always a chance.

Sincerely,

Barbara: Here's some of the URL's you requested:

The Rickmanista Review: http://members.tripod.com/~emma_on_line/rick.html

Rickman In The Round: http://w3.nai.net/~ab234/

Claire's Picture Page: http://freespace.virgin.net/sc.i/Claire.htm

And I believe the picture of the Sheriff you referred to is at Heli's Finnish site: http://www.hut.fi/~akasha/alankuvat.html

Sorry, I can't help you with the Colin Firth site. Someone else perhaps? But I have the TMD photo that fits your description which I'd be happy to e-mail you (or anybody else). :-)

I had an internet disaster and all my bookmarks got wiped out. Can someone please post these or e-mail these to me? The ones I need are:

-Claire's picture page

-The correct link to Rickman in the Roung (the link from here and from KelClancy's doesn't work?)

-The Rickmanista Review page

-There is a page that is in a Scandinavian language called something like "Kuvia Rickmanista" that has wonderful pictures of the Sheriff on it--anyone know it?

-on the www.geocities.com server there is a site that is dedicated to Colin Firth, I think. It is maybe called Friends of Firth. In there is a place called "Sanctuary" with other photos of other actors, including a marvelous one from TMD of Jamie embracing Nina from behind standing at a piano--anyone know what I mean?

Any help you could give would be much appreciated. Nice to see so many of you over at Pemberley lately!

Aahh!! Karina, you're here! I feel like a friend that was on a long trip has arrived back! Hope this finds you (and your server, ha, ha) in good health. Look forward to reading everyone's contributions!

Sorry, it's the English classes. I'm obfuscating again! :)

I saw TMD on the weekend, and then watched it a couple of extra times, just for good measure. My mother watched it twice, and then said that we had to return it because she kept watching it and crying. (It's still next to the VCR!) I didn't cry the first time around, but the second time I let loose. He was crying! That's what got to me, I think.

I saw Riverdance yesterday. WOW! I was so wound up when I got home that I couldn't sleep. It was fabulous! I visited relatives on Monday, for my B-Day. Turns out that my aunt is also a bit of an AR fan, so she lent me her copy of RH:POT. What luck! I will try to find time to watch it tonight.

I was just noticing that on Lycos they have a number of thumnail images of AR. Most of them are pictures that we have all seen before, however, there were a couple that looked as though they might have been outtakes from RHTPOT or S & S. They might even have a good copy of the TMD poster. They were so small, I could hardly tell. Perhaps Karina or Claire might be able to take a look, and say whether or not the images could be expanded ?

Thanks and TMD,

Brenda:-)

I went to the Saturday matinee and was pleasantly surprised by the total lack of empty seats! As the other Seattle-ite mentioned, everyone sat spellbound throughout the entire film and even endured every single end credit before leaving. I take that as a good sign that it was enjoyed by all. I just loved the shot of the bright yellow bus among the quiet, less-colorful landscape. So simple yet so stunning!

Barchester Chronicles has nothing objectionable, but a)Rickman's not around for the first 3 hrs b)the kids might not be interested in Masterpiece Theater.

January Man deals with a serial killer, has sex, violence and bad language.

Rasputin was drunk in the gutter, seduced women and told off-color stories at the dining table. The film also deals with the very severe illness of Alexei and the execution of the Tsar's family.

Mesmer's for grownups due to subject.

My approach is to wait until the kids are asleep.

I hope this helps,

Re: which Rickman films are appropriate for children? Depends on how old your children are. I certainly would preview first any film.

Certainly there is nothing objectionable in S&S, but you miss the point if you are too young. M,O also has nothing objectionable but it deals with the implication of two murders taking place; if your kids are old enough (13+) it's a good movie for discussion as to just what happened.

QDU has a duel and a woman who is mentally disturbed, and Quigley was hired to be a hit man. TMD is a lovely movie that deals with terminal loss.

RHPOT has prisons, violence, and other stuff unsuitable for younger kids. Die Hard basically started the action-adventure trend and it has lots of bad language, murder, explosions & violence as usual with all of the genre.

An Awfully Big Adventure, Close My Eyes, Closet Land are for grownups.

Anyhoo, I tried to join in on the birthday chat, but without success. I tried all of the suggestions on the IRC page, but always ended up in a room by myself. Maybe next time! I was busy enough last weekend that I didn't celebrate until this weekend: with chocolate cake and a viewing of S&S.

I have a question for the Rickmaniacs out there (I don't qualify as a Rickmaniac yet. The quiz in the Rickmanista Review said that the tendancy was there, though). Which of AR's films would you suggest for a minor whose mother fast-forwarded parts of Four Weddings and a Funeral? I would dearly like to see AR in something else, but I don't know where to begin.