| Guestbook Archives | Current Guestbook | Alan Rickman Home page
|
Start reading at bottom of page.
Ohhhh, Donna, that's much to easy for me to answer! :-)
Emily, I think many of us recorded it. Fantastic appearance! Here's a link to the Videogram, in case you haven't seen it yet:
Conan O'Brien interview (7.5MB)
And thanks to Renie, we also have a great transcript.
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Had a great time in the chat room today!, - Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 19:45:59 (PDT)
Sorry for the 2nd time.... This is just to mention that "Arigato!" to Rickman's admires for her message, and that I know that the decision is mutual and mostly because of his determination of "Want to be free" to achieve (his) Life-time ambition and not to involve her in 'that' profession's usual "One-never-know-if-one gets-tomorrow's-bread" life, because he felt that's too hard and he felt it's too pity for her to acompany him into it when it's not neccessary, therefore he'd decided to keep her away from any of his profession things, since she's independent enough and capable to go own way, and Child-matter's probably also based on the same kind of his thinking & feelings and she accepted it, I guess. This is one of the ways to show one's responsibility for somebody's welfare...I'd accept this kind of decision myself...if there'll be the 2nd chance. By the way, regarding AR playing an Asian is politically NO problem at all!! Compared to The P.Harbour, it's nothing!!! Anybody forgotten that AR played a Japanese in the play which 's produced by Ninagawa at Kings,Lon?! His face is not typical of European and increasment of the age brought him more acceptable as Manchurian or Mongolian origin, and as he'd poved a few timesover the years, he looks very natural and handsome with black hair. I'd love to see the out come!!(Hoepfully it'll be shown in M'sia.Because Dogma and Brow Dry or even The Winter Guest weren't shown here...It seems the movie must come from America with not much contemporary things in it,because most of those distributers won't understand it! They only like GQ like movies or violence ones.)Can anybody help me and other unfortunate ones to be updated with his works,please???
Mika <leongmng@tm.net.myfoo>
K.L. , M'sia/Japan - Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 19:34:35 (PDT)
First to Elizabeth- Sorry you're still with the poison ivy. When my daughter catches it she gets it bad, has to go to the doctor & he prescribes pills for her. Also good is Caladryl lotion-have you tried that? It's a topical lotion. Now, all you guys- which movie is this from? - "I'm going to see if I can find a pub." "You broke the bloody ship!" Just a little trivia for you. I love to quote lines from movies.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
USA - Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 19:21:03 (PDT)
For EVERYONE IN AMERICA...did any of you tape AR's appearance on Late Night W/Conan O'Brian Dec.21??? THANKS IN ADVANCE!
Emily <DkNy9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ America - Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 19:02:03 (PDT)
FYI, somebody dared to put The D. Lialison here which's of course not as good as any of former ones,because of lack of understanding of its history and due to thier poor standard esp. in acting. Don't know why they put it up now?! As everybody knows that Emma and AR are very much lefty,and have very deep interest in children's welfare, as he'd mentioned about 3 and half year old girl in TMD. Especially ET could be more than AR, and she's very outspoken on what she'd want to do and see regarding children, and has been as deeply concerned as JS, who'd adopted a few orphans, about children's welfare. And as long as I've known her(not personally), I've been supporting her those ideas and causes from somewhere in UK or across-the-miles-place, and follow her ideas. Hopefully it gets many politically influencial people involved and make some aid started,just like for "Zero-Mine" has started by Ryuichi Sakamoto and many of his friends ie. David Silvian and Dalai Lama. More than 15 Worldly well known musicians contributed their talent and time to make CD and it's out already to fund the campaign.That project's also meant for many African countries the most. By the way, have you heard about "Peace Village" in Nth. Germany? It's a NGO place for the Land-Mine victims(3 to 12 years children mainly) where they are treated/trained to go back to live in their original countries.And that's a part of campaign against "human's selfisness". Aids and Land-mines are the man-made products, so human must do something to lessen the victims, especially the children, as most of us think, and it's very likely & natural of them to stand up for their never-met-but-beloved-ones.For the Aids, the best way is to educate as many as possible people and at the same time to get politicians aware of the problrems directly connected to them and the importance of solving that problem to save their face & lives or their countries, because normally those selfish people won't take any action unless there're immediate threats to their interest or lives, then make them use their influence just like terrible stink from The Thames made the Parliament to make and pass the laws for water system and clean the River ASAP last time! I hope this campign will get more big names who won't mind to stay at the village with thier concerning people, as many nights as possible, to see the reality and share and learn the sorry state of them and have hands-on experience about the people's daily lives in order to get the deep roots /background which those campigners talk about, not staying at hotels which are dream-like-luxury in the eyes of the vilaagers(of course, Gaia or any children would be excluded), otherwise their talk won't have much power to convince other people but would become those Celebrities' moody act in the name of "Saving the World". Good Luck to them!
Mika <leongmng@tm.net.myfoo>
K.L., M'sia/Japan - Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 18:50:56 (PDT)
Having read this item Rickman, who was casually dressed in dark trousers and jacket, also revealed that he was trying to persuade former South African President Nelson Mandela to take part in a charity CD of children's bedtime stories
I can only hope Mr. Rickman will be reading a bedtime story!
And I do hope Emma Thompson gets a really nice bus. A 600-mile trip in a modern bus on interstate highways is heck, but riding through Africa is really really going to be rough. It does sound like a wonderful project, though.
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 14:16:54 (PDT)
Re:the Help I'm Fish article I wondered if everybody had been to the www.helpfish.com where you can hear the characters voices and play some cute games.
Sue
England - Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 11:54:38 (PDT)
What a nice guy.(Not so sure about veteran though.)
Another Rickman Admirer
Britain - Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 11:32:29 (PDT)
SPOILERS FOLLOW:
Variety, May 7, 2001 v382 i12 p59
HELP! I'M A FISH. (Review)_(movie review)
LISA NESSELSON.
Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2001 Cahners Publishing Company
HELP! I'M A FISH (GLOUPS! JE SUIS UN POISSON)
(ANIMATED -- DENMARK-GERMANY-IRELAND)
A Film Office. (in France)/Nordisk (in Denmark) release of a CTV Intl. presentation of an A-Film, Egmont Imagination (Denmark)/Munich Animation, EIV Entertainment Filmproduktion (Germany)/Terraglyph (Ireland) production, in association with TV2 (Denmark). (International sales: CTV, Luxembourg.) Produced by Christoph Sieciechowicz. Harro Von Have, Gerry Shirren. Co-producers, Anders Mastrup, Eberhard Junkersdorf, Russell Boland. Directed by Stefan Fjeldmark, Michael Hegner. Screenplay, Fjeldmark, Karsten Kulerich, John Stefan Olsen. Music, Soren Hyldgaard; songs, Jacob Eriksen, Anders and Lars Twin, Peter Fernando, Jesper Winge Leisner; sound, Friedrich M. Dosch, Andreas Kongsgaard Mogensen. Original Danish title: Hjaelp, jeg er en fisk. Reviewed at Festival of Nordic Cinema, Rouen, France, March 18, 2001. Running time: 78 MIN. (French-voiced version.)
Three youngsters are transformed into underwater specimens and have 48 hours to find the antidote in "Help! I'm a Fish," an animated feature-length adventure with musical numbers. One of the hottest-selling pics in the 2000 Cannes Market, pan-European venture by the directors of "Jungle Jack" is reasonably funny, scary and suspenseful but shines only rarely on the animation front, with marine life rendered more imaginatively than the human members of the story. French-dubbed print caught works fine, although the vocal intonations of Alan Rickman as the evil despot fish in the English-lingo version are presumably even more delectable. Pic has racked up nice numbers throughout Scandi territories, where it was released late last year, and is doing OK in Gaul.
Classy, impressionistic animation of underwater inhabitants is used up in the opening credits, after which the drawing style switches to a more standard cartoon look. But in a marketing landscape where the general public appears to prefer the bloated, charmless overkill of a live-action "Grinch" to the beautifully rendered and emotionally spot-on "The Iron Giant," "Fish" comes as salutary entertainment for all but the very youngest viewers.
With her roly-poly computer nerd of a son in tow, pushy Aunt Anna comes over to baby-sit for cute little Stella and her irreverent older brother, Fly. But when Anna nods off, Fly takes his sister and cousin fishing. Caught off guard by high tide, the trio happens upon the grotto-based lab of a wacky-but-benign scientist (voiced by Terry Jones in the English version) who has developed a potion to turn humans into fish. (This will come in handy when the ice caps melt and flood the continents.) The antidote is painstakingly composed of ingredients from seaweed to squid ink.
Thirsty Stella accidentally drinks the potion, which turns her into a starfish. Not realizing it's his sibling, Fly tosses the creature into the ocean. In order to retrieve her, Fly gulps the elixir and turns into a talking fish with a baseball cap.
Meanwhile, the flask containing the antidote falls into the fins of Joe (Rickman), a pilot fish, who after a few drops gains useful human attributes such as brain power and speech. Instantly, the power-mad Joe envisions himself in charge of a fish empire.
Script is genuinely down to the wire as the trio matches wits with evil Joe. Musical numbers are adequately catchy.
Georgiana (Zelda preferred "The Iron Giant" to "The Grinch"...)
Seattle - Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 11:31:41 (PDT)
Nope, Georgiana, it's just you. Bother.
Mary
McHenry, - Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 10:01:40 (PDT)
My, but the Express is schizophrenic these days. This is a lovely piece!
The Express
May 30, 2001
SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 21
HEADLINE: EMMA PLANS AN EPIC JOURNEY TO HIGHLIGHT THE PLIGHT OF AIDS ORPHANS; I WANT TO TAKE A BUS TO AFRICA
BYLINE: BY RUTH HILTON
ACTRESS Emma Thompson has revealed she wants to take a year off with her family to travel around Africa in a bus. The Hollywood star said she would use the trip to raise awareness of the plight of the millions of children orphaned by Aids on the impoverished continent.
The Oscar-winning actress, sporting a new ginger-tinted crop, revealed that a visit to Africa had long been an ambition she shared with her partner, actor Greg Wise.
"We have always wanted to do a kind of VSO year - take the family and all go out there, " she said.
"I don't have a definite date just yet but ideally we'd get a bus and really get involved in raising awareness about the appalling level of infection of HIV and Aids, " she said at the celebrity launch of ActionAid Week in London.
"Mothers are dying in their prime leaving young children to be looked after by their often elderly grandmothers. Anyone who is a parent finds that unbearable." The 42-year-old Sense and Sensibility star, whose daughter Gaia is two, attended the launch with her mother, 69-year-old actress Phyllida Law.
They were joined by veteran actor Alan Rickman, who plays Professor Severus Snape in the up-and-coming Harry Potter movie.
Already working on a project to raise money for a hospice in Kenya with movie star Denzel Washington, the Die Hard baddie said that he felt people had become complacent about the degree of suffering caused by HIV and Aids in developing countries.
"In some ways we've become too used to this happening and we need to think about the figures for a minute, " he said. "There are 34 million people in the world living with Aids and 13 million Aids orphans in Africa today. It demands action."
Rickman, who was casually dressed in dark trousers and jacket, also revealed that he was trying to persuade former South African President Nelson Mandela to take part in a charity CD of children's bedtime stories.
Other celebrities at the launch included TV presenter Gloria Hunniford, BBC newsman Fergal Keane, former Blue Peter presenter Diane-Louise Jordan, Brookside's Marji Campi and Holby City's Nicola Stephenson.
Meanwhile, Rickman has revealed that he is co-writing a film set in the French palace of Versailles.
"It is a love story which is played out against the backdrop of Versailles at the time of Louis XIV when the expansive gardens were being created, " he told the Daily Express.
"The plot concentrates on the man who designed the gardens, who falls in love with a woman during his work for the palace.
"We're just about to send half the script in now and are still working on the other half." The last time the 55-year-old actor was involved in writing a film was The Winter Guest, which he directed in 1997.
Georgiana (just me, or did that annoying advertising page disappear?)
Seattle - Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 08:53:32 (PDT)
Things seem to be going from bad to worse! First the poison ivy - which currently has no intention of subsiding! Thankyou all for you suggestions. I have some cream from the doctor, only it has a side effect - you go yellow when you go in the sun! The dishwasher still doesn't work, the washing machine broke and the toilet blocked and overflowed!!!! I rang the landlord and it only resulted in a shouting match! I wonder if the Sheriff would give the landlord some of his undivded attention! Interesting news about scripts and protests!! It is amazing what you miss when you are away for a week!!
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 04:38:42 (PDT)
Alan Rickman and Robbie Coltrane in a protest that *could* end up in strike action, eh? Uh, ah, good timing ;) - Well, I hope they obtain a more just agreement soon - the present system does sound somewhat unfair.
GML
UK - Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 01:26:36 (PDT)
According to Ananova........ Alan Rickman is working on a film script set in the French palace of Versailles. He told the Daily Express the plot is about the man who designed the gardens. He falls in love with a woman during his work for the palace, according to Rickman. "It is a love story which is played out against the backdrop of Versailles at the time of Louis XIV when the expensive gardens were being created," he said. "We're just about to send half the script in now and are still working on the other half." See this story on the web at http://www.ananova.com/entertainment/story/sm_309160.html
Emily <DkNy9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Wednesday, May 30, 2001 at 13:41:11 (PDT)
The Times also mentions the British actors' equity negotiations, failing to mention Rickman.
Georgiana
Seattle - Wednesday, May 30, 2001 at 12:59:43 (PDT)
Fausta, I always look forward to your next monthly issue and this one is great fun as usual. The Fan Page Guide is amazing! There are so many links! I'll be spending quite a bit of time going through those.
I can't seem to get to Colin Firth, so to speak, through the link on your page though. I have to admit that Liam and Aidan are definately quite nice also. But Alan tops them all of course and he has the absolute best and most interesting websites of all these actors! He really has so very many devoted admirers!
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Wednesday, May 30, 2001 at 12:53:10 (PDT)
From today's "Hollywood Reporter":
Top U.K. stars endorsing Equity
May 30, 2001
By Stuart Kemp
LONDON -- Leading members of the British acting establishment are throwing their star power behind U.K. actors union Equity's efforts to negotiate a new "cinema film agreement" with the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television, the union said Tuesday.
Actors backing the Equity dispute with PACT include Alan Rickman, Julie Walters, Kathy Burke, David Suchet, Greta Scacchi, John Hannah, Robbie Coltrane, Pete Postlethwaite, Charles Dance, Simon Callow and Tom Conti.
Equity issued the long list of names only three days before the union's planned closed-door meeting with PACT on Friday, under the heading "Cream of British talent issues warning to film producers."
The U.K. dispute mirrors the negotiations in which members of the Screen Actors Guild are engaged, though the agreement between Equity and PACT is not like U.S. guild contracts; it is an ongoing understanding, signed in November 1998, providing for minimum payments.
The union announced this month that it would end its current agreement Nov. 1. Equity claims that the current structure for residual payments to be made to actors working in the United Kingdom are, according to a spokesman, "simply unjust" (HR 5/3).
The union is aiming to negotiate "fair payments for actors when their films are shown on television or sold on video or DVD."
The union has also reiterated its intention to "consider escalating the dispute" should the talks that begin Friday fail. Strike action has not been ruled out.
Equity has about 36,000 members, while more than 200 production companies are members of PACT.
Georgiana
Seattle - Wednesday, May 30, 2001 at 12:46:57 (PDT)
Georgiana, thanks for the article. I was in a shop this afternoon, when I heard on the (shop) radio something about Rickman *leading* a protest, but I couldn't catch what it was about. I came here to ask, and of course the answer was already in print... Don't assume that he *is* leading the protest, by the way: he might well be, but it was a local radio, notorious for getting things wrong.
GML
UK - Wednesday, May 30, 2001 at 10:51:35 (PDT)
Must say, I am amazed. Always assumed UK actors were performing on film under the same sort of financial arrangement as in the US. To think, not one penny for all those TV/cable showings of DH, RHPOT, GQ...
Georgiana
Seattle - Wednesday, May 30, 2001 at 07:41:44 (PDT)
Press Association Newsfile
May 30, 2001, Wednesday 06:52 AM Eastern Time
SECTION: HOME NEWS
HEADLINE: ACTORS THREATEN STRIKE ACTION OVER PAY
BYLINE: Martha Linden, PA News
The cream of British acting talent is threatening to bring the UK film industry to a halt in a dispute over pay, it was disclosed today. More than 200 leading performers have signed up to a campaign calling for a bigger share of the proceeds from films for British actors.
They include Alan Rickman, Julie Walters, Paul Scofield, Kathy Burke, Greta Scacchi, John Thaw, Peter Postlethwaite, Simon Callow and Frances de la Tour. The actors' union, Equity, is calling for the renegotiation of the cinema films agreement.
Under the agreement, in the UK, actors are paid a flat fee in advance for television broadcasts of films, video and DVD sales as well as merchandising. But they get nothing extra, unlike their US colleagues, who benefit every time a film is shown on television, sold on video or DVD, or merchandising connected with the film is sold. The union has highlighted the film Mission Impossible, starring Tom Cruise, as an example of the difficulties facing UK actors. To date 1.8 million US dollars (about #1.2 million) has been distributed to US actors as a result of the success of the film but not one penny has been paid to the British performers who worked alongside them, the union has claimed.
Talks were due to be held on Friday between Equity and Pact, the film producers' organisation. Martin Brown, spokesman for Equity, said if the talks failed, the union could propose action in which UK actors refused new contracts.
"We understand that the British industry is not Hollywood and we know that there are difficulties in financing films. We are happy to take all that on board," he said.
"We are not saying the American system or nothing. What we are asking for is an acceptance of the principle of continuing payments linked to the use. Once they have accepted that we can talk about the mechanism."
Georgiana (some paragraphing deleted)
Seattle - Wednesday, May 30, 2001 at 07:40:11 (PDT)
The News of the World
May 27, 2001
SECTION: DIG; GARDENING
HEADLINE: ROOTING OUT STARS
BYLINE: Richard Jackson
THE stars were out at the show. I spotted Hugh Grant, Lionel Blair, Alan Rickman, Adam Faith and Rolf Harris admiring the displays. Lionel told me he's moving home and was shopping for his new garden. Stainless steel fencing caught his eye-but the Pounds 700 a metre price failed to catch his credit card. Hugh Grant played the shrinking violet-wandering round in shades so nobody would recognise him.
Georgiana
Seattle - Wednesday, May 30, 2001 at 07:34:44 (PDT)
Sue, I don't know where the photo came from other than A-L sent it a couple of weeks ago. It is a very nice photo!
Fausta
- Wednesday, May 30, 2001 at 06:07:06 (PDT)
Fausta - When and where is the June picture from?(It'sgreat)
Sue
England - Wednesday, May 30, 2001 at 05:46:11 (PDT)
Oh my God, I've finally made a link that works!!
Anyway it's very interesting news, I wonder if he could write,direct and ACT in it (too much to hope for I guess). Still now we know why he was at Chelsea Flower Show
Sue
England - Wednesday, May 30, 2001 at 05:38:39 (PDT)
ah daggonit, make that the June http://www.geocities.com/faustaw/june1.html.
Did the GB font just change??
Fausta
- Wednesday, May 30, 2001 at 05:32:45 (PDT)
Re: Galaxy Quest,
I agree with Donna, the thermians were wonderful. Enrico Colantoni (sp?) created a character that was engaging and appealing without being mushy or too cute. The proof came when the movie ended and the very young kids (they were probably ages 5 & under) in the audience were saying "You are our last hope" in thermian voice!
The June Monthly Rickmanista is now on line. Please come visit!
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Wednesday, May 30, 2001 at 05:29:02 (PDT)
Latest AR news onwww.ananova.com
Sue
England - Wednesday, May 30, 2001 at 05:27:04 (PDT)
just was thinking about Galaxy Quest & meant to mention this before, but didn't you just love those other people in that movie? you know, the ones who took Alan & the others onto their ship? i know this sounds weird, but they were such nice, naive people & friendly that i actually wish there WERE people like that here on earth. i think the world would be a much calmer place with people like that running it. i know, it sounds silly with my imagination running here, but i can dream can't i?
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
USA - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 19:03:43 (PDT)
It just occurred to me, very belatedly, that Clive Owen played the detective in *Second Sight* which recently aired on Mystery. Duh.
Cindie
- Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 17:27:03 (PDT)
The 29 May Malasia New Straights Times reviewes the "Galaxy Quest" DVD:
HERE's a real fun space adventure that not only makes clever fun of sc-fi TV shows, especially Star Trek, but also charms with an effective mix of warmth and pathos. And despite being a parody, it actually comes across as a film with a unique, heart-warming story. . . . The performances are great all round, with Allen, Weaver and Rickman standing out, though the real scene-stealer is Colantoni ("the lovably polite Mathesar").
Georgiana
Seattle - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 16:29:41 (PDT)
There is an autographed poster of Close My Eyes up for auction at ebay.
a rickman admirer
- Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 15:27:00 (PDT)
I forgot to tell you guys this!!! I was watching tv the other night and this Madonna commercial comes on. She was trying to get to an awards ceremony so she had this MANIAC driver who's driving was causing her to get thrown about and she eventually got thrown out of the car and landed on her back on the red carpet with all the paperazzi staring her in the face...Anyhoooo....the maniac driver was Clive Owen (Richard from Close My Eyes) so I was just like freaking out,lol....I never saw the commercial again!
Emily <DkNy9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 14:56:52 (PDT)
Couldn't believe it when I ran into my next door neighbor in our driveway this weekend...a computer whiz working in "Hollywood", he let slip that he's one of the team members doing the computerized special effects work on the Harry Potter film, and groused about the long hours he's putting in getting the picture ready by the November deadline. Sigh...I'd trade places with him in a minute!
Sue Zen
El Lay, CA - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 13:36:47 (PDT)
Just a thought but as the Times reported that AR went to the Clinton address at the Hay-on-Wye Festival and to present the P>G>Wodehouse Literary prize on Saturday - as Rima appears to be carrying almost certainly a ladies clothes bag and she is interested in the two subjects that Clinton spoke about ie economics and politics perhaps she was just shopping for something to wear to accompany AR! In that photograph he reminded me of my husband after he has been made to wait for ages while I clothes shop striding ahead in case I change my mind and head into another shop!!!!
Jill
UK - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 12:57:17 (PDT)
Hello all! It was a long memorial day weekend, and there's alot in here to catch up on, so I'll throw in a number of my own two-centses.
1.)I don't understand why, if a number of people in this forum are enjoying a discussion that relates (however tangentally) to Himself, that we need to be told to "drop the subject." If you don't enjoy the discussion, scroll up. That's what the button is for. (yes, sorry, this is an - I hope - uncharacteristically crabby entry. It was a VERY loooooong weekend, and my social graces are currently sleeping)
2.)Let me preface this by saying how much I enjoy the pictures and articles all of you computer mavens post in here for those of us who are computer-challenged. We who cannot surf salute you. But....is it only me, or does anybody else have a tiny little voice that keeps saying "shame on you!" for peeking into Himself's personal life? Fortunately, I'm able to throttle the little bugger, so I'm not overly troubled by it. More pictures and articles, please!
3.) Maybe they only take a walk when they're mad at each other? Maybe they only do it to drive the news vultures crazy? Maybe they do it to drive US crazy ("C'mon love. Let's take a huffy walk and make them all guess.")?
4.)"Fu Manchu?" Oh, Gawd! When will we ever see him (again) in an adult, thoughtful love story where he finally gets the girl. Did I say "again?" How about "ever?"
5.) Many of us 'muricans are not particularly threatened by the concept of communism, especially those of us to young to have lived through the McCarthy area. But for those of you who think that the "typical" American response is too reactionary and hidebound, you simply must learn more of that terrible time, when careers and relationships (at least) and lives (at worst) were destroyed and even ended, to understand how the concept, however poorly understood, continues to traumatize the American psyche. Actually, most people who call something "communist" these days usually mean a behavior that would be better described as fascist.
6.)Elizabeth, if you all have a wetland plant called (in America) "snapweed" or "jewelweed" growing nearby, put some in a blender and dab the resultant juice on the poison ivy. It's a specific for the rash.
And so I end my long rambling (part diatribe), thereby proving that one should not spout off when the brain is not engaged. I hope the paragraphing worked!
Mary
McHenry, - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 11:27:23 (PDT)
Donna, "Blow Dry" was originally "Blow Dry," then "Never Better," then back again to "Blow Dry."
Magda, I agree. My initial thoughts were of jingoism. Although why playing a characture from a given race would necessarily require someone from that race is not on the surface apparent. It occurs to me that Rasputin could have seen the same charges. I think the critical factor would be just how funny this comedy is. It does appear that Antonio Banderas has signed up--or at least is listed as 'in negotiations.'
Georgiana
Seattle - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 11:01:35 (PDT)
Just discovered another site where Alan can be seen, although it's mostly old news. it's www.guardian.imdb.com one thing that puzzled me was a still photo of alan & others from, i think, blow dry, but they called it Never Better. was that the original title does anyone know, or just the working title. also, i see films listed as just appearing in UK, yet they've already played here. it also mentions he's been with Rima since 1977. i thought it was since '72 or '73
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
USA - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 10:20:17 (PDT)
Hey Elizabeth, about the dishwasher, i know exactly what you mean, i've been through that myself. thank goodness i now have a model i love & it works really well. the one thing i recommend to everyone is, don't EVER put anything into it that has dishwashing liquid on it! i made the mistake of that once & had a situation worse than Sinclair's! Suds, suds & more suds all over the place! do you know what it's like to have to bail out suds? not too pleasant & very time consuming. To Josephine, you mentioned this politically correct society- yes, i know what you mean. I don't know about anyone else, but it totally annoys me. All being politically correct means to me is being a phoney, saying one thing, but actually thinking something else. i like people to be straight forward with me & not be 2-faced, whether they think it will hurt my feelings or not. it someone wants to criticize me, who cares? just don't be a phoney to my face, that i can't stand. people are just too darned touchy these days, even to the point where they'll sue anyone at the drop of a hat! well, enough said, i end my speech now. Gee, i feel like i'm at speaker's corner in Hyde Park!
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
USA - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 09:36:11 (PDT)
I agree with Josephine; I can't believe a man who once referred to the plays performed during his apprenticeship in rep theatre as "museum pieces" would agree to do Fu Manchu. With full makeup and a fake accent? What would Ang Lee say?
Magda
Canada - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 08:47:19 (PDT)
I must admit that Josephine's comments re:Fu Manchu were exactly the same as my first thoughts when I read the report.(Although personally I couldn't care less).
Another Rickman Admirer
Britain - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 08:35:37 (PDT)
People don't get married for a reason. I have no doubt that AR and RH share a close relationship. The nature of that relationship is likely different than most AR fans fantasize.
On another note, though I love AR as a villain, I hope the Fu Manchu story is a false lead. I fear that in our Politically Correct age, a Caucasian actor playing an Asian may lead to protests, criticism, and negative publicity.
Josephine
Paree, - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 08:21:38 (PDT)
Just finished catching up from the weekend posts and I'll throw in my two cents on the deconstruction of the AR/RH picture: it's just a snapshot! If we could all watch the entire event, maybe we could then make some guesses about what was going on between those two people, or what their relationship was like, or who made accommodations to whom, but my goodness! It's a bare snippet of a moment captured on film!
On a different note, I agree that the possibility of AR doing Fu Manchu is exciting - I for one would love to see him tackle more villains! I'd also like to see his abilities challenged and stretched more. While I have enjoyed his last few movies (especially Galaxy Quest - what a hoot!), I wish he'd work next with a director equal to his own talents - maybe another Minghella (sp?) project?
Cat <crubins@asu.edufoo>
Tempe, AZ USA - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 08:11:35 (PDT)
Greetings, Mika. I have heard that the decision not to marry is mutual and based on the liberation movement of the sixties. I agree that he should proudly walk beside her and not try to look like they are total strangers in public.I am sure that his instincts are protective, and certainly she must have become very important to him over the years. Elizabeth, sorry about your misery. I shall say a prayer for your speedy recovery. Since the Diety certaninly has a sense of humor, I will pray for your washing up machine also.
a Rickman admirer
- Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 08:09:44 (PDT)
I am currently sporting a David Weinberg style poison ivy rash. David can consider himself extremely lucky that he only had it on his face, because it is very itchy and really hurts, and I have it all over the place. I would like to blame it on the government, unfortunatly I can only blame it on the monk jack deer that decided to get itself stuck in the wood.
And also I'm just experiencing the sinclair washing up machine boiling over scene (nobody can come out to repair it for two days).
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 05:01:56 (PDT)
Has anybody put you in Rima's shoe ? Can you imagine you have to give your way to your partner's ego by not becoming a lawful wife or a mother? If he ask us to give up one of them, we'd understand and accept it, but would you do two?! As it's said, every couple has own arrangement but AR & RH's case is very extreme and too fiercely independent...at least to me.There must have had more rows and ups & downs since they started being as 'a couple'than any other ones. It's easy to guess if we think what kind of persons(They are; they are not "As you like it" type but they are the contraries!).I guess RH won the battle eventually. Although I'd understand and AR's thinking,ambitions,reasons of not having brought her into the his 'business' circle,because myself had the same kind of very tough relationship like theirs before,I'd say whatever is mentioned by people and/or they looked,she's the key person and has strong position, not AR between them. And I guess she must be similar to his mother who'd been strong as a person and taught many 'human values' to her kids.Therefore she could leave AR and find another man to make ownself happy if she wishes, but AR knows he can't... So, it's not a big deal for HER and US no matter how much AR looked NON-feminine or bossy or selfish in the photo of the press. Knowing that kind of man, I'd say he knows the limit!! and so does she... Maybe we should recommend her to the 'Dame'-hood as she's/will save(d) one of Britian's excellent export staff from his lonliness and contributing to the country in most ordinary but fundamental way. I think SHE deserves rather than AR!!! And it's time for him to bring her as 'his mate' into the light since most of people have known her as herself and as his 'Nunny'. He's no longer a rep. actor who has to worry about the reaction of the public to reveal his personal relationship...that's too old fashined!! I guess most of AR fan would like to see them happily together in the magazines and some press photos...
Mika <leongmng@tm.net.myfoo>
K.Lumpur, M'sia/Japan - Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 02:25:58 (PDT)
Julia, be nice. They are a lovely couple.
a Rickman admirer
- Monday, May 28, 2001 at 21:37:37 (PDT)
Sorry for the secoond post: Could the Aussies please email me? I have a query....
Julia <j_petrov@hotmail.comfoo>
Calgary, Canada - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 20:39:06 (PDT)
Well, after the hellish 3 weeks I've had, today was a blessing: not only did I see that brilliant photo or Alan and Rima (hoo, that woman makes my self-esteem go through the roof!!!) but I also got this lovely quote from the Alan masterclass back in October: "The profession should be, and is, a kind of relay-race...about information, opinions, and passions being handed on." Ahhh, somewhere in my youth or chilodhood, I must have done something good....
Julia (Julie Andrews wannabe)
Calgary, Canada - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 20:35:34 (PDT)
August for BlowDry? Oh, cannot wait! Was out of town when came out in theaters, therefore never saw it, but have seen plenty of pics! does anybody have any news about that rumor going around with AR being Sherlock Holmes?
Endril Lei <BloomieKay@hotmail.comfoo>
MO U.S.A. - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 20:07:26 (PDT)
OMG HE IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOT AS SNAPE! WHOA! :D hehehe
Melissa <ds_chaos_2000@yahoo.comfoo>
Lone Grove, OK U.S.A. - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 20:03:33 (PDT)
all this talk about Alan & Rima & their walking/shopping outing makes me think that it's probably no big deal to the people of that area who see them all the time. i know that in this area the people are used to certain celebrities who live here. some of their children even go to the local schools here, were born here, etc. a lot of them have even appeared at local events for schools, 4th of July celebrations, charity events, etc. Richard Kiley lived up here for years(recently died) & was involved in local activities from out county park to our drama classes in the high school, Sam Wright(Sebastian the Crab, the Lion King, etc.) is always involved in community events & his children are right in with everyone elses(my son's girlfriend is friends with his daughter & my son took acting lessons from him), Robert DeNiro drives around in traffic just like the rest of us(my son passed him on the road), but nobody around here hounds them or bothers them for anything because we are used to them being here. Whoopi Goldberg lives near here, Jonathan Demme has family around here, Ang Lee has a place up here,Liam Neeson has a place across the river(matter of fact that's where he had an accident with a motorcycle awhile back), etc. So, do you see what I mean? After awhile you just get used to them being around & don't really take notice of trivial things that go on. Hope i haven't bored anyone to death with all of this. Oh, by the way, did anyone know that Mel Gibson was born here in the US in Peekskill, N.Y.? He also lived not far from here as a child.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
USA - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 17:27:08 (PDT)
Leslie, in spite of Anne's wishful thinking, the release date for "Blow Dry" on DVD, both at Bigstar and at amazon.com, is August 14. It's about $1.50 cheaper at amazon. Can be pre-ordered at at least these two sites.
Georgiana (I say, good show!, well, mostly...)
Seattle - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 17:13:04 (PDT)
For those who got their appetite whetted a little, Bigstar is just taken pre-orders for an Aug 14 release as well. So, it isn't for sale in atake-home variety yet - unless you are trolling in some backstreet video cd stalls in Asia or Sth America...
*
- Monday, May 28, 2001 at 16:13:01 (PDT)
Re: the special features on the Die Hard DVD. A gag reel?! Oh, I can picture it. Just too good. Or, as Hans might say, "Too goot." ;-) One of these days I'm going to cave in and buy a DVD player.
I had the pleasure of seeing DH again a few nights ago when it played on FX. (Yeah, I know, I own the tape but can't resist watching a "Rick flick" when it's on television.) Thinking of the review over at Rickmanista that begins "I liked this film almost in spite of myself . . ." *grin* I do like it very much, and notice something new that intrigues or entertains me every time I see it. This time, it was the hilarious way in which Hans grimaced and sank back in his chair, when Holly informed him that one of the hostages was a pregnant woman. You can just hear what he's thinking until Holly reassures him that the baby isn't due for another two weeks. I couldn't help laughing. Hans Gruber, exceptional thief, tough guy extraordinaire, is petrified at the prospect of one of his hostages in labour!
I also find that every time I watch DH, it's more intense than I remembered it being; I laugh about the famous lines and mimic Hans and so forth, but when I'm actually watching the film I don't feel like laughing except at what's obviously meant to be funny. And on this viewing, I noticed how many shots are close-ups of Rickman (not that this is a bad thing at all, mind you)--they're right in his face, which means that when you're viewing, he's right in your face. Brrrrr. It's an astounding performance from him, and he looks as if he had great fun with it. Maybe that's one of the reasons it's such a pleasure; the fun got passed along, maybe?
Mary Anne
Did I miss anything, Renie? Remembering Memphis, USA - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 15:57:11 (PDT)
Leslie, if you go to www.Bigstar.com and searh for the title 'Blow Dry' you will find available in DVD already.
I really have to get a DVD player, it seems all the best added on features are found on DVD these days.
Gail, we both date ourselves here, but I too remember Christopher Lee as Fu Manchu, and as Dracula too, the first time Dracula was portrayed as a sensual character. those awful Hammer films were so much fun.
Anne
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
alexandria, VA USA - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 13:43:29 (PDT)
for the non USA guestbookers, mate=partner, spouse, significant other.
a Rickman admirer
- Monday, May 28, 2001 at 13:42:09 (PDT)
I admire Rima Horton because she had a goal and acheived it, which could not have been easy with a working class background-I also admire her for her intelligence and for the fact that she has made a relationship last for thirty some years, and that she is dedicated to educating our children. I also do not think that one should read too much into a casual photo, but it does not take too much to see that she doesn't look too happy, that she is carrying the bags, and that he is loping ahead of her, and that they do not seem to be together. It could be that AR is trying to shield her from the public eye-probably they love each other and are satisfied with their relationship--BUT what it looks like is that he is disrespecting her, and I object to that and feel he needs to rethink his public behavior-I don't care who he is-I would not follow six paces behind and carry the luggage, and I wouldn't want it to be interpretted in that way either. Time to update the map-many people know who she is, and that she is his mate, so it is best to stop trying to hide it--this guestbook has contributed to "outing" her, although I can understand the rationale, as she is a public figure also, and he did campaign with her and try to use his fame to help her win a political position-there is a cost to fame, and the cost is being known. No one gives a hoot about who my mate is, and don't care who I am either.
a Rickman admirer
- Monday, May 28, 2001 at 12:02:47 (PDT)
Does anyone have any idea when "Blow Dry" might be released on DVD or video----after its brief life in the theatres?
Leslie <Leslie_Calvert@excite.cafoo>
ON Canada - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 11:52:43 (PDT)
It appears that the "Die Hard" DVD is no longer available, with a planned re-issue in the "Five Star Collection" line, presently slated for this summer, with the following features, according to DVD Debate.com.
Die Hard will be the first in Fox's new series called The Five Star Collection and boasts the following extras:
An audio commentary with director John McTiernan and cast & crew members
An audio commentary Richard Edlund, special effects supervisor
Subtitle Commentary with cast & crew members
The original Making-Of featurette
Deleted scenes
A gag reel
The original newscast footage as seen in the film
An Editing Suite and Sound Mixing Studio interactive features
3 interactive magazine articles
A stills gallery
DVD-ROM features (Game demos and the full screenplay)
3 trailers
7 TV spots
Available for pre-order (release presently scheduled for July 10) at amazon.com,
Georgiana
Seattle - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 09:12:58 (PDT)
Rickman as Dr. Fu Manchu could combine the comedic villainy of George, Sheriff of Nottingham, and the vaguely Asian visage of Rasputin. There is possibility for another brilliant character role.
Rickman is an actor whose work so inspires, choices so intrigue that I would willingly walk five paces behind carrying his luggage to learn more about what interests this fascinating man. As much as Rima has had such opportunity for more than 30 years, I cannot but admire her.
That there is herein so much twitter about the photo and so little interest about a potential new work . . . well . . .
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 07:56:50 (PDT)
All joking apart re:shopping photo(yes it does cry out for a bubble)-I'm sure that if any of us were out shopping with our partner and were secretly photographed by the local paper and then had our relationship discussed with regard to our lack of proximity we would be suitably aggrieved. The British public has long held a set of double standards when it comes to the reporting of celebrity "news". I know of several people who "tut-tut" about the lack of privacy for celebs, but when I suggest that they are encouraging this by buying the papers, they are quite astonished. For some reason the British press love to build up a celebrity and then take some kind of weird pleasure in knocking them down when they decide they've had enough. The ultimate example of this was Princess Diana-first she was wonderful, then a cow, then she died and in a fit of remorse and guilt the Press turned her into a "saint"(if you ever want to see a national bout of hysteria,return to the funeral). So lets just accept that our heroes have bad hair days,fall out with their partners,scowl occasionally and lets leave them to some privacy and get on with enjoying them for what we pay them to do. (Chest now lighter)
Sue <"itsapublicholidayso timetorabbiton.comfoo>
England - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 06:30:39 (PDT)
Alan Rickman ROOLS! Hey, I only recently stumbled across this man - and this chat area. But, thought I would add my 2c worth for those downunder. I was in Claremont the other day and guess what - I found Truly, Madly Deeply on DVD! If its here in Perth, it HAS to be on the east coast right? Happy hunting - I know it is HARD to find Alan Rickman earlier stuff!
Bounce
Perth, Australia - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 06:16:38 (PDT)
Times today reports AR at the £100 ($140) ticket address by Bill Clinton at Hay-on-Wye literary festival.
Claire
- Monday, May 28, 2001 at 02:06:48 (PDT)
Is it November yet? ;)
GML
UK - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 01:55:00 (PDT)
I agree about not reading too much into a casual photo-they have been together a long time, so whatever they have worked out seems to suit them. Not being a famous person, it is difficult for me to understand why one would need to frown and scowl at people on the street-most of us would certainly be courteous and they would perhaps attract less attention if they just walked casually down the street--him loping way ahead of her would certainly attract my attention more than them just walking side by side. Perhaps the feminism thing is the explanation for her carrying all the luggage and bags--boy did that backfire!!!I have absolutely no problem with my mate opening doors, carrying luggage and bags, and neither does he!
a Rickman admirer
- Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 22:33:26 (PDT)
Perhaps we shouldn't read too much meaning into candid photos of Alan (with or without Rima). They just look like an ordinary couple to me.
Deb <ceilidh@cwk.imag.netfoo>
Canada - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 15:22:10 (PDT)
Thanks Amanda & Suzanne for the photo of Alan & Rima!
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
USA - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 15:10:47 (PDT)
Just a thought on the Rima -Alan thing. He has been quoted in the past as saying something to the effect of "she's not involved in all this" Referring to the whole celebrity issue. I think that he keeps his distance from her in public maybe to shield her from fans and of course the press.That may also be why he kind of scowled at Nancy. i have never heard anyone who has met him , while he was alone or with other celebrities, describing him as anything other than a genuinely nice and gracious person towards his fans (the press is another issue : )!). Katie
Katie <sopacata@aol.comfoo>
- Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 14:13:34 (PDT)
Wow! That photo of Rima trailing AR brought back memories. I was in London last summer and spent an afternoon wandering around Notting Hill. I was walking down Westbourne Grove Road, looking for a place to eat, when I spotted AR across the street. Rima was with him, but if I hadn’t seen pictures of her on this website, I wouldn’t have known they were together. She was walking several paces behind and pulling a small black suitcase on wheels. He wasn’t carrying anything; his hands were in his pockets. I was struck by the sight, because my boyfriend never offers to carry things for me and I wish he would, but perhaps Rima carries her own stuff on feminist principles. AR saw me the same moment I saw him and registered that I had recognized him; his frown deepened into a discouraging scowl, and then he turned to look into a shop window. Even the clothes look the same: he was in black jeans and a dark jacket, she in blue jeans and a burgundy-colored shirt. I remember how “not together” they looked, and how unhappy. But maybe that’s deliberate, to discourage people from approaching them. In fact, I never reported my Rickman sighting here, feeling that in some obscure way it would compromise their privacy; whereas, if they’d been all smiles and holding hands, I might have written all about it as soon as I got home. Interesting.
Nancy R.
CA - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 12:40:00 (PDT)
Re: HyperMart popup ads. Yes, you're right. Although I have written HyperMart several times about the situation, and despite their reassurance that they were "working on" the problem, they have done absolutely nothing. I think they would be much more likely to listen to the "customer" (you), so everyone please write them at: support@hypermart.net and let them know exactly how you feel. And especially about the computer/browser errors the popup ads are causing.
At this point, I'm already looking into moving the guestbooks again, if HyperMart doesn't cooperate. But moving isn't the easiest thing, so I'm hoping this writing campaign will make a difference.
Power to the people!
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
TX USA - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 12:30:38 (PDT)
A subscription Hollywood site lists the film as a comedy, "in active development," titled "Fu Manchu":
Despite having acute amnesia, a detective sets out to capture the elusive Dr. Fu Manchu. (KEYWORDS: Detective)
Georgiana
Seattle - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 11:08:34 (PDT)
Their server doesn't like that, either. Try searching "Rickman" at the Evening Standard site.
Georgiana
Seattle - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 10:55:52 (PDT)
Here's the Evening Standard link to cut and paste:
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/hottx/top_review.html?in_review_id=392365&in_review_text_id=338806
Georgiana
Seattle - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 10:53:32 (PDT)
Rickman mentioned as a supporter in an 18 May 2001 "This is London" (Evening Standard On-line) article about attempts to save London's Mermaid Theatre.
Georgiana
Seattle - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 10:52:22 (PDT)
Speaking personally, I would rather read interesting dissertations on politics than teenage drooling. And now that we have a new subject for discussion - can AR deliver a better Fu Manchu than Christopher Lee did?!
Gail <showing her agefoo>
Seattle, still, - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 10:23:23 (PDT)
Sunday Express
May 27, 2001
SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 6
HEADLINE: FU, WHAT A BADDIE
ACTOR Alan Rickman, who is famous for playing villains, is set to take the role of the inscrutable baddie Fu Manchu in a new movie.
Rickman will pit his wits against the Spanish heart-throb Antonio Banderas, who will play the hero who is sent to catch Fu Manchu in the GBP 15million drama.
Georgiana
Seattle - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 09:55:49 (PDT)
Sara-go to Sat. 09.29 entry for link. If that doesn't work for you, go to the web home page,click on Barry Norman's Kevin Costner interview,then go to bottom of that page and click on "other interviews" and Alan should pop up (so as to speak).
Sue
England - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 09:46:24 (PDT)
More on the RSC withdrawal from the Barbican:
LONDON -- "Adrian Noble, artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, announced on Thursday here that it would dismantle its permanent company of actors and abandon its London base at the Barbican Center to attract bigger stars and present more productions in the showier West End.
The move is just one of many in what Mr. Noble said would be a major yearlong reorganization of the 41- year-old company, which has long nurtured the careers of actors like John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Vanessa Redgrave, Ben Kingsley and Kenneth Branagh. Among other things, the move will allow the company to hire actors for short-term contracts instead of the 18-month-to-two-year ones that the current system requires of its repertory players.
Mr. Branagh and Ralph Fiennes, another high-profile Royal Shakespeare alumnus, have agreed to work with the company under the new arrangement, which a spokeswoman described as much more actor-friendly than the previous one."--NY Times
If AR wanted to, he could opt for an RSC stint, too, I think, despite his film schedule, which is not ALL that busy.
Renie (STILL wishful for a Moon & Sixpence, for ummm, how many years here?)
- Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 09:10:34 (PDT)
Could we please drop the subject of politics as it doesn't really have anything to do with AR's work?
Magda
Canada - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 08:21:57 (PDT)
Someone mentioned there was a piece on the Radio Times website... I looked for it but couldn't find it and there doesn't seem to be a sensible way to do a comprehensive search on the site - do you still have the url? On the subject of current British politics... the Labour party has moved so far to the right that it's now pretty much central and I certainly wouldn't go so far as to call any of the main figureheads of the party socialists, least of all Blair and his pals. I thought John Prescott had a clue four years ago, but he's just turned out like the rest of them, excuses for everything and lots of bluster and never actually getting anything done (and wanting to part-privatise London Underground, and privatisation was something Labour really used to berate the Tories for doing). Tony Benn's still quite cool though, and Mo Mowlam knows where it's at - but she's decided to opt out of the whole thing (I'm sure she'll be much happier, but for the rest of us it sucks). Personally I'm just really disillusioned with the whole thing. I don't think Labour or the Tories really give a rat's arse about the people they're organising the lives of any more. I think the Lib Dems have their hearts in the right place but they're just so misguided and badly organised... and who could really see Charles Kennedy as Prime Minister? Pffft. OK, rather him than Hague (and that fire-breathing hideous hag-bat Anne Widdecombe - look at her and puke), but honestly... I don't think the Tories have a hope of being elected overall, but it sucks just having a choice between the lesser of two evils. If I had proper freedom to choose who to vote for, it'd be either Socialist Labour or the Green Party. At least they're both very obviously acting in the interests of the people of this country as a whole and they're not just self-serving bigots. But round here there's a danger that the seat might go to the Tories as it's quite a well-off area and as well as being a "cool" area there's a lot of fat cat businessmen and stuff, so I'm going to have to vote Labour to minimise that risk. I hate it, it's rubbish, they're all foul people and I wouldn't trust them as far as I could throw one of their big rich houses, but they're _still_ better than the Tories. Rima, stand again! Please! OK. I'll get off my soapbox now.
sara
london, uk - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 07:51:53 (PDT)
Hear, hear, Magda, about those stupid pop-ups. I don't know who thinks that's an effective way to advertise--annoying me is the first route to losing my business. A pop-up ad like this one, which obstructs what I really wish to see until I clear it away and causes all sorts of error messages on my computer, would no more secure me as a customer than junk mail, spam, or telemarketing would. This belongs in the same category of irritations.
Suzanne, I know you said you'd had some sort of perfunctory e-mail from them about how they're "working to correct the problem" but that sounded like a brush-off even then. Somebody at HyperMart needs to quit standing around with his foot in his hand and just do it.
Mary Anne
Aggravated, USA - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 07:07:08 (PDT)
Yes, there are social democrats and an ostensibly socialist party in Canada called the New Democrats. They are very stodgy and have just crashed and burned in a provincial election in British Columbia last week. On the whole they regard Tony Blair and his "New" Labour party with great suspicion as a bunch of sell-outs. Purists can (and have) argued for weeks over just how socialist the NDP really are but they are struggling (this weekend actually) with declining union membership and the problem of how to deal with single-issue groups that used to be part of the fold.
On an unrelated note: Suzanne, would you please post the email addy of the idiots at Hypermart who design the pop-up ad so we can write and complain to them? It's really very annoying.
Magda
Canada - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 05:03:05 (PDT)
To the people sincerely wishing to learn more about European politics: maybe it's worth adding to what has already been said that outside the States (and possibly Canada, I don't know) the term 'communist' is not an insult or perceived as scary. That extreme fear, hatred and reviling of communism is a very (north) American phenomenon, a result of its history. 'Communism' is a political choice, usually made by very idealistic -if not always realistic- people who want the world's riches to be shared amongst all. Most do not want the kind of dictatorship that has accompanied it in practice. Most, if not all, European countries have a perfectly legal communist party and it is not seen as a crime to be part of it. Uh, in France it is seen as a joke! ;)... which is not really fair since most of the welfare the French working class/middle class now enjoys (high minimum salary, paid holidays, benefits of several kinds) was fought for and obtained by people led by that minority. As France goes, I assure you the National Front (extreme right) party has the monopoly of inspiring (as well as promoting) fear and hatred. And before anybody asks, no, I'm not a communist myself, I'm far too practical-minded and in love with freedom.
Modern 'socialism' in Europe usually refers to a more moderate position, which indeed does range from just right of communism to centre. But from my experience of living in Britain, I'd say British socialism (labour) starts much more closer to centre than others, although we don't have a clue what AR personal position is, and I don't think I'll be asking, no doubt he'll tell the world if he wants to and won't if he doesn't ;). Hope that (mildy) reassures American fans who were worried they may have to burn their hero at the stake! ;-))
As for how many inches he so happened to be ahead of his companion when the (intruding??) pic was taken... I'll feel free to base comments on his relationship or attitude to women on such, ahem, *reliable* evidence the day he feels free to do the same to me, which let's face it, won't be soon! ;)
GML
UK - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 01:40:58 (PDT)
To those of you who have referred to Mr. Rickman as a socialist, and then been confused by the term, I would like to perhaps modify some descriptions, of socialism, as it occurs in Britain. Yes, I live in the US, but I consider myself a political refugee, from Magaret Thatcher, and her little group. I am British born and raised, and was a member of the Liberal party for much of my young adult life.
Socialism, was, and still is, the stated goal of the Labour party. It is not however, something just to the right of communism. At least not these days. And there were very few years when it was. And then it's views were considered to be too extreme, and it was never in power, when it held those views.
the Labour Party is most similar these days, to the more liberal wing of the US Democratic party. Think of any liberal democrat, and his thoughts and beliefs regarding the government's role in society and you will find the majority of the members of the Labour party of Britain to be very close even exactly similar,in philosophy.
There are extremists in philosophy from either end of the spectrum of thought, who are aligned with the current Labour party, but no one, as far as I know, would consider him or herself a communist.
I hope this helps those of you who are a bit puzzled by the term 'socialist', and what exactly it means in Britain today. I would be a Labour party voter myself, today and anyone less like a communist, you could not find.
I now return you to your regular AR debates and discussions.
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 19:27:16 (PDT)
The photo looks like a long legged man loping ahead of a short legged woman. I personally refuse to gallop after a man, so if my husband wants to go somewhere WITH me, he slows down his pace to match mine, and I speed up a little to match his. I don't think that Rima is downtrodden, but it does look that way, with her trailing behind him carrying the baggage. Obviously he has all the benefits of a relationship and the benefits of being single. I hope she does too. Personally, I want my man beside me in bed every night, but of course, other people make other choices.
a Rickman admirer
- Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 17:58:43 (PDT)
Ah, ah, Sue... well, maybe AR didn't want to be caught carrying bagfuls of female clothes? Not with these venomous-tongued journalists prowling around anyway! ;) Hey, our hero looks great and fit, nice. Uh, apart from the fact some journalists should be put out of their misery at birth, I must say the picture is rather funny and shouts for a bubble! ;) What about:
AR: "bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla...
RH: *thought bubble* "That's it:... fall back discreetly, and then... first side street I see... " ;) GML
GML
UK - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 15:17:33 (PDT)
Hey guys, I'm greatful for any answers I get for the definition of a socialist, but so far I'm only getting an American take on what a socialist is. What do people in the UK or Canada think about socialism? Saying that a socialist is just a little right of communism is kind of scary! Surely, people in the UK and Candada must have a different prospective on what is the definition of socialism. I don't want to get into a deep political debate, it's just that I can't imagine my favorite actor being considered a little right of communist. You guys are scaring me.
Michaele <kph1324@bellsouth.netfoo>
Chattanooga, TN - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 14:56:52 (PDT)
I don't care who walks behind whom but carrying the bags? No way!!
Sue
England - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 14:40:01 (PDT)
Here's yesterday's Express photo. Thanks, Amanda!
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
TX USA - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 14:25:14 (PDT)
Sue - I agree, my husband always walks a respectful distance behind me - this way he gets to look at what he wants and I get to go to the shops I want! Marital bliss!! What he wants to look at is usually boring anyway! Thanks also to Amanda - I still have'nt managed to see picture so perhaps as suggested you could send it to Claire or Suzanne for us all to dissect!
Jill
UK - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 12:43:48 (PDT)
Michele, AR is a socialist. A socialist is a little right of a communist, but not much. Don't know if he would want a knighthood. (Socialists and communists are known to advocate toppling monarchies ie Russia, France.) However, since the title doesn't bring estates or money and if he is proud of what he has accomplished for his country, he may, as time goes by. AR doesn't appear to me to be a very material kind of person, just very talented, interested in people and his work and all-around nice guy who happens to be a socialist.
vicki
usa - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 11:58:53 (PDT)
donna, I don't have the actual article--only the text. If Amanda would send it to Suzanne or Claire, I'm sure one or the other would put it up for all to see.
As to who/what/where, I don't write these--only posting. So I know no more than what you do--what the article says, or fails to say.
Georgiana
Seattle - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 11:00:34 (PDT)
Georgiana, about the article about Alan & Rima in the Express, it mentions a rare photo of them together. Is there any way to get that onto this site so we can see it? Did that article mean that they were out house hunting or the fellow following them?
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
USA - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 10:43:52 (PDT)
Amazon.com now allow pre-order of the "Blow Dry" DVD, scheduled for August 14 release.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 10:04:11 (PDT)
All is well; Link (thanks!) and GB fixed.
D.o.C. (Suz)
Sorry Suzanne, I've turned the world blue!!
Sue
England - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 09:45:17 (PDT)
Don't worry, Michaele, you are perfectly in order to suggest a knighthood for AR, even if he is a socialist. There are socialist knights around - and even some Life Peers although I am not sure if the latter are still being handed out.
Gail
Still in Seattle, - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 09:39:21 (PDT)
Sorry I tried but my first ever link failed (sob)
Sue
England - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 09:32:27 (PDT)
From the Hollywood Reporter:
Anthony Stewart Head, who plays Buffy's ineffable Watcher, Giles, can recall the moment he read his first "Buffy" script: "I happened to be in a local restaurant, and I had the script with me. I found myself laughing out loud and at the same time turning the pages to find out what happened, which is definitely a good combination." He recalls asking if he should play the very British Giles as Alan Rickman or Hugh Grant and being told "'Both. You choose,' which wasn't very helpful." So Giles wound up "somewhere between Hugh Grant and Prince Charles."
Georgiana (I'm not writing these, merely posting them...) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 09:29:29 (PDT)
I just found an article on AR on the Radio Times page.www.radiotimes.com
Sue
England - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 09:29:00 (PDT)
sara wrote:
"in the 'Spotted' section in this week's Heat magazine it says "Alan Rickman watching a long Taiwanese movie at the ICA, London". Honestly, sodding Heat magazine... It's a giggle, but it's so patronising. they could at least tell us what the film's called instead of just assuming it's going to be over the heads of _all_ their readers!"
If it is a recent long Taiwanese movie it is probably Yi Yi (A One and a Two). I saw it last night. It is long -- three hours -- and drags a bit near the end, but I thought it was great. AR connection: afterwards I thought of Sense and Sensibility because of what Jane Austen said about the ideal subject being two or three families in a small town. Yi Yi is about one family and a few others related to them, but in Taipei not England. I think if you liked Sense and Sensibility or any other movie treatment of Austen, you would like Yi Yi. Just take a pillow.
In reply to Jill, I have the pic from the Daily Express, so let me know if you haven`t already got it !
Amanda <zaramuttle@btinternet.comfoo>
London, - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 06:42:26 (PDT)
Georgiana - Well I've been married since 1975 and my husband and I are usually yards apart only difference is I'm usually in front!!!
Sue
England - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 04:20:27 (PDT)
Can anyone post the picture from The Express - in my house we always seem to buy the wrong newspapers for Alan Rickman photos! Apart from The London Evening Standard which must have an AR fan working there as he gets a mention in some shape or form every Friday night. Last night there was a tiny picture of AR begging at Glenda Jackson's feet (old Shakespeare piccy) in connection with the RSC shakeup.
Jill
UK - Friday, May 25, 2001 at 22:35:34 (PDT)
From The Express
May 25, 2001 Pg. 38
RICKMAN GIVES HIS RELATIONSHIP PLENTY OF SPACE
BYLINE: MCENTEE
DOES Alan Rickman have delusions of grandeur?
Just as the Queen traditionally has the Duke of Edinburgh walking six paces behind her, the Truly, Madly, Deeply star appears to have adopted the same regal policy with his long-term girlfriend, Rima Horton.
Out house-hunting in Notting Hill the other day, Rima, a Labour councillor for Kensington and Chelsea, kept a respectful distance behind Alan as they strode about the fashionable boulevards of West London. "For a couple who are together, I've never seen people so geographically apart on the street, " whispers my source about the couple, seen here in a rare picture together.
"They looked like complete strangers. It was only when they stopped to look in an estate agent's window that she seemed to catch up with him. They didn't even appear to be talking to each other." Obviously for Alan and Rima, happily ensconced since 1977, a bit of space can't be doing them any harm.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Friday, May 25, 2001 at 22:15:49 (PDT)
forgot to mention that i saw a bit about alan at the website www.mrshowbiz.go.com i typed his name into search under celebrities. aren't sure if you have to capitalize the m or s because i got to it through another site, but just try it & it should work. i was haven't trouble again with the internet connecting to sites. also you can hear some of that Bach music from TMD at www.classicalarchives.com pretty good music at that site, if you like classical music like i do(among many other kinds as well) Nitey nite now!
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
USA - Friday, May 25, 2001 at 21:09:34 (PDT)
Endril, just scroll down to May 22, (like i did today after i discovered someone told me about it), to Suzanne & she tells how to go about seeing In Demand, but it takes awhile to download so i still haven't seen it. didn't quite have the time to wait so long. by the way, i tried to e-mail you this info but it was sent back undeliverable for some reason. i used your address at the bottom of your entry.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Friday, May 25, 2001 at 21:03:51 (PDT)
Donna, I have not seen the In Demand video in America on either MTV, MTV2, or VH1 (being a fairly avid watcher of these channels in my free time). But I will keep an eye out for you if they ever do! I am also looking to snatch a peep at the video on the net, and will also look around for some good ones! thanks for video refrences, everyone!
Endril Lei <BloomieKay@hotmail.comfoo>
U.S.A. - Friday, May 25, 2001 at 20:32:41 (PDT)
I would like to apologise to all of AR fans in the UK for my ignorance in suggesting that he be knighted! I had no idea that he was a socialist(& of course I don't exactly know what that means) and that being socialist meant not accepting titles. What do you mean when you say he is a leftist. As I said I must apologise for my American ignorance but when we think of leftist we think of communism & I am sure that is not what you mean. Please, someone, EDUCATE ME! Thanks
Michaele <kph1324@bellsouth.netfoo>
Chattanooga, TN USA - Friday, May 25, 2001 at 16:33:59 (PDT)
Hi, New here so hello to all. Just noted the comments earlier about the shake up within the RSC and actors being lured back to the stage. Kenneth Branagh will be appearing on stage as Richard III in Sheffield next year and I'm one who'll definitely be there more than once, he has mentioned that he'll be back on stage in London with other theatre actors who are on film alot these days so I'm living in hope that Alan will be one of them. Great to find other likeminded people who love AR. Annie xx
Annie <Pimpernel@37.comfoo>
London, England - Friday, May 25, 2001 at 12:33:16 (PDT)
I opened my JULY issue of TOTAL FILM late last night and out dropped a free CD-Rom titled Summer movie Trailers CD. It contains loads of trailers including "Harry Potter" and "Help I'm a Fish". The Harry Potter is the usual one but at least I can now see it at the right speed as I never seem to be able to get the speed right on the download. I have never seen the "Fish" trailer and it looks good.I don't know if it is the same as the one on the Fish webpage as I had trouble downloading that but the little bit I did get didn't start the same as the CD-Rom (If you follow me). Anyway I don't know if this is all old hat to you. I thought the AR character was a bit "Georgeish". Anyway I don't know if it means its finally being released in U.K.Does anyone have a date?
Sue
England - Friday, May 25, 2001 at 10:19:05 (PDT)
I suggest, 'Rickman admirer' that you write to the No 10 Downing St. website and suggest to Tony Blair that our man would be a worthy addition to the theatrical knighthood. The Queen doles out most honours on the recommendation of the PM of the day - who happens to be, in name anyway, a socialist. The honour in the direct gift of the Queen is the 'VO' series - and it doesn't come in a bottle!
Gail <who is having a simply wonderful time in the Pacific NW - thank you, Georgiana!foo>
As before, Seattle, - Friday, May 25, 2001 at 09:18:48 (PDT)
Yeah, but that's 'cos Anthony Hopkins decided to move to America permanently and become an American citizen and so he had to renounce his knighthood! Or am I thinking of someone else... someone like Anthony Hopkins, anyway, definitely had to do that recently, and for that reason...
sara
london, uk - Friday, May 25, 2001 at 08:39:55 (PDT)
Donna, check the May 22nd listings for the address kindly provided by Suzanne to view "In Demand." Perhaps not quite as good at the Brits can see on their MTV, but I'm delighted to see it no matter what!
Mary
McHenry, - Friday, May 25, 2001 at 07:03:20 (PDT)
Refering to the Knighthood subject. Can anyone remember that when he was asked by a juornalist about his thoughts on the Royal Family he said he would rather not think about them. All the same it does sound nice! People like Anthony Hopkins don't acctually use their "Sir" anyway.
Elizabeth
UK - Friday, May 25, 2001 at 05:19:13 (PDT)
Claire:thanks for the lovely pics!Alan is at his best,even when he`s in "hard" situations...
anna
- Friday, May 25, 2001 at 02:22:56 (PDT)
just was searching the sites & saw that Alan was in a music video In Demand by Texas. does anyone know if there's a site where that can be viewed? was it ever on American MTV?
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 18:40:39 (PDT)
Here's a bit from an interesting little article I found while browsing the Yahoo news page. Oh, if only it would tempt our man back to the stage. Unfortunately, I think that his busy film schedule--and perhaps the fallout from A&C--might keep him from taking part in this, at least for quite a while.
RSC to Put Shakespeare at Heart of London West End
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) on Thursday announced a major shake-up aimed at putting the Bard at the heart of London's theaterland and luring back big stars of the stage.
The RSC will spend less time at its home at the Barbican Center in London's financial district and its spiritual home in Stratford-upon-Avon, where William Shakespeare was born in 1564 and died 52 years later.
``We want to put on Shakespeare right in the heart of the West End,'' said RSC Artistic Director Adrian Noble said in a statement.
``We want to produce great new plays not just in small studio spaces, but in larger venues where more people can see them.''
The company will also break the grueling 18-month performance cycle for actors that has put off many big theater stars who are unwilling to commit for so long.
``The current RSC structure is a deterrent to many actors, largely due to the length of contract, which can be as long as two years,'' said Kate Hunter, RSC spokeswoman.
Two big names backing the changes are Ralph Fiennes of Oscar-winning ``The English Patient'' fame and Kenneth Branagh, best known for his Shakespeare roles on stage and screen.
Noble announced plans to stage Shakespeare's ``Pericles'' and Henrik Ibsen's ``Brand,'' featuring Fiennes, in the West End.
The article goes on to mention the inevitable job losses that will occur when the move takes place.
Keeping my fingers crossed, Jennifer, Who has never seen him on stage, and, alas, fears she never will
Jennifer <jelleebaby@yahoo.comfoo>
MD - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 14:58:55 (PDT)
I wrote to the webpage for the royals and suggested a knighthood for AR-he doesn't seem to mind meeting royalty, so I don't think he is a rabid anti-royalist-certainly the gesture is an honor and a compliment, and who could object to that?
a Rickman admirer
- Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 12:32:00 (PDT)
Re the knighthood thing: I don't see being a socialist as precluding accepting a knighthood. Rickman buddy Sir Antony Sher recently accepted his, and told us all the entertaining details when I went to RNT to hear him speak about his new autobiography last mmonth.
Gail
temporarily Seattle, US - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 12:10:24 (PDT)
Barbara the Aussie! Welcome back!
Barbara the Wallpaperer
USA - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 11:35:57 (PDT)
Darn! We missed it. Yesterday was Mesmerism Day! Use the power of suggestion today and see what happens!
Dr. Franz Anton Mesmer, Austrian physician
(May 23, 1734 - 1815)
Considered the Father of the Mental Health Industry, Dr. Franz Mesmer used his own practice of mesmerism, combining hypnotism and the power of suggestion, to cure his patients.
Linda P.
- Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 09:37:30 (PDT)
also forgot to mention, yesterday my daughter watched a scene being filmed locally, a movie titled "Enter, Fleeing". so far the only actress i know who is in it is Fairuza Balk. she was in yesterday's scene, at Dunkin Donuts. they are also filming another movie near here starring Kyra Sedgwick & Parker Posey, but i don't yet know the title of it. this area has been used alot lately & for the past few years they've been having a Hudson Valley Film Festival. there are alot of film people living in the area. this "Enter" film is being directed by Rebecca Miller, daughter of playwright Arthur Miller.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 07:40:38 (PDT)
about producers, i think they have to do with getting the movie out. i know a few years back when i was on a local movie set with my son, we found out that first you have to get someone to back the film, then another to back it enough or promote it enough & eventually, depending on all this, it either goes to theatre, cable, or directly to video. It's all very involved as we found out. as that movie set we were on, it appeared in a few scattered theatres around this state(just as the independent films do) & then it went to cable & video. Shelly Winters Liv Tyler & Pruitt Taylor Vince were in it. As for Alan's political views, someone said he is a socialist. I always thought he was in the Labour Party. Is that socialist? I'm just curious, I'd like to know more about it.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 07:33:41 (PDT)
Very happy to have you back Barbara! :))
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 06:31:06 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 24, 2001, referenced to London: The odds are you'll be feeling a surplus of energy and strength today, Alan, so now is the time to look around and find those jobs that require both [ED: Make more movies! A,A,A! (Act, Alan, Act!)]. Whatever you wind up doing, you'll probably have energy left over afterward to reward yourself for a job well done with a night on the town [ED: Treat Rima to a night out]. Paint the town red! When the night out is over, spend some time with someone special. Your energy and strength will serve you well in this area too.
June
Chicago, USA - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 06:22:13 (PDT)
Hey, Eva - chill out a little! About the Sir Alan thing - I just think it _sounds_ good, just the words together, but yeah, all that comes with it is bad. I was saying the same thing as you - the whole deal sucks and I also think that he'd refuse one if he were offered it (and so he should, imho). I use the word "leftie" as a compliment and would describe myself as one. Oh - and in the 'Spotted' section in this week's Heat magazine it says "Alan Rickman watching a long Taiwanese movie at the ICA, London". Honestly, sodding Heat magazine... It's a giggle, but it's so patronising. they could at least tell us what the film's called instead of just assuming it's going to be over the heads of _all_ their readers!
sara
london, uk - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 06:14:06 (PDT)
Isn't the weather glourious (in the UK)! Long may it last. There is probably no wax model of him in Madame Tussauds because he doen't want one, they have to give permission. I think that he would definatley refuse a knighthood, however I think that maybe an MBE, CBE or OBE would be nice although he would probably not want that either.
Elizabeth
UK - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 05:15:18 (PDT)
Alan Rickman is a socialist and as such will probably refuse a knighthood if offered, what may indeed be the case. By referring to him as Sir Alan, you are disrespecting his main belief and his pride in his origin, politics and achiwements. By referring to him as one of the greatest actors and an involved and human being, you could not be more right.
Eva
Copenhagen, - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 04:06:17 (PDT)
All this talk of knighting Alan... I really hate the idea. I mean, it'd be cool if he was Sir Alan - but we can just call him that anyway, right? - but it'd mean he would've been sort of officially sanctioned by the monarchy and the establishment. And blech, who wants that? I think most lefties are kicking against all that cal. And we know he's a leftie. Hmm. Haven't had the chance to watch Rasputin yet - got called away to an urgent birthday party on Saturday night. I taped it but I've been out every night since... oh, the pressures...
sara
london, uk - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 03:55:18 (PDT)
ARA, according to Saul Zaentz, everything you have said is covered by the Producer. He reads the script and also hires the Director he thinks is best to do the movie. He also has the final say on the actors named and someimes this leads to trouble. Directors have a habit of disagreeing with the Producer. Just look at Mesmer..... Producers can see a story on paper and SEE something in it like One flew over the cookoo's nest, and Armadeus. They are there to keep everyone happy including the Director. Getting the money is another story. I guess the world of filmmaking is divided into two parts. The first is the Story/ Film and the second is the Business side of things. Distubution and marketing press releases. One is full of the story telling and the other is a ruthless world.... Some producers are wonderful like Saul Zaentz and some are not.
Barbara the Aussie
Gold Coast, Australia - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 00:37:04 (PDT)
I have never been entirely sure what a producer does--does he chase down the money, find someone to write a screenplay, find a director, casting person, scout locations, hire AD's cameramen, etc? I think I've figured out that the director works with the cameraman, and is assisted by the assistant directors and I suppose that screen tests are examined by the director, and then the director helps with editing, casting,filming decisions,music. Does the producer have the final say in how the film comes out, or does the director, or both? Does the producer handle the marketing? I also notice AP's and assistants to assistants on the credits.I always insist on sitting in the theatre till all the credits roll, as I think everyone should get their due....someone who knows care to elaborate on the job description of a producer?
a Rickman admirer
- Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 23:41:57 (PDT)
Planet Hollywood, Anne. The chain went out of business.
While communing with surf, sand, sea and sky the past few days, I read Waiting for the Healer, by Eamonn Sweeney, which the Irish Times article indicated Rickman was producing. Ignoring the purple prose (made easier by Irish idiom and altered spelling), it is an engrossing, well written, cleaverly constructed novel that should make a heck of a film.
Georgiana
Seattle - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 22:12:06 (PDT)
Emily, there was no AR wax figure at Madame Tussaud's the last time I looked, which was in 1997, but we did have the Sheriff of Nottingham's statue, here in Washington DC, at a restaurant, which has since gone out of business. It was the restaurant which Bruce Willis and Co., owned. the one that failed. Sorry, the name escapes me.
What's happened to the statue since then, I have no idea, but it was fun to see a life size Sheriff, watching you eat.
Maybe the restaurant failed because that's where the scraps for the lepers and orphans went, after the the good Sheriff, stopped them being distributed ;-))
Anne
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 21:18:17 (PDT)
hi, i don't know if anyone here remembers me (it's been nearly a year, I'd guess, since I lost this address), but was browsing internet for new info on AR movies nad such, when found this addy! Still love this page dearly with all the great updates on AR of all kinds! Take care. Will hopefully make resolution to stop by more often.
Endril Lei <BloomieKay@hotmail.comfoo>
U.S.A. - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 19:43:58 (PDT)
From 19 May Irish Times (sorry if this is a duplicate):
A paragraph from "Champagne in the sun? Cannes do":
Jordan's future projects as a director include a major historical drama based on the Borgias and the film of Peter Carey's new novel about the Australian outlaw, Ned Kelly. He also plans to produce Conor McPherson's film, Actors, which is likely to star Alan Rickman, Dylan Moran and Minnie Driver.
Georgiana
Seattle - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 19:38:49 (PDT)
From The Mirror
May 22, 2001, Tuesday
HEAVY PETAL STAR
BYLINE: Lorraine Fisher
MODEL Leah Woods, the daughter of Rolling Stone Ronnie, was the blossoming star of the Chelsea Flower Show yesterday. Leah, 22, opened the London event wearing this Laura Ashley dress covered in fresh roses and tulips. Model Elle MacPherson and actor Alan Rickman were among the visitors.
Georgiana
back from the Sandpiper - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 19:34:20 (PDT)
Again about the deer(sorry Alan), i know deer can be dangerous on the roads, we have so many here & i've seen them feeding right by the side of the road many times, but i respect the fact that they were here first & we humans are taking over their territory. To repeat myself, there are way too many new developments going up around here, farms & woods disappearing, it just bothers me. We have builders coming up here from the city & L.I., ripping up trees & all just to build these ugly developments & people are coming here in droves. I'm sorry it just bothers me. I just feel animals need to have a voice that cares for them.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 18:37:35 (PDT)
I looked for AR at Madame Tussauds in London and he wasn't there. I didn't recognize many on the sports figures, and Poirot wasn't there either...my mother in law loves racoons, and we have sent her two racoon pictures, a racoon lawn ornament, and have a cuddly stuffed racoon to send for Christmas. My husband was wondering aloud why she likes racoons so much, and I said "because she doesnt have any in England" I love hedgehogs and would love to have one in my garden, but they are not indigenous here--anyone who has a deer problem doesn't love deer-I have known of two people who died hitting deer on the highway- those things are heavy and have sharp hoofs-and they eat anything...I don't think Bambi has much to do with a REAL deer anyway...
a Rickman admirer
- Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 18:06:54 (PDT)
Here is a good question I don't think anyone has ever brought up...Does anyone know if Alan Rickman is featured in any of the WAX museums in London or New York? I think it would be awsome if he was. He really deserves that kind of credit! LoL. Also, I know I made that earlier statement about Meredith looking like Harry Potter but I did notice some interesting things....His last name is Potter-he has the exact hair and glasses-the uncle's name is VERNON which is the name of Harry's uncle...and Stella's aunt and uncle don't seem to pay her much attention (even though it doesn't go to such extremes as in harry's case!)
Emily <DkNy9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 17:36:47 (PDT)
Welcome back Barbara! J let us know you were having computer problems.
Judy <judy1@one.net.aufoo>
Sydney, NSW Australia - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 17:08:14 (PDT)
It is so good to be back! Computer is connecting again. Hope it lasts.... I have enjoyed reading and scrolling back a long way and hopefully one day Dark Harbor will come down under - I have tried to get any info from various sorces - no luck. It was really good to see on Ch.2 last Sunday afternoon two specials that mentioned TMD. First a special on Saul Zaentz the producer, who mentioned that he really enjoyed Anthony Minghella's first Directorial effort, TMD, and the wonderful performances of AR/JS. One of the reasons, I guess, he hired him for the English Patient.Next was a special on Barrington Pheloung, who did a lot of the work on the Cello in TMD. They screened the great shot of Jamie playing on the Cello at the beginning of the movie. This man is so talented! He comes from Sydney Australia, and has made some wonderful theme music. The beautiful theme from the Inspector Morse TV series is just one. His music is beautiful to listen to. Good way to pass a Sunday afternoon! The winter guest is currently being screened on the Pay TV Showtime this month and in June,2, 8 and 14th! Bye for now.
Barbara the Aussie!
Gold Coast, Australia - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 16:23:23 (PDT)
By the way, regarding the deer discussion, deer CAN be dangerous, particularly in the fall. Never, EVER approach a male deer in the fall and, should you come upon one on a walk, back slowly away until you have enough vegetation between you both to make it safe to turn your back on him. Fall is mating season and the bucks can be quite aggressive and have been known to attack humans. It reminds me of a funny quote by Barbara Ehrenreich (if you've ever read any of her work): "Some of us still get all weepy when we think about...the idea that earth is a big furry goddess creature who resembles everybody's mom in that she knows what's best for us. But if you look at the historical record - Krakatoa, Mt. Vesuvius, Hurricane Charley, poison ivy and so forth down the ages - you have to ask yourself: Whose side is she on anyway?" Until tomorrow!
Mary
McHenry, - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 15:29:18 (PDT)
Sue, Distraction is just a few miles west of Crazy, and it's a ride I'm definitely taking! Fausta, I got as far as the cuddle and had to turn the video off - watching these things at work can make for problems when coworkers hear the muffled shreiks. Oh, my. Oh, my!
Mary
McHenry, - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 14:19:35 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 23, 2001, referenced to London: Do whatever you need to take care of yourself today, Alan, both physically and mentally [ED: No Bambi!]. Any problem areas in your health should be easier for you to spot and, once recognized, can be worked on more easily. Take the time off that you need to feel rested and healthy. Don't be afraid to relax and take a break if that's what you need. In the end your productivity will be increased if you are truly healthy.
June
Chicago, USA - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 13:04:59 (PDT)
I recall reading that AR lost his father at age 8. Even with both my parents alive, I found Bambi upsetting. I can only imagine what effect the movie must have on one who has suffered such a loss. A child who loses a parent is likely in essence to lose both...one to death and one to grief.
As the years go by, I have become more likely to rail against the massive injustice of death and question the relative value of life's joys in the face of inevitable loss.
Josephine
Weakest Link, - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 12:50:11 (PDT)
There's been a fair bit of press lately about the screenwriter who adapted Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for film. He's been dropping hints about what will be in the movie. But for us the most important item in the interview is this:
Will Robin Williams do a guest turn as a prankish ghost, as many have conjectured over the Internet? "No, he won't be in one or two - the whole cast is English," replies Kloves, who's now adapting the second book, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," for release in summer 2003.
So there's another date to look forward to.
Magda
Canada - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 12:47:15 (PDT)
Could drive me anywhere (just where IS distraction?)
Sue
England - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 12:28:39 (PDT)
make that In Demand. The man's driven me to distraction . . .
Fausta
- Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 11:34:38 (PDT)
Donna,
Trust me, New Jersey deer are not gentle.
Re In Deman, love the cuddle in the car. Good thing it wasn't me driving.
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
NJ USA - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 11:32:51 (PDT)
Every now and then you can be having a lousy day, and nothing really seems to be going right, and it can take so little to turn it all around. Suzanne, you took my breath away (well actually Himself did, but only because of your kindness). THANK YOU! Oh, MY isn't that an magnificent video! I'll treasure it.
A Grateful Mary
McHenry, - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 11:13:20 (PDT)
Lynn of Canada- In the Hall of the Mountain King, i think was at the beginning(I have to watch my video again), but i know i definately heard it on the commercials for Rasputin, and yes i love that song in the tavern with the gypsies as well, & i'm trying to find out the title, too! By the way, that other song in TMD was, Raining in my Heart by Buddy Holly, we have it on a cassette titled, "Buddy Holly Lives" by MCA records. To Fausta- oh, please don't say that about the deer! They're just gentle creatures. We get them around here all the time & they used to nibble at the hedges at my parents' house, but my dad didn't care! My parents even used to leave food scraps out back at night for a family of foxes that used to come into the yard, plus i guess a few racoons might've gotten to it as well. Around here the poor wildlife seems to be getting lost lately as more & more people are moving up here from the city & cutting down the trees & taking over the land where the wildlife once lived. Last year we even had a coyote marching up the street at night, poor things are confused. Ususally,after winter, you always hear about young bears wandering down from the mountains looking for food, but they are more afraid of people than anything. They always just wander back to where they came from. Can't help it, i'm an animal lover from way back! Didn't mean to ramble on.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 10:16:05 (PDT)
Claire, thanks for the wonderful Premiere pix. I love the GQ one. It,s funny how some men,like fine wine, improve with age. (Unfortunately this does not apply to all men!). I had never seen the bubbles before and especially liked the Tango ones. All this talk of the Texas video got me to thinking that this is how I found all these great pages. Although I had seen S&S several times and AABA once it was when I saw the vid on MTV and thought "whoa, isn't that the S&S guy). Luckily last autumn I was painting the lounge and had the TV on constantly and kept hopping around the music channels trying to catch it.(No wonder it took me twice as long as usual to decorate!) Nothing like that ever happens to me at the BP garage. My husband reckoned they were arguing as to who was going to pay for the petrol!
Now 7 months later, here I am washed up on the GB, a useless AR junkie,with a collection,so far, of a dozen videos and dvds.Ain't life grand?;-)
Sue
England - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 09:23:55 (PDT)
We all cried when watching Bambi, back when we were 5 yrs old. Then we grew up and the deer started eating the ENTIRE garden (hemlock & ivy included), and we decided venison was not such a bad idea.
Suzanne, thank you for that videogram! I was getting all this work done, & now here is temptation . . .
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 07:41:28 (PDT)
Thanks Elizabeth for your response. I had a feeling it might be music composed for the film. It's not a very long segment but it has a lovely melody.
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 06:52:10 (PDT)
I just remembered what I wanted to say. I can't get on CPP, because the gremlins have got at the computers and have "junkbusted" nearly all of the websites I want to see. Bummer!!
Elizabeth
UK - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 00:30:24 (PDT)
Re: the Rasputin bedroom scene, the peice of music was written specially for the film I think you will find.(If I am wrong you can shout at me later) Also they use a peice called Ave Maria in Dk H, it was wriiten by Schubert, originaly as a duet for piano and violin and then he wrote the lyrics later on.
Elizabeth
UK - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 00:27:59 (PDT)
I have a Bambi mousepad-the one with him looking at the butterfly on his tail
a Rickman admirer <it was on sale for $1.99foo>
- Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 00:13:42 (PDT)
Well, Bambi IS a sad movie... the little prince loses his mother, and really little kids can be frightened by some of the sequences, as it is also dramatic-I'm sure that is has been a long time since Mr. Rickman saw Bambi, but if he did see it recently, no one here would mind if he wanted to shed a tear or two-most of us have lost someone that we love.
a Rickman admirer
- Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 00:07:12 (PDT)
From http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/media/story.jsp?story=73805:
Yet more sinister is the enraged celebrity. Alan Rickman revealed to me, in an unguarded moment, that he cries while watching Bambi. A newspaper published that significant piece of information on my behalf. Mr Rickman was enraged, hurling imprecations at a colleague.
*
USA - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 18:56:32 (PDT)
Mary,
I made a Videogram of the TEXAS "In Demand" video. Try this out and see if it works for you. After downloading the file (TEXAS-ID-M.EXE), just double click it and it should start playing automatically:
"In Demand" video (7.8 MB)
Suzanne <SuzanneK@bigfoot.comfoo>
TX USA - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 17:55:54 (PDT)
Hello Claire, I just went to the CPP page and I love the photos. Thanks. They are great. I just want to know where do you get such great pics? I loved the first one.
About Alan Rickman being knighted, I think that is a fantastic idea. He should, he well deserves it.
About the music in Rasputin, it was mentioned that IN THE HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN KING was some music in it, is that in the scene in the tavern where he is dancing with the gypsy woman (or bar girl) whoever she is? I really liked that music. If you can tell me I'd really appreciate it, thanks.....
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 16:47:04 (PDT)
I keep forgeting to ask, but why has't the Queen knighted AR yet? I think Sir Alan Rickman sounds lovely.
Michaele <kph1324@bellsouth.netfoo>
Chattanooga, - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 16:17:35 (PDT)
I just saw the Texas "In Demand" video for the first time about three days ago. It is So sexy, and I love the song. I even think my husband(who has previouly acted jealous of AR)secretely likes the video and the song. He searched the internet to get me a copy of the CD(which is supposed to have the video on it) and it is coming to me all the way from the UK. We have been debating on what AR's character is doing in the video. My husband has got it into his head that he is a hitchhiker that she is dropping off at the end. I think that they are two people sharing one last tango before breaking up and that she is dropping him off at a bus stop or train station at the end. Anyone else got any other ideas?
Michaele <kph1324@bellsouth.netfoo>
Chattanooga, TN - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 16:14:03 (PDT)
Speaking of the "In Demand" video, does anybody know of any site where one can view the clip in other than .ram format (which my version of Windows won't support and which, for various reasons, I can't purchase the software necessary to view it)? I've checked Dirk's "Texas" webpage, which seemed the best bet, but he doesn't have it and I can't find it anywhere else.
Mary
McHenry, - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 15:31:53 (PDT)
I just finished watching AABA and i loved it! although, i was hysterical at the end. i wont say anything but for the people who saw it, you know what i'm talking about. he looked incredibly edible in this movie,haha!!! i could care less for meredith potter though. did anyone else think he looked a little like harry potter? i really saw a resemblence!
Emily <dkny9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 14:53:59 (PDT)
He may dance like Fred Astaire, but I don't. I'd be stepping all over his toes....
a Rickman admirer
- Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 14:28:20 (PDT)
Who indeed?
Sue
England - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 14:10:44 (PDT)
The Times today has an article on Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and Cruz's tango dance ...
"The tango scene was deliberate. Short of a full-frontal bedroom/naked-body-in-the-shower close-up, there is no quicker way to suggest sexual arousal than dancing the tango. Think of Al Pacino almost having his wicked way on the dancefloor in Scent of a Woman, or Alan Rickman and Sharleen Spiteri doing the tango — and suggesting much more — on the deserted forecourt of a garage for her In Demand video. “Who wouldn’t want to tango in the dark with a sexy older man?” Spiteri asked. Who indeed? "
Claire
- Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 13:47:51 (PDT)
Elizabeth, thanks for the half-com link. Since some videos are only available in NTSC format anyway, it is a good site to know about. It's a very good site for *any* video, not just Alan's. Emily, you can get a copy of Barchester Chronicles on www.amazon.co.uk. It will be in PAL format, but maybe your VCR can play it, or you can have it converted to NTSC.
GML
UK - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 13:07:15 (PDT)
Errrrh...right, Sue. Yeah. How could he even think such a thing? Darn him.
Mary
McHenry, - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 10:06:29 (PDT)
Speaking of the bedroom scene in Rasputin, do you ladies know what piece of music THAT is? Seems to me that would make a great addition to the collection! Fantasize?.... Hardly ever! ;)
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 08:13:25 (PDT)
Wow, it worked!!!
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 07:36:38 (PDT)
Sue, My thought exactly!
Donna, I think you are right about the Raining on My Heart song in TMD, and the cello bit make me cry as well.
I just found a site where you can buy ALL of AR's videos/DVDs, and some of them are quite cheap, it is American though which will disappoint UK dwellers, however most new UK players seem to play USA videos. I have never done a link before so forgive me if I make a mess
Right here goes......
I hope it works!!
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 07:30:26 (PDT)
Whilst watching Rasputin on Saturday night, my husband (who has not seen it before-he rarely watches videos because he likes the 'shared experience' of t.v. viewing!!)commented at the bedroom scene "I expect all the Alan Rickman fans are having a quick fantasy now". Really,WHAT kind of girls does he think we are?;) Naturally,I treated the comment with the contempt it deserves!!
Sue
England - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 06:07:49 (PDT)
Elizabeth
Perhaps the librarians of Derham Public Lending Library should take off their glasses, let down their hair and come out of the closet,so as to speak,and visit the guest book?
Sue
England - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 05:59:14 (PDT)
Donna,
Go to The Rickmanista Review's TMD page
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 05:55:13 (PDT)
i almost forgot, does anyone know, besides going into a bookstore & actually looking it up, where i can find a written out copy of The Dead Woman from the Captains Verses by Pablo Neruda? i thought i'd found a good site to get it from, but couldn't find it in my search. it was Bartleby.com Guess they don't have that one on their website, though they do have lots of others. i thought it would be easy to find it online & just print it up. it always makes me cry when i see that part in TMD, it's so sad. and it's super sad when, near the end Nina is closing up Jamie's cello case. ohhhh, it's sooo sad!
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 05:46:54 (PDT)
Elizabeth-Thanks for the added info on the music. I hope I can find those when I look for them. Sometimes it's a bit hard to find specific classical music & then you wonder how it will sound if the person on the CD/tape is unknown to you. Otherwise I'll try to look it up in the store's catalogue. Since Emily reminded me in my e-mail, I'd also forgotten another song in TMD. It's one Jamie sings to Nina while she's in bed. It's by Buddy Holly & I think the title is "It's Raining in my Heart", but I will find out for sure. If anyone else has any info I'd love to hear it. I always look at the end of films to see if there are any soundtracks or what songs were played in them. I have quite a few soundtracks.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 05:39:53 (PDT)
May I chip in on Donna's music in AR films. The music in CME is all based on Mahler's Fifth Symphony and the Cello duet in TMD is Bach's Sonata for Piano and Cello No 1 in G minor 2nd movement. Branenburg concerto No3 is used in TMD and DH1 and Beethoven symphony No9 is also used in DH1. The music in SandS is I think very much based on contempory Beethoven music.
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 05:22:26 (PDT)
Phyllida Law is really a stunner, isn't she? As far as Dark Harbor, any movie that has Rickman in almost every scene is a good movie, in my humble opinion.
a Rickman admirer
- Monday, May 21, 2001 at 20:42:22 (PDT)
Claire, Thank you! That RH premiere photo, *sigh*. What a treat.
Cindie
- Monday, May 21, 2001 at 15:23:50 (PDT)
I thought Rasputin was okay. Extremely emotional. Alan did a beyond amazing job recreating Grigory Rasputin. About Barchester Chronicles, I live in America so does anyone know where I can get a copy?? I am still awaiting my copy of AABA...Was that a good movie? I'm excited to see him on a motorcyle! haha
Emily <dkny9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Monday, May 21, 2001 at 14:57:30 (PDT)
For those who have enquired, thanks for your patience CPP now renewed with pictures all taken of AR at Premieres.
Plus the Bubble is BACK!!
Claire
- Monday, May 21, 2001 at 13:03:40 (PDT)
Rasputin was a great pleasure to watch. The second time round too! ;-)
Am I right to think AR received an award for his part in it? It was brilliantly acted from beginning to end, with some scenes truly standing out, but I don't want to go into too much details here. I am just once again amazed at his ability to incarnate such a variety of characters. OK, my personal favourite still is BC, but now Rasputin is a close second! S&S overtaken but a close third ;-) - mmmh, we must have a 'fav scenes' poll some time.
GML
UK - Monday, May 21, 2001 at 12:45:24 (PDT)
Does anyone think that Dark Harbor was a good movie?I do.It was nice small bubject film, whit a good actors and script. It was good because I could not "guess" the end,before it ended...Alan was very sexy, when he walked naked(ou my god!) back to the house...bY THE wAy:I haven`t seen Rasputin...so those who do:what was it like?
anna
- Monday, May 21, 2001 at 11:42:14 (PDT)
According to Ananova Alan Rickman is expected to visit the Chelsea Flower Show that opened today. As the weather here at the moment is hot and sunny I expect he will have a lovely time!
Jill
UK - Monday, May 21, 2001 at 10:10:28 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 21, 2001, referenced to London: You might feel that you want to seize control of something, Alan. Although you could be a little impatient, don't make any hasty moves. You might find that it is best to discuss some of your options with others. Talk things over with someone whose opinion you trust. You might want to call up a professional mentor. Or you could discuss your concerns with a good friend. Consider all of your options carefully.
June
Chicago, USA - Monday, May 21, 2001 at 10:01:08 (PDT)
Emily- thought I'd write my info here about the movie music of Alan's in case others were interested. I'll tell you all I know & what I have home here. First, i have the soundtracks to RHPOT, & S&S. They are available at the store. Then i have the tape by Joni Mitchell, which has a song called "A Case of You" on it which is from TMD. I haven't bought the other song yet from TMD which is a Bob Dylan song, have to find it, not sure of title. Then also from TMD, the Bach music- (Oh by the way, the joni mitchell tape is titled Blue), ok back to Bach- you have to get the Brandenburg Concertos. I have 3, 4 & 5 on one cassette, although i forget exactly which one is from TMD, i think it's 3. Then I also have the complete concertos for 6, 7 & 8 & Brandenburg concerto #5, but i think the song is on #7 from that cassette. If i am wrong i will write back on that. The first tape i mentioned of Bach, i have is a Philips tape, taped at Academy of St. Martin in the Fields with Sir Neville Marriner. The 2nd one is by Kipnis/London Strings/Marriner, with Igor Kipnis. Now, also from TMD, i bought the single called "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore" & i think it's by the Walker Bros. I can't get to my singles at the moment, they're in a closet. Then in Rasputin, they play a song called "In the Hall of the Mountain King" by Edvard Grieg. That's all i can think of at the moment. If i missed any let me know & i'll try to help.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Monday, May 21, 2001 at 08:00:42 (PDT)
Alas, no AR films being shown on UK TV this week. However, June is looming and Play is being shown on Channel 4 in June.
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Monday, May 21, 2001 at 06:02:43 (PDT)
OHMYGOSH I love Alan Rickman! He talks to clearly and he isn't fat!!
David Lewis <fatpeople@around.comfoo>
Fatpeople, FP Fatpeople - Monday, May 21, 2001 at 01:24:02 (PDT)
Donna, the FAQ is practically perfect and has almost every answer to every question....
a Rickman admirer
- Sunday, May 20, 2001 at 22:31:16 (PDT)
can anyone refresh my memory for me so i don't have to scroll way way down? i want to know the name of the poem & the author that Alan recites in TMD near the end. i know i've read about it somewhere on this site, but i can't remember where. i just discovered a neat site where i can look it up & print it. it's www.Bartleby.com Thanks.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Sunday, May 20, 2001 at 20:02:49 (PDT)
OK well as I think Ive mentioned before,I have seen AABA and I woke up at 3:00AM just to watch it.The next day I was sick so I watched it again and nobosdy knows this but Evie and Brianne my two sisters.
Today we went to a resturant my parents partly owned and my mom said I might be able to see Dark Harbor,YEA!!
Miranda <CoyoteUglyGal1@cs.comfoo>
Brandon, Florida USA - Sunday, May 20, 2001 at 16:08:09 (PDT)
~Donna thanks for gettin back to me. I will be looking out for your email...~I was hysterical during Closet Land. It was scary and disgusting and very emotional and it kind of changed my perspective of the kind of actors Alan Rickman likes to play. I'm not saying he's disgusting or whatever because-i love him! lol...I just rented the movie Gossip and none other but Norman Reedus stars in it. I must say, he is quite talented and not a harsh sight for the eyes!
Emily <dkny9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Sunday, May 20, 2001 at 16:02:56 (PDT)
Just a quick note to Emily, you are correct, it was his arm not his leg that the boy slides his hand down.....
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Sunday, May 20, 2001 at 15:55:55 (PDT)
Thanks for the heads up about the GQ awards. I just voted for AR at www.gq.com - how nice it would be if he won!
It I may put in a plug for someone else, please consider voting for Sean Campion in the theatre group. I had a chance to meet him after seeing "Stones in His Pocket." He is a wonderful gentleman and a very talented actor.
Joan
USA - Sunday, May 20, 2001 at 07:35:14 (PDT)
Emily, i'm sorry i haven't e-mailed you yet, i haven't felt well the past couple of days & also have been busy. I've re-written down your address & will e-mail you. i am also interested in the music from Rasputin, especially the gypsy scene with Alan. will try my best to give you all the music info i know of.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Saturday, May 19, 2001 at 21:11:29 (PDT)
2 Rickmaniac~can you email me and tell me how the dvd version ends? i mean, is the kiss still on it? if it's not then it kind of changes the whole perspective of the movie (don't take this the wrong way)lol 2 Donna(i think that's who it was) you never emailed me about the AR movie soundtracks. As someone else mentioned, i'm interested in the music from Rasputin. ttyl guys
Emily <dkny9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Saturday, May 19, 2001 at 19:41:08 (PDT)
SPOILER - Dark Harbor:
I could have sworn on the big screen that the "boy" groped David, and then held his hand,but the grope was not on the DVD., which I own.
a Rickman admirer
- Saturday, May 19, 2001 at 15:01:35 (PDT)
First of, a little note to miranda...I'm 15 so i totally know what you're talking about,lol. My parents don't really like that i see rated r movies but they know they can't do anything about it! After watching Dark Harbor, my dad always wants to know what each movie is about that i get with AR in it.... second....SPOILER!!!!!! DARK HARBOR~~~~ Alright everyone, I just finished watching this movie for the second time and everything clicked in place. I spotted almost everything,haha. First, in the beginning, Alexis mentioned that david was 2 hours late. Now, recallng back to the menacing picture on the back of the cover, that was prolly why he was late. Then of course there was the honking. Second, as someone mentioned that part where alexis heard david's little love speech, it was extremely obvious that david's "beloved" someone was the boy but jus couldn't use any names yet and substituted that so the audience and his wife couldn't suspect anything yet. There was pain in his eyes like he just felt so empty without the "stranger" in his life for the time being. At the end, norman reedus did not even go near his leg. He hugged him then slid down and squeezed his bicep and took his hand. But is it true that that whole part isn't shown on DVD? How does it end then on DVD? Someone can email me about that bit. Thanks guys, i hope i did not bore you too much :)
Emily <DkNy9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Saturday, May 19, 2001 at 14:41:03 (PDT)
HELLO SUZANNE, THANKS FOR THE INFO. ON TYPING NEW PARAGRAPHS AND OTHER STUFF.....
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Saturday, May 19, 2001 at 12:59:23 (PDT)
Miranda, go give your mum a big hug and kiss for caring so much about you-it's not easy being a parent! I let my sixteen year old daughter watch An Awfully Big Adventure so she could see how silly Stella was and learn how to recognize inappropriate sexual situations, BUT she is indifferent to Mr. Rickman, so the lesson was learned. I am not sure that you wouldn't want to be in Stella's place! {not that you would have any worries in that matter as Mr. Rickman is a gentleman and would be fatherly with you, no doubt.
a Rickman admirer
- Saturday, May 19, 2001 at 12:46:36 (PDT)
The problem is that I cant see it since my mother is one of those protective mothers that dosnt let there kids see alot of rated R movies.OI VAYE!!and my sister(who is one of those people who just cant keep a secret)said that like 2 weeks ago theywent to a movie store to rent a movie and saw none other but Dark Harbor there and my mother said to my sister 'whatever you do dont tell Miranda' and she did and I was so mad!But Im OK and Brianne,my other siter,said that I should put all of ARs movies that I havnt seen on a pice of paper put it in and envolope and put on it to open it as soon as im 18.But Ill probably lose with how messy and unorganized I am!
Miranda
Brandon, Florida USA - Saturday, May 19, 2001 at 12:33:23 (PDT)
Sue, thanks for remembering to er.. remind me. Woah, that made me jump! ;) All set to record and looking forward to it. :))
GML
UK - Saturday, May 19, 2001 at 12:17:16 (PDT)
GML - SET THE VIDEO!!!
Radio Times review of Rasputin(10.30 tonight,BBC2.UK)......In a production that's as far from staid television costume drama as you can get,Alan Rickman is dangerously dynamic as the Mad Monk and spiritual adviser to Russia's royals.....
Sue
England - Saturday, May 19, 2001 at 04:59:18 (PDT)
I thought you would be interested to know that this website has been voted website of the week at Derham Public Lending Library, I think the librarians are AR fans because when I brought TMD there they complained that someone had got it before them and now I just took TROTN back and the said "ah so your the culprit who took the voice" !!
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.com foo>
UK - Saturday, May 19, 2001 at 03:12:55 (PDT)
Miranda- i know they have Media Play in Florida. treat yourself (like i did) & go to that store & order Dark Harbour. that's how i got it, although i had seen it on video when i visited my sister in Fla., she rented it for me. i only paid $9.99 for it.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
ny USA - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 21:18:32 (PDT)
Lynn, don't type the equal sign. :-)
For a new line (or line break), just type:
<br>
And to start a new paragraph type:
<p>
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 20:01:16 (PDT)
Just a quick note. How do i make the new paragraphs without the equal(=) sign showing?=
I just noticed it in my message.
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 19:17:49 (PDT)
this is the third time I have typed , trying to get it done and everytime i hit something that loses everything. One more time.=
Hi Magda, i put in my vote to GQ and hope AR wins, he deserves it.=
SPOILER Dark Harbour=
I don't think the boy was grabbing AR's crotch, what he was doing was taking his hand and going down the side of his body and leg and then taking his hand. They both then go into the house. I have this movie in my collection and have seen it many times, and crotch's were not being touch in any way or form. Anyway I have put in my two cents.=
Claire, hello, I was wondering if you will be putting any new photos of AR in your site? I have been going back to it and only the Five faces of George ( the sherrif of nottingham) are there. I'm sure I didn't have to put that in everyone knows who I'm talking about. You have great photos and I really enjoy going to the site. Hope to see some new ones soon.=
I'm hoping that the power doesn't go off again, We have had a thunderstorm and the power went off as i was typing at one piont. We needed the rain...
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 19:14:51 (PDT)
SPOILER - Dark Harbor:
Donna, it wasn't on the DVD the grab and kiss at the end-it was on the big screen in the theatre version though.
a Rickman admirer
- Friday, May 18, 2001 at 17:52:52 (PDT)
OK I might be alittle crazy for asking this but I know Ill never probably see the movie so would anyone mind emailing me and just telling me what happenes in the end of Dark Harbor.I need this after a horrible concert and embarrising inncident at school!!
Miranda <CoyoteUglyGal1@cs.comfoo>
Brandon, Florida USA - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 16:39:58 (PDT)
Emily, yes i think Alan looks sexy in that scene of CME as well, with the visor on, but of course he always looks sexy. how about the bed scene in that film? Also, someone (i think Admirer, but i'm not sure), mentioned about the kissing scene in DH, & a crotch grabbing part, i don't remember the crotch bit. i do remember the kissing, but i'll have to recheck for the other.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 15:39:44 (PDT)
Can't get into GQ til Monday!
Dk Harbor Spoiler Alert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not so much a spoiler but a gripe. How can Alexis possibly have possibly heard the 'love' speech when she had her back to them whilst playing the piano through a very quietly spoken speech?!?
Sue
England - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 15:34:32 (PDT)
Thanks, Magda - My vote's in.
Mary
McHenry, - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 13:46:47 (PDT)
DARK HARBOR SPOILERS-over 16 please... The Marilyn Monroe scene was the first scene shot by Norman Reedus. The fact that the young man was impersonating a woman-like drag queens is a clue, also-Marilyn Monroe died from ingesting something, also Monroe sung Happy Birthday to JFK, who we all know was assassinated. Not to be crass, but I imagine that the long lingering shot of David's buttinkski while he was walking up the stairway could be considered "foreshadowing" of the relationship with the young man-I can just bet that there were lots of anal jokes going around THAT set...I remember the kissing scene on the big screen, and I remember the young boy making a crotch grab during the kissing scene, which was quite a "dip in frigid water" for me-I remember other audience members gasping over the kiss, the grab and the realization that their sex symbol was kissing a guy!
a Rickman admirer
- Friday, May 18, 2001 at 13:31:58 (PDT)
Emily, I believe you have found a new index page to www.reelclothes.com. This is the site where several clothing items, all used in 'Rasputin'were sold. There were shirts and a complete outfit which were worn, by AR, up for sale at the site. They had said they would be updating their page, so maybe now it allows you to search for clothes by actor's name.
DARK HARBOR SPOILER!
So far, we seem to have caught many of the clues. I agree the next clue after the landing at seal Island, is definitely the blanket provided for the drifter, by David, who has made it clear he does not want the boy in the house overnight. Not the action of a man who does not seem to care for this drifter in the house at all.And I think the boy knowing exactly how David drinks his coffee, was also a very strong clue.
How about no working phone not bothering David one bit?
Then follows the suntan lotion scene, where David seems to have very little reaction, to this boy touching his wife's body.
The remark, by David as he goes off to play golf, "and please don't forget the mushrooms" is a clue in hindsight.
Then begins a series of additional clues and downright hints. The 'thoughts' the boy asks her to write and sign, is just a pure giveaway, in my opinion.
And the search for mushrooms? Despite the sleight of hand practiced, we saw he was trying to feed her the "Purple Julie", it was fairly clear.
The arrival back of David from playing golf, with 2 lobsters only, is not exactly a subtle clue either. And the remark to David from the boy, when David looks looks at him reproachfully, "you have a very loyal wife", is a pure giveaway again.
Well, we seem to be deconstructing this fairly thoroughly, who's next with a clue or giveaway?
Anne
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 12:55:34 (PDT)
Let's try that again.
And this year AR is nominated:
"Gentlemen, start your search engines! GQ Magazine starts the polling for the sixth annual GQ "Men of the Year" on Friday, May 18th with voting exclusively on-line at GQ.com! Art Cooper, editor in chief of GQ, has announced nominees from the fields of film, television, sports, music, fashion, theater, literature & food to be voted online by GQ readers."
"Winners will be featured in the November issue of GQ, and honored at the sixth annual GQ "Men of the Year" awards show to be broadcast as a national network special in late fall. Voting at http://www.gq.com begins Friday, May 18th and continues through June 15th. As a bonus for casting a vote, participants will be automatically entered in a sweepstakes to win a trip to New York or Beverly Hills, plus a wardrobe worth $10,000!"
Last year's GQ "Men of the Year" were Russell Crowe, James Gandolfini, Matthew Perry, Matthew Broderick, Ted Koppel, Pierce Brosnan, Ridley Scott, Foo Fighters, Carlos Santana, Pete Sampras, Shaquille O'Neal, Doc Rivers, Giorgio Armani, Michael J. Fox and Elton John.
Here are the categories and nominees for the 2001 GQ "Men of the Year":
FILM ACTOR: COMEDY -- George Clooney (O Brother, Where Art Though?), David Duchovny (Evolution), Hugh Grant (Bridget Jones' Diary), Orlando Jones (Evolution), Alan Rickman (Blow Dry), Rob Schneider (The Animal), David Spade (Joe Dirt)
So get out there and get voting.
Magda
Canada - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 12:53:36 (PDT)
All right, you so-called Rickman fans! Time to get off your duffs and vote in a real election. Yes, it's time for that annual event - The GQ Man of the Year!
And this year AR is nominated:
Magda
Canada - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 12:52:45 (PDT)
Helloooo, Alan - this is your lucky day. The ol' horoscope says you need to get back to nature; and as a certified environmental educator, I'd like to invite you to come walk - with me of course, in a purely educational capacity - through some of our beautiful conservation preserves. Feel the wind blow through your hair, listen to the cries of the loon and wild crane, and as night falls and the mournful call of the coyote sounds, I'm sure we'll find something outdoorsy to do. I'm only thinking of your own good, Alan.
Mary <mkeith@mccdistrict.orgfoo>
McHenry, - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 12:34:18 (PDT)
Does anyone else think that Alan looks UNBELIEVABLY SEXY in the scenes in close my eyes where he is wearing that viser and his hair is resting upon it...mmmmm...haha...gettin back to reality ......SPOILER!~DARK HARBOR~CLUE That part with norman reedus makin'Polly walker write that poem and signing it was no doubt a setup-like it's a goodbye note perhaps(not knowing she was gonna die)
Emily <DkNy9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 12:07:29 (PDT)
Re: Alan's horoscope... Many Brits would love to "connect with the great outdoors" or take a long walk in nature right now... including me! Shame about the foot & mouth disease restrictions ;-) Ah, well, Alan lives in London, he can always take a walk in Hyde Park: plenty of wild life there too, if maybe not of the kind the horoscope writer had in mind. Mmmh, I wonder what Alan would say to one of these Hyde Park over-familiar grey squirrels climbing up his leg. *smiles* - something rude, no doubt.
No, I have nothing constructive to say today, as you can tell ;)
GML
UK - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 11:32:34 (PDT)
Tired of the election? - go to www.panlogic.co.uk (Sorry couldn't get on to HTML page.)
Sue
England - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 09:48:24 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 18, 2001, referenced to London: This could be a good day for connecting with the outdoors, Alan. Maybe you will decide to go for a long walk or nature hike. You could enjoy observing wild animals in their natural environment [ED: or for wild animals, go to a guestbook get-together]. You'll take in some positive energy as you breathe the fresh air. Sunshine can also recharge your spirits. You might need to step away from tasks at home. Take some time to clear your head and connect with the world around you.
June
Chicago, USA - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 06:28:31 (PDT)
Fausta - Re:Stuff and lost treasures. I find it amazing that the alledgedly finest broadcasting corporation in the world has been so cavalier with our cultural heritage. Whether it's Alan Rickman or the Likely Lads, it's appalling that they don't have copies of everything broadcast. I hope they are keeping the wonderful new 'Perfect Strangers' that is being broadcast at the moment. It is written and directed by Stephen Poliakoff (Close My Eyes) and stars Michael Gambon and Lindsay Duncan. A tale of a huge family reunion at a London hotel, it returns to the theme of families and their secrets. Catch it if you can. It stands out amongst the dross of soaps and weakest links that the BBC pump out daily.
Sue
England - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 03:09:07 (PDT)
To anyone waiting for an email from Barbara (Gold Coast)... Barbara's computer has had a breakdown. Barbara has not! Good luck Barbara.
Jennifer
Ballarat, - Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 22:59:40 (PDT)
Hey Guys! I've been catching up on this week's comments about Dark Harbor. I watched this movie twice in one weekend and picked up on things the second time that I missed the first time. I got the feeling that David and the young man conspired together to set up the wife to make her death seem accidental so that in the end they could be together. My first clue was when David and his wife spotted the young man on the road. When he saw them coming, he immediately fell to the ground making his actions seem staged. Later when he makes them breakfast and they are sitting around the table talking about their earlier loves, the wife asks the young man if he has ever been in love and he and David exchange what looks like a knowing glance at each other. Also, David takes a blanket to the young man that first night. What man would do that for a stranger he doesn't want in his house? Has anyone else noticed these things or am I imaginging them?
Michaele <kph1324@bellsouth.netfoo>
Chattanooga, TN - Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 20:28:13 (PDT)
"Blow Dry" comes to Singapore. From a review in the 9 May Straits Times:
Rickman is his usual laconic self, especially when he delivers a line like, "You could have run off with another bloke at least" to his ex-wife, with all the aplomb of a dead fish. He looks right at home here with his expressive sideburns...
Georgiana
Seattle - Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 17:32:40 (PDT)
The Times (London)
May 17, 2001, Thursday
Hairdressing's cutting edge has always been on the fringe of bad taste
BYLINE: Hannah Betts
Lock, shock, and two smoking hair tongs. The National Hairdressing Federation (yes, there really is such a thing) has imposed a ban on a distressed tresseur who threw his crimpers out of the pram after finishing bottom in last year's hair-styling olympics. Tired, washed out and emotional, the former world champion John Phelps insulted a competition official, bickered with his girlfriend, and ended up crashed out in a model's bedroom, his body coiled round a vodka bottle like a bedraggled plait. A chorus of "Temper, Ducky, temper" continues to reverberate around the corridors of crimp. [cut] Not one, but two, recent movies take the torrid world of competition grooming as their theme -and in one of them Phelps gets to star as Alan Rickman's hands...
Georgiana (Oh, my, a h*nds double!)
Seattle - Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 17:27:47 (PDT)
re shoes Try Raffaella's Italian Rickman Site go into Photos page 2 The first picture with Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio They look like the same or at least similar shoes.
Susan
- Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 15:26:48 (PDT)
I think you all should take a look @ this...it got me a bit confused: http://test.reelclothes.com/actor.asp?id=49 and again, does anyone know anything about TSFJG?
Emily <DkNy9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 14:46:44 (PDT)
Rickman fans aren't the only ones looking for old BBC stuff (in my case, old BBC radio plays). The BBC itsself is searching for its old TV programs. Read about it at their treasure hunt hitlist page.
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 14:07:23 (PDT)
Well, I didn't get Mesmerised after all. It turns out Borders sent a DVD when what I had ordered was a VHS. >sigh<
Mary
McHenry, - Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 11:49:19 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 17, 2001, referenced to London: You could enjoy learning new things today, Alan. You might be attracted to a subject that fills you with curiosity. You could read up on this topic. Indulge your passion to find out more. You could soon become an expert on this subject, and it will add joy to your life. The information you uncover could be applied to your career or used in your personal life.
June
Chicago, USA - Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 10:23:51 (PDT)
What's the chat address again? (lost bookmark--wah!)
Suzanne! I GOT THEM!! Whoa, nellie!
"No I didn't." "Yes you did." Remind me not to argue with the man...
Barbara the Wallpaperer
USA - Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 06:21:34 (PDT)
Er... why is my name highlighted? I didn't do anything honest!
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 05:35:15 (PDT)
Cat, my thought exactly, only I refraned from writing it out as everyone was getting a little hot headed over the whole DkH clue situation. UK dwellers (and indeed anyone who has seen/heard Simon Schma on the TV/Radio. Now PLEASE DON'T shout at me, but occassionaly Mr Rickman and Mr Schma sound simalar. I noticed this the other morning when schma was doing an interview on breakfast news. I just thought how wonderful it would be if Schma wrote a history documentary and had AR narrate it.
Elizabeth
UK - Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 05:33:43 (PDT)
Jan saville- I'm with you on that one. Never could understand why Maid Marion prefered robin hood either, especially THAT robin hood with no British accent & no smile. Alan DID save that film even though KC had some of Alan's scenes cut out. Pooh on you KC! Alan won over anyway. I wish i could've enjoyed Mesmer & Dogma as much. i was disappointed in the plot of those films(although not in Alan).they just didn't catch my attention, maybe that's why i haven't been in a rush to buy them. i will eventually though, if they don't come onto HBO before then. otherwise i'll just tape them.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 05:24:35 (PDT)
Alan, has always been such a enigmatic and enthralling actor. The suggestion of "if brown velvet had a voice it would be Alan Rickman" is perfect. Bravo Alan, you are a wonderful actor who is always a joy to watch either on film or theatre, you "saved" Robin Hood Prince of Thieves for me, and what Maid Marion was doing going off with Robin beats me!
jan saville <jan.saville@xtra.co.nzfoo>
Auckland, New Zealand - Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 02:56:48 (PDT)
I've got enough titles, but Gail and I will give Scotch salmon a try when she's here visiting and get back to you on that one...
Georgiana
Seattle - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 21:23:49 (PDT)
Thanks for nominating me for the guestbook medical expert. I am sure that Georgiana would rather have that title. It seems that she knows a great deal about almost everything, whereas I know just a little about a lot of things.
a Rickman admirer
- Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 15:44:18 (PDT)
I just got a call from Borders - "Mesmer" is in and I can pick it up. Oh, dear. I have a sinking feeling that I'm not going to like it, but don't ask me why! I've been glad to read the discussions in here regarding "Dark Harbor." My instinctive reaction to viewing it was, "what a STUPID movie and a senseless plot...hmmm, is that Alan without clothes?" I can't say that I'll like it any better, but I'll watch it again and try to understand it within the context of much that's been discussed. Anyway, bye-bye! It's me and Mesmer tonight.
Mary
McHenry, - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 15:42:51 (PDT)
Sara, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on Rasputin. It's one of my favorite AR performances--he is just fab. in that one.....S ;-)
S ;-)
- Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 15:29:16 (PDT)
Sara, one more thing- hope you enjoy Rasputin on Sunday. You won't be disappointed that's for sure, it's a great movie. I taped it off HBO awhile back & was just watching part of it the other night. Alan is fantastic in it, so it was no surprise that he won that award for it. One actor he beat out for the award was Armand Assante who lives not far from here.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 14:24:48 (PDT)
Sara, you are right on! i agree with you although i am christian, i am not a fanatic & don't believe in forcing my religious beliefs on anyone. i don't even know if i still believe in organized religion because it all seems so man-made(rule & regulations) & not much of what God wants. if everyone would just treat each other nice like you said the world would be totally different. also, i knew what you meant by potty because we have an expression here- it's going all to pot- which means basically what you said. kind of like it's going downhill. did anyone see my letter aways down, from a couple of days ago. i told you all about a good book for people who get confused with the differences between Brit. & Amer. english. "British English A to Zed" Scroll down & read my letter. the book is good reading.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 14:20:12 (PDT)
P.S. Just saw the recipe Georgiana. Sounds delicious!
Christine (Who loves salmon especially smoked!)
Montreal, Canada - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 12:52:42 (PDT)
Thanks Sue. I'll try that first thing tomorrow! :)
Only "lousy" fish due to the distraction at such an inopportune time! Can't blame her for being miffed!
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 12:47:52 (PDT)
Americanism = GONE to pot...went all to smash
Mary
- Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 11:22:17 (PDT)
Scotch salmon? Lousy fish?
Georgiana (I don't think so...)
Seattle - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 11:22:15 (PDT)
Christine
WHY don't you let the water run hot BEFORE you get in the shower??
Sue <plumbingadvicegivenfreely.comfoo>
England - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 11:12:09 (PDT)
Oh yeah - the “potty-mouthed”/“all to pot” stuff - I think we’re having transatlantic misunderstandings again! Personally I’m not bothered by swearing, hardly even notice it, but by his accent being “all to pot” I meant something else. If something’s all to pot, it’s a bit of a mess, a bit disorganised, pear-shaped, y’know? I just meant his accent is a little... inconsistent in that film. One minute he’s like this east-end barrow-boy (barrow-angel?) then he occasionally reverts to what seems to be his natural accent, that well-spoken-but-without-being-horrible-and-posh one. But like I said, that appeals to me...
Looking forward to Rasputin on Saturday - never seen it before!
sara
london, uk - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 09:51:48 (PDT)
Donna - that’s exactly what I mean! How come they make such a big deal of having respect for “every” life including unborn babies - but then only actually include the lives _they_ deem worthy of respect? Not the life of some silly or unlucky or badly-educated 15-year-old girl whose life is going to be - OK, so not necessarily ruined, but certainly massively restricted if she has a baby at that age, and not the lives of doctors that perform abortions. It’s a load of... er.. old cobblers. I’m not a Christian (or even religious at all) but any fool can see the New Testament essentially says “Look, be nice!” I know that’s over-simplifying but basically if everyone treats each other properly, no matter if they don’t agree with each other’s political/religious leanings, football/american football/whatever sport affiliations, nationality, colour, gender, sexuality, y’know, just everything, then everyone will be OK. Still, the world is full of greedy selfish people and headcases, so - can but dream, I suppose.
sara
london, uk - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 09:50:21 (PDT)
That's very interesting Georgiana. I have never taken a swim in frozen water and I can safely say that I don't intend to! I mean, to this day, after having seen the film, I still can't turn on the shower, barely avoiding the first cold rush of water without thinking about the poor people that drowned when the Titanic went down in that freezing cold water! I know I'm a little overboard! Deeply sorry for that remark.....I'm just running on pure adrenaline today!!!!!
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 09:33:55 (PDT)
The risk in question for the dive is called the diving reflex. Human diving reflex is relatively weak. It conists of slowing of the heart rate (bradycardia) and raising of the blood pressure in response to cold water, and has several components, all supposed to be protective. It is not particularly risky for fit individuals lacking underlying cardiac disease. Even in 'winter' conditions, like the Atlantic Ocean late in the fall, in Penobscot Bay, it would take 10 minutes of continuous submersion to develop hypothermia. There has long been a club in Minnesota, called the Polar Bear Club, that breaks the ice in the winter to have a swim in one of the lakes.
Georgiana (who has broken the ice to take a swim...)
Seattle - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 09:23:31 (PDT)
BEWARE DARK HARBOR CONTINUED!
Sounds good to me Cat! I really like your idea!
I think another sure sign that something wasn't right is when they're in the motel room and she starts seducing him and he SUDDENLY needs to find out what happened to THE LOUSY FISH! Well, even if he HAD TO find out about the fish, you'd think he'd have picked up where they left off and not just let her roll over and go to sleep! It seemed like he was relieved to get out of the situation! I mean even when she shut off the TV, turned up the romantic music and slinked towards him, and then proceeded to leave a trail of kisses down his abdomen (Oh my that sounds yummy - sorry is this getting too steamy?) he didn't look too thrilled! I must give him credit for putting alot of feeling into that kiss though. I wish Mesmer would have kissed Maria Theresa that way!
I just want to ask some advise about one thing. My nine yr. old daughter has watched RHPOT with me many times and every time she asks me what he's trying to do to Marian in the final scene? I always say he's wrestling her because she doesn't want to marry him!! LOL I don't know what else to say! She isn't accepting my answer anymore however! What should I say? I know, she probably shouldn't be watching it at all right? But the rest of it isn't bad!
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 09:20:27 (PDT)
DARK HARBOR - SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER Re: the naked dive in DkH - I interpret it as a metaphoric cleansing and rebirth after his former life with Alexis. There are references throughout the movie to the history of their marriage, which seemed an attempt by David to live a society-approved heterosexual life - against his instincts and perhaps his previous experience. After Alexis' death, he returns to the island, which he obviously loves, divests himself of his "disguise" and plunges in to be reborn as he really is (after the "coffin" of his married life). Even though it was perhaps risky to film this way, it certainly made a strong statement about David. His motive was not simply to get the estate but to reclaim his real self. ??? Am I reading too much into this?
Cat <crubins@asu.edufoo>
Tempe, AZ USA - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 08:26:20 (PDT)
Oops! Don't know how my name got highlighted!
P.S. Gotta get my mind focused on work!
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 07:44:22 (PDT)
Sue, at first glance I thought you said sexercise!! LOL :)) Didn't even notice stenuous!
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 07:42:34 (PDT)
I have just spent the last hour reading the FOF. I am going to attempt an entry, only I don't want to offend anyone by using their character/s. P.S I liked the Snape stuff - very amusing, in fact it just provided the whole of our Sixth Form with lunch time amusment. (Yes we are all HP fans!! We are considered "sad" by other year groups because we are too old to like HP.)
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 06:06:37 (PDT)
Make that strenuous.
Sue
England - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 04:56:12 (PDT)
Rickman Admirer
Hyperthermia?Cardiac Arrest? I hereby nominate you official Guestbook Medical Officer.
Sue <havetoliedownafteranystenuosexercise.comfoo>
England - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 04:54:48 (PDT)
Overheard on the Snape forum, thought it might amuse you.... "(...) Lupin’s eyes... how interesting: I had no idea that werewolves could retain some of their first transformation’s effects permanently in their human form. You see, there is a muggle in Britain whose eyes are this dark-amber shade, and whose hair is only a little lighter than Lupin’s, with silver streaks in it, and I was wondering... He goes under the name of Alan Rickman in muggle London. Could he?... Nah. Surely there can’t be *that* many werewolves around? The really troubling thing is that not only does he have dark-amber eyes, but also a well-known snarl and slightly prominent canines. And I've heard rumours about his feet too... Mmmhhh, I do wonder. Shouldn’t the London Ministry of Magic investigate? I checked the W-register and he certainly is not in there... Ah, maybe I am getting paranoid and seeing werewolves everywhere. I’m told Prof Snape has met the muggle in question, but funnily enough, nobody has ever seen them together. Strange... what do you make of it? (...)" "(...)Well, the residues of their first transformation are part of how werewolves can be recognized in human form. It is, at best, an erratic indicator, though. Some werewolves have no noticeable carryovers. On the other hand, some non-werewolves appear to have such carryovers--most commonly enlarged canines, which are sometimes only a sign of being British and having correspondingly bad teeth. And then there are individuals (like Remus) in whom the carryovers mean exactly what they appear to mean. Human to wolf carryovers are more commonly what they appear to be. For example, a 160 pound wolf is almost certainly a werewolf (unless it's in the zoo and has a complete nutter for its keeper!), as is a wolf with five digits on each paw. As for Mr. Rickman, I'm sure I don't know! I would have to examine him and/or observe his behavior--which might be pleasant if he resembles Remus.(...)" Are things getting of hand or what? ;)))
Another Sally
UK - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 02:54:39 (PDT)
He was gorgeous diving off that boat, though, wasn't he....
a Rickman admirer
- Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 01:01:13 (PDT)
You sound like the Interrogator...do you have any medical problems-he he.. Lets see, I know that AR injured his knee during Die Hard, had mouth sores during LLD's, a back injury from Dogma {those wings were heavy}and has had some facial rashes in photos. Young men his age are the ones that have the most serious cardiac events, cuz they have not developed the collateral circulation in the heart muscle that people with chronic heart disease have-hence some sudden dramatic deaths of supposedly "healthy" people, like Jim Fix, the runner {although he had chest pain and ignored it} If AR didn't have a cardiology work up before jumping in frigid water, and he had a latent cardiac problem, he could have died. The director, in the commentary noted that AR could only stay in the water for very short periods {like nine seconds} and had to be hauled into a boat, warmed up, and then the shot retaken.The director mentioned that the diving was against medical advice. I did not and do not think that the dive, the scene, the nudity was worth the possible outcome, and I am glad that he did okay.
a Rickman admirer
- Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 00:54:29 (PDT)
Admirer, what medical advice was Alan given? Does he have any health problems that you know of? Or are you just talking about diving into very cold lake water & shocking the body? i also know what you mean about showing too much, (i don't know if i'd REALLY like to see all that of Alan), sometimes it's better to leave some to the imagination, i think that makes it more interesting.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 18:33:15 (PDT)
Spoiler?.. About the Rasputin table dancing scene-I know he didn't show anything, but for some reason, the prosepect seems very embarrassing to me. Despite having been married twice, and having been a nurse for twenty some years, I am apparently shy about seeing him unclothed. It puzzles and amuses me, but there it is. I don't see how anyone can not tell that it is AR jumping off the boat-of course, I have DVD with stop action, zoom capacity and magnification {and no we won't go there-refer to the above} Although I am glad that he did the scene, I wouldn't want him to risk his health in this way again. I personally do not think that Rickman has to take off his clothes to express himself-he is much more nuanced in his performances, but for those that enjoy those sorts of things {I am not excluding myself,BTW}I am glad that he did although I think that the director was irresponsible to have him do it, against medical advice.
a Rickman admirer <Sally, I enjoy your input, perhaps you will feel differently tomorrow.foo>
- Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 17:18:49 (PDT)
Well, I guess I could always stop contributing to the guestbook... I don't have the time I had a year ago anyway. Au revoir.
Sally
Sydney, Aust - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 16:22:37 (PDT)
OFF TOPIC: All Star Cast in Charity Premiere. Looks lovely even lacking Rickman.
Georgiana (and what a gift to us that scene was, hyperthermia, risked cardiac arrest or no)
Seattle` - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 15:44:12 (PDT)
Hamlet was about a little pig...[sound of a rimshot]...Thank you, Guestbook! I'll be here until next weekend!
Portia
McHenrymark, - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 14:54:21 (PDT)
to Sara- i agree about those religious fanatics. we've had them here & they claim to be about life yet they shoot people at abortion clinics. doesn't make any sense, does it? also,a crazy religious channel we have here on tv, claiming to be for god, but they have elaborate studio sets, fancy clothes, etc. that's not what god is all about. there's even a man on there who was found to have been cheating people out of money for prayers, fakes healing people on stage, gives people false hope of being cured, yet still the people flock to him like they are mesmerized. there was a special on HBO about him & how he runs the crowds like hitler used to, by mesmerizing large crowds. his name is benny hinn. can't believe how people actually believe him & send him money; only making him & his kind richer. wish we didn't have to actually pay for that channel on our cable co. but unfortunately we're stuck with it. it's a wasted channel as far as i'm concerned. ok, now i've got that off my chest. and all that just to tell sara i agree with her!
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 14:06:54 (PDT)
Sue, I think Hamlet lost the girl to some form of insanity. LOL. Thanks. Tat puts it in better perspective. Oh, maybe I should have put a spoiler in there first,do you think?
Anne
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 13:44:30 (PDT)
First, let me say thank you to those of us who see no harm in examining an AR film, for whatever reason. and yes, I also liked 'Dogma' and the wonderful cockney accent of AR as 'Metatron'. Yes, it was "potty-mouthed", but the film was fun to watch nonetheles.
SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!
Now, back to 'Dark Harbor'. How about the ferry scene? Does anyone think it odd that AR and the drifter could have missed each other in the little coffee hut? It had to be no more than 20 feet wide. Let's face it, there was no way the two could not have seen each other, yet AR makes no reference to seeing the drifter.
I agree the next clue is definitely during the sailing trip to the place where he and his wife got engaged. There is little doubt that his wife thinks him something of a wimp, but here we have him asking here where her sense of adventure is and continuing the trip despite his wife's fears. And he is the one who sets the course, directly for Seal Island.
There, two more clues, in the order they appeared in the film. Anyone see one I missed? Anyone have the next two?
Anne
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 13:34:32 (PDT)
SUZANNE - VOICE OF REASON
I concur. I've never seen Closet Land but I am interested in opinions,theories etc.It all adds to the variety of the GB. I know Dogma offended a lot of people but I found it funny (even if I could have done with a bit less swearing,but thats just IMHO).ANYWAY I'm enjoying going back over DkH looking for clues (I mean it's not exactly a CLASSIC is it?)
Sue <didhamletgetthe girl?.comfoo>
England - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 10:28:29 (PDT)
The UK Arts/Archive site appears to list locations currently showing Rickman films. (Well, they seem to say TMD has been showing continuously for 10 years at one site... But the BD listing seems current.)
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 10:07:12 (PDT)
Hey... what's wrong with Dogma? It's a great film! OK, it's probably not exactly going to end up being classed among the legions of "classic" films (where "classic" means films like Casablanca or Gone With The Wind or... alright, I'm tired and I can't think of any more, but you get the point). However, it was certainly intelligent and funny. I'm not sure about courageous, but when you think of all those mad Christians and the way they reacted to it (I'm not suggesting all Christians are mad... just the ones that go and make a ridiculous fuss outside films that ridicule them and outside abortion clinics... (hmm!!)), I wouldn't want to run a gauntlet of them. They have guns! And they're mental! And they want the rest of the world to act and think just like them! Or they'll shoot them! So yeah, dammit, Dogma was courageous! And OK, Alan's accent was a bit all to pot in that film (but personally I thought that was kind of cute), but it's one of the ones he looks lovely in... and Metatron's a brilliant character and he did it exactly right, I thought. Can't comment on Dark Harbor as I've only seen it once. And people... we got to be good to each other.
sara
london, uk - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 09:44:31 (PDT)
just had to ask, did anyone enjoy the January Man as much as i do? alan is so cute in that! also in TMD, i love that film.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 09:39:02 (PDT)
first to Emily- i will e-mail you all i know about music from Alan's movies as i have quite a bit. second, Admirer-either i missed something in Rasputin or it was too quick, because i know Alan reaches in to expose himself, but doesn't the camera quickly pull away to another scene? Darn, i must've missed it. also, how did any of you really find out that that's really Alan in the naked boat scene & not a stunt double? just curious, because i like to pause it at just the right moment! too bad it's not a close up! i know, i'm awful aren't i? but Alan is sooooo handsome, i can't help it.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 09:35:52 (PDT)
Let's just agree to put "Spoilers-[name of movie]" at the top of posts and then write about what we want, okay? Sally, chill out, girl. Every month or so, we seem to get snippy about something...
Josephine
Catty Corner, - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 09:22:34 (PDT)
While normally it's best to be encouraging to our faceless cyber panel, I do think Sally in Sydney is being a tad oversensitive. Gee whiz, I logged into here to read discussions of the work of our admired Alan Rickman. Most folks here collect his videos and DVDs to enjoy the canon of his work, not to anticipate the next "Citizen Kane." If one wants the "virgin" movie experience, perhaps one shouldn't read reviews at all, nor log onto a chat. I liked "Dogma," (as did its star!) and Magda (a superlative fiction writer on FOF who reminds me of Juanita Bartlett, the best television writer to get inside the heads of villains and make them all-round, understandable humans) doesn't. That's discourse! The chatters here revel in the clues of "Dark Harbor". That's the fun of a forum of similar interests.
FastFilm
Lost Angeles, USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 07:26:22 (PDT)
Come on, people, relaaaaaxxxx. Unless the majority feels otherwise, I don't think we need another forum for discussing his films because, yes, that's what this Guestbook is for (along with reporting news, of course). But even if we did have a different place to discuss his films, would that really solve the problem? Would you not go there to read and join in the discussions of all his other films just because there was one or more you haven't seen yet? I kind of doubt it.
And I apologize to Sally and anyone else who feels a movie was spoiled by something said here, but I suppose that's the risk you take by coming here. A film can be discussed without ruining it for others, but I can also understand how it would be very difficult to discuss it at any real length and depth without involving plot, etc. Especially when people have a lot of questions, as was the case with Closet Land.
So,, it is the responsibility of the poster to give a spoiler warning (and in reference to what movie) before discussing plot, twists, ending, etc. (which most of you have been very good about lately, I might add), as a courtesy to others who may then have the choice to skip over that post. And it's the responsibility of the reader to have the will power to skip over those posts if they don't want those things revealed.
I will revise the top of this page (later today) to remind everyone of this, so hopefully this problem won't occur as often in the future.
Suzanne (who thinks Dark Harbor and Dogma are wonderful films!) <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 07:24:48 (PDT)
Magda-Thanks for sending me to Rotten Tomatoes-I'vejust wasted 1/2 an hour there!!
Hamlet? who he?
Sue
England - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 05:37:06 (PDT)
Rickman Admirer, I have a memory like a sieve when it comes to carrying grudges and don't have the faintest idea who was the first to give away the plot! I just remember being veryn upset at the time! But to give everyone credit below - yes, most did put spoiler alerts so thanks, but youn just can't help but scan it once the comment is there...
Sally
Sydney, Aust - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 05:27:31 (PDT)
Mmmh... I would have thought that Mr Rickman can make up his own mind as to whether a film is good or not without waiting to hear what people around him have to say about it. And like most people, he only knows how good (or bad) it is *after* it is completed, since so many elements combine to make a final product. I enjoyed Dogma by the way. I would never dare claim that it *is* an intelligent, courageous and funny film, in the face of other, no less valid opinions - but I do venture to say that I humbly thought it so ;) - By all means a fat improvement on the usual flick.
GML
UK - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 05:21:49 (PDT)
It is quite possible to discuss a film without giving away the ending or any surprise twists. Movie reviewers and critics do it all the time and their careers would be over quickly if they revealed too much of the plot before their readers saw the movie. If anyone feels the need for guidance on the matter, they should go to Rotten Tomatoes and check out some reviews, especially those by Roger Ebert. You'll get the idea quick enough.
I found AR's interview in the Irish Times interesting for a couple of reasons. First, he keeps referring to Dogma as if he was proud of being in it. Strange. One can only assume he hasn't seen it and doesn't know what a piece of garbage it is. Presumably his friends and relatives are keeping their opinions to themselves.
Second, his comments regarding countries having to become cartoons to sell themselves to a wider world. Of course they have to. The US has done this successfully for decades. Die Hard was not a documentary of the world of high finance where Japanese businessmen say racist things about themselves and where the hero defies belief as well as many laws of engineering and science to save the day. It's really not that dire a situation. The Canadian film industry (whose rate of success is about one really good film every five years) could benefit from it.
Magda
Canada - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 03:41:01 (PDT)
OK I have a starting point:
The character is called Andrew Isherwood (a name is a name!) and his job is ...........
Now everyone can continue the chain to create a character
Remember PLOT IS CHARACTER! (Aristole said that)
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 02:20:27 (PDT)
My apologies to anyone who has been offended by the clues given away from Dark Harbour. I did put a warning at the top of my message, saying not to read further if you hadn't watched the film. Lets not get too stressed over it. Perhaps we should create a whole new story for him to star in and then no one can complain that they haven't seen it. The results could be interesting. I'll think up a start point and we can work from there. How does that sound?
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 01:12:03 (PDT)
BTW Sally, if I was the one who gave away the ending, my apologies are offered. The film was worth it just to see so much of AR. And I mean with his clothes on-I don't think it was necessary for him to do the boat scene and risk hypothermia or a cardiac event.
a Rickman admirer
- Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 00:30:23 (PDT)
I feel like we keep reinventing the wheel here, folks. This conversation is repeated every six months or so. This is a discussion page for AR's projects,past, present and future. There are undoubtedly people who cannot or have not seen the films discussed-if we put at the top that it is a "Dark Harbor spoiler" then people who don't want to read it can skip over. Sound reasonable?
a Rickman admirer
- Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 00:25:01 (PDT)
I'm not saying you can't discuss his movies, just stop giving away the plots of them! True, with most of his movies, there probably isn't much to give away, so by all means, continue to discuss them. But, it is annoying when its something like Dark Harbor or Closet Land or the Fallen Angel one which DO have a twist in them, and then someone blurts out the twist in the guestbook.
By my estimation, the ending of Dark Harbor has only been given away 3 times in all in the guestbook - the first time being when I was on the eve of receiving the video after buying from eBay. But I was crushed because I had been led to believe by everyone in the guestbook that it was for the most part, a terrible film, so the twist was all I had left to entice me into seeing the film - and then someone took that away from me. So, for those arrogant ones out there who think every diehard AR fan has had the opportunity to buy all his video's at eBay and don't find the guestbook until after they have seen them all, I tell you to think about it from the other person't point of view - and be a little considerate, ESPECIALLY when its a very unimpressive film with little going for it and someone from overseas has just spent about (say)$Aus45 dollars (shipping, handling, currency conversion) obtaining the damn thing - which is far far more than I would have paid to see Dark Harbor in the theatre! Apologies to the Dark Harbor fans, but I can't imagine there is ANYONE out there who would give it a 10/10 rating.
Sally
Sydney, Aust - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 22:30:33 (PDT)
Get over it. This is a discussion forum. We all know how "Hamlet" ends.
Georgiana (whine, whine...)
Seattle - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 21:27:06 (PDT)
Sally, I apologize if my beginning a clue hunt from 'Dark Harbor' offended you. It was not my intention to do so. I just knew the ending of the film had been discussed here in the guestbook, so often, that I believed there could not be anything to spoil, by a deconstruction of the film.
I do agree however, that a forum for such discussions would be appropriate,to prevent inadvertently, spoiling any of AR's films for anyone.
Perhaps, our revered Suzanne might considering adding such a forum, to allow those of us who have seen films others might not have had the opportunity to view, to discuss the finer points of some of the films AR has worked on.
That way, we who have seen them, can have the pleasure of discussing them without acting as 'spoilers' to those of us who have not yet had the pleasure.
But having said that, I notice that several who have added their spotted clues have also missed some. I was sort of thinking of discussing the clues in the order in which they appear in the film.
But I will not add to the clues at this point, as I have no desire to offend anyone.
Anne
Anne <Ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 21:02:02 (PDT)
One of the things I enjoy about this page is reading the discussions about his movies which are often very insightful, sometimes amusing and always appreciated. I know some movies haven't appeared yet in some parts of the world and there will always be new people coming here who haven't seen a certain movie, no matter how long ago it came out. But I don't think that should keep those who HAVE seen his movies from discussing them while they're fresh in our mind. Isn't that what this page is for? And the people below DID give warnings, after all. You don't have to read the posts with warnings if you haven't seen that movie, right? Just my 2 cents. I really liked Dark Harbor, by the way!
Alex <alexis@surfing2cash.comfoo>
Miami, Fl usa - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 19:52:12 (PDT)
I'm really sorry sally. i was actually being a hypocrit. i read the FAQ on this page and it totally ruined AABA for me! and i am still awaiting for its arrival. i should get it by tomorrow. but still, i'm pretty upset. we actually should make a page for that stuff though....do any of you guys agree??
Emily <DkNy9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 17:26:56 (PDT)
Although it maybe fun to deconstruct ARs films in the guestbook, it is a well known fact that films like Dark Harbor and Blow Dry have NOT been released in the extreme majority of the world. I do wish people would stop giving away the plot of ARs lesser seen movies before I, or the many fans, have seen the film. I know I was deeply CRUSHED when somone blurted the ending to Dark Harbor, mere days before I was due to receive a copy in the mail. I had had to wait a while for the price of the video to come down and be affordable to someone overseas and for many, they have to convert them to PAL because many don't come in PAL version (e.g. Mesmer which has NEVER been released in Australia). So for all of those people who want to discuss films the majority of people in the guestbook haven't seen, may I suggest you go to a chat list or open another forum to deconstruct the movies. Mind you, do it in a forum, and they results will sit there forever and the discussions will only happen once and not in this endless cycle as new fans find the guestbook... So, all I ask is PLEASE spare a thought for those of us who DON'T live in North America or the UK and thus DON'T get to see some of ARs obscurer films, or have to wait several months for their release! Thanks.
Sally
Sydney, Aust - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 16:29:09 (PDT)
Rebecca forwarded the following article, & I did a very rushed translation, so please bear with me,
Spanish Newswire Services
April 4, 2001
LENGTH: 574 words
HEADLINE: ITALIA-ESPANA/CINE DE LA IGLESIA: RISA Y SUENO, SOLUCIONES A LO ABSURDO DE LA VIDA
BODY:
Por Jesus Garcia BecerrilRoma, 4 abr (EFE).- El cineasta espanol Alex de la Iglesia considera que "la risa y el sueno son las unicas soluciones a lo absurdo de la vida" y una de las explicaciones de que el haga comedias.
De la Iglesia y la actriz Carmen Maura estuvieron hoy en Roma para presentar "La comunidad", la pelicula del realizador vasco que gano tres premios Goya en su ultima edicion, entre ellos uno concedido a Maura como mejor interprete femenina protagonista.
La historia de ese grupo de vecinos, entre los que surge una fuerte rivalidad por cuestiones de dinero, es una parabola de los comportamientos en sociedad en Espana, un pais "donde la gente es envidiosa y tiene malos sentimientos. Algunos lo reconocemos y eso no nos salva, pero nos dignifica algo", dijo el director.
De la Iglesia tiene una opinion pesimista de la gente, de la que afirma que es buena porque no tiene otra opcion, pero que demuestra su verdadera capacidad para la maldad en cuanto tiene la oportunidad.
"Todos tenemos un cadaver dentro, algo podrido, que procuramos esconder", afirmo el realizador vasco, para quien "la unica dignidad moral es la idiotez".
El autor de peliculas como "El dia de la bestia", "Perdita durango" o "Muertos de risa" prepara su proximo proyecto, "Fu Manchu", que comenzara a rodar a finales de ano en Bangkok.
De la Iglesia aseguro a EFE que Nueva York y Roma seran tambien escenarios para las aventuras de esta encarnacion del mal y de ese peculiar ejemplo del "peligro amarillo" creado en los anos treinta por el escritor Sax Rohmer.
El proyecto, en el que participa Antonio Banderas, esta ahora en la fase de seleccion del resto de actores, que corre a cargo del productor Andres Vicente Gomez, quien intenta conseguir la inclusion de Robert de Niro, mientras que para el papel del malo oriental a De la Iglesia le gustaria contar con el actor y director britanico Alan Rickman.
Como sus anteriores peliculas, en esta revision del mito de Fu Manchu tambien habra humor, porque al realizador bilbaino lo que le gusta es hacer comedias, en las que, segun admite, pueda "plagiar lo que han hecho otros".
Alfred Hitchcock, Howard Hawks y John Ford, entre otros nombres ilustres, son los que inventaron el cine y la manera de rodar, de modo que "las mejores peliculas ya estan hechas y lo unico original es combinar ideas de otros".
By Jesus Garcia BecerrilThe article goes on to mention more details about La Comunidad.
Rome, 4 April, EFE News Agency:
Spanish filmmaker Alex de la Iglesia claims that "laughter and sleep are the only solutions to life’s absurdities", as a reason for his making comedies.De la Iglesia and actress Carmen Maura were in Rome today presenting La Comunidad (The Community), the Basque filmmaker’s latest, which won three Goya prizes, including Best Actress for Maura.
The story of a group of neighbors’ rivalry for monetary reasons is a metaphor for current-day Spain, a country in which "people is envious and have ill feelings. Some of us realize it, which doesn’t save us, but at least it lends us some dignity", said the director.
De la Iglesia has a pessimistic opinion about people, who he believes are good because they have no other option but show their capacity for evil when they have the chance.
"we all hold a corpse inside, something rotten, that we try to hide", states the Basque director, for whom "idiocy is the only moral dignity".
The creator of the films El dia de la bestia (The Day Of The Beast), Perdita Durango, Muertos de risa (Dying of laughter) is preparing his next project, Fu Manchu, which will start filming late this year in Bangkok.
De la Iglesia assured EFE that New York City and Rome will also be locations for the adventures of the title character, evil incarnate and peculiar example of the "yellow peril" [translator’s note: yes, the article says that] created in the 1930’s by Sax Rohmer.
The project, in which Antonio Banderas is taking part, is now in the casting phase; producer Andres Vicente Gomes is trying to get Robert De Niro, while, for the Oriental villain dlIglesia would like to get British actor-director Alan Rickman.
As in his prior films, humor will be present in this version of the Fu Manchu legend, since comedies are what the filmmaker enjoys, in which, he admits, he could "plagiarize what others have done".
Alfred Hitchcock, Howard Hawks, & John Ford, among other famous names, are the inventors of film and filmmaking, so that "the best films are already make and the only original thing is to combine others’ ideas".
Clearly Mr. dlIglesia lives in a less litiginous society than ours, but I digress
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Monday, May 14, 2001 at 15:17:44 (PDT)
One more thing...does anyone know where i can find listings of soundtracks or songs from soundtracks from any AR movies? Thanks!
Emily <Dkny9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 14:59:52 (PDT)
The table scene which AR "exposes" himself you shouldn't have to close your eyes,lol...they don't actually show anything! However, Dark Harbor is a different story! So haaasss anyone heard anything about The Search For John Gissing and Help! I'm A Fish??? Ciao for now~
Emily <DkNy9428foo>
NJ - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 14:54:02 (PDT)
Hey, ya'll; been away for a few days. Still looking for an answer to the is-the-restaurant-in-Dogma-actually-a-train-station question. Also, has anybody seen the documentary "Movie Magic"? It is supposed to explore the technology behind a number of movies' special effects, among them "Die Hard." I wondered if it had Himself in any of it.
Mary <mkeith@mccdistrict.orgfoo>
McHenry, - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 14:12:13 (PDT)
Donna, I can't answer your question, sorry, but I remember the dancing scene especially the table scene!No matter how many times I watch I still close my eyes when Rasputin "exposes" himself to the world. Obviously, I don't want to see that much of AR!
a Rickman admirer
- Monday, May 14, 2001 at 14:03:16 (PDT)
was watching part of Rasputin over the weekend & love that part where Alan is dancing with the gypsies. i've always wondered what song that was that is playing in that scene. does anyone know? i love the tune of it. thanks for any help. also, can't make out the language in the song; is it Russian?
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 11:15:45 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 14, 2001, referenced to London: You might be shifting from one project to the next at work, Alan. You could be working on several things at once, and it could be challenging to keep track of everything. Jot down notes to help you retain it all. Just keep a notebook on hand. Or take notes on your laptop. You might be challenged right now to finish several different projects, and you will want to keep each assignment straight!
June
Chicago, USA - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 09:37:14 (PDT)
My apologies for being a pest girls, but I'm still wondering if the RHPOT - Official Movie Book is still available? If so, is it worth buying? I would love to read something like the S & S Diaries but about the making of RH.
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 09:16:24 (PDT)
I haven`t seen AR:s movies for a long time....and Im suffering!Gues I will have more time in summer holiday...By the way:what do you all think a bout Alan`s "look" in HP?I was shocked when I saw his hair!An what had they done to Alan`s lovely face?Too much make-up!But after all:he`s a gorgeous!
anna
- Monday, May 14, 2001 at 08:28:19 (PDT)
I'm jumping in on the DkH clues thread, so read at your own risk. When the 3 are riding in the car, David keeps looking in the rear view mirror at the boy as he talks. He also mentions not wanting to have the police take an interest in them (as a reason for not speeding). Also, David goes off on several occasions by himself, which could be when he and the boy work out their next step. One of the critics' complaints about this movie was how unlikely the sequence of events is, but if you watch carefully there are plenty of opportunities for the boy and David to regroup all the way along (for example, when he goes out to "find something to eat" at the motel). You can see that they do their best to keep putting the boy in front of Alexis; they just need to continue until they find the opportunity to feed her the mushrooms. Belated Happy Mother's Day to all posters and readers!
Cat <crubins@asu.edufoo>
Tempe, AZ USA - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 08:08:06 (PDT)
!CLUE ALERT!
The first morning after the boy sleeps over, he makes coffee and hands David a cup and sweetener without asking yet calls out to Alexis to ask if she wants sugar.
Sue
England - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 06:15:46 (PDT)
I think discussing the clues in Dark Harbour might spoil the film for those people who have not been fortunate enough to watch it.
However I am going to do a few clues, so anyone who does not wish to know what they are DON'T read any further!!
When he takes her out on the boat and all that mist is there and he purposely gets lost.
When she asks him to put some sun cream on her back and the other guy does it, David doesn't completely freak out as one would expect.
He goes out golfing and comes back with two lobsters instead of three and the boy says that he has a loyal wife.
OK so I'll shut up and let someone else have a go now. And I checked out the trousers, they are definately the same as the ones he is wearing in that photo!!
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 02:55:48 (PDT)
Oh dear, Emily, you have asked us to open up a topic that could go on for pages and pages, the clues in 'Dark Harbor' are so numerous, so I think we should begin the first ones.
Anyone notice the way he insisted his wife watch the road? Then he slowed down on the wet road and honked the horn?
Well, there are the first two clues. Anyone like to try for the next two? This could become a complete deconstruction of the film, if we work at it.
Anne
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 19:45:10 (PDT)
I think it would be fun to discuss some clues people picked out watching Dark Harbor...it could help some people...pretty much me cause i didn't understand it too well but i think it would still be fun! hehe
Emily <DkNy9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 16:41:15 (PDT)
Julia, there is a webpage called Surefit.com that has slipcovers for sofas, loveseats ottomans, chairs-and furniture throws, which would be the easiest way to cover a chair. I watched S&S three times in the theatre, Dark Harbor once, Blow Dry twice, The Winter Guest three times and ordered a cable channel for one month only so that I could see Judas Kiss=I ended up seeing it numerous times, as the cable channels replay endlessly.I have rented Closetland and Close My Eyes numerous times, and have bought the videos of RHPOT,TMD,Mesmer,S&S,TJM,Bob Roberts, Fallen Angels, The Barchester Chronicles,AABA,Michael Collins,Die Hard;I have the DVD of S&S,Dark Harbor, Dogma and Gallaxy Quest. I have every one of them memorized, not intentionally, and it took the greatest willpower NOT to say when Rickman was signing a dozen autographs "it's a bit like playing the ukelele-all it takes is practice". Or to ask him what "foooking" was.{I hope that is allowed, Empress}
a Rickman admirer
- Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 16:41:11 (PDT)
I had to LOL at Sue's comment about pausing DkH at "certain parts"--yes, I recognized myself in that one. yikes....I've seen S & S at least a dozen times. Now I need to see the DVD to hear the commentary versions. I've seen most AR movies several times EXCEPT RHPoT (if I watched it again, I would FF to Sheriff scenes), Dogma (I didn't understand it and didn't find it compelling enough to try to understand), Judas Kiss, and Bob Roberts. Luckily my kids enjoy Galaxy Quest so it gets a viewing every now and again and I enjoy Die Hard from time to time for the humor. I've seen Rasputin about a half a dozen times. Closetland still waits on my shelf.
S ;-)
back from the near dead, - Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 15:55:59 (PDT)
Gaaah, I don't know if it's something with Hotmail, but I did not get your message, Robin! (Sorry for being OT) and another thing: If anyone here is a homemaking guru, and would like to email me a pattern (or at least a description) of how to make chair slipcovers, I'd be eternally grateful. Happy mother's day!
Julia <j_petrov@hotmail.comfoo>
Calgary, Canada - Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 15:30:41 (PDT)
Well Ive watched ome of ARs movies many times in a row like Galaxy Quest.Ive seen that movie like 40(not kidding)times now.I also used to watch Die Hard everynight to go to sleep so maybe 30 times with that.I also used to go to sleep and wake up to RH:PoT so that would be 40 times like Galaxy Quest.I have to much free time.
And to say Happy Mothers day all.I know that my mom enjoyed since we got to go see The Mummy Returns with her fave star The Rock!!
Miranda
Brandon, Florida USA - Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 12:11:59 (PDT)
off topic- I think whats her names' lover/brother is in the new movie( Chosen)by Ang Lee. Its a short film on the internet....I think the auto company BMW fronted the film, which makes me go, hmmmmmmmmmmm!!?????..... Eugenia
Eugenia <daylatedollarshort.comfoo>
offtopicville, usa - Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 11:56:08 (PDT)
To say that I've watched (S&S) twenty times would be modest. Eugenia -who still cries at the end.....
Eugenia <toomanycats.comfoo>
catville, usa - Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 11:44:22 (PDT)
A quick hi to everybody, and thanks for all the news.
I'm kicking myself because I was away this weekend and I completely forgot to record Die Hard from TV on Saturday. Ah, never mind, it's not really my sort of film, uh, which is probably why I didn't already own a copy but.. hurray! Rasputin is showing next Saturday! (thanks for being our UK TV watch Elizabeth)... Please, pleaa-aase, nobody lets me forget to watch/record this one: send me reminders and howlers on Saturday morning, OK? I have not seen it yet!
Somebody was asking if we have watched some of Alan's films several times over? Mmmhh... the film I have seen at the cinema most often (5 times) was French - no Alan in it - I'm mentioning it as my maximum so far to give you a scale ;). So... OK: I have watched Sense and Sensibility three times, but at several years' interval... I have (recently) watched Barchester Chronicles 3 times in three weeks (that *is* sad! ;)... mmhh... I saw Robin Hood a while ago and am about to watch it again with a new friend who turns out to be a keen AR admirer too, but this is mostly an excuse to enjoy a nice bottle together in the good company of the amazing Sheriff, as I don't think that much of the whole movie itself. I don't think I would really want to watch Galaxy Quest again, although I did like it. That's because jokes are only funny once. I'll probably watch Dogma again, but not too soon... and I did watch Dark Harbor twice... purely because it's the sort of film you *need* to watch again, for the fun of picking the clues you missed the first time round. No other reason. Of course not. ;) Did I forget any? Probably. Oh, I didn't watch Truly Madly Deeply a second time, because it made me cry so much, I wanted to leave it on that note. Watching it again and again would have eventually "numbed" the emotion and that would not have been fair on the work they put in it, somehow. Does that make sense?
Uh, I am realizing, as I'm boring everybody silly with this long post, that wanting to see a movie *again* is totally independent of whether it was good or not. Or at least it is a lot more complicated than just that... I guess some films "grow" on you, like good music, and they *want* to be watched again... some give you what they have in one big burst... and some of course have little to give! ;)
End of long and boring ramble.
Oh, did I mention how lovely London was this weekend? Most Brits were at the seaside... I have never seen so much of London's pavements and buildings from a distance! (You can only see other people's feet, normally and, in my case, other people's backs and the *tops* of the monuments ;) - I nearly fell in love with the place today...
Real end of ramble.
GML
UK - Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 11:15:30 (PDT)
just thought of something else. i also bought a similar kitchen faucet to the one in CME. i just liked the style of it, though it turned out to be German-made, not British, oh well. also, for those of you who get confused with the differences between British & American English, i have a very good book titled "British English A to Zed" by Norman W. Schur. it's very interesting reading & i thing Americans & British alike would enjoy it. i ordered it through a local bookstore, but it can be found without ordering it special because i've seen it, even in catalogues.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 10:09:08 (PDT)
i had a wonderful night's sleep for a change. i'd finished watching my CME video last night(i'd started 2 wks. ago to find his nieces) & had a lovely dream about Alan during the night! Ahh, what a peaceful sleep i had! he was adorable as usual. speaking of CME, i wonder if anyone has done this like i did. back in '93 when we were remodelling our kitchen, i took some bits from that kitchen that Alan is in with his broken dishwasher. i had our countertop modelled after "his" with the wooden edges & a similar tile flooring put in. of course i never told my husband where i got those ideas! my kitchen area is a bit larger than that in the movie though. one thing we had done differently was we put in stained glass panels in one of the cabinets doors. wonder what Alan's real kitchen looks like? speaking of his nieces, i was wondering if she was the dark haired little girl running by natalie when she was by the sundial. also, does anyone know what Alan & natalie are saying when they are standing with the umbrella above them talking with their guests? it's hard to hear what they are saying after Alan says that natalie is a tart now. natalie tends to mumble like she has 1000 teeth in her mouth. also, doesn't Alan look incredibly handsome when he is standing there looking around to see where his wife disappeared & that blonde woman with the hat on comes up to him & wants to dance? he is so handsome!
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 09:55:47 (PDT)
According to 'inhollywood,' "The Actors" is a black comedy under 'active development':
A struggling actor helps a friend swindle a gangster by playing a role. He must then portray a variety of characters in order to avoid serious repercussions. (KEYWORDS: Caper, Gangster, Mistaken Identity)
Georgiana
Seattle - Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 09:17:11 (PDT)
For some inexplicable reason yesterday I got to remembering reading years ago about some woman who had seen 'The Sound of Music' over 100 times. This,of course, was in the pre-video days and she had actually been to the cinema to see it. This,in turn, got me to wondering (!WARNING!Reader Survey Alert) how many times anybody here had watched an AR movie. I'm not talking dipping into the best bits, FFing, or freezing at certain 'parts' of Dark Harbor, I mean genuine Sit Down, Start to Finish viewing. If anybody would like to register an honest amount I'd love to see the results. Please use a 'sue-de-nim' to protect yourself if necessary!!!!
Sue(have I really nothing better to do)
England - Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 08:56:53 (PDT)
I think the TV channels might finally be getting the message as BBC 2 will be showing Rasputin next Saturday 19th May at 10.30pm. That makes two AR movies shown in as many weeks on UK television. By the way, most of his videos are available at Amazon.com.
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 04:32:05 (PDT)
From London February 2001 Soho Independant
With his next film (Connor) McPherson is moving further up the ladder. Provisionally entitled “The Actors”, it is a comedy about two Dublin actors who get caught up in the activities of dockland gangsters and is being produced by Stephen Woolley and Neil Jordan’s newly formed “Company of Wolves” under their deal with Spielberg’s Dreamworks. “It’s written like an Ealing comedy”, says McPherson, “but in the same vein as a lot of my other work. There’s an awful lot of swearing, it’s very gruff and brash.”
Originally Jordan was going to direct, but McPherson, his appetite for movie making now well and truly whetted, persuaded him and Woolley to have a look at “Saltwater” and Jordan agreed to act as a producer instead. “He’s a lovely guy, I really like him. He’s always got lots of advice because he’s had so much experience and he’s very generous to me with his time.”
Claire
- Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 04:12:07 (PDT)
Thanks Brigette, that's the cutest Mother's Day greeting I've heard in a long time. Happy Mother's Day-you mothers out there know who you are....
a Rickman admirer
- Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 00:37:34 (PDT)
Just post a short message before I step out into this wonderful sunday morning! Sally, thank you for the film rumours: AR in a Neil Jordan film sounds good. And a happy mothers day to all the mothers of this world!
brigitte, from switzerland <spooky-bw@bluewin.chfoo>
switzerland - Saturday, May 12, 2001 at 23:15:30 (PDT)
LOL julia, I e-mailed you today
Robin
- Saturday, May 12, 2001 at 22:13:26 (PDT)
O.K. Christine-I'll come out of the closet. Yup, I love George. 23.25BST 3/4 bottle of wine, 1 packet of Jaffa cakes (I feel like B.Jones!)End of a wonderful evening, first RHPOT then Die Hard. I think my favourite line is "I can't do this with all this racket". Has anyone else noticed how Bruce Willis' vest changes colour in the air duct? First it's dirty white with blood stains then it's dark green. Ah well, nite all.
Sue
England - Saturday, May 12, 2001 at 15:43:15 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 12, 2001, referenced to London: You could strike up an unusual friendship today, Alan. Maybe you will find yourself talking to a stranger during the day. You could find that you have much in common. Perhaps this person comes from a different cultural or ethnic background. In spite of some obvious differences, the two of you might discover a special connection. Don't be afraid to take this friendship further and get to know this person much better!
June
Chicago, USA - Saturday, May 12, 2001 at 12:01:39 (PDT)
Claire
Interested in your CME details. The 'family' picnic scene was filmed at Newark Priory, north of Guildford in Surrey, on the river Wey where the bridge by the lock scene was filmed. I was always puzzled by the boat trip as that looked more like the Thames than the Wey but if the house was at Marlow that explains it. The ruined priory is beautiful but sadly you can't get too close as it's privately owned.
RA I see what you mean about the kitchen still perhaps it was just the utility room!!
Sue
England - Saturday, May 12, 2001 at 08:21:25 (PDT)
Ya know, even though i absolutely hate Sclub7,lol, i'm still excited that AR is in takls to play their manager...it's work,ya know? Here is something that's been bugging me for quite some time now: Has anyone heard anything about The Search For John Gissing???
Emily <DkNy9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Saturday, May 12, 2001 at 07:41:24 (PDT)
Hi Claire, I went to your site and saw the pics of AR in RHPOT. They are GREAT, I loved them. Please keep putting pics of the great one love going to the site to see what new things you are putting in... Now about the SNAPE pic. that I saw, this is a very silly question, but I have to ask, is that AR hand or someone elses? It just doesn't really look lilke his hand, Maybe its my eyes acting up, but they look different. AR has georgeous hands, so perfect, maybe its the picture....
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Saturday, May 12, 2001 at 06:18:34 (PDT)
Two more movie rumours, including more on our worst nightmare...
Item Number 1:From Ananova, a movie rumour (a good one) for AR:
British producer Stephen Woolley is to work with director Neil Jordan again on the new comedy Actors.
The pair previously collaborated on The Crying Game, Michael Collins and The Butcher Boy.
The £10 million film, which is due to begin production in the autumn, was originally developed with Steven Spielberg's Dreamworks.
The film is expected to star Alan Rickman, Minnie Driver and Dylan Moran.
The duo also interested in making The True History of the Kelly Gang from Peter Carey's novel about the famous Australian outlaw.
Heath Ledger, who played Mel Gibson's son in The Patriot, has been pencilled in to play the legendary renegade Ned Kelly.
But Jordan is also keen to make an epic historical journey through the history of the notorious Italian dynasty, the Borgias.
Speaking to Ananova at the Cannes Film Festival, Woolley said: "Neil is deadly keen to make something on the Borgias. He'll probably tackle that first."
Item Number 2:In an article in the New Straits Times about SClub7 members 'smoking pot', there was this throw away snippet:
After the tour, the group will start shooting its yet untitled debut comedy movie.
"It's gonna be a bit like SpiceWorld the Movie, but we haven't decided on the plot. And we won't be playing ourselves," Paul said.
Among stars reported to be in the movie are Alan Rickman as the group's hard-hearted manager, British radio host Zoe Ball and TV presenter Cat Deeley.
Sigh.... At least it isn't absolutely 100% confirmed that AR is going to star in (puke) an SClub7 movie...
Sally
Sydney, Aust - Saturday, May 12, 2001 at 03:40:15 (PDT)
Emily-I manage a CD shop in CT and can get the videos "An Awfully Big Adventure" and "Mesmer". Email me privately if you're interested.
Mindy <mpete@usa.netfoo>
- Friday, May 11, 2001 at 20:34:24 (PDT)
Hi. I’m trying to spread the word to fans that I have some Alan Rickman movie presskits up for auction on ebay through Sunday, May 13. They are for: “Truly Madly Deeply,” “Closet Land,” “Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves” and “The Winter Guest.” Each has extensive information on the film, all except “The Winter Guest” have black & white photos, and “Closet Land” also has color slides. My seller name on ebay is ladyeve2. Here’s a link to my auction page: http://cgi6.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommand=ViewListedItems&userid=ladyeve2&include=0&since=-1&sort=2&rows=25 Feel free to contact me about these items at theladyeve2@yahoo.com . Thanks!
ladyeve2 <theladyeve2@yahoo.comfoo>
US - Friday, May 11, 2001 at 17:49:14 (PDT)
GRRR!!! I must have called about 10 thousand different video stores in my state and practically none of them carry close my eyes,closet land,mesmer, and an awfully big adventure! this is so rediculous....i wanna see 'em soooooo badly!
Emily <DkNy9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Friday, May 11, 2001 at 16:11:11 (PDT)
wow-where was the mother in laws flat? Is it less expensive to shoot out of studio? I would surmise otherwise due to weather changes.
a Rickman admirer <you qualify as a CME expert------foo>
- Friday, May 11, 2001 at 16:07:01 (PDT)
The Bryant "house" in CME was actually two houses during filming. The large house and grounds are in Marlow, west of London and the interior is in reality split into several appartments. The conservatory is from a house in Borehamwood, North London. I suspect the kitchen scenes were filmed in the latter.
Yes the film was very low budget and on a tight shooting schedule, but not one shot was filmed at a studio. This I think lends great authenticity and immediacy to the film which without doubt is my favourite Rickman film to date.
Claire
- Friday, May 11, 2001 at 15:23:02 (PDT)
I have been thinking about details in Rickman movies-I couldn't help but notice in CME that the kitchen that Sinclair is in does not fit with a house of the proportions that he and Natalie own. A house that size would not have a kitchen that small. I have always wondered whose kitchen it really was-it looks like it could be a kitchen in a maisonette, and those red curtains look just like something that AR would pick out-attractive but not "girly". I also noticed Natalie's attire, and that the microphones are really apparent-think this was not a big budget film, with apologies to anyone that considers it their favorite.
aRickman admirer <I missed the pants in DH-will have to watch it again-foo>
- Friday, May 11, 2001 at 14:27:30 (PDT)
Well, five dollar plastic item, or no five dollar plastic item, the point is, I wanted it. So, Robin you're on, and you're in luck, because I happen to be a Beatlemaniac too! PS-- of course I'm a George fan, who wouldn't be a fan of the black velvet? hee hee.
Julia <j_petrov@hotmail.comfoo>
Calgary, Canada - Friday, May 11, 2001 at 10:40:07 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 11, 2001, referenced to London: You might be drawn to beautiful items, Alan. [ED: He's an asthete, that's a no-brainer. Maybe more tartan trousers!] You could enjoy shopping and bringing home something special. You might enjoy hanging a new painting on a wall. Or you could find some gorgeous houseplants to brighten up your windowsills. You might even invest in some colorful new curtains or stylish window shades. Allow your creative inspiration to take flight. You'll enjoy adding more beauty to your living space.
June
Chicago, USA - Friday, May 11, 2001 at 06:58:44 (PDT)
that must have been a terrible experience, cuz they look like they are at least twenty years apart in age...talk about a difficult labor~
a Rickman admirer <yes do look alike,but that is not a good look for ARfoo>
- Thursday, May 10, 2001 at 23:47:18 (PDT)
I copied the photo that Suzanne made from the trailer and put it on my site with a photo of Trent Reznor on my site:
Separated at birth
Keyser <keyserfan@email.comfoo>
- Thursday, May 10, 2001 at 18:53:18 (PDT)
Emily, so far there's only one photo of Snape (as far as I know, anyway), from the trailer, of which there are several versions. But here's two:
Professor Snape & Quirrell
Snape: close-up
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Thursday, May 10, 2001 at 17:59:35 (PDT)
Does anyone know where i can find pics of AR as Prof. Snape????? I reeeeaaaallllyyyy wanna see 'em!
Emily <dkny9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Thursday, May 10, 2001 at 16:52:36 (PDT)
Claire, "rider" means the same as "lover" in parlance of The Blues. I love a good double entendre!
FastFilm
Lost Angels, CA USA - Thursday, May 10, 2001 at 12:25:24 (PDT)
Claire! I can't see the pictures on your site suddenly! It's always been fine before, now when I hover my mouse over the links they don't work. Nothing happens if I click on them. I'm using an iMac at the moment if that makes any difference. Aaaah I want to see the nice pictures!
sara
london, uk - Thursday, May 10, 2001 at 10:13:55 (PDT)
OT: GML, you forgot to email me! Please do so. Thanks.
Jutta <Nero3768@gmx.netfoo>
London, UK - Thursday, May 10, 2001 at 08:48:20 (PDT)
Nappies = Diapers
Transatlantic Translations
- Thursday, May 10, 2001 at 07:43:13 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 10, 2001, referenced to London: Today you might need to take a few moments to catch your breath, Alan. The pace of the day could be intense. You are used to working more slowly. [ED: Work on that 18th century movie you're plotting. Consider trying a small stage, somewhere obscure, where they could use the box office] Sometimes it takes you a while to focus, and you don't do too well with multitasking. Try to make a checklist of things that you need to do today. Don't allow distractions to knock you off course if you can help it.
June
Chicago, USA - Thursday, May 10, 2001 at 07:40:51 (PDT)
Thank you so very much Claire for the wonderful pictures of George! "Lover" is fabulous!!! Gotta love those boots!!! All the pics are excellent! I'm going to print them all up in color. I didn't expect you'd post them so quickly. You're very good to us! Alan did such an amazing job with that role. George will always be my number 1. I wonder about the duel scene with KC at the end. Does anyone know how many takes that took? Is the RHPOT Film Book still available and does it talk about the making of the movie at all?
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Thursday, May 10, 2001 at 06:53:17 (PDT)
I recieved my copy of Dark Harbour last night and watched it. I haven't got time to comment now as I am about to go to the hospital for a scan on my back. Am I the only one or did anyone else notice that when he comes back from palying golf he is wearing a certain pair of purple tartan trousers?!!
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Thursday, May 10, 2001 at 05:12:53 (PDT)
Claire-Just checked out the RHPOT pix. I always thought you guys were joking re:doll. Words fail me (which is unusual). RHPOT is on satellite 4 time this week., but I have been more or less banned from watching it anymore. HOWEVER as 'im indoors is actually out on Sat. night it means I should be able to see the finale at least if the boys let me and then go straight on to Die Hard (which the boys love as there is plenty of blood. YES I know its an 18 and Yes I am a bad mother)
Sue
England - Thursday, May 10, 2001 at 05:04:05 (PDT)
Just out of curiousity what is/are nappies? Thank you!
June
West Coast, United States - Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 23:55:57 (PDT)
I personally prefer my auctioneering on e bay. Winning bidder gets the goods, no whining, pouting or temper snitties allowed.
a Rickman admirer
- Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 23:44:51 (PDT)
Just curious--do you read through the nappies, use them to wipe your eyes, or do you wear them.
a Rickman admirer <too old and too young to wear nappies....nowfoo>
- Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 23:40:58 (PDT)
The Sheriff of Nottingham action figure looks nothing like AR-the body type and face are someone else...too bad. I wonder if he got any royalties from it.
a Rickman admirer
- Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 23:36:44 (PDT)
Awfully Big Adventure and Close My Eyes are two of his best.
Georgiana (will soon need nappies to read this page...)
Seattle - Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 21:05:31 (PDT)
AAAHHH SORRY GILDA! I DIDN'T MEAN YOU...it was some person w/the sn Gellis25...meanie! lol...disregard that comment...but you guys still have to answer the q's about the movies...Ciao~
Emily <DkNy9428@aol.comfoo>
America - Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 19:33:50 (PDT)
OKAY! I'm a little pissed off @ the person who OUTBID me on the BD press kit,ehem(gilda)...j/k. I really did want it because i have like no AR stuff or anything...but anyhoo, you guys have all seen bob roberts right? I personally thought that it SUCKED! On the other hand, i did enjoy the january man very much~AR look H.O.T.T.~haha. I would like to know how you all liked AABA & close my eyes!!! Thanks.
Emily <dkny9428@aol.comfoo>
America - Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 19:30:18 (PDT)
"LETS" just have some fun
robin
- Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 18:35:53 (PDT)
Hey guys, I just found a Harry Potter web site that shows the trailer for the movie and shows AR. It is at harrypotter.warnerbros.com/web/home.jsp Hope you enjoy!!
Michaele <kph1324@bellsouth.netfoo>
Chattanooga, TN - Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 18:34:49 (PDT)
Are we going to try this trading THANG? I've got the AR bio and sheriff of Nottingham doll still in the box with the Toy's R Us clearance sticker still attached.(lol)Will trade with the first one to offer any Beatle memorbilia.Lwt's just have some fun.
robin <robinsky01@aol.comfoo>
san diego, - Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 18:32:28 (PDT)
Ah, Claire, knew you'd rise to the bait! Must say, "rider" is a new one. I think I'd label "lover" as "abuser," myself, if I remember that scene rightly.
Georgiana
Seattle - Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 14:52:21 (PDT)
George, by popular request, is up there ready and waiting on CPP. Even Julia will find consolation for the loss of her RHPoT Grab Bag personally Julia I think you are better off without the $5 plastic item - I'd hold out for the REAL thing !!!
Claire
- Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 13:48:25 (PDT)
Julia: That's a nice idea, but it might be also good if we knew who each of us was on Ebay so we don't step on each other's toes (that's what I try to do). I'm ab234, naturally (the Closet Land groupie). One thing to remember that not many AR things are one of a kind; they do show up from time to time and it's worth the wait. Of course, I could have followed my own advice when I took myself to the cleaners with the Blow Dry press kit :-)
Gilda
- Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 12:31:31 (PDT)
Was it you Julia who was bidding on the RH stuff? I wasn't one of the bidders btw but I'd love to know what was available. I like your idea about trading etc. As a matter of fact people have offered items on this site before. So you're also partial to the Sheriff? I'd love to hear from you on the subject!
Christine <ckofler@hotmail.comfoo>
Montreal, Canada - Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 12:26:50 (PDT)
So, still miffed about the loss of the grab-bag on eBay, I have a proposition: I think that instead of buying and selling under ridiculous pseudonyms on eBay, the Rickmaniacs of the world should have a place-- a trading post of sorts -- where they can get first dibs on Rickman paraphenalia. How's that for a constructive idea? :)
Julia
Calgary, Canada - Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 11:45:21 (PDT)
OFF TOPIC: Theatermail is reporting that Colin First will play Hamlet at the Riverside starting 31 Jan 2002, and that Kenneth Branagh will return to the stage March 2002 as the lead in Richard III.
Georgiana (Renie! Hope this is the start of a trend...)
Seattle - Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 10:28:11 (PDT)
P.S. I'd love to know what was in that RHPOT grab bag!
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 10:16:25 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 09, 2001, referenced to London: Today you might be thinking about spending more time with your family, Alan. Maybe you have been too busy lately to visit your parents and extended family. You might want to plan a trip to see them. Or you might enjoy calling them on the phone today just to say, "Hi!" It will do you good to connect with your roots. Don't forget to honor the people who raised you, and the community that you grew up in [ED: Go ahead, run for office. It'll keep you out of trouble].
June
Chicago, USA - Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 09:48:32 (PDT)
Just wondering Claire, if I may timidly ask if you possibly could, one day, when you get around to it, doesn't have to be today, PLEASE do a CPP of The Sheriff of Nottingham!!:) Do you have any never before seen shots? It would make my day! It's been a long time since anyone's said anything about him. He still remains my personal favorite. George is the character that "turned me on" to AR!
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 06:52:03 (PDT)
Fausta-Visit the R.R. often? I have just "lost" well over an hour visiting the last 18 months when I should be balancing the bank statements etc. but thought I'd just visit the GB for a "minute". You really should issue a health warning!
Sue
England - Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 05:26:08 (PDT)
Sally, lots of rich Londoners fly to NYC to hang out, go to shows, visit with friends, etc. The time change isn't as onerous as flying to the west coast. Do you know that he was filming something, or did you just hope he was?
a Rickman admirer
- Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 03:10:45 (PDT)
IF AR wasn't filming The Palace Thief, then what was he filming in NY at the start of April???
Sally
Sydney, Aust - Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 02:25:42 (PDT)
LOL! Thanks so much, Suzanne! GML! "Haggis-shy sassenachs"! Is that something like a lutefisk-fearing Sasquatch? Ha!
Georgiana
Seattle - Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 21:41:57 (PDT)
Okay, now for a bit of amusement. Here's the text from Total Film magazine (June 2001 issue) that accompanied the collage photo (thanks, GML!):
WHAT IF… Our new monthly look at movies from a Parallel Universe…
DIE HARD
What if… John McClane had been a firm but fair Scottish squire in the year of our Lord 1363?
‘Tis the harsh winter of 1363. Angered that his wife has become the lady-in-waiting of the Baroness of Coventry, Squire John McClane travels down from Edinburgh to find her celebrating the Solstice Feast in the newly completed tower of rug importer Ishmael Cohen. The festivities end when Count Hans von Gruber’s rogue Teutonic knights bolt the doors, lock Squire John’s footman in the stables and murder Ishmael. Unarmed and dressed only his codpiece, Squire John tries to raise the alarm by hanging a brightly coloured bodkin out of a window and screaming “fire!”…
EXT. COVENTRY COMMON, NIGHT
Alerted, the stout yeomen of Coventry struggle through the heavy mud with buckets of water and a hand pump.
INT.UNFINISHED 7TH FLOOR. NIGHT
Squire John: Och, aye, I’ll dance wi’oot ma kiltie and kiss yer bare English arses when ye arrive! Toil, me stout yeomen! Toil ye pish-drinking haggis-shy sassenachs!
INT. 3RD FLOOR. NIGHT
Burgher Uli: Helloooooo peasants! Ve have zer-flooded das feuer: Alles gut. Zer is nein feuer-kaputten.
The group gratefully turns trail, trudging back through the mud and icy puddles to the warmth of their flea-infested hovels.
Burgher Uli: Danke kammeradden! Guten nacht!
Squire John: (seeing his rescue plan foiled): In the name of the wee man wi a toastie fork… I am undone!
Hearing the latch of the door, he turns and sees Herr Tony enter, armed with a crossbow. As Herr Tony searches the room, Squire John takes refuge inside a stout oaken chest.
Herr Tony (stalking round room): We haf alrady suppressed your hue und cry mein gut mate. The volk of Coventry are eating their Solstice goose, so you should join the others in der banqueting hall… You vill not be hurt…
He wrenches the chest open and fires his crossbow... into a pile of exquisite tapestries. With a roar, Squire John launches at him from behind some curtains. They fight until Herr Tony trips, bashes his head against a pewter mug and dies.
Breathlessly, Squire John searches through his haversack, pocketing a tinderbox, a potato and sheep’s horn megaphone. He then works the dead man’s footwear off and tries them on…
Squire John: Help ma boab! A hundred bands of brigands in every shire and glen, yet I’m scunnered if I’ve blootered the only man wi’clogs as wee as mah sister’s!
As he casts them into a corner, he sees the gaudy colours of the tower’s Solstice decorations. He smiles, a plan forming…
INT. BANQUETTING HALL. NIGHT
Cocky and aloof in leather jerkin and pointy shoes, Count Hans taunts his captives while he picks at a spit-roasted chicken.
Count Hans: I had wished this to be as courteous as possible. Alas, your Mr Cohen did not see it this way, and will not be joining us for the remainder of his life.
He jumps as Squire John bellows through the sheep’s horn.
Squire John: I have at you, yer wee sossie-scoffing heidbanger! But seeing as ah’ve already kilt yer boys Marco and Kurt, ah thought yeh’d be wanting this sack o’rancid tatties and neeps back!
Something heavy tumbles down the spiral stone staircase, stopping abruptly with a dull thud against the main doors. Nervously, two knights clutch their swords and yank the door open, revealing the dead body of Tony, wearing a bright red Saint Nicholas cap. Something is written in blood across his crumpled tunic.
As Count Hans smooths the tunic to read the message, there’s a twinkle in the eye of Suqiress McClane. She recognises her husband’s work, for many has been the night that she has enjoyed the strange humour of her brave, bonny Highland laddie.
Count Hans (reading the message): Now I have a crossbow… hey nonny-nonny…
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 20:00:10 (PDT)
According to IGN Film Force, this month's Premiere magazine (May issue) has pictures from "Harry Potter." Don't see any of Snape in the shots up at the IGN site.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 17:38:40 (PDT)
Emily--ClosetLand most definitely IS scary. Some advice: don't see it alone. Get a friend to watch it with you. And if you do decide to brave it all by yourself, don't do it at night. My first viewing was by myself, but during the afternoon--and I still wound up huddled in a corner of the sofa with my feet tucked up under me! =8-O
Very much worth seeing, though. A tour de force for Mr. Rickman, and a rare opportunity for the Rickman fan to see a movie that's practically all him. (And, as we'd say next door at FOF, all HIM.) *g*
Mary Anne
"Are you in good health . . . ?", - Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 17:05:04 (PDT)
Heyyy! Wow, I have no clue what all of you are chattin' about lately,lol. I'm a bit lost...Anyways, I just got Closet Land in the mail today and WHOEVER SAW IT, PLEASE TELL ME A BIT ABOUT IT AND WHAT I MIGHT EXPECT CUZ IT SEEMS SCARY!!!!hehe. THANKS! One more thing, I am selling the movie Gaby,A True Story starring Rachel Levin/Chagall(Val from The Nanny)Liv Ullman, Norma Aleandro, and Robert Loggia. Please tell me if you are interested! I hope to hear from you all~Ciao*
Emily <dkny9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ - Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 13:13:21 (PDT)
De-lurking after MONTHS of absence to say hello, all. Haven't had much time to be online; back to work full time, and time at home is spent with daughter (7) and new son (8 months already). Whew, do I have a lot of catching up to do on the archives! Blow Dry hasn't made it to central PA, as far as I know. Can't WAIT for HP to be released. My DH, RHPOT, and TMD tapes got mangled by our decrepit VCR; I'm in dire need of a new AR fix. Ahhh, it's good to be back!
LynnP
York, PA USA - Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 13:02:13 (PDT)
Thank you, Sue! (I think!). Please do visit the Rickmanista Review often.
Also, I'm currently updating my links page. Please let me know if you have visited a Rickman-related link not listed there that you'd like to include, or, if your site is already listed, whether your site URL needs updating.
Thank you all,
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 12:03:38 (PDT)
thanks for the info re TMD. I agree ITV has shown two films recently - a safe bet with Die Hard and thank goodness someone with the courage to show Michael Collins - we thought it was a great film even before the AR infatuation! There was a lot of controversy over the film but with connections in Cork (albeit Protestant) I felt it was a fascinating and thought provoking film. I had known quite a lot about Michael Collins before but the film left me wanting to find out more about DeValera. (I was amazed to see how alike AR was (physically) to De Valera in the film.) I have been lent Dark Harbour which doesn't play on my rather ancient video but our friendly local electrician is lending me a machine so soon I'll understand what you have been commenting on! His wife is a keen AR fan too so I'll lend her the video as thanks! My rating for films is whether they leave you wanting to discuss and dissect them and from what you all write (some) AR films seem to do that. I would like to see AR do some theatre work soon - especially if he would come to the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Just a snippet re Harry Potter. My husband is a vet and atended a farm where they rear geese. The farmer had a visit from the chap at Flamingo Park Zoo (N. Yorkshire) who needed flight feathers from the geese to stick on to the Snowy Owls which are used in the film. (They had moulted). Two days later he came back and said I stuck the feathers on the right side with no bother but when I tried the left they wouldn't do. They had cut (it doesn't hurt - like cutting nails) only the right side feathers from the geese and he had then to get left hand feathers so they could fly. I had visions of these poor owls flying around in circles! Can't wait to see the film to check out the owls! I've enjoyed dipping into your guestbook Keep up the good work.
Susan
- Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 09:42:46 (PDT)
Fausta-Have just had a wonderful time with your balls!!
Sue
England - Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 07:37:40 (PDT)
I hate to be the bringer of bad news (this is probably old bad news) but AR is 100% denfinatley NOT doing The Palace Thief. I admit that Snape bubble bath would be more interesting than the Snape jigsaw puzzel but the makers of these things seem not to agree with us!!
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 07:09:02 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 08, 2001, referenced to London: You could feel a sense of responsibility toward someone, Alan. Maybe your romantic partner is going through a rough time, and you want to help out [ED: Is it election time?]. Or perhaps your kid is struggling with a course at school, and you hope to assist them. Take a few hours to reach out to your loved ones. Offer to help out if you can. Your encouraging words and positive ideas could make a big difference.
June
Chicago, USA - Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 07:07:15 (PDT)
Thanks GML! Will post it ASAP.
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Perhaps Snape should brew up some shampoo!, :-) - Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 06:23:56 (PDT)
Suzanne, I have mailed you the Die Hard parallel universe version. Indeed, Alan looks more like the Sheriff of Nottingham than Hans Gruber on the collage but that's because the re-written scene is entitled: "What if... John McClane had been a firm but fair Scottish squire in the year of our lord 1363?"! I enjoyed it, and you will... but only if you're into Scottish / German transcribed accents! (I had to read it aloud to make sense of it, that got me a few looks in the shop!;) The scene is a Bruce Willis scene, but our hero Count Hans von Gruber has the last word.
Girls, you get into a tub full of Snape bubbles, I get into a tub full of Snape, eh, eh. Actually, there *is* a (very proper and modest, doh!) hilarious drawing of Snape in the bathtub lurking somewhere on the Severus Snape Slytherin Society Site. :)
(easily amused) GML
UK - Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 05:50:38 (PDT)
LOL! I shiver to think of getting into a tub full of Snape bubble bath; it would probably turn you into a newt, or dissolve you and make you flow down the drain when you let the water out! ;-D
Mary Anne
"Bubble, bubble, Toil and Trouble . . ." - Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 04:54:00 (PDT)
TMD was a BBC film NOT a Channel 4 film. I think ITV may be a better bet for a AR season, seeing as they have shown two AR films in the last few weeks, MC and DH1, however having said that Channel 4 did S and S last December, and they did this nice little profile thing for each main actor before the film began - I don't know if they still do that. I was in Ottakars book shop the other day and they have a whole section devoted to HP, there were these jigsaws and one of the was of Prof. Snape towering over Harry in a Potions lesson. So there is no Snape bubble bath but you can have a jigsaw instead.(If you are into that sortof thing!)
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
- Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 01:29:39 (PDT)
Alright, someone 'fess up: I know it was someone here... Who outbid me at the last moment on the RHPOT grab-bag??? Who was it? That was a birthday present..... Grrrrrr.......
Julia <j_petrov@hotmail.comfoo>
Calgary, Canada - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 19:50:28 (PDT)
Thanks, GML, for the cartoons! Yes, the problem with the links is Geocities. Like Xoom/NBCi, sometimes they work, sometimes the don't. But here's a couple of links that should work: Sherlock Holmes and collage. Does the accompanying text really say that's supposed to be Hans? Because it looks like the Sheriff to me! And speaking of the text, I second Georgiana. I'm interested in reading it, also.
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 16:45:48 (PDT)
Georgiana111!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
a Rickman admirer
- Monday, May 07, 2001 at 16:00:39 (PDT)
Much as those here would like it otherwise, The Moon and Sixpence is an old 1997 rumour. The Northam fan pages appear not to have been updated since 1999 either.
Claire
- Monday, May 07, 2001 at 15:43:01 (PDT)
Sorry - I guess I meant "not necessarily" meant to be part of the final edit.
Cat <crubins@asu.edufoo>
Tempe, AZ USA - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 14:49:55 (PDT)
It may be "backstory," but, according to Jeff Sharp who presented "Dark Harbor" at the Maine Film Festival, the scene in question was intended to be part of the film, but left out due to artistic considerations.
Georgiana
Seattle - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 14:36:56 (PDT)
Great new interview post! With news being slim on these pages recently, I took the opportunity to surf some alternate interests, including Jeremy Northam. Imagine my surprise when one of his fan pages reported, under current news, that he was planning to begin filming Moon and Sixpence soon in France with Alan Rickman! Since there was no date for this post, I don't know whether this is old and inaccurate news, but it certainly was thrilling to think about! I assume Northam would play the narrator, and Rickman the stockbroker/artist. Does anyone else have any information about this rumor? Re: picture on video box of Dark Harbor, I think it probably came from the parts of the story that were filmed in order to allow the actors to flesh out their characters, but are not really intended to be part of the final edit - I believe the industry term is "backstory."
Cat <crubins@asu.edufoo>
Tempe, AZ USA - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 14:11:16 (PDT)
The deleted scene, judging from heresay about the director's comments at the Seattle Film Festival showing (I was hiking the Inka Trail at the time), and the photo on the video box, was a scene of David hitting 'the young man,' which was setting up for finding him beaten at the side of the road. In other words, a conspiracy! The stuff on his face is poison ivy. Remember the scrubbing? Didn't get all the plant extract he'd gotten in to shagging badminton cocks.
Georgiana (Is this the worst pun ever?)
Seattle - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 13:45:42 (PDT)
Okay, will someone please explain to me about the delted scene of Dark Harbor,pleeeaaassee? I'm so lost! AAAAHHH. And one more question...at the end, why did AR have that rash thingy on his face? it looked like it appeared out of no where....hmmm...help!!!!!
Emily <dkny9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ America - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 13:15:08 (PDT)
On a different machine (still a Mac; essentially same Internet connection), I can pull up GML's pictures both on the links and as a cut-and-paste, so they do appear to still be available.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 12:34:20 (PDT)
Georgiana, thanks for posting the pictures' addies. They don't work for me either now. They did work this morning, and the URLs are correct! *SOB!* - The only explanation has got to be "Geocities s*cks!" ;) OK, I'll try to scan the text. I'll e-mail it to you, maybe you can try to put it up somewhere if you like, you can only do better!
*SOB!* ;)
GML
UK - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 11:29:32 (PDT)
GML, I for one would be interested in the text of the "Total Film" article. You could just scan it up as a page.
Venida, many of us found the plot of "Dark Harbor" awfully telegraphed as it was. In fact, about a quarter of the way through a summary of the plot, before I'd ever seen it, I thought "Deathtrap," and, of course, so it was. Having had the deleted scene at the front-end of the film would have made this parallelism in plot even more obvious. While I'd like to have had the option of seeing the deleted scene on the DVD, I think it would have further compromised the film.
Georgiana
Seattle - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 09:17:30 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 07, 2001, referenced to London: You could do some soul-searching, Alan. The energy of the day might put you in a thoughtful mood. You enjoy psychology, so you could be looking into the patterns that you have repeated in your life. Or maybe you will be sorting through some issues about your parents and your family life. This could be a powerful time for personal insight (ED: Of course, we'll never know about it. He'll never mention it in an interview. I wonder if he keeps a diary?).
June
Chicago, USA - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 07:14:52 (PDT)
RE: Fey: Blame the omission of the photograph from DK on the over-zealous editor or distrubutor screaming about time limits and ratings. Had we known more about David's and the boys relationship, the story would have taken on a whole , richer, darker flavor, and I would have preferred that, but then ask yourself if the film would have seen the light of day on any medium, considering how tight-tailed Americans tend to be about alternate expressions of love.
Venida <kiddiecarcar@hotmail.comfoo>
- Monday, May 07, 2001 at 07:08:24 (PDT)
For some reason, GML's 'links' do not work for me, either, but they do work if I cut and paste:
http://www.geocities.com/storepage/arcart.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/storepage/dhpic.jpg
Georgiana
Seattle - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 06:48:17 (PDT)
Barchester Chronicles is not a book; it's a BBC adaptation for TV of two Anthony Trollope books: The Warden, and Barchester Towers, the first two of the group of books known as the Barchester novels.
It would make no sense to have a TV program on Barchester Towers without the information in The Warden, and since the character of Reverend Slope doesn't show up until the second book, Rickman's not on screen for a while.
If you'd like to send a review, I'll be glad to post it!
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Monday, May 07, 2001 at 05:41:40 (PDT)
GML, I couldn't get any of your links to work. Would it be possible to just type them out and then we can cut and paste? Thanks so much!
Cindie
- Monday, May 07, 2001 at 05:41:37 (PDT)
although i do have TMD on video, i did catch most of it on the WE channel, but found out later from my mom in Florida that Mesmer was also on. would've liked to tape it though it wasn't one of my favorites of Alan's. i saw it on rented video while in Florida.i taped Rasputin off of HBO a couple of years ago. now that is an excellent movie & Alan was superb in it. Dogma also wasn't one of my favorites, that's why I've hesitated to buy it, but i will eventually just to add to my collection if it doesn't come to HBO first, otherwise i'll just tape it.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
NY USA - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 05:06:47 (PDT)
One link out of two worked? Yeah, I'm getting good at this! ;) OK, let's try this... *crosses fingers* Count Hans von Gruber
GML
UK - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 04:14:23 (PDT)
Claire, thanks, yes of course I remember now that Rasputin is 'buyable' in Britain (and in PAL;). I usually try to hire them you see. No, I'm not *that* broke, but I'm running out of room in my small flat for all the books and videos! ;) - and I could never find 'R' to hire from anywhere. I guess I'll take your tip and *acquire* it from Amazon. As for Mesmer, I'll have to get a NTSC video and have it converted indeed, as I did for Dark Harbor, which is a shame because the picture loses quality (something I wasn't best pleased about in DH!;).
By the way, have you Americans&other foreigners ;)) seen the cartoon of Alan as Sherlock Holmes in the UK June issue of Total Film? Well, the office scanner strikes again, here it is (I hope): Cartoon Time!
If it doesn't work, I'll try again, no panic. Claire, of course you're welcome to add it to your cartoon page. Oh, and probably not worth saving, but do have a peep: the same issue also has a bizarre collage featuring our friend Hans to go with their "monthly look at movies from a parallel Universe" - Die Hard this month as it so happens: Heeere. Uh, I probably should not be typing these URLs from memory... If you'd like to get the, ah, alternative, dialogue that goes with the pic, let me know, it's fun, I just didn't manage to scan it properly and am too laz.. uh...busy to type it all up without a clearer indication that anybody is interested.;)
Christine, yes the story line is occasionally twisted in Barchester Chronicles but only as far as the adaptation required I think. The reason Slope does not appear till half-way through is that the film version starts *before* the novel Barchester Towers, with The Warden.
GML
UK - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 04:08:50 (PDT)
Yes, R. Faey, I noticed the photo, also. A flashback never occurred to me, but that would explain how Norman Reedus's character got that bruise on his face. *shiver* For those who haven't seen the photo in question, here it is.
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Sunday, May 06, 2001 at 22:02:10 (PDT)
Thank you for your answer Michael. You have a very level headed attitude.
To GML, Was the story line of Barchester Towers changed to make the TV series? In the book Slope is there right from the start and I think in the Rickmanista Review (correct me if I'm wrong)it said that in the TV version he doesn't show up for the first few episodes or only on the second of the two videos?
To Sue, It made me laugh when you mentioned "The Shrine". My very large AR computer file has also been named "The Shrine" by my other half. Good name for it!
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Sunday, May 06, 2001 at 19:56:02 (PDT)
Yes, R. Faey. I believe so. I was disappointed it didn't come as a special feature on the DVD. Also wish they had provided a widescreen option.
Georgiana
Seattle - Sunday, May 06, 2001 at 19:19:21 (PDT)
I just rented Rasputin this weekend and i thought it was well worth the Emmy...it was heartfelt yet quite heartwrenching! i must say, there were tears! lol...i don't want to upset anyone but i was a bit embarrassed seeing AR in a role like this...just some things he did...plus i could have done without him vomiting.YUCK! anyhoo,that was just my input...i cannot wait until august for blow dry and i will soon be getting close my eyes and AWBA in the mail...yippee! BTW,i just saw die hard=YUMMY!(AR)
Emily <DkNy9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ America - Sunday, May 06, 2001 at 14:17:12 (PDT)
Re: Dark Harbor. Has anyone noticed that, on the back of the US video package, there's a still photo which seems to be from the flashback material that director Howard says was filmed and subsequently cut? David's black-gloved hand is held in a menacing position....
R.Faey
USA - Sunday, May 06, 2001 at 13:57:46 (PDT)
Alan Rickman saying "I can't believe it's not butter!!!" he he he {just kidding folks... I think}
a Rickman admirer
- Sunday, May 06, 2001 at 13:16:41 (PDT)
You know, I think that Hollywood doesn't have a "clue" what people really want to see, and when something is successful, they immediately start reproducing it with sequels, prequels and knockoffs. Apparently, it is very difficult to tell what a movie is going to turn out like from the script-so much goes into it from different areas-I believe that this guestbook and others like it are being viewed by certain people to try and figure out what intelligent, educated real people want to watch on television and the movies-hence "Alan Rickman in Die Hard" and two Rickman movies on the WE channel-TMD and Mesmer!!!!!I think we have a voice, and we should use it---We want ALAN RICKMAN in everything!!!!!Are you guys out there listening?????
a Rickman admirer
- Sunday, May 06, 2001 at 13:13:30 (PDT)
Rasputin is not that hard to find in the UK, on line HMV and Amazon.co.uk stock it, the former ships in three days. Mesmer is another matter, buy NSTC and get it translated is the best option - could wait a long while for one of the cable channels to show it again!
Claire
- Sunday, May 06, 2001 at 12:19:04 (PDT)
Brigitte, you're welcome. *Do* get Barchester Chronicles, it's great. Did I mention Nigel Hawthorne was in it too? Elizabeth, thanks for the TV forecast re Die Hard, darn, I'm away that weekend, I'll have to read the VCR instructions manual again... Suzanne, of course Die Hard stars (1)Alan Rickman and (2)some guy called Bruce Willis. Everybody here knows that! ;) A Rickman season? Great idea. I want to see Mesmer and Rasputin, which are hard to get here! I finally viewed Dark Harbor by the way. Ok, lots of very nice sexy scenes, and I think I got 'the message' - but with all due respect to DH admirers, it's not worth BC or S&S or TMD. Ah, well, maybe I have a taste for historical and/or sad stuff! ;)
GML
UK - Sunday, May 06, 2001 at 11:54:50 (PDT)
Copyright 2001 EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS
The Express
May 6, 2001
SECTION: ENJOY REVIEWS; Pg. 55
HEADLINE: ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES (PG) (DVD RETAIL FROM WARNER HOME VIDEO) DIRECTOR: KEVIN REYNOLDS STARS: KEVIN COSTNER, MORGAN FREEMAN, ALAN RICKMAN; VIDEO AND DVD RELEASES
TO MAKE the DVD a worthwhile buy, they should have included Alan Rickman's scenes that were famously cut out because of the filmmakers concern that his exuberant performance as the Sheriff of Nottingham would completely overshadow Costner's bland Robin.
Well it still does, despite their best efforts. Big on production values, low on historical accuracy.
Georgiana (Agreed!)
Seattle - Sunday, May 06, 2001 at 11:20:08 (PDT)
Re Die Hard on ITV next Saturday - the trailer on TV last night announced "Die Hard - starring Alan Rickman and Bruce Willis"!!! Who says UK is not nationalistic, parochial even! Just a thought but how about all you Brits who suscribe to this guest book writing to the TV companies and asking for an Alan Rickman season - then maybe I could see all these films everyone talks about and seem to be unavailable in UK. Perhaps Channel 4 would be the best bet - they are more likely to take risks and after all wasn't TMD a Channel 4 film? Perhaps I'm wrong there. Sorry this wouldn't help all of you from the rest of the world but as my friend would say "self will out!"
Susan
- Sunday, May 06, 2001 at 03:01:39 (PDT)
All you cave dwellers Die Hard is on ITV Saturday the 12th at 9.00pm.
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hoetmail.comfoo>
UK - Sunday, May 06, 2001 at 02:45:38 (PDT)
GML and Georgiana, thank you for explaining Barchester Chronicles to me, you helped me a lot! Sally, a big hug for typing this fantastic article, and let me tell you that I'll have to wait for the import Blow Dry-DVD too, you are not alone...
brigitte, from switzerland <spooky-bw@bluewin.chfoo>
switzerland - Sunday, May 06, 2001 at 01:04:00 (PDT)
ireland doesn't have Blow Dry??? What about the rest of the world outside North America and the UK!!!! I mean, it has been removed from release in Australia, and I suspect that IF it ever comes, it'll be a straight to vidoe effort now! Thank goodness I have an NTSC-capable video and multizone DVD player so I can hopefully see it sometime in August when its released in America and I can import Blow Dry...
Sally
Sydney, Aust - Saturday, May 05, 2001 at 23:17:55 (PDT)
It was nice to come back to hear or should I say see some new news on our man. I was out for dinner at a Greek resurant for my Birthday today, and then came home and got myself a cuppa tea and came directly to the Guestbook. I wanted to see if there was anything new and behold there was. I just wish I could have seen Blow Dry but i will wait patiently like everyone else. Now that would have been a nice birthday, to see Mr. Rickman in the movie on my birthday...
lynn hankins
Ottawa, Canada - Saturday, May 05, 2001 at 18:37:36 (PDT)
HP2 is scheduled to start filming in the fall, just before HP1 opens.
Georgiana
Seattle - Saturday, May 05, 2001 at 15:59:39 (PDT)
Sally, thanks for the great article. I can't remember anything in which he's talked so much in years. It looks like he's willing to talk if someone just asks some thoughtful questions. He always surprises me by having such thoughtful opinions on things. Many actors would just have agreed with the Miramax question. It's become common to bash them, and his reasons for disagreeing were interesting.I also love his observations about the British film industry. Not the easy answers there either.
A-m
LI, NY USA - Saturday, May 05, 2001 at 15:50:23 (PDT)
thank you, sally, for that wonderful and lengthy article. my question is...if AR is going to be directing this new film, what about the HP sequel that is supposed to film almost directly on the heels of completing the other one? perhaps I'm mistaken but I thought that since the child actors are only growing up in front of our eyes, they needed to keep the filming for the series of movies fairly constant.....feeling rather "lower case" today--sinus infection...blah...
S ;-)
- Saturday, May 05, 2001 at 09:59:15 (PDT)
Oh No! The poor Irish people haven't even seen Blow Dry yet!! Well, that's actually encouraging-- more money for our Alan... hee hee.
Julia
Canada - Saturday, May 05, 2001 at 09:21:06 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 05, 2001, referenced to London: You might feel like looking at the balance and distribution of energy in your life, Alan. You could analyze certain of your relationships and habits. Maybe you will see that in some situations you give too much of yourself. Although you have a generous spirit and a warm heart, beware of being so generous that you deplete yourself. Take stock of how energy is flowing in and out of your life [ED: He can't wear himself out. He's got a couple hundred movies to make still].
June
Chicago, USA - Saturday, May 05, 2001 at 08:19:46 (PDT)
Thankyou for the article. We now know why there has ben a few dead news months. I am glad to hear that he has an interest in 18th century France, and the court of Louis XIV, especailly seeing as it was that particular king's tax reformation's that eventually ran the country into a Revolution. Maybe he would be interested in a film that takes place sixty or so years later, well I can but dream!!
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Saturday, May 05, 2001 at 07:06:37 (PDT)
Sally, thanks for the Irish Times post, it's good to hear AR talk about filming/directing in some depth in a recent interview! The wording of the article is a little confusing re the next directorial stint though: according to the, oh so boring, laws of grammar, Dean Parisot is going to be the guy directing a love story set at the court of Louis XIV... I take it the journalist meant that this is Alan's next directorial project? Woah! This is the best news I've heard today. I didn't know he had an interest in French history. Ambitious project though! Turning XVIIth century French language/culture into English is not an easy job. If you care about doing a good job that is. Will it involve shooting in France? More, more! ;) Are they going to need a French literary translator? Here, here, me, me! ;) And my best friend in Paris is a historian too! And I know a guy in Versailles who can keep the whole cast stocked up with booze and... where do I sign? Sigh...
Oh please let them not ask Leonardo di Caprio to take on the leading part this time. ;)
GML
UK - Saturday, May 05, 2001 at 02:27:46 (PDT)
Interview with Alan Rickman chatting to Hugh Linehan of the Irish Times. Sorry for its length, buts its too juicy not to reprodue!
Acting against expectations -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Although he's known for his portrayal of villains, Alan Rickman believes actors should be careful to maintain their innocence, he tells Hugh Linehan.
'I don't read those things," Alan Rickman says dismissively when asked about the negative reviews for his new film, Blow Dry. It's not said in anger, but there is a touch of that languid exasperation which characterises so many of his roles.
He settles back in his chair and agrees that what attracted him initially to the film, a Strictly Ballroom-esque tale of hairdressing competitions set in the northern English town of Keighley, was the prospect of taking on a different, quieter role than those he usually plays. The other attraction was working with Irish director Paddy Breathnach.
"Although I also responded to the script, I was incredibly interested in working with Paddy, because I'd seen I Went Down and loved it," he says. "Sometimes you see a film and make a mental note that you want to work with that particular director."
Blow Dry received a pretty unanimous raspberry from the British media on its UK release a few weeks ago. Characterised as a shameless rip-off of other "grim oop north" comic melodramas such as The Full Monty and Brassed Off, the film was criticised for its lack of originality and sloppy script. Does he think the film suffered by comparison with others of its genre?
"Well, genre is a dangerous word, isn't it?" he says carefully. "When I made An Awfully Big Adventure here in Dublin, it was coming hot on the heels of Four Weddings and a Funeral. Because Mike Newell directed it and Hugh Grant was in it, for some reason people thought - I can't think why - that they were going to see Four Weddings and a Funeral again, as if Mike Newell would be interested in doing it twice. That's another film which has acquired its reputation over the years, but at the time people were disaffected by its darkness."
It's a fair enough point about an audience's unrealistic expectations, but An Awfully Big Adventure, with its seedily evocative portrait of a theatre company in dingy, post-war Liverpool, could only be confused with Four Weddings by the wilfully blind or incurably dim. The obvious successors to Four Weddings are Notting Hill and Bridget Jones's Diary, not just because of the Hugh Grant connection, but for the rather syrupy view of Britain they purvey. But surely these northern working-class films are just the equally sentimentalised flipside of the same coin?
"Well, therein lies the danger," Rickman sighs. "And I'm sure that it's a danger here as well, that a country starts to cartoon itself in order to make itself acceptable to the market. I see no reason whatsoever why Britain, or Ireland for that matter, couldn't have made its own version of American Beauty. But we didn't."
Why is that? "I'm not really sure," Rickman says. "I know that we used to have mature film-makers making mature stories. But it needs a sociologist or a marketing expert to explain these things. What is a northern English comedy? Why does Blow Dry have to be thought of in the same sentence as Brassed Off? What are the forces which come to bear on a story which is actually about the minutiae of small-town life, but which has to be blown up into something everybody understands? Market forces impose certain rules before a film can actually get made.
"I want us to make some more grownup films, and I suppose in a way what it's about is we're only just recovering from the effects of 18 to 20 years of cultural torture. Half the time we're being yanked into the 21st century, while the other half of the country's trying to stay in the 18th century. It's difficult to tell your own stories in that situation."
Some critics have pointed the finger at the influence of Miramax, the US company which, a decade ago, helped to bring the work of directors such as Jim Sheridan and Neil Jordan to US audiences. In those days, the argument goes, companies like Miramax came in at the end of the production process and bought the rights to finished films such as The Crying Game and My Left Foot. Now they're interfering with the scripts from the very start (Blow Dry, with its superfluous sub-plots and transplanted American teen actors, certainly seems to offer some support to this view). "But you can't make those generalisations," Rickman protests. "Miramax was also the company which rescued Dogma, which essentially involved somebody writing a personal cheque to save the film. Miramax also rescued The English Patient, at a point where Anthony Minghella was telling everybody they should just go home. So it depends which way you look at it."
Dogma, Kevin Smith's absurdist take on Christian myths from a comic-book perspective, saw a memorable cameo from Rickman as the irascible angel, Metatron. He sees Smith as "part of a Renaissance in America, which is edgy and strong-minded and sexy and smart. Directors like Spike Jonze and Paul Thomas Anderson. I only saw Magnolia recently, and thought it was just brilliant."
Rickman recently completed filming on the heavily-hyped Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, in which he plays Prof Severus Snape. This portrayal promises to be the latest in a long line of memorable character performances in major blockbusters, including the chief baddie in the original Die Hard. His wonderfully villainous performance as the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves allegedly caused Kevin Costner to commandeer the editing room to cut him down to size.
He seems to have an uncanny knack for making good choices. Last year's endearing sci-fi spoof, Galaxy Quest, for example, hardly looked all that promising on paper, but has already built up a considerable cult following for its tale of a group of has-been TV stars who save the universe.
"Well, it's a good, bright, sparky film," says Rickman. "People were surprised by it, but just ask for a minute: didn't you ever wonder why some of these people (costars Sigourney Weaver, Tim Allen, Tony Shalhoub and Sam Rockwell) were in it? We all read it and thought it was very original and affectionate. The director, Dean Parisot, was very smart, in that nearly everyone he cast was a theatre actor who could relate to the story. At rehearsal, he just said: "This is about you, this is your story.' " Two years ago, he made his own directorial début, with the low-key but welljudged domestic drama, The Winter Guest, starring Emma Thompson, and he's currently working on his next directorial project, which he describes as "love story set at the court of Louis XIV".
"It takes such a big lump out of your life," he says of film directing. "So you have to know you want to do it. You know you're going to be pretty much out of action for a year. Then again, it's a privilege, and it can be a compulsion. In that sense, it's no different from being an actor. You read something and you want to say those words. As a director, the pictures start jumping off the page at you. But they're not just pictures; you want to tell that story.
As a director, he says, he still has an awful lot to learn, "but I always knew that I would do it. It was just that I had to get to a point where the job was so strong that I felt I had something to say. It was always about trying to steer it towards something that I believed in. In terms of the visual side of it, that was just me rediscovering my own art school and design background".
As a producer, he's currently working with the Irish actor/writer Conor McDermottroe, "who's written a wonderful screenplay of Eamon Sweeney's novel, Waiting for the Healer, which Pat O'Connor will direct". He hopes that film will shoot later this year.
His most memorable role in Ireland up until now, of course, was as Eamon de Valera in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins. "Thank God, at least I'm not being stoned in the street here for having dared to try," he says.
He is well aware of the controversy which his characterisation of de Valera provoked. "It's not so much a question of characterisation, though, as of certain scenes being left out," he says. "If I were sitting here with the de Valera family, I'd say: `Believe me, I spent a lot of time and energy fighting his corner, in terms of not judging him. But I can't answer for what the director or the studio do.' In the script, there was a very important moment - which was cut - which made it clear that he was not involved in the death of Collins. But other forces wanted the film to end on a romantic notion rather than a political one."
He still thinks the film itself is "a fantastic achievement. What's the point of whingeing about it? It's the sort of story that it would need about 12 hours to tell properly, but that isn't going to happen. The fact that Neil got anywhere with it is miraculous."
Does he think that, as an English character actor, there is a risk that he will be typecast as the bad guy all the time in Hollywood movies? "I've been asked that question before, but I really don't think it's true," he says. "I think if you look at American actors like De Niro, they spend most of their careers exploring the darker side. It's not my experience of the last 10 years, which is of pouring my energy equally into every job equally. Now when you've finished the movie, it either works or doesn't work, it has a huge publicity budget or no publicity budget. It gets vast distribution or it goes straight to video. But my memory is of six to eight weeks getting involved very deeply in a story and living the character, whether it's playing Rasputin in St Petersburg one minute or talking to 5,000 Dubliners as Eamon de Valera the next."
He never, he says, has any idea how successful a film is going to be when he's working on it. "Some people say to ask the make-up department," he says. "But on Sense and Sensibility, they were an absolute voice of doom. As an actor, I think that innocence is hugely important to hang on to. You have to hand yourself over to the director."
And directors? He gives that knowing smile. "Directors are much less innocent."
Sally
Sydney, Aust - Saturday, May 05, 2001 at 01:46:05 (PDT)
To Admirer- hey, my birthday is also in Aug.- on the 7th. one more thing in common besides the Great One. hope it's true about BD coming out on video in Aug. Can't wait to buy it. been reading the latest entries, saw comments about men's reactions to us women liking Alan so much. someone said about the boy next door's looks. yes, i think that's part of it, at least for me. i never like those "cookie cutter" looks on guys, what the magazines seem to think the best looking guys are. alan is just so sexy & suave plus charming besides. you can keep all those other guys they always plaster onto the magazine covers over here- just give me Alan! well that's about it for now, i have to keep re-typing this because my eyes are giving out for the night-had to be at work all day on my feet & i am exhausted. i need alan to read me some poetry to relax. my husband knows i like him, but he really hasn't said much. i don't think he realizes to what extent i like him!
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
Montgomery, NY USA - Friday, May 04, 2001 at 20:37:24 (PDT)
I have told my family that I would like the Blowdry DVD for my birthday in August.My husband doesn't seem bothered by my liking of Mr. Rickman. Perhaps it is because I call my husband "my Colonel Brandon" as he has a similar sweet nature and character....My husband encouraged me to go to see Antony and Cleopatra even though we had just been to London a few weeks earlier on an anniversary trip.The biggest attraction for me in a man is the character and personality. Although I must confess, AR's not bad to look at!!!!!!!
a Rickman admirer
- Friday, May 04, 2001 at 18:29:26 (PDT)
Did I hear(see) correctly, that BLOW DRY will be out on video in August,YIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPY! I can't wait. I have been wanting to see this movie and now I will be able. Only three months. I think I can wait that long, it will be difficult but I can. To you who got to meet Mr. Rickman, how very lucky you were. I would love to meet him. That is one of my wishes, the other is to visit England. I have always wanted to go there ever since I was a young girl. I'm still waiting. I just have to hang on to these wishes. Who knows. I haven't heard any news about our MAN I hope some news comes out soon. I need my AR fix. I haven't been here to the guestbook for a few days, but I'm back now and see there are new people here. HELLO TO YOU ALL....
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Friday, May 04, 2001 at 15:39:45 (PDT)
Barchester Chronicles was a 7-part mini-series made for the BBC, originally aired in the UK in 1982, aired in the US on "Masterpiece Theater" in 1984. It is available on PAL video (2 cassettes) from amazon.co.uk. It occasionally comes up on ebay translated into NTSC.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Friday, May 04, 2001 at 15:39:41 (PDT)
Brigitte, Barchester Chronicles is great. I have been going on about it here so much in the past, I'll try not to bore everybody with my enthusiastic comments again but it *still* is my favourite part (of his) to date, if not one of the best-known ones. One of his early TV appearances I guess? It is an adaptation of Trollope's novels: the Warden and Barchester Towers, which are excellent themselves: even if I don't always agree with Trollope's politics, he is a brilliant, lucid and humorous writer.
Alan plays the rev Obadiah Slope, an ambitious, scheming, slimy young chaplain - but also quite a strong and complex character in many ways. AR is his brilliant self as Slope, you want to cringe, kick him, slap him, warn him against the other party and hug him in turns! That's when you're not in awe or chuckling.
And the rest of the cast performs just as brilliantly, which is a relief since he *does* have a tendency to play other actors into the background at times. You can obtain the double video (Part I and part II) from Amazon.com, I believe. There is at least one review on the Rickmansista Reviews site - but I really must submit my own soon...
Trollope and AR rule! ;)
GML
UK - Friday, May 04, 2001 at 12:04:10 (PDT)
Another historic London theater is in jeopardy. See the article on the King's Head in Islington at "This is London."
Georgiana (while "This is London" has a link to NYC, 'the best city on earth'--oh, my, but we are confused...) best city on
(prefer London meself) , Seattle - Friday, May 04, 2001 at 10:06:58 (PDT)
Hello everyone! I didn't read a lot about "Barchester Chronicels" in this GB. I have absolutely no idea what this film is about (or is it a series?). What is Mr. Rickmans character and how does he act? Thank you for your help!
brigitte, from Switzerland <spooky-bw@bluewin.chfoo>
Switzerland - Friday, May 04, 2001 at 10:01:01 (PDT)
Re: Husband's,etc., reactions to our 'interest'.
My husband is reasonably O.K. about our hero. Just the odd sarcastic comment about the top shelf of the video cabinet (he called it the shrine the other day).I think the main thing with him is if HE can see why I like someone he's OK with it. Like a lot of men he thinks he knows what women find attractive and can't fathom it when we don't conform to what he expects (Mel Gibson etc).Ego comes into it enormously of course-when we sat down to watch Die Hard on the new DVD machine he remarked "I suppose HE(AR) does look a bit like ME" (note the order of that!). Actually these days he bears more than a passing resemblance to the cover of Rasputin!! However, when a Bruce Springsteen video comes on I get a torrent of abuse-"what on earth do you see in him etc.." and I'd never even dare mention Bono....Of course, when it comes to lusting after Saskia Reeves it's all a different matter!!
Sue
England - Friday, May 04, 2001 at 09:23:47 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 04, 2001, referenced to London: Today your instincts could tell you to avoid someone, Alan. You could be picking up on negative. You don't need to get in the middle of something that doesn't involve you. As a sensitive person, you sometimes shoulder too much of other people's emotions. Don't let your day be disrupted by grumpy colleagues! [ED: Curmudgeon is NOT a word you want applied to you!] Try to remain detached, yet supportive.
June
Chicago, USA - Friday, May 04, 2001 at 07:50:08 (PDT)
Christine, I think you answered your own question. It's because he isn't the boy next door, so I don't worry or get bothered by it. I like his daring in his choice of roles, and my wife just drools a lot when he is on, either video, or telly.
She will probably relegate me to the doghouse for that remark!
I love my wife, she loves me. And we trust each other implicitly. So a little fantasy romance in her life doesn't bother me one bit.
Michael
Michael <HotBrit861837215@aol. comfoo>
Chester, England - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 22:11:30 (PDT)
VideoETA gives an August 2001 release date for the "Blow Dry" video.
Georgiana
Seattle - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 18:18:37 (PDT)
Hi gang,
Just wanted to give you an update on the pop-up window problem. I received the following message from HyperMart today:
"We are currently working on fixing the situation where you may be experiencing pop-up ads on your site..."
So hopefully this means the pop-up ads won't be annoying us for much longer.
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 18:16:02 (PDT)
Michael, it's a pleasure to hear from you on the GB! As I mentioned once before, I like hearing what men have to say about AR and I too am curious how you feel about your wife's admiration for him. I have a feeling my boyfriend doesn't appreciate it one bit. He doesn't say so but I can tell especially when I come home with yet another movie, audio book, book etc. that I have purchased. He gets a funny look on his face, poor guy. At times, not often mind you, I feel a little guilty but then I figure, hey it's not like I'm infatuated with the guy next door. I guess it's tough on his ego. I suppose if he were REALLY into a particular actress I'm not sure how I would react. I guess it's a human reaction to be a little jealous. Speaking of my AR collection, I'm about 200 pages into Barchester Towers which I'm enjoying alot. It's very well written. I would really love to see AR in this TV series. I may just HAVE TO buy that too! I'd love to see Slope charming the ladies.
Off Topic: In today's Montreal Gazette, "$560 million boost by government for Canadian arts and culture over the next three years." "We have a responsibility to promote the creative arts", said Prime Minister Chretien. Hooray for Canada!!
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 12:27:45 (PDT)
Is blow dry still out in release anywhere? Any idea of a video release date?
Sarah
- Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 11:43:15 (PDT)
Good evening everybody in the UK, non-subjects of her Majesty, please adapt the greeting to your time zone!
I know this must have been asked -and answered before- but would anybody here know when the animated movie Help I'm a Fish will be released in the UK? I noticed that the French version was showing in the cinemas while I was there over Easter (Gloubs, je suis un Poisson) and I was tempted to view it then, since I'm an animation fan and I keep reading such complimentary reviews about it - but on the assumption that it was voiced-over by a French actor, I decided to wait for the English-AR version to be available instead. What's wrong with adding pleasure to pleasure? ;) Oh, I wish they had talked him into doing the French part too, he does have a very good accent in Die-Hard when Hans names the 'Liberté de Québec' group... I do love it when a favourite artists has a go at my language, it feels like they're moving a step towards me or holding out a hand, if that makes any sense.
Mr Michael, thanks for the Yorkshire encounter story, lucky you and you wife! I do confess *blush* that I drove to (nearby) Lacock when I heard that some scenes from Harry Potter were being shot there, just on the off chance... but of course I picked the wrong day. These things only happen when not planned and are all the more enjoyable as they are unexpected I guess.
Emily, glad you mentioned Alan's teeth somehow, I've always wanted to mention I do love the warm 'full' smile that gets caught on camera on set or at public appearances sometimes. He rarely gets the chance to show it in his TV/movie roles...
GML
UK - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 11:28:44 (PDT)
Ahhh, birthday.... Alan has yet to show up at my door looking to goof off. Still, the day has hardly begun here. If he hops on a plane now, he might make it in time for supper. (bearing gifts, of course) ;)
Julia
Calgary, Canada - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 08:05:06 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 03, 2001, referenced to London: Today you might feel like hanging out with some good friends, Alan. Don't hesitate to go for a visit if you feel like it. Errands and chores can wait for another day! You'll feel good if you relax a bit in the company of appreciative pals. Let your hair down, unwind, and goof off. With all of the recent stress that you have been under, you need some time to indulge in real fun!
June
USA - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 07:57:14 (PDT)
10am-The sun is shining,the house martens have just arrived,I mow the lawn (my,how those dandelion heads fly!),Sheryl Crow on the head-phones, Summer is just around the corner!! 2pm-Cloudy, just took me 45 mins to travel one mile down the road(jammed lorries and 4 horseboxes)Summer appears to be over. AND there hasn't been an AR film on TV since MC at Easter.:~(
Sue
England - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 06:36:57 (PDT)
I just read somewhere that the author Terry Pratchett pictures Mr Rickman playing some character in his book Discworld. I thought that it might be of interest as news seems to be a bit dry at the moment.
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 06:08:00 (PDT)
First off, thanks for putting me straight about the bad language thing - I don't want to be rude to anyone, but swearing is just a natural part of speech for me - I love words and think there is no "bad" language, apart from the ever-increasing dumbing-down phenomenon. But I'll keep it clean. Now on to the good bit... Hmmm.... A weekend with Alan Rickman... OK. I also love rollercoasters, so on Saturday we would have to go to Alton Towers for Oblivion and those other ones I can't remember the names of, then on The Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in the evening. In the night we would drive along empty roads in the middle of darkness and nowhere heading towards some remote part of Scotland, listening to "The Great Eastern" on the stereo, taking turns to drive and talking, talking, talking... We'd have to sleep in the car when we got where we were going, and use our, er, "imaginations", to keep warm. Then when it started to get light we'd climb a big mountain overlooking some sort of water. It would - oh, of course - be all misty. (Like in that wedding in Scotland in "Four Weddings And A Funeral".) (We could use our imaginations some more at this point.) Then we'd come back down and go to some cool, quiet restaurant to eat something Italian. Then record shopping in Glasgow on Sunday afternoon. Then a long drive back to London in the gathering dusk listening to "Grand Prix" or "Bandwagonesque". (Hmm, I see a distinctly Scottish theme developing here!) When we got back we could go to his place or mine, what with us living just a couple of streets away from each other and everything... Fall asleep under snuggly blankets on the couch talking watching a video "Vanishing Point" or something like that. Aaahhhh...
sara
london, uk - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 05:35:37 (PDT)
I was just thinking that if he is back in the UK then he can't be filming The Palace Thief, because that is filmimg in the USA, isn't it?
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 02:09:28 (PDT)
Barbara, my USA mail (Suz@mail.usa.com) isn't working??? I've been using that because my bigfoot mail (SuzanneK@bigfoot.com) hasn't been working well lately. Jezz, I'm running out of e-mail addresses! Okay, Barbara (and everyone), if those two don't work, use this one: Lady_Marian@spreemail.com. Sorry for the problems!
Suzanne
Hallettsville, TX USA - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 20:05:31 (PDT)
wow, what a lot you miss if you skip a day at the computer! to Emily from NJ, i just read your bit about Winter Guest & a part i could've done without was the bathtub scene with emma & her armpits. to Steph from UK- I'd never heard of that actor but if i have the chance, i'll check him out. i haven't noticed him in anything over here yet. it seems i always go for British actors or Scottish celebrities. love those accents! plus, i think they are more suave & sophisticated than alot of American or other countries' actors. no offense you Aussies- Mel Gibson was born right across the Hudson River from me. i like him too, but Alan has my heart.
donna <donnajkf@frontiernet.netfoo>
Montgomery, NY USA - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 17:58:45 (PDT)
I forgot I was going to tell everyone how AR has inspired me to expand my vocabulary. I am listening to Return of the Native but decided I needed to read it also. I listen to the tape while walking, so AR is actually helping me get fit and loose weight. How many actors can say that they inspire people that much?!!
Michaele <kph1324@bellsouth.netfoo>
Chattanooga, TN - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 17:51:47 (PDT)
SUZANNE!!! Sorry, Your Majesty ;) but your email addy won't work-- I've been trying to reply to your msg at that usa address and _it_won't_bleedin'_work_!! ARGH! *pant*pant*pant* Sorry.... emailme? Puh-puh-pleeze?
Barbara the Wallpaperer
USA - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 17:51:43 (PDT)
Michael, I don't know how you and your wife were able to keep your senses when you met AR. I know I'll never have the luck to meet him, but I have tried to imagine what it would be like, and I always end up thinking that I probably just cry if I met him. I always cry when I get emotional so maybe it is a good thing I'll never meet him because I wouldn't want to make him feel bad. I just watched TMD for the first time Sunday and just sobbed. I think my husband is getting a little jealous. How is that your so understanding of your wife being such a fan?
Michaele <kph1324@bellsout.netfoo>
Chattanooga, TN - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 17:45:46 (PDT)
Well Michael, as a gardener, if it is a question of only one or two plants in the wrong place, then I acknowledge it as a misplaced plant--when the number is up to dozens or hundreds and thousands, then to me THAT is a weed. I almost had a party when my neighbor cut down his norway maple-it did not practice safe plant sex and had hundreds of progeny.I am glad that you all got to meet AR-I have had that pleasure also and he was very cordial. I heard about a movie he was making around Plymouth, where my husband is from, but alas, we were in the wrong country at the time...
a Rickman admirer
- Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 17:00:44 (PDT)
Michael -- how wonderful! What a delightful experience for you and your wife! *pouts jealously, tongue firmly in cheek*
Barbara the Wallpaperer
USA - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 14:12:28 (PDT)
To a Rickman Admirer, I would love to pick dandelions, can I bring my wife and children along? Dandelions make excellent salad greens, good tea, and if you know how, a rather decent wine. And I would just like to add, there are really no weeds, just plants growing where you do not wish them to.
Well, I feel a bit more encouraged, the tone here seems to have returned to normal. I do realize that a large part of what is discussed on this page is speculation, but when there is no new information to feed further speculation, I can understand the topics wandering, but not the tone dropping. Sorry if I was a bit Hyde Park speaker sounding in my last post.
My wife, who is the more ardent Alan Rickman fan in the family, and I, had the good fortune to meet Mr. Rickman, while he was making 'Blow Dry' or as it's sometimes known'Never Better'. We are both ardent hikers, so for those of you familiar with the geography of this island, we have the great good fortune to live within a short distance of some of the most beautiful hiking and walking places in England.
We had been hiking the Yorkshire moors, and on returning, had stopped off in Keighley, to eat and found the place hoaching with people and cameras. We soon discovered, to my wife's delight, and my pleasure also, that a film was being made, with Mr. Rickman as one of the cast. We were sort of wandering around looking at everything going on, and lo and behold, there he was just walking along the street.
My wife had a fit of the vapours on the spot, but not sufficient to render her incapable of speech, so we, with some hestitation, walked up and asked for his autograph.
There have been many comments made about Mr. Rickman, but one that has remained constant, is that he is unfailingly charming to fans. It is indeed true, he was friendly, obliging, interested in where we had been on our hike, in short, a very pleasant man to speak with.
My wife managed to reach home without her feet touching the ground at all,I think.
So there is something that has been a source of discussion on this page, which my wife and I can confirm, from our personal experience. Mr. Rickman is very charming and obliging to fans.
Thank you all for your welcome. And yes, I have noticed that many names seem to have dropped away from the guestbook, but new ones seem to be added all the time. which is good, I think.
Cheers all.
Michael <hotbrit861837215@aol.comfoo>
Chester, England - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 12:12:19 (PDT)
Nothing has happened to his bottom teeth. That's the problem. ;-)
Vitriol Humour
- Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 11:55:49 (PDT)
Okay, this question has been buggin' my for ages! As soon I ever saw Alan Rickman, i recognized what a brilliant actor her was. But there was something else that caught my eye: his TEETH. I think he's dead sexy,HOOHA! but does anyone know what happened to his bottom teeth? Hmmmm
Emily <dkny9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ America - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 11:47:57 (PDT)
As for Michael's comment, I have to say that I, for one, have tried very hard not to offend anyone. It might mean I come off as a little childish, since, if your comments seem innocent and as non-critical as possible, you have less chance of making anyone angry. The smilies I use are to indicate that I am joking or taking something lightly, rather than being smug, sarcastic, or a know-it-all. You never know when you might be taken the wrong way, since no one can actually make eye contact with you on a message board. I've always seen this board as being awfully respectful, especially compared to some of the awful flame wars I've been through as a fan of certain actors and musical groups. Whenever I join a board or mailing list, I always feel as if I'm walking on eggshells to please everyone. Unfortunately, (sigh) some niggling is bound to happen anywhere. On to a more pleasant subject: A weekend with Alan Rickman . . . well, aside from having him talk, there's a sweet little Italian restaurant in a neighboring town that I'd like to take anyone, especially AR, to, seems like the type of place incognito actors would dine. Then, since Chicago is so close to La Porte, we'd hit all the requisite museums, and then . . . this may seem frivolous, but, AR has mentioned liking roller coasters, and being a roller coaster lover since I was very young, I'd probably drag him to Six Flags. We'd ride every roller coaster in the place at least twice . . . I like to mix my intellectual pursuits with the occasional brainless fun.
Julie <flashcat@csinet.netfoo>
La Porte, IN United States - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 10:06:46 (PDT)
Double deleted.
We have Bluebonnets down here.
D.o.C. (Suz)
Aaargh! Double entry! Help, Suzanne!
Mary
- Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 10:00:21 (PDT)
When life gives you sour dandelions, make dandelion wine (http://wine.miningco.com/food/wine/library/recipes/bl_dandelion.htm). I vote with Michael. Let's move away from the sniping in here. And hey, on a slow news day, I enjoy reading Anne's discussion of Tim Robbins, and other such related topics. Life can be harsh enough - we don't need it in this fellowship.
Mary
McHenry, Il - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 09:59:15 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 02, 2001, referenced to London: Right now you could feel a sense of increased obligation, Alan. Maybe your workload is growing heavier. [ED: It's those additional Harry Potter films, isn't it?] You might find that you are suddenly responsible for additional tasks on the job. You have what it takes to meet these challenges. Don't let yourself fall victim to depression or worry.
June
USA - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 06:42:56 (PDT)
Color fixed.
D.o.C. (Suz)
Ah, darn! Suzanne :-D :-D (that's a pained grin...), can you please fix the little splash of color I added to the GB??? I could have sworn I closed the tag! Thanks
sally
Sydney, Aust - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 05:07:42 (PDT)
Well, da man is back in the UK, that's for sure! BBC has this to report:
The Sony Awards are always described as Radio's Oscars - and the organisers do their best to make the event as glitzy and celeb-ridden as the Hollywood original. This year was no exception.
Well over 1,000 of radio's finest - in black tie, designer frocks and the occasional dressed-down pair of jeans - crammed into London's Grosvenor House Hotel to drink, eat, and celebrate their peers' success (in that order).
(some stuff about the winners then...):
Plenty of other non-radio celebrities had been signed up to help present the awards - from the worlds of music, film, television and politics. They included chart-toppers Travis, St Etienne and - from classical music - Bond, the film director Lord Attenborough, the Beatles producer Sir George Martin, and actors Alan Rickman and Gina Bellman. Ten O'Clock News presenter Michael Buerk, comics Sir Norman Wisdom and Arabella Weir, and Olympic oarsman Matthew Pinsent were also on hand.
sally
Sydney, Aust - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 05:06:34 (PDT)
I didn't think the guestbook was being bad at all lately! Some were getting a little defensive for no real reason, but since I write a newsletter on AR, let me add my strength to then fact April has been a DEAD month for news on AR! Apart from a couple of appearances, there has been nothing. So, yep - I guess he is currently working his little butt off to give us all something to gush about soon, leading things to be a bit quiet of late.
Sally
- Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 04:55:14 (PDT)
I know what you mean, Michael, but when you look in the archives, you'll notice a lot of names that don't seem to be here anymore. Like Melissa from Boston and Robyn from Miami. I think there's a much younger (in actual years) group here now.
Magda
Canada - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 04:32:54 (PDT)
Michael, come out and play--Ill send you some dandelions!!
a Rickman admirer
- Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 23:11:21 (PDT)
Hello all, I'm new here, so I was hoping to find some interesting conversations going on about Alan Rickman, whom I enjoy watching, for his acting abilities. But it seems I may have come to the wrong place.
I have been reading the back issues, as time allows, and keeping up with the current page, but the tone here is getting a bit hostile. I realize there is no new Alan Rickman news, except some rumours about his possibly making films as Sherlock Holmes, Beatrix Potter's secret admirer, etc., but does that mean there has to be anonymous curtness, that borders on rudeness, over such trivial things as the past few days have shown?
I would have thought a group of people who admire a clever and talented actor could have been a bit more civil towards each other.
Is this a regular occurrence? I have seen the "back issues" of this guestbook and noticed a little friction from time to time, but these past few days, it's begun to get a bit much, in my humble opinion. And hiding behind pseudonyms to insult someone is so childish. Frankly, I had expected a slightly more, shall we say, adult, tone here.
And before I get blasted by some person,hiding behind a ridiculous name, just let me say, I do not refer to age when say 'adult', I refer to maturity of mind.
I'm sorry my first post, has been a soap box speech. I shall retire back into my quiet reading of the archives of this page and hope to find a better spirit there.
Michael
Michael <HotBrit861837215@aol.comfoo>
Chester, England - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 21:17:48 (PDT)
A weekend with AR, eh? hee hee.... Oh, let's see: Chelsea Flower show, some nice dinner, maybe a couple of little museums, a few stores here and there, some dancing... Hooh, I'm getting all tingly! giggle, giggle, giggle.....
Julia
Calgary, Canada - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 20:57:04 (PDT)
RE: a weekend with AR. I would like him to give me a private tour of the theatres in London......
S ;-)
- Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 20:13:23 (PDT)
A Weekend with Alan Rickman... what would I do? First, I think, I'd have him read to me. ;) Then, I think, talk. Talk a lot.
Barbara the Wallpaperer
USA - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 20:06:04 (PDT)
Hi I have a question similar(spelled wrong probably!)to Emilys exept its 'If you could spend the weekend with your fave Alan Rickman charecter who would it be and what would you do?'Mine would be The Interrogator and I dont know what I what do but what comes to mind isnt right for my age at all!!
Miranda
Brandon, Florida United States - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 17:35:17 (PDT)
HI A RICKMAN ADMIRER, I DON'T THINK IT'S CHANGED I JUST THINK IT'S A SLOW PERIOD. MAYBE IT'S CHANGED A BIT WHEN WE ARE NOW TALKING ABOUT OTHER ACTORS AND OTHER TOPICS. I THINK WHEN MR. RICKMAN COMES OUT WITH HIS NEW MOVIES WE WILL BE TALKING ABOUT HIM AGAIN. IT COULD ALSO BE THE WEATHER THATS GETTING TO EVERYONE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE THERE WHERE YOU ARE BUT HERE, ITS BEEN ABOUT 30 DEGREES CELCIUS. THATS QUITE HOT FOR US CANADIANS. LETS ALL START TRYING TO GET BACK TO WHAT WE ARE FOR IN THE FIRST PLACE. NOW IT SOUNDS LIKE I'M STARTING TO RAMBLE. I'M FIGHTING A BAD STOMACH FLU SO MAYBE I SHOULD GO TO BED. I'LL DREAM ABOUT ALAN RICKMAN, MAYBE HE WILL BE SERVING BE A CUP OF TEA IN BED AND RECITING POETRY TO ME, OR SOFTLY SINGING IN MY EAR....
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 16:57:13 (PDT)
the tone of this guestbook has certainly changed.
a Rickman admirer
- Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 16:40:57 (PDT)
I would hardly call a couple of comments about Tim Robbins height a huge discussion! He's not a bad person though. I singularly credit him with reviving my faith in Hollywood at a time when it was at its lowest ebb - I refer to that bleak period when the first Batman movies came out. Tim Robbins was BRILLIANT as Erik the Viking. I also liked him in the Hudsucker Proxy. However, he hasn't quite captured my interest like AR, and certainly didn't endear himself to me in Bob Roberts where I felt AR's performance as Lukas HArt was nothing short of a OScar-deserving performance because he was so unrecogniseable and brilliant as the slimey Hart! And AR inspired me to read and learn more about history, which is more than I can say for any other actor out there...
Sally
Sydney, Aust - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 16:18:39 (PDT)
RA, you obviously don't understand the zen of dandelions! They are the cockneys of the flower world - irrepressible, irresistable and utterly ineradicatable (is that a word?). Ship them out and they'll only return, probably with half a dozen platinum records. Oh. Wrong cockneys.
Mary
McHenry, Il - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 14:51:57 (PDT)
No, Anne, It's that a lot of us come to this sight to get some straight foward facts.
get your facts straight
- Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 14:31:18 (PDT)
Hi Emily... if I could spend a weekend with AR? Well... I can think of many improper suggestions ;) but the boring truth is that I would probably grab him by the scruff of the neck (after I've climbed up some steps), drop him on the nearest stage and force him to interpret all my favourite classic roles... sigh. Nice thought.
GML
UK - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 14:14:35 (PDT)
Mary, is there an address that I can ship my dandelions to?
a Rickman admirer <trying to be helpfulfoo>
- Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 13:34:32 (PDT)
Another message about TWG...I know Alan has a tiny little part as the man in the street so is he the guy who accidently bumps into those two old women? His face was obviously blury for a point but what i could make out, i think it was him....one more thing-here is a little fun question...If you could be with AR for a weekend, what would you do and where would you go??
Emily <dkny9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ America - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 12:57:02 (PDT)
Oh my goodness, I only said "about" 6'8", please, I didn't mean to start a whole conversation over Tim Robbins height.It's not that important surely?
Anyway, I still like the work he does, when he chooses his parts, as he did for both 'The Player' and 'Bob Roberts'.
I have a strong feeling, both he and AR are political and social justice soul-mates, willing to make there thoughts and beliefs and feelings about important issues show in their work.
And for that reason alone, I like Tim Robbins. To also say I like AR would be, I think unnecessary. I believe that should be pretty obvious, by now.
Anne <Ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 11:34:57 (PDT)
I just went to the Showbiz Ireland link and noticed that AR is standing in front of a Blow Dry Poster. You can see his picture on this poster on the left upper corner behind his head. Maybe that´s why he is laughing.
Jutta <Nero3768@gmx.netfoo>
at home, - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 11:26:43 (PDT)
A Guardian interview with Tim Robbins asks him if it's a problem as an actor being 6'4".
Georgiana
Seattle - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 09:44:27 (PDT)
It's the first emergence of the dandelions here in northern Illinois; and I think that (at this time only) they are the most beautiful of flowers, particularly where there are large colonies of them. They lie like a drench of sunlight against the spring grass. One of these days I'll have to learn how to make paragraphs in here. Back to the GB subject. I was watching "Dogma" again last night, and I swear that the "tad more habitable" restaurant that The Voice transports himself and what's-her-name to has got to be a train station. Does anyone know where that was filmed?
Mary <mkeith@mccdistrict.orgfoo>
McHenry, IL - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 09:38:22 (PDT)
OK, I made a mistake before, I have actually seen AR in three films:TMD, Galaxy Quest and Bob Roberts. I thought that GQ was best, but that might have been because it was funny. TMD wasn't as good as GQ, in my opinion. It was a bit too soppy for my liking. BR was pretty cool. I have heard, mainly from Elizabeth, that Dogma is funny. Is that the one where he plays an angel who is too quote "... ill equiped." I haven't seen it, by the way, Elizabeth keeps me informed. By the way Donna, Alex Siddig is a great actor. You should check him out sometime, when you have finished watching your AR films. Since Elizabeth is trying to convert me, I may as well try to convert people too, as long as I'm here. Better go. Elizabeth is forcing me to watch Rasputin and S and S.
Steph
UK - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 07:30:20 (PDT)
"I am the anger, the just anger, of the people, and that is why they listen to me, why they believe in me." Another Jean-Paul Marat line, he is talking to Robespirre. I am hoping that Dark Harbour has arrived in the post today. Emily I have sent you an email re your Winter Guest quetsion.
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 07:04:53 (PDT)
Barbara the Aussie--Pleasure to meet a fellow Barbara, by the way. We're delightfully rare... Anyhoo, I was pondering your comment and, you know, I don't think we'll _ever_ have an authorised biography of Mr. Rickman. *pout* I don't think he'll ever say "Yes, it's all right." Vexing man.
Barbara the Wallpaperer
USA - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 06:31:30 (PDT)
AR's horoscope for May 01, 2001: Try not to worry about what people think about you, Alan. Sometimes you can be a little too sensitive. You want others to like you, and you can get upset when people are aggressive or impatient. But don't take things so personally. If you can manage your emotions and remain detached today, you'll realize that people are just venting a bit. Nobody means you any harm. Cultivate that wonderful sense of humor (ED: Yes, do! Laugh. Put it on tape. Send it to me!) and laugh away any stress.
June
Chicago, USA - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 06:27:09 (PDT)
I admit that I like some other actors too beside AR. My heart is big enough for all of them but AR definitely is My favourite. Some of the others are: Jeff Bridges, Aidan Quinn, Gabriel Byrne. I have to hurry now, got to start my work (I have the pleasure to work in the office of a chocolate factory, isn't it amazing?)
brigitte, from switzerland <spooky-bw@bluewin.chfoo>
Switzerland - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 03:44:06 (PDT)
Tim Robbins is 6'5"
sally
Sydney, Aust - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 03:08:27 (PDT)
Thanks Anne , from Alexandria, I really thought this film was trying to tell a message and I think AR would do the same in anything he appears in. "Bob Roberts" came after a Election that went the WRONG way and was rectified at the next. AR has a lot of heart and soul and hopefully, one day, a Biography will be written, with AR's authorization, about his contribution to the Theatre, and film, wherever he has worked, that shows what a great Actor he is. He has given a lot of incentive to people everwhere, wherever they come from and no matter what their postcode.
Barbara the Aussie
Gold Coast, Australia - Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 02:37:20 (PDT)
He's not 6'8"
ric
- Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 00:03:42 (PDT)
