Alan Rickman Guestbook
(November 2003)
Start reading at bottom of page.
Hi there, waving turkey! see you missed Thanksgiving Dinner, but Christmas is coming up in 25 days - you can't stay here forever!Alan is so busy! guess he'll be overwhelmed with cards and letters this time of year and it will probably be that way for a long time.
Alan, did you get my letter?
starfish , <+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+foo>
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 09:48:38 PM
First thing first- Thanks to fan-in-recovery for the AR/Snape link. I just had to show AR off! Lee, keep up the good work, looks like you are adding reporting to your story-telling. Keep us informed.
Monica in Texas , <monicarnsg@yahoo.comfoo>
Alan Rickman. Need I say more?, - Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 08:03:40 PM
Oh Bunks, I was wondering what movie you went with? You must be getting skinny by now.
fan-i-r
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 07:33:44 PM
Awesome lee. I just double checked my plane ticket and it seems I am flying to (Washington) on Dec. 18th. I don't know if this means DC National or the one in Baltimore. I was wondering if I should jump ship so to speak and high tail it to Skyesville. (which incidentally I just looked up in the atlas to see the proximity to airports). I don't think my husband would miss me.......... Until he needs someone to schlepp his golf bag.. haha. Our destination being Florida.
This lead me to another quarry. I was wondering if that would be to closest I would ever be to AR even if I waved from the air. OR, as I just checked my travel itinerary from 1978. I was in London..... August 31 to September 12. I stayed in a place called "Park Court Hotel" address is 75/89 Lancaster Gate, W2 3NN. London.
I tried Google search engine to find this place but all it came up with was "Hyde' park hotel and the addresses don't match. Does anyone in London know what that hotel might be called these days? I am into researching my own life ... I haven't got a clue how I have lived this long and remember so little.
Fast Film, I love love love the Borzoi / briard mix. Leonburger is a beautiful animal. Is he squirrely enough? But if you say so Loesje that's good enough for me....... :)
fan-in-recovery
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 07:29:30 PM
Thanks for the reporting, Magda and Lee. What a great vantage point if you can sit in the restaurant, Lee.
Aurora
OH, USA - Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 06:47:35 PM
Sounds exciting Lee, let us know how it goes.
bunks
whitby, Canada - Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 06:06:16 PM
Hi Carole,
Yes. There is a really quaint little restaurant exactly next to the train station (a stone toss away.) and the windows look out over the station building. I plan to go there and ask the manager if I may come inside the restaurant and stay there inside while they film. I would be able to watch the entire thing. The town is very low-key about it and I get the impression that they have no idea how huge this is. I would go so far as to say that HBO might have down played the whole thing to them. The bar tender in the restaurant didn’t even know a film was being made twenty feet away until I told her! I will go to Sykesville between now and filming to monitor progress as long as I can before it gets too busy with workers.
lee
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 04:35:21 PM
Lee thanks for your report are you going back on the 18th?
Carole
Canada - Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 03:35:26 PM
We went to Sykesville Main Street today, which is only about twenty minutes from my house. We easily found the Warfield Complex, as there is not much in Sykesville. The buildings are very dilapidated looking but seemed structurally sound enough. The buildings in fact do look like they were literally vacated one day in the thirties or forties and left that way. I looked in the windows and everything is painted gray-green color. There are old radiators and vintage linoleum on the floors. I talked with the locals in the antique shops and was told that Main Street filming was set for the 18th of December for half the day. They were not happy about closing due to lost profits. One owner said they were going to receive a free paint job, as their store was purple. They wanted to use a non-permanent paint but she asked them to use permanent paint. She told me that the extras needed to be African -American and would wear thirties clothing. The law office building was going to become a bank for the film and one person told me about the Christmas decoration in the store front windows would need to be taken down and replaced later. I explained to one person who Alan Rickman was and told her to watch for him. She knew who Hans, Snape, and George were, but not Alan. Main Street was very small and the train station still operates and looks vintage. It will be filmed also.
lee
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 02:19:34 PM
Well, I will take my foot out of my mouth to compliment you on your bravery-I am sure that address labels with Rickman's picture on them would garner lots of attention!
ACC
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 12:21:02 PM
# 1 is "Terms of Endearment" with Debra Wingeer and Shirley MacLaine.
Juliana
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 09:54:34 AM
Who's number one?
Xx
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 09:34:22 AM
Sorry if this is a repeat-- in the Entertainment Weekly magazine issue 739, November 28, 2003 with Sean Penn on the cover, there is an article on Top 50 Greatest tearjerker movies of all time. # 44 is Truly, Madly, Deeply and # 45 is Sense and Sensibility. Hooray for AR!!
Juliana
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 08:50:38 AM
Rasputin, the anomoly, would be Borzoi, a true Russian, with big, shaggy Briard mixed in! Both larger than life. My own Scottish Deerhound agrees with me on this.
FastFilm
L.A., - Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 07:47:53 AM
Here is the link to the Warfield Complex/Sykesville
lee
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 07:23:05 AM
Thanks Magda, you always keep us so well informed! I think I will go for a drive to Sykesville today and see if any activity is happening yet. If workers are there, I may be able to go inside the Warfield building or at least walk around it. How exciting, AR in Sykesville. Never would I have thought it possible. Sykesville
lee
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 07:15:32 AM
That would be 25 day's.
TSO
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 06:29:51 AM
Thank's Magda for that. Wow, to be finished filming in 28 day's from start to finish, that's quick.
TSO
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 06:28:44 AM
ACC-Yes, I am one of those with the so called Alan Rickman address labels and they are so cool. Everyone loves them that I send mail to, even the people at the Post Office give me a big grin when they see them. They are highly entertaining. You should get some. It will put a smile on your lips!
Witchy Woman
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 05:56:16 AM
No , that pug was not such a good idea, he has to be a Leonberger, A very big dog , brown with a black mask, also clownish, very funny and very adorable, he impresses people because of his hight and very deep bark, which he uses not too often.a very calm dog ,who can get angry but only to protect you.yes, i think he would be a leonberger in GQ.
Loesje
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 05:05:37 AM
fan-in- Recovery; How about a pug for GQ ; clownish, can have a bit of a bad mood, is very smal, but great in character, and is a bit lazy.
Loesje
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 04:56:13 AM
Just got a chance to log on and read everyone's comments - thank you to those who took the time to reply to my O/T post - I appreciate your points of view. Noticed in the current K-Mart catalogue - The "Love Actually" Soundtrack CD for $20.82 - looks like we get the Soundtrack before we get the Movie!
BTW, thanks for everyone's comments on LA - rather than looking upon them as "spoilers" I think they will actually enhance my viewing of the movie.
Aussiegirl
- Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 03:50:57 AM
There's an article in today's Baltimore Sun about the upcoming filming for AR's latest, HBO's "Something the Lord Made". It describes the town and filming locations, but I've edited the architectural and historical details out so it's just about the movie:HBO has chosen the wards vacated long ago by the Springfield Hospital Center, along with Sykesville's downtown, as filming locations for the cable channel's movie on the lives of two heart surgery pioneers.
The hometown look of Sykesville's Main Street and the frozen-in-time hospital wards and operating rooms, part of the hospital's Warfield complex, made the town an ideal location for Something the Lord Made, a story that takes place in 1940s Baltimore, said Charley Armstrong, location manager for the production.
Filming in the town will take about 10 days and is to begin next week in several Warfield buildings. The set will be closed to the public.
Something the Lord Made is set at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and revolves around the friendship of Dr. Alfred Blalock and his surgical and research assistant, Vivien Thomas. It stars Alan Rickman, most recently in Love Actually, as Blalock and hip-hop artist and actor Mos Def, who appeared in The Italian Job, as Thomas.
The partnership of Blalock and Thomas led to several advances in heart surgery. Blalock set out to find a surgical treatment for "blue baby" syndrome. The condition, caused by a heart defect, killed thousands of infants each year.
Blalock and Dr. Helen Taussig devised the procedure. But it was up to Thomas, a young black man who aspired to go to medical school but lacked the money to get there, to help make it work. The technician practiced the procedure on dogs, and developed his skill with a scalpel. After examining a canine heart that Thomas had repaired, Blalock marveled that the organ looked like "something the Lord made." Shooting also will take place in Baltimore in and around Hopkins Hospital and should wrap in about 25 days, said Armstrong.
The film is expected to appear on the premium cable channel in late spring, he said. (Italics added)(
Sykesville officials said they expect the production to use one of the largest of Warfield's dozen buildings, which were added to the Springfield Hospital for the mentally ill in the 1920s. One building has a sizable cafeteria and auditorium, but officials would not reveal the exact location for the filming.
Warfield's buildings, which have been vacant for nearly two decades, still closely resemble the operating and patient rooms at Hopkins from 60 years ago. The same architect designed Hopkins and Springfield hospitals, according to town history. "The similarities in architecture helped us decide," said Armstrong. "This is a real period piece."....
...The film company is to pay the town $800 for every day of filming in Sykesville. The filmmaker will contribute minimally to the development effort by removing asbestos and lead paint from at least one building. "This is a really sweet deal," said Mayor Jonathan Herman. "It will give our [Warfield] project a little publicity, too."
At least two days of filming will take place on Main Street sometime next month. If the town's Christmas lights and decorations do not fit into the story line, the film company will take them down and then rehang them, Armstrong said. Sykesville, a town of about 4,500 people, seems to be gaining a reputation in film circles, Herman said. "
Magda
Canada - Sunday, November 30th 2003 - 02:42:43 AM
pardon..... but add a touch of rabbies to Raz's Si Husky / Keeshound mix...
Fir
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 11:18:57 PM
Cindie.... perfect!
MC - Irish wolfhound!
How about TMD- Basset Hound. Sorry soulful eyes howling tunes at the moon? I have no idea what GQ could be, let me know.
fan-in-recovery
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 11:12:39 PM
What does one do with address labels with Alan Rickman's picture on them? Wouldn't people know that you are daft instead of just thinking you are? It would be different, I suppose, if one were Alan Rickman, although that would be pretty nervy, wouldn't it, to put your picture on your envelopes? Not very useful-at least a snowglobe can be used for a paperweight, anyway, not that I have one of those either...
ACC
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 10:19:25 PM
It's "That sounded like a man's voice", not "nothing like a man's voice."
Me
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 09:30:31 PM
Quote from TMD "Nothing like a man's voice!" (resonating low-tones make my lungs vibrate!)When Nina gets to wrap her arms around Jamie for the first time after he returns as a ghost.
Ivy
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 08:57:46 PM
CF 39%, AR 28%, HG 20%...and it has stayed the same for a long time, no matter HOW many times I vote! Is the vote counting over? I saw TMD for the first time today. Thaks to the link for AR on TV listings, I really appreciate that link! I hope that CME come on sometime soon. That and Raz are the only major ones I haven't seen. TMD was a really sweet movie. It was good to see AR looking like himself, not with a wig! I think that my favorite scene is where he warms up his lips before he kisses Nina! And his re-decorating, rolling up the rug, and admiring the wood floors was funny! The thought of dead people obsessing about decor is a riot. I'll have to watch it several more times to see all the details. The last scene of him watching Nina kiss the other guy is heart-breaking. I was amazed that AR can play the cello, or fakes it VERY well. Does anyone know if he really plays the instrument or not? Somehow I thought he might play the piano. And I was not happy that they never had a piano duet with AR/KW in SS. And I still think that they should have shown his proposal and their wedding vows in SS! AR is quite the talented person: superb actor, artist, dancer, can sword fight, etc. I wish that he could be in a film that showcases ALL his considerable talents! The GB would be over run with new AR fans! What is your favorite scene or line from TMD?
Susan
Texas, USA - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 08:32:52 PM
If anyone here is interested in computer artwork and wants to either contribute or just look at some, go to Ebay under the discussions to the town square art show! Some of its pretty good and a few of the GB'rs here like to do that sort of thing here and in the DT. Have fun-
Witchy Woman
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 05:08:02 PM
Stephanie, I just got back from seeing L,A again with my sister and mother. (first time for them, we don't discuss how many for me) After being home for about 20 minutes (humming Billy Mack's Number One hit while making dinner) my sister called to tell me she can't get that song out of her head. You are not alone. Fan-in-recovery, can we add:
MC - Irish Wolfhound
to your list?
Cindie, who loves that Christmas is All Around is listed as being sung by Billy Mack on the soundtrack.
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 05:01:09 PM
Minor SPOILERS - Dark Harbor: Aurora wrote (in regard to director commentary):
>>Personally, I thought he ought, instead, to be examining his stereotypes about women. For example, he says about the early scene with AR and Polly Walker in the motel that she is supposed to be acting like a hooker, since she makes love to her husband. Honestly, don’t married people have a sex life, too? And it is whorish for a woman to initiate sex with her own husband?<<
I also have the DVD, and I don't recall the director's comments quite that way. What I gathered was that he was hinting at a strained or dysfunctional relationship because Polly's character was seducing Alan's character more like a hooker, rather than a wife. In other words, the love was waning, or absent altogether, between them.
BM
BackstageMystic , <idcre@asu.edufoo>
Tempe, AZ, USA - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 04:45:29 PM
Hi, everyone. My dad bought me the Love Actually Soundtrack 3 days after we watched the movie. It's very nice actually. There's 3 pictures with Alan Rickman as Harry. One is his picture on the movie poster, the second one shows him dancing with that Mia girl, and the third shows him talking with Sarah (Laura Linney) in his office. The songs in this CD are very good. They even have Olivia Olson singing "All I Want For Christmas Is You," and Billy Nighy singing "Christmas Is All Around." Uhm, is it just me or did any of you end up with a song stuck in your head after watching Love Actually. My dad kept telling me that my humming "Christmas is all around" was to loud and extremely annoying. I also saw behind the scenes interviews with the cast and crew of Love Actually. Alan had a lot of clips in it. Very exciting to watch.
Stephanie , <rodriguezsteph@hotmail.comfoo>
California, US - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 04:37:39 PM
plus or minus? I’m not sure
D Harbor-study in a marriage gone bad. The things one says but shouldn’t have. Because one knows what the consequences will be. But at this point one no longer cares. Or perhaps has mixed feelings and wishes to take it all back.
TMD-idealizing of love object lost, then return to reality. Or is it? Still a bit of idealizing.
directed by a boy who is working from adolescent ideas of love.
directed by Anthony Minghella
Aurora
OH, USA - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 04:14:55 PM
Bunks, congrats on reaching next goal. For your decision-making: a purely objective and factual chart. Perhaps others can add.
TMD advantages-better film, Juliet Stevenson is fabulous, Jamie is lovely lover and then...well, comically human. AR is very young, looks 32, though is 45. (I hate that in men! Why can they look younger and get more beautiful then when older? So unfair.) Guaranteed tear-jerker. Get out your hankies. Emotionally deep and hopeful. Funny secondary characters.
Disadvantages-the moustache. Whatever possessed him? One of those “it was 1990” things. Jamie is already dead at the beginning.
D Harbor advantages-AR mature, very cute in suit and in casual clothes. More seriously, a lesson that what you bring to seeing influences everything. You will find that it’s true that the reader/viewer creates the text. David nekkid. David character has range in his emoting and sides to his personality. The Boy is really appropriately creepy. Gorgeous autumn in New England scenery,
Disadvantages-short. Picky viewers will find technical errors. David’s accent not quite American. David not a very nice husband.
I don’t know Blow Dry. You have the advantage of me there.
Aurora
OH, USA - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 03:43:06 PM
Ah sorry being silly tonight, delete me if you think its appropriate Suzanne. I appologize to everyone.
bunks
whitby, Canada - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 02:53:25 PM
Hmmm, "urgent need", "renewed man", Alan Rickman..........arghhhhhhhhhh!!! Damn, where is the husband when you need him. And in case you're wondering, I believe in equal opportunity...I regularly encourage the husband to think of Shania Twain..to um, light his wick/fuse so to speak. :)
bunks
whitby, Canada - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 02:48:38 PM
Ahem, keeping it light and going back to the if AR were a dog question.
Loesje, I like this silly question. My first thought was a Weimaraner cuz of the overall carmel coloring of the hair and eyes. They have a great dog build. Long lean legs, visibly waisted, nice chest, trodding along with beauty and grace. They are clean and sleek and very photogenic. I don't know if they drool or slobber on cue. Going one step further, if AR characters were dogs..
RHPOT.. ........ .. a Doberman with a poodle wig.
CME.................. golden retriever puppy
DieH.................... German sheperd
DOGMA............a boxer..... (with no reason to wear any)
Raz................... Siberian Husky / Keeshond mix
JK.....................Bloodhound
SS.................... a purebred Great Dane
HP.................... Bull mastiff / Rottweiller mix
LA.......... ......... a Giant Schnauzer with red highlights
BDry....Mexican Hairless, until he becomes a St. Bernard and saves the day.
CL.....................Staffordshire (pit) Bull terrior. Unrelentless.
DarkH.................Water Spaniel / Collie mix
AABA..................rescued Greyhound
Who have i forgotten? I hope I am not sorry for signing my name to this and being held accountable for my opinion. ...lol
fan-in-recovery
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 02:29:38 PM
ACC, I don’t think he was seen actually turning away; he was just sleeping there very still. Maybe even faking sleep. But I had another thought. What if they would normally have been tired and simply gone to sleep after a party like that in the past, but tonight he was in urgent need because of Mia lighting his fuse with her wicked whispers on the dance floor. Maybe she had a renewed man in her bed…and knew why.
lee
I think way too much., - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 02:18:23 PM
Just read your comment ACC, and sorry I can't resist saying it but isn't that what men do? They do the deed and roll-over and go zzzzzsst....Ummm....er, blushing hanging head, uh don't you ever think of anyone else when you do the deed? Uh ummm....actually maybe even someone this GB is named after (or one of his characters)? I would think Harry thinking about the secretary would create a little zing to the act. I'm not sure her reaction would be the same but I am willing to admit I'm wrong.
bunks
whitby, Canada - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 02:11:30 PM
Smiling at your Dark Harbor comments there Aurora, yes mmm...mmmm, biting my tongue :). My only problem now is that I get to choose another film (pray shortly) and I don't know whether to go for TMD or DH. From reviews, I think TMD is the better movie but from everyone's comments I pretty well know most of the plot of DH which is unfortunate because I would have liked to figure out some of it myself (yes I know I shouldn't read the posts but well......I am addicted to reading them). I don't know everything about DH, something about a forest scene and he does dive into the water at the end? One review suggested it symbolized a rebirth but what does that mean? I'm just hoping the movie doesn't end in his death again. How many of his movies does he actually survive the ending? So do I pick TMD or DH (before I figure it all out)? Anybody have some suggestions, keeping in mind that it will be several months before I earn another movie after this one and will probably watch it over and over again (seen Blow Dry about 15 times now).
bunks
whitby, Canada - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 01:58:36 PM
Just a thought from a person who slept in the nude before parenthood, and not after-I think that Harry and Emma did the deed, and she felt that he was thinking about someone else while he did it, or she was worried that he was-they were both nekkid-I may have not memorized all the details, especially the first three times I saw Love Actually, but I do remember that-maybe Harry turned away from her....
ACC
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 01:46:14 PM
You really think there is such a thing as an "obscure" quote in an Alan Rickman movie here? Some of us have whole speeches memorized LOL I agree about the political/geographical discussion, though thanks for the support. I made a heartfelt but crabby response, and apologized for it, and that should have been the end of it. When someone chooses to agitate about a remark that has been apologized for, we probably should just ignore that poster, as perhaps they are trying to start something...would feel better about it if they signed a consistent, accountable name to their opinion...
ACC
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 01:15:51 PM
Sandy, I agree that the relationship between David and the creep in DH (way too creepy for anyone to actually be attracted to him I think) seems to be just starting, not a long standing thing. There's a LOOK between them when David says he brought the blanket in the night that gives away the way the wind is blowing. The movie just doesn't really support a previous knowledge no matter what the director says! Lots of things are dumb in this movie, but he's so good I keep watching it. My thought about the lighting: cheap movie, cheap lights, etc. About silly kids and their education/knowledge about anywhere: Normal middle school-itis. Lots of people think the Eastern US is crammed with cities and people. You should try driving accross PA sometime and see how much forest and farms there are! Kids in the next town won't know anything about a neighboring town. Normal.
kit
pa, usa - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 12:56:46 PM
Aussiegirl, don't get your back up. There's no need to be concerned with the judgement of a twelve-year-old. They have nice years of education, experience, etc. to go through and they will probably know enough about your country to access it correctly by then.The United States consists of 50 states that are quite distinct due to the variety of weather. Each has its own needs and problems not always understood by the rest of our country. Let's not forget about the huge differences between Alaska and Hawaii. So, living in the USA teaches us that it's difficult to accurately know another's land because of all the variety we have here. Sadly, there are people here who are so poor, they are homeless, let alone technology deprived.
I have seen it happen too often, the one with the money gets to "rule", and I'm talking about all of history. There are many places in the world that are in an "emergency situation". We have our share of disasters here too - earthquakes, blizzards, floods, droughts, forest fires, tornados, hurricanes. etc. What a mess!
I agree with you, we must teach our children about the world, America is not Heaven for us either, things will get better when we start to see each other as people, not "those people from that country are blah, blah, blah."
Silly note: as long as you are "suffering" from Rickmania, how can you expect to solve a whole world of concerns *smirk*! We all need each other, let no one be left out. Maybe someday our future children will find a way to create the united countries of earth or something like that where we really are one human race.
nobody's seen the trouble I've seen - signed everyone
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 12:53:16 PM
Artemis - Here I thought I had found this really obscure quote from Dark Harbour and it took you all of 11 minutes to wipe the evil grin from my face!LOL
Ooops!:p LOL :D ("Oops", would be another good quote from DH btw :D ) (Artemis peeps her head out the dungeon door) Dooly noted Sandy ;) :D I'll let the good professor know that I need another hour added to my detention time! And I fear that I simply must go back to confessionals now for another round....oh whoa is me......(sports evil grin of her own)....slips head back into the door.....(faintly Artemis can be heard saying "Over here sir, I found the paddle!")
Artemis
South Carolina, USA - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 11:36:32 AM
Artemis - Here I thought I had found this really obscure quote from Dark Harbour and it took you all of 11 minutes to wipe the evil grin from my face!LOL
I love this strange little movie. There's been some discussion in the past on the GB about David and the creepy kid having planned the whole thing (re Alex) in advance. I don't see that connection being proven anywhere in the movie and when I watch it, I prefer to think David and the kid meet for the first time at the side of the road. The kid, being a highly manipulative sort, proceeds to twist and turn the relationships to his advantage. It's spookier when seen this way, kind of Alfred Hitchcock-like.Martha - I've seen Dark Harbour at least four times and never noticed the lighting changes in the diving scene and NO, it's not because I was busy zooming in on him. I'd like to know more of the things that drove you crazy about this movie, if you have time.
Sandy , <sanctuary_3@hotmail.comfoo>
Canada - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 11:10:17 AM
Just in the interest of pure knowledge, I got out the Dark Harbor DVD and listened to director Adam Coleman Howard’s commentary for the diving scene. Following is not quite verbatim, but pretty close. Howard says: “Alan was very brave, like all the actors in the water scenes. He did his own dive into the coldest water that I have even known. We had been advised medically we should not have any actors go in. It was so cold he could only stay in the water for 8 or 9 seconds, then got into a boat with a heater and blankets to warm up. Then he went back and did another dive.” So Howard mentions two takes specifically. My aging brain remembered many. In another scene I landed on by accident, Howard says 30 and 40 degrees for much of the filming in general.
Martha, I sure do see what you mean about the light in that scene. It’s dusk, then it’s daylight, then it’s dusk again, and a different color of dusk at that. Artistic license?
I hope the hardship involved in carrying out this research is noted. Such a sacrifice to re-watch several times as AR strips and dives naked!
Aurora
OH, USA - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 11:07:30 AM
Thankyou for the new quote Martha:)I think it's cool that you live not far from where DH was filmed. When next I watch it, which will probably be soon after all this talk about it LOL, I will think of you :D My guess for the quote is the scene at the end of Blow Dry when Phil is looking at Sandra after they've won the competition and he just says "Beautiful lass, Beautiful"
Thankyou Fan In Recovery for the compliment but me thinks I've just been very very lucky so far...LOL :)Usually about this time is when I start to get one wrong..LOL. So we'll see ;) :D As for my choice of punishment..well, I was leaning toward a *very* long detention in the dungeons with our dearly beloved professor, but the prospect of spending time with everyone's fav holy man sounds equally inviting.....aaahhh...descisions...descisions.....
Wait , I know, I'll go confess to our dear Raz and then take my Punishment for my sins with Snape!!!YAY!! Off I go..........
Artemis
South Carolina, USA - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 10:57:13 AM
Way to go Mary! Very well put.
Enjoy the movie.
martha
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 10:48:28 AM
Could we please stick to discussing Alan Rickman on this board and leave the geopolitical discussions to other forums?
Magda
Canada - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 10:47:31 AM
oops.. the fourth paragraph wasn't addressed to ACC.. I had rephrased the point I was making and something must have gone haywire with my back key when I was editing. It was a continuation of my address to "mm".
Mary , <ceol@ids.netfoo>
Warwick, RI, US - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 10:12:07 AM
martha.. yes, I don't know exactly why I didn't recognise him in the two roles.. it was a long time ago.. perhaps (re: Closet Land) as a serious horror fan, my perception of the story was different.. I probably was more focused on the victim. I do plan on renting it again though (is it available these days on dvd?). Mere Mortal, For someone hiding behind the nom de plume.. "mere mortal", methinks is holding forth from atop the dizzying heights of the very same pedestal it accused another from weighing in on..? But let's get down to brass tacks, shall we?
Sigh.. of all the tired old 'net parries to appropriate.. the old "if that *is* your real name" is pretty lame... I do think that were I to wish to post under some mysterious username.. I would be able to come up with something far more unique than the name I was assigned at birth.. but yes, Mary is my real name, I post my real email addy as well. Lordy, you make it too easy.. from your commentary "mm", I can honestly say, that I wouldn't care to know you. Your (chuckle..) "fair comment" was not any kind of rational arguement or even fair commentary.. it was the online version of the extremely childish.. "I know you are, but what am I".. sort of twaddle that only serves one purpose.. and it isn't a positive one.
To be accurate, ACC, in my not so humble opinion, the double standard is on the other foot.. as I attempted to say in my previous posting. Do you want me to go into detail.. I'm more than happy, willing and able to? Let's start with what's always laid at America's doorstep (not that we don't have culpability, it's just that others who do as well, tend to overlook their own), Vietnam, anyone? France brought that about... colonialism, empire building.. gross, overwhelming greed.. rather old world sins, aren't they? I mean, America, and Australia (let's not forget Ireland, China, India, Africa, Egypt and the many elsewheres) are perfect examples of the British Empire's standard practice of cultural genocide as means of domination and appropriation? Not pointing fingers mind, that is said in full cognizance of my own part English heritage.
We ALL share culpability in the sorry state of world affairs.. and France, the UK, Germany, Russia, Asia as well as the US all have dirty fingers from being at play in the mess that is the Middle East at the moment. My question for you is do you actually give a damn, or are you just playing the old world game of swinging a club? Because your selective finger pointing doesn't really cut it.. it only invites more of the same in return. If you seriously care about working to ensure a better state of affairs, grow up and let's talk in earnest about it.
That said, I'm off to lunch and a viewing of LA.. finally!
Mary , <ceol@ids.netfoo>
Warwick, RI, US - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 10:01:45 AM
Artemis, this should be an easy one for you. The single word, "Beautiful."
martha
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 09:39:02 AM
Thank you for those brilliant assessments of DH Martha! Well said!
I had always thought something was a bit askew about that movie. I just thought I was missing something.
Yeah, you would think they could make the proper wrong mushrooms right. I now own the DVD of DH, haven't watched it yet. I will have fun watching it now checking out all the mistakes. I thought that the guy diving off the boat was some stunt double. no?
Artemis, you are waaaay too good at guessing those quotes. Yes, the prize can be your choice of punishment. Off with ya now, "spend some time" with the holy man and cleanse your soul.
fan-in-recovery
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 08:43:19 AM
i feel words cannot discribe my wonder of alan rickman as it is evident he is the most talented performer i have had the opportunity to watch on screen. thank you for several hours of very enjoyable viewing.
betarinaleong , <betarinaleong@bluehyppo.comfoo>
port dickson, negeri sembilan darul khusus, malaysia - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 08:32:22 AM
Yes, the mushrooms can be found locally, though I've not seen them. The Aminita Muscaria (if I'm spelling that right) is the white one that has the red cap with white dots. I've only seen them once, in MI, but I haven't been looking. That was another thing - wrong mushrooms. You'd think if they were going to use fake ones, they'd get the right color fake ones. But then, the right color ones wouldn't fit the script. So why not make up names?
As I said, things about that movie drove me nuts....
martha
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 08:01:56 AM
You're just a good noticer. So the mushrooms are local lore? Incidentally, the director says the mushrooms we see are plastic or rubber. The real ones (weren't in season, wilted fast, something).
Aurora
OH, USA - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 07:41:03 AM
Sorry about the double posts. My computer's being wierd. (Can't be me, of course....)
martha
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 07:36:04 AM
Sorry 'bout that. I get carried away.....
And yes, it would have been the first or maybe the second week in October.
martha
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 07:30:55 AM
Yep, first or second week in October....
martha
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 07:24:55 AM
Thanks for the tactful response. :) At any rate, it was chilly. The film does look like October, so crisp autumn air and cold water for a lot of nekkid dives.
Aurora
OH, USA - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 07:03:30 AM
Poor AR for taking those dives! The air many have been 40 that day and I can promise the water was only about 52 degrees! (I know this 'cause I live near where it was filmed. At that time, however, I'd never heard of AR. RATS!) Anyway, other glitches that drove me bats was the day David was off playing golf. She wakes the creep (he really did give me the creeps) up in the boat shed and he asks what time it is. She says about 3. They then go to the house, talk, get drunk, go clamming, play on the swing, drink more, sober up, pick mushrooms and are home cleaned up when David returns. And it's still daylight. Which means its sometime before 5:45. Fast work! And, the Aminita Muscaria is the poisonous one not the other and it's not deadly. And that bright green stuff wasn't poison ivy. And it sounded like a maniac was ringing the bell buoy when it was a calm day. And a few other things.....
martha
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 06:54:27 AM
Martha, The director says in the Dark H DVD that the diving off the boat scene involved a lot of takes, and that it was about 40degrees that day. And he says it was AR doing all the takes. Funny, it’s the only time I have ever listened to the commentary on a DVD. I don’t like the idea of someone trying to instruct my view of the movie. As I have so little visual sense (see previous post), I’m not bothered by daylight “mistakes” in the scene. OK, I admit I’m just watching AR take his clothes off. Who’s looking at the sky? lol
This young fellow who was the Dark H director explains that he wants to make the film an homage to film noir and how he sets that up visually. Personally, I thought he ought, instead, to be examining his stereotypes about women. For example, he says about the early scene with AR and Polly Walker in the motel that she is supposed to be acting like a hooker, since she makes love to her husband. Honestly, don’t married people have a sex life, too? And it is whorish for a woman to initiate sex with her own husband? Bunks, I hope you’re not listening. Some of her costuming later in the film is supposed to show her “virginal schoolgirl” side, so she’s both virgin and whore. As I said, this fellow has a very young voice Get a grip, Howard.
Aurora
OH, USA - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 06:42:36 AM
Thanks X, I'll let you know if it's any good....
martha
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 06:42:19 AM
Private Lives Video with Alan Rickman available now on Ebay..... PRIVATE LIVES Alan Rickman video rare Item number: 3367145299
The seller is "itswetout."
X
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 06:20:00 AM
Or, made love to him and not mentioned the secretary at all! Didn't really like Dark Harbor. Too many mistakes. Not AR's, of course. That bit where he strips and dives in? (Or someone does.) It was clearly filmed on different days at different times of the day. And that was just one of the things. That sort of thing makes me CRAZY!!
martha
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 06:12:03 AM
Martha I agree with you, my instinct says yes she should have made love to him. However that being said, maybe its hard for her to make love to him after he's been dancing with the secretary all night. She did say something about being a cold english wife (being taught to feel). Maybe its hard for her to express her emotions. Could be she knows its pointless, maybe she's tried before when they've had a tiff and he's stubborn, who knows. If it were me I would have made love first and then discussed the secretary afterwards (he'd be more receptive). Then I would keep making love to him every chance I got till he's exhausted :) (no energy for the vamp). Let him know he's mine.
bunks
whitby, Canada - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 05:58:27 AM
Martha, I did see Karen’s turning away scene mentioned a while back. She was apparently wigged out about Harry’s dancing with Mia all night. You have a grand idea for her though; makes one wonder why they don’t at least talk about her concerns before disaster strikes. If I were Karen, I would have marched right up to miss hot to trot secretary, looked her in the eye and we would have come to a clear understanding. “You don’t want me as your enemy Mia…” and then turned to Harry and said “you had better decide where your loyalties lie…” and then I would have whipped out lots of pictures of the kids for them to look at. Oh, but then we wouldn’t have a tragedy to see and talk about. lol.
lee
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 05:55:43 AM
LA SPOILERS for Aussies: Having just seen LA, I’d hate just to repeat what has already been said. Many of my thoughts have already been expressed by others. One thing that was not mentioned already was the sense I had both times of being run over by a fast-moving truck. I kept wanting to raise my hand to say, “Stop! Rewind! What just happened there? Can I see that again?” I have to admire the powers of observation of many GBers who saw so much more from the first.
For example, I don’t remember the devil tart and rumpled bed scene at all from the first viewing. Likewise, after one viewing I couldn’t remember the sequence of events in AR’s relationship with the vixen. Had to see it again just to get the events straight. The fast cuts were just too fast for my middle-aged brain.
I think, however, that, unlike AABA, which I have learned to love more on repeated viewings, LA is not going to deepen the fifth time. I think that’s in the writing. There are too many notes that just strike me as wrong: Emma’s behavior toward the Liam Neeson character, some of Liam’s behavior with his stepson, the porno stand-ins...
Plus, Emma’s horrible wardrobe seems like a stereotype of the “frumpy housewife” and just not credible. These people are fairly well off! Her clothes don’t match her living room. Another example: wouldn’t guilt alone move AR/Harry to get his wife a better present when he was so obviously guilty while buying his secretary a £260 (US$447, AusD 618) gift? Oh, but the CD is necessary so that the two boxes will be the same size. In other words, psychological credibility is sacrificed for convenience in the plot.
Still, I wouldn’t have wanted to miss seeing it. You do feel good leaving the theater in spite of the film’s flaws. There’s enough in me that falls for the Hollywood happy ending that I warm all over to the airport greetings and am moved by the sappy sentimental connection to the real people. I love the collage of faces.
Aurora
OH, USA - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 05:41:53 AM
The line that gives me chills every time is; "I'm not mad!" It is a cry from the man's soul...
martha
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 05:34:15 AM
LOL...Well, I didn't exactly get that answer out in four words or less did I? I still get some time in the dungeons though right????? :D...LOL.
Artemis
South Carolina, USA - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 05:30:47 AM
LOL....that's one of my fav scenes in the whole movie. She's scrubing him down with that huge brush and he's whining and she tells him to be a man. Then he turns around and tells her that it feels like a brillo pad and that "You Be a Man!"...ROFL...haaaaaa!:D :D:D............. Oh, almost forgot, about to get lost in alittle Alan moment there...LOL, it's Dark Harbor ;) Huggles, Artemis
Artemis
South Carolina, USA - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 05:25:14 AM
Ummm, I check eBay every day and can't find that Private Lives video. Where am I not looking? (Other than the right place, of course.....)
martha
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 05:23:40 AM
More movie quotes? In what movie does Alan's character say "...You be a man..."
Sandy
Canada - Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 05:12:18 AM
How can you watch Closet Land and not notice AR? Maybe not be aware of who that incredible, edible guy is? Though, how could you watch it and not want to know? Saw LA for third time yesterday. Scene at jewelry counter would be my favorite if it weren't for the fact that he was betraying his wife. That fact puts it second and, yes, the PM's dance is first!
I think I like Daniel best. LN has one of those wonderful faces that just gets better with age and his line to Sam, "You're f*ed," always makes me laugh.
I liked Bill Nighy in Blow Dry and was happy to see him again. Hope to see more. And the guy that played his manager did a great job of playing the part with very few lines.
I've said what I think of AR and ET before (fabulous talents!) but there's something that bothers me that no one's mentioned. After the party when Karen's awake beside Harry, WHY does she turn away? This is the time to snuggle up to the man and give him a squeeze. I've never met a man who objected to being woken up for sex, no matter HOW tired he was. Considering the fact that Mia had been priming him all evening, this seems like the ideal moment to remind the poor man why he married his wife in the first place! Come on woman! I think she may have stopped the affair in it's tracks with the right move that night.
Any thoughts?
martha
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 05:00:31 AM
Mary... If that *is* your real name! I would be anonymous whatever name I used as I've never posted here before and even if I had, you still wouldn't know me, would you!!! Voila! Anonymity! My 'mud-slinging' as you choose to view it, was a fair comment on a blatant double standard exhibited by one of your posters. Whether I choose to call myself 'Lee, Mary, Bunks, Artemis, etc... adds or detracts nothing from the argument that I made. Perhaps you could concentrate on the point being made rather than the 'label' at the end! And with all due respect, I really don't care whether or not you take me seriously - the comment was directed to ACC, (which is why HER 'name' headed the comment!) about a generalisation which she had made. Signed...Louise from the UK...or is it... Pauline from Canada... Simone from Australia ... Carla from Germany... Take your pick!
Mere mortal....
- Saturday, November 29th 2003 - 04:31:39 AM
mere mortal, I'd take you more seriously if you had the cojones to step out from behind anonymity before slinging more mud, thanks. I'm a passionate leftist, and have no problem with taking my country to task for its wrongdoings.. I'll be the first to admit that some of us in the US can be blind to our faults as a nation.. but I can understand ACC's comment. It's easy to get fed up with the blame game some around the world like to play.. many of the finger pointers don't seem to be taking the time to examine their own nations culpability in the mess the world finds itself in. If you care so much, then get off your behind and start actively working for change cleaning up your own backyard. Otherwise you're just being a big hypocrite.
As of the few postings I've made here have been sorely lacking of AR content.. I'll add a bit now. I became an AR fan back in the '90s, when I rented "Truly, Madly, Deeply", what a weeper.. the thing is, I'd also seen "Closet Land" and "Bob Roberts", but hadn't even noticed his being in those two films. I actually only went to see "Robin Hood Prince of Thieves" because he was in it.. not a Costner fan whatsoever. I've seen a good bit of his film work, and some of his made for television performances.. but clearly not as much as the rest of you apparently. (BTW, I did pick up "Close My Eyes", and enjoyed it very much, so thanks to whomever made the recomend... sorry for not remembering your name, as I'm on the flip side of 40, the memory's already tied up with so much.. I can tend to be a bit scatty.) Still didn't get to see LA today, though the husband has promised me lunch and the movie tomorrow.
I'm more a rabid movie fan, specifically.. I'm not as diehard an AR fan as many of you seem to be.. not knocking that persay, it's just not me.
Mary , <ceol@ids.netfoo>
Warwick, RI, US - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 09:40:17 PM
Aussiegirl: We'll get there within the next decade. The long flight doesn't bother me. I'll probably take the family to Hawaii first (10 hours from Boston), then onto Australia. Hey, I've flown to India and Singapore and they were longer flights (prior to having a child, however), so I'll get there. Hopefully AR will return, too. You have quite a film industry there. Sorry you have to wait until Dec. 26 for the film.
Mary
Easton, MA, - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 06:25:07 PM
Excuse my last post:) Before I submited it originally there was a space between the quote and my response, but for some reason it got all jumbled together in the posting.....sorry!:)
Artemis
South Carolina, USA - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 06:12:38 PM
Artemis, you win on the first guess!! Rasputin, just before he drags that women off with him to his bed. Ooo la la. fan-in-recovery Kewl BEANS!!!:D I was hoping that was it.LOL:D As soon as I read it that was the first thing that poped into my mind was that scene. Having recently watched it for the umpteenth time ofcourse..LOL ;) :D Do I get a prize now???? A Looooong and Torturous(sp?) Detention in the Dungeons perhaps????...wink...wink..:D Ooohh, Pleeeeeze, I promise I'll be very very bad (oops! Did I say that out loud?:x)....um, I mean, GOOD!:D :D :D I'll even do my homework while I'm there as long as I'm not...um...busy. So what's the next one????:D
Artemis
South Carolina, USA - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 06:07:38 PM
Thanks Lee for going over the movie again. I'm not going to bother going to see it again. Twice was enough for me. There really isn't that much Rickman to see and what I'd probably want to do is hit that DVD button to see the parts we've discussed but I feel the group has pretty well hashed it all out. Its been interesting talking about the role Harry plays because I'm the type of person who usually needs things spelled out. There was more to the role than I realised, even after seeing the movie twice. I guess that's why people brainstorm, so all observations and ideas come together. Another thought for the day: AR may have no children but after playing Snape he has hundreds that adore him.
bunks
whitby, Canada - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 05:41:53 PM
Okay, I just saw L.A. for the forth time today. I paid close attention to areas of interest. I really noticed the sparkling London and Bill’s expressions and the way he made his body language project his character. I can see how he stole the show. When Harry was late it was the night of the family play rehearsal and Karen said, “Where have you been? We have been waiting hours for you to come home.” Harry replied “Can’t a man have any secrets?” (apparently not) and he looked very guilty as he watched the family rehearsal with Barney as the baby Jesus.
I am almost positive he signed the J.M. CD gift as “XX bad Harry” I memorized the bedroom scene where Karen was quite concerned and I think it was the imagery again. It was the image of the husband who rolls over and goes to sleep, uninterested in his plain wife as compared to miss hot lips. Karen is recalling his dancing with Mia. At the I Christmas party, L.L.’s character (Sarah?) was terribly concerned for Karen and had noticed Harry’s inappropriate behavior too, but was interrupted by her love interest before she could ask Karen about it.
At the airport, Karen looks happy to see Harry at first, but her expression turns very, very cold and hurt. I think only a phenomenal actor like Emma Thompson could have accomplished such a concise, crystal clear transition which spoke volumes to me. She is an awesome actor.
Mia had the “another notch in my belt” look with the rumpled bed in the background as she put the necklace on. There were red lips all over the camisole that she was wearing when she answered the door for P.M. David. I believe Harry was with her on the rehearsal night and earlier in the day on Christmas play night.
I think the step dad wore the same blue shire throughout the entire film and had a subconscious thing for Karen, but they were such comfortable friends that they could eat frosted flakes out of the box together. Carol was with him at the airport to receive young Joanna back to England. L.A. could have easily been an advertisement for lip collagen injection. They put the wrong lipcolor on A.R. as I could notice it too much.
We will all have fun with the FF and freeze frame buttons when the L.A. DVD comes out. The next time I see it, I am going to count how many times someone says “actually” in the film.
lee
- Friday, November 28th 2003 - 04:26:04 PM
fan-in-recovery - Thanks for the video link. I'm Too Sexy was cute, but I really enjoyed Hot For Teacher. David Lee Roth sings, "What do you think the teacher's gonna look like this year?" and, with a dramatic flair, in comes AR as Snape and the video lingers on his face for a few seconds! Yeah, baby, I'm hot for teacher! LOL! :-)
grit
- Friday, November 28th 2003 - 04:06:11 PM
Jennifer: i don't think AR has a dog being so busy and all, but i think hat IF HE WOULD be a dog ,i think he would be a Rottweiler, strong , broad , big and very intelligent and also soft with his own people, but very watchful towords other people, what do you all think which kind of dog do you see in AR? i know this is silly question , but ......i would like to know.
Loesje
- Friday, November 28th 2003 - 03:16:09 PM
The e-bay PL thing sounds like another sneak the camera in job? Private auction again, I see.
Sue
- Friday, November 28th 2003 - 02:37:31 PM
i love alan's halarious scene with that bean guy in LA. alan really made him seem funny. i don't understand why everyones story ended in a happy way when alan got the downer ending. they can't do that to our alan. i still believe he got the gooch, uh i mean girl in the end. maniac brainiac winnin the game. i'm the lyrical jesse james.
robin
so so saditty, of euphoria, usa - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 01:54:39 PM
.....that would be a video of the play "Private Lives" with Alan Rickman.....
X
- Friday, November 28th 2003 - 01:46:00 PM
See someone is selling a video of "Private Lives" on Ebay for the Buy It Now price of $40.00.......
X
- Friday, November 28th 2003 - 01:23:27 PM
Oooff--how could I have forgotten that line from Raz? I guess y'all can tell which of the two movies I've seen more often!
Ali-Pat
- Friday, November 28th 2003 - 12:19:22 PM
Handbag link is http://www.handbag.com/gossip/specials/loveactually/
Aurora
OH, USA - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 12:14:14 PM
The vote at handbag.com is now CF 39, AR 28, HG 20. Methinks the Grant fans have noticed their man is lagging and have become more active.
I, too. loved those reaction shots of AR at the Christmas pageant. I’ve seen LA twice now, and really looked harder the 2nd time for them. Lovely.
Aurora
OH, usa - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 12:12:11 PM
Yes, DC, I noticed AR's reaction at the pagent. There were a couple of shots when he had a lovely smile...even with those stupid glasses! Does anyone know if he has a dog?
Jennifer
Calgary, - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 11:27:34 AM
Ooof! Well, even if it appears I've missed the onslaught of LA discussion, I'm going to go on with my diddly comments anyway. *smirk*
Though my hometown critic (Mark Caro) would have it otherwise, I surely didn't think LA was sappy and saccharine. It could've been worse. I was in quite the bitter mood when I entered the theater, but I was all over the place, emotionally. I mean, I can't stand saccharine (my ex-GF used to adore A Walk To Remember, the POS) but LA was quite lovely.
I just wanted to see if anyone else noticed this: In the scene of the Christmas Pagent/Concert at the school, did anyone watch AR's reaction shots? Oh! I love doing it in movies and his were adorable. Rarely would I describe anything of HIS as 'adorable' but, oh! OH! So cute. And no one but Ms. Thompson or AR could've pulled off the complexities of their relationship.
Also- has anyone purchased the LA soundtrack? Is it worth it?
For all interested parties, esp. if you're a fan of Ms. Thompson's work, check out Fametracker.com's Fame Audit of her (it's pretty recent) and quite worth checking out.
*hums "All I want for Christmas is You* Oh dear. I just might have to see it again this weekend. *laughs*
DC
Chicago, - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 11:01:34 AM
Double deleted.
Suz (D.o.C.)
Sorry, i meant , how is your toe?
Loesje
- Friday, November 28th 2003 - 09:52:01 AM
Sorry for the double post,BTW , how is your broken Toe??
Loesje
- Friday, November 28th 2003 - 08:58:48 AM
A Fish Needing Help: Hi there , my wrist is still very painfull, after 5 weeks in the plaster you think "now i'm ok again",but that's when it starts, i still have to go to therapy to learn how to use it again.
Loesje
- Friday, November 28th 2003 - 08:56:44 AM
Hi guys! There is no magazine containing a pic of the Love Actually Premiere of Alan, but he was there! Lots of Colin, Hugh and even Bill Nighy. I've updated my page with trailer pics of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Enjoy Snape!
Stezi , <alan-ric@alan-rickman.nlfoo>
The Netherlands - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 08:55:55 AM
Monica in Texas, The only way that I can find to get to the I'm too sexy Snape video now is thru this page. Scroll down to the category "General" you will see the I'm too sexy video link. Hope this works for you.... "I'm too sexy Video"
Artemis, you win on the first guess!!
Rasputin, just before he drags that women off with him to his bed. Ooo la la.
fan-in-recovery
Atlantic eastcoast where the fog is rolling in - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 08:45:20 AM
Just been looking back at the GB as I've haven't been able to log on for a while due to a dreadful cold and a broken toe - serves me right for kicking the hard edge of the kitchen rug in bare feet! (BTW Loesje, how's your wrist?) Feeling a little better today so I've dragged myself up to the library. On the subject of the link to the photo Alan took of London, I remember an (American?) interview where he said he doesn't own a car in England as he wouldn't be able to find anywhere to park in London. The rest of the picture just gives the impression of the overall hopelessness of the situation of being homeless - the dirt, the neglect, the despair. He's using that artistic eye of his to bring this home in one picture. The posts about whether or not he reads the GB, I think he may be curious about it and gets other people to look into it. For example, he's already aware of the existence of the GB due to his meeting with Suzanne last year. Add to that the influx to Bowness last month of people from the GB. A conversation my friend had with one of the organisers showed that they were astounded at the response and wondered how so many people had got to know about it. My friend explained that the info had come from the GB. That information would have got back to him. So yes - I think his curiosity will be well and truly aroused by now. As to younger GB posters (Hi Stephanie!) - let's face it - they (and anyone older!) could do a lot worse. Alan is a great role model for anyone to follow. He's intelligent, caring, humourous, very socially conscious and sincere. Not bad for one human being! To finish, I see that Juliet Stevenson is going to be in a drama on UK Channel 5 on 18th December. I believe it's called Hear The Silence and it's about a mother concerned about the MMR vaccination, as her child suffers from autism. It also stars Hugh Bonneville (Blow Dry). Should be one to watch.
A Fish Needing Help
UK - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 07:43:45 AM
Speaking of "Dogma," I have to tell you that the vastly truncated, bowdlerized version that aired on Comedy Central last night just isn't as funny or anywhere near as enjoyable as the filmmaker's own shock ya vision. . .
FastFilm
- Friday, November 28th 2003 - 07:28:40 AM
I could be wrong, might be "I don't get it" (does this prove my point?). I relate to Homer Simpson also "doh!"
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 06:58:47 AM
Martha, that is one of my most favorite pieces. Not only is it well written it shows an incredible sense of humour and understanding of what it is to be an AR fan (at least to my mind, several points struck home). Check out the other articles also, they are an example of formatting/fonts etc but show a keen wit also.My most favorite line from an AR movie, keeping in mind I haven't seen them all yet: "I just don't get it" from Blow Dry. This is so applicable to moi, I strongly relate.
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 06:55:15 AM
This is a very funny bit. (Can't remember how I stumbled on it.) Check it out. (Never tried a link before - hope it works!) unkown
martha
- Friday, November 28th 2003 - 06:21:04 AM
Mesmerized, the interview which you mentioned was the one wirt Conan O'Brien and AR spoke of Harry knowles "aint it cool dot com" .
Loesje
- Friday, November 28th 2003 - 05:58:40 AM
Answer to movie quote (in five words): Hugh Grant Sense and Sensibility
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH, USA (all turkeyed out but still full of trivia) - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 05:30:32 AM
To Bunks, no you didn´t confuse me. I agree with you. I don´t think AR reads this GB. It would be nice to think he does though. Being considered "the thinking women´s sex-symbol" is not that bad is it?
Letty
The Netherlands - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 04:54:39 AM
Easy guys! (gals) We are all guilty of seeing things from from a narrow point of view on occasion. The key, when you discover this, is to broaden that view. Anyway, I'm going to digress. I couldn't post this yesterday as I got a server error and one day is miles different in topics around here. How could AR possibly have time to read this GB? The man has a life. (Not that we don't. Not that we don't. Don't kill me.) Stephanie - you may be 12 but you appear mature and articulate. Such a nice change from some of the kids these days who don't seem to be able to put a sentence together. Keep up the good work!
As to Close My Eyes. Not my favorite movie but Sinclair is one of my favorite characters. Seems strange that it was written for Alan as it is so different from any of his other characters so in many ways. Sinclair is always busy, always wondering about 'stuff', always talking, always eating, always upbeat. He even walks and sits differently. A real contrast to, say, Jamie or Ed. (By the way, Ed's bit of unpacking the food in the closet is one of the best routine's I've ever seen.)
If I may digress even more here....
My job, where I am now, is answering the phone. When times are slack, as they usually are at the beginning of my early shift, I can wander around the internet or play games. One morning, after watching HP for the umpteenth time, I mentioned to another HP/AR fan that I wouldn't mind knowing more about some of the actors. She put me on to movies.yahoo.com and I started looking up the actors in HP. It intrigued me that so many had so few movie credits, being (don't kill me for this) 'real' actors from the stage. I enjoyed seeing the pictures of people like Robbie Coltrane and marveling at how they looked without the makeup. The picture of AR, however, showed him as Snape. So off I went to google. Well. I WAS surprised. I started reading some of the stuff on claire's site and the thing that really caught me was an interview after RHPOT came out. (I had not seen any of AR's other movies at that time.) The interviewer tried everything he could think of to get AR to bad-mouth Kevin Costner. AR simply wouldn't do it. I thought here was a man who had more than talent and looks. Next I rented a bunch of movies and in a week's time had seen DH, Dogma, RHPOT, Rasputin, and S&S. I was in awe. No other word for it. And I've been a hopeless case ever since.....
martha
- Friday, November 28th 2003 - 04:48:44 AM
I apologize for having offended. I understoode loesje’s joke about the ugly waving bird as good-natured, and I intended my response about Franklin’s proposing the (wild) turkey as national bird in the same vein. As for the rest, let’s not argue. I’d just like to think that some of our sacred symbols can still be made fun of. The holiday’s curious mix of religion and patriotism tends to inspire a bit of reverent sentimentality that I think isn’t harmed by joking. I’ll just stand by my recommendation of Hannah and Her Sisters for its lovely Thanksgiving dinner. It's the only part my ramblings that's AR related, being a favorite of Jamie's ghost friends in TMD.
Aurora
OH, USA - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 04:33:10 AM
To ACC~ "It seems everyone in the world is critical of America until they need our money!" My God! And you criticise other people's generalisations!!! Hop down from your pedestal and smell the roses!
mere mortal wondering why Americans get sterotyped as being arrogant...
A country lesser in importance than the great US of A! - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 03:52:13 AM
I know, it lies. Double deleted.
Suz (D.o.C.)
It came up "server not found" 1st time, I swear!
Juliet
UK - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 03:33:01 AM
Texas is good, it's big, kind of like an american Yorkshire, but with sunshine. My only reservation is my cousin's daughter trained as a PE teacher at Baylor University, and her favourite pastime, apparently, is colouring in kid's picture books! I only report.
Juliet
UK - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 03:31:28 AM
Handbag.com : CF 39%, AR 29%. I wonder what the count would have been if their roles had been reversed? If CF was the "cheating husband" and AR the "cheated upon-wounded romantic soul-falling in love with someone-flying to France to ask her to marry him..."? I really didn't like the character Harry, but AR was good in the role, as he is in everything!
Susan
Texas, USA - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 12:32:13 AM
Oh my, are the claws out today ladies? I popped online tonight hoping to commiserate with my fellow fans who haven't seen LA as yet, (we'd planned to go after dinner today, but the husband wasn't being cooperative.. he's sick to death of Hugh Grant films, there's been a surfeit of those this past year) and was rooting for us to go see The Missing instead.. and nothing would move him to capitulate. So he did the dishes and I got to put my feet up.. I'm hoping to pull some major wheedling off tomorrow as he's going fly fishing all day, and I'm always such a good sport about that... Re: Ben Franklin, and his ideas on on the national bird, he prefered what is now called the wild turkey because not only are they beautiful, they are extremely adaptable and very peaceable and intelligent members of the species. They're making a comeback from near extinction.. there's even one living in Battery Park in NYC. We have a small flock in residence on the little island across the cove from my house.
Aurora, as someone who is part Native American (also, part English, part Irish, my daughter, whose father is half Italian and half Portuguese, is a world dance party unto herself..) and , who also did an internship at Plymouth Plantations in Massachusetts one summer before college, and who is more than adequate on history.. I think you're off the mark a bit. The pilgrims who landed at Plymouth were English Separatists who had broken away from the C of E.. a good portion of which were from Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. Some of which had emigrated initially to Amsterdam hoping to find religious tolerance. When that failed, they opted to charter a vessel to take them to, yes, Virginia.
Yes, the Native peoples were treated horribly, humans the world over are famous for playing each other off against the other. I would like to point out that the ones here at the time WEREN'T what is now called Americans.. and history does illustrate that each country has heaps of it's own dirty laundry hidden away in their respective skeleton closets.. so can we puh-lease can the finger pointing, and assorted sarcasm, etc.. ? It's sooooo counter productive to actually achieving anything other than more divisiveness. I'm totally way past being supportive of the type of BS that only seeks to further enable the various divide and conquer brigades. BTW, lay off Texas, I have some really incredible friends down that-a-way.. Many Texans are some of the best salt of the Earth types around. Bush's roots are of the Connecticut Yankee variety and prior to that, the particular nut he sprang from was shaken from crazy, old George the III's tree.
Aussiegirl, While I can appreciate your frustration, I don't know what to say other than unfortunately, the world over, children aren't as encouraged to be book readers. I'd be a rich woman if I had a dime for every experience of actual ignorance about the reality of average Americans from Europeans, Brits, and others.. even an occasional resident of Oz... and have to say that the "ugly" or "ignorant" stereotype is far from being an exclusively American trait. I do know from raising my own daughter that public education standards here aren't what they used to be.. some of which can be blamed on the newer programs that were originally implimented with what were purportedly good intentions.. As someone who grew up with her nose perpetually in one book or another, I supplemented her education with book lists and frequent discussions of said books, and was pretty strict about what she could watch on television and her online time. That said, I'm far from "worldly". This member of the hoi-polloy passionately subscribes to this quote from Thoreau's "Walden" "I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion."
Mary , <ceol@ids.netfoo>
Warwick, RI, US - Friday, November 28th 2003 - 12:00:29 AM
Course I read your post-thought that "Austrailia" was more accurate, as most of the guestbook is going to be making "trails" that way, sounds like it! Wish I had the "dosh"!-saw LA again, with daughter-think they "did the dirty" after seeing the rumpled bed and then on went the necklace! Saw acknowledgement of pain caused and felt at the airport-who knows what will happen-as Sinclair says "I haven't a clue"!
ACC
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 09:53:45 PM
Hello every one! "Happy Thanksgiving" to all our GB'ers from the U.S.A. Oh well, I still believe AR does read these pages.O/T Maybe, one day, when he comes back to Australia, I will get the chance to ask him! It has been too LONG, since he was here. Hopefully some Manager out there, who is reading this, will tell AR that?! I have to agree with Aussiegirl, that Aussies do travel a lot. I love travel, and would like to see America. Egypt and Europe are beautiful too! Just to go somwhere different. See different cultures. It is a beautiful world. Bye.
Barbara the Australian
Gold Coast (60 miles south of Brisbane!!), Queensland, Australia - Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 08:30:44 PM
"do you know it? " I say Rasputin.
Artemis
South Carolina, USA - Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 08:01:50 PM
About "favorite' lines in movies I would like to input mine right now. (subject to change daily) ........ I love this one lot."do you know it? "
Can you name this movie in 4 words or less?"
fan-doing-recovery-like things
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 07:33:12 PM
ACC you didn't read my post did you? The one with Austrailia instead of Australia? I was hoping to get away with it, lol, sorry to all parties concerned :)
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 06:19:14 PM
Kate - I was on a Brewery Tour!!!!!(LOL) What a hoot!!! My husband was a Brewer and we went over for the American Institute of Brewers Annual Conference. I spent a day wandering around St. Louis while my husband was in a meeting. When I got back to the Hotel I told him that the place was weird - EVERYONE only wore the colour red. Had a good laugh that night when I found out it was the Baseball Finals and everyone was supporting the local team - The St. Louis Cardinals!
Aussiegirl
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 06:01:25 PM
Make that Australia, sorry to be crabby, must be turkeyday overload...
ACC
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 05:55:19 PM
America is a very big country and anytime anyone generalizes about any one group of people that are so diverse, it is bound to be inaccurate. Some Americans are ignorant, arrogant, insular, uneducated, unsophistocated, etc etc etc, but I haven't heard one generalization that sums up the totality of any group of people, including England, Austrailia, Russia, etc etc etc. It seems everyone in the world is critical about America until they need our money....
ACC
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 05:43:15 PM
Just to add my "two cents worth", Mr Rickman seems to be a very active social sort of person, with a wide variety of interests and friends. From the various news articles, he appears to be invited everywhere attending various functions/ causes. I don't think he has the time to surf. The fact that he doesn't "own" a computer makes me wonder if he even knows how.He does come across as a very smart individual though and I think he is very canny in the way he handles PR for his image. Mind you that being said I could be completely wrong and blowing hot air, just an impression I get. I like the idea that he doesn't surf but is kept in the know by friends or secretary. He doesn't read reviews of his stage/movie work so why would he read this board. He does strike me as the type of person who is curious so I could see him giving the GB a glance, but just a quick one. Did I confuse everyone?
Aussiegirl when I save up the money I'm coming over, Austrailia is my dream vacation.
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 05:31:16 PM
Handbag.com has: CF 39%, AR 29%, HG 19%, AL 8% :( I saw "Dogma" again today and hope to watch "Die Hard" for the umpteenth time tonight! AR is such a hoot in "D". What is with the weird colored makeup on him though? He is the only one with an odd complexion in the film. It is too bad about the British film actors buy-out situation. I wish that AR (and the other British actors) would get their share of the after theater profits. Off to vote again,...and again and again... ad infinitum! Or until the "contest" is over! If I had a chance to talk with AR, I'd want to know what sort of role he would really want to play, what sort of role would stretch him the most and what sort of role would be most like the "inner AR/offstage AR". I'd also like to get his oppinion of some of his past roles. And I'd want to dance a Tango or two..OK three..ah ...who's counting?! I taught Ballroom dancing for several years when I was just out of college, many moons ago! I'm very rusty now, but I'd sure jump at the chance. Hope I wouldn't step on his toes! I admire a man who can and will dance! I sure hope to see AR dance on the bigscreen someday. I haven't had a chance to see the "Texas" video.
Susan
Texas, USA - Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 05:31:03 PM
Aussiegirl, St. Louis AND Milwaukee? You must have been on a brewery tour! I currently live in St. Louis but grew up in bigger cities. I can't imagine why St. Louis would be on an international itinerary, but if you get back here, let me know and we'll be happy to squire you around the exciting spots like the Dog Museum, Bowling Hall of Fame and the zoo (no, not the famous one -- I mean my house!)
kate (still the uncool fool who drools)
US - Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 05:25:42 PM
Hey all GB'ers. I tried to post earlier, but as I see, it did not post. I was wondering if any one knows the link to AR/Snape video clip, with the music, "I'm too Sexy." ? Any info would be great!
Monica in Texas , <monicarnsg@yahoo.comfoo>
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 05:12:52 PM
Hi Juliana! The area of Australia is almost the same as the US (excluding Alaska) and 32 times greater than the UK. So you can't use the size excuse (LOL!) We do only have about 20 million people living here though. Parents - stick a World Map in your kids Christmas stocking this year. The website for my city is Brisbane, Queensland, Australia if anyone wants to learn a little about it. Please excuse my O/T rantings today - I'm feeling a little left out because I can't contribute to any LA discussions because I've got to wait until Boxing Day to see it!
Aussiegirl
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 05:12:05 PM
Thanks Mary of MA (I take it that's Massachusetts). Tell your daughter she'll love it. I live only 100kms from Australia Zoo - which is where all American kids seem to want to go. Steve Irwin is often there (he was the day I went) but there's no guarantee. You might get here sooner than you think as your $ is worth more than ours. Check out the exchange rate and see. When you get here you'll find things are cheaper compared to the US. I know the long air flight puts off a lot of Americans but its nothing to us - apart from our close proximity to Asia, we have to travel a very long way to go anywhere so we're all used to it. I've been to the US twice (St. Louis, Milwalkee and Tampa). Australians are some of the most widely travelled people on the planet. It's your turn to come and see us! I keep a large map on the wall next to the tv - whenever there's somewhere mentioned on the tv the kids aren't sure where it is I can immediately point it out to them.
Aussiegirl
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 04:26:02 PM
Isn´t our new fellow Stephanie a sweetie?? Don´t be sad or think that you´re wrong for replacing Lucy Lawless with AR, because you´re not simply replacing. It´s just that time passes and we find new interests, we grow, change and see things differently, but if our previous interest was really important we have an special place for it in our hearts and it will forever be part of what we are (you´re too young to know about it)... You seem a special kid, hope to hear from you soon.
Mesmerized
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 04:11:24 PM
make that Americans' -- sorry
Juliana
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 04:08:48 PM
Off topic- Aussiegirl, I agree with your assessment of American's lack of knowledge in general about other countries. I am an American and I teach junior high geography. I am embarrassed about my own ignorance of the world at large. Our country is so big, we are insulated from other cultures and languages. One day we will regret our attitude towards others. At least, thankfully, we can learn from each other here and share the common interest of Alan Rickman. Cheers. Juliana.
Juliana
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 04:07:23 PM
It´s difficult to know if AR reads or not anything in the internet, but I think it possible he must have someone to monitor it, same way many public persons have people to make clippings for them (from the newspapers). He can be so sarcastic and even dismissive sometimes, so perhaps he finds a lack of time to web-surf, but he´s also a very intelligent and curious person, so I can imagine that he surfs a bit. I remember I found strange in one of those video interviews (recently pointed here in the GB) where he talks about Galaxy Quest and in the end he says that someone (I don´t remember the site, but he said it and "dot com") considered it the best movie ever made. Well, he did read it in the "dot com" site, or someone told him.
Mesmerized
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 03:58:09 PM
Aussie Girl: Yup, some folks are dumb as dirt. But, my six-year-old daughter loves Australia, wants to visit someday when we have the $$$, and knows tons about your country. It's all about what you teach kids. As we say here...Texas is a whole other country.
Mary
North Easton-, MA, - Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 03:50:04 PM
Totally O/T - The student teachers from Baylor University, Waco, Texas are out again at my son's school here in Oz. They brought with them some letters from 12 year old school students in Waco who were interested in corresponding with Australian students. The letter my son was given was from a boy who wanted to know if we had electricity in Australia and, if so, did we have a television?!!!!!! My God! I'm surprised he didn't also ask if we lived in bark huts! What are they (not) teaching kids about the rest of the world outside of the good ole U. S. of A. This boy would be gobsmacked to learn that on a per capita basis Australians outstrip Americans on the use of new technology. Maybe the "turkey" would be a better National Emblem! PS - I'm not having a "go" at American GBers - I know you're all a sophisticated, worldly bunch - but you should be aware of why sometimes the "average" American's lack of knowledge about "anywhere other than America" gets our backs up.
Aussiegirl , <pedal faster honey, the lights are starting to flicker!foo>
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 03:42:18 PM
You all can't make me believe that AR is not using a computer werther it's his own or Rima's or anyone elses, if i were him , i would certainly want to know what all those "girls "are writing about him, because he's a very vain person i've heard, so if i were him, i would look now and then and since he know's about this guestbook (i believe) it's obvious that he would sneek a peek here ( if that's the rigt way of saying this).
loesje
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 03:07:30 PM
And the whole Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock story is an example of convenient mythologizing--I say as an American. So it's one to joke about.
Aurora
USA - Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 03:06:26 PM
And the turkey as national bird is a fond joke to some Americans. The Eagle is so noble, military, (George Bush friendly) while Franklin's suggestion of the turkiey is humbling.
Aurora
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 02:48:07 PM
I can plead that the film in question is GB relevant as the ghost friends in TMD debate whether they should watch Hannah or Five Easy Pieces. They opt for 5 Easy, but I love Hannah.. Such a chick....er...well, you know, flick. Does AR know George Carlin's 7 words you can't say on televion? loesj I know you're Dutch. Been away from my computer celebrating Turkey Day.
Aurora
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 02:43:36 PM
Sometimes it is a blessing to have your posts not commented on-lol I remember reading that Ms Horton occasionally surfs the web-and I bet that Mr. Rickman sometimes borrows her computer, not that you would ever get him to admit it! He certainly does seem to know what is happening on ebay, and I have noticed that sometimes when someone asks a question here that he does answer it in interviews-eg-when someone mentioned that we should send his mum some flowers on his birthday, the next interview divulged that his mother had died recently. I am sure that he is updated on things that he needs to know, but I don't think that he reads this guestbook like we do-it would make sense that someone would monitor websites for content, such as the incident where someone made death threats on a Kate Winslet site. However, we have a very responsible and sensible Empress, and that, no doubt, gives Mr. Rickman a great deal of assurance...
ACC
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 01:28:33 PM
I see a lot of posts are not commented on (my posts are often ignored, maybe I fall into the "crazies" category loesje mentioned) but are my feelings hurt? maybe. I wonder if people "get" my sense of humour, such as it is, and then remind myself how often I've read posts here and never commented on them. Everyone likes to have their efforts acknowledged and feel they're welcome on this GB, but who has time to read everything here andcomment on it. That's a full-time job.Generally, I think we communicate very well together considering that eye contact, smiles, pauses, hand gestures, finger gestures, (finger gestures!), and the all-important raised eyebrow are missing from our conversations.
BTW, I don't think Alan reads this but I pretend he does.
Dearest Alan, my heart is sparkled and brightened. I am awakened by your presence. Love, Sandy.
See. Now would I write that if I thought Alan would actually see it.
Sandy
you'll never know, Canada - Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 12:54:34 PM
HOMELESSNESS
answer to AR's picture
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 12:27:35 PM
Thanks, i will rent it.
loesje
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 11:52:42 AM
Oops... eh, i want to wish all the US GBrs a happy thanksgiving.
loesje
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 11:50:14 AM
Hannah and Her Sisters stars Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey and Dianne Wiest. Good movie!
Jennifer
Calgary, - Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 11:45:34 AM
By the way, who is playing in that video Hannah and her sisters?
loesje
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 11:33:35 AM
Aurora, where's your sence of humor? and as you can see i'm from Holland, and they don't celebrate thanksgiving here, but i want to thank you for your explanation so i know what i'm talking about next time.
loesje
netherlands - Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 11:17:09 AM
Happy Thanksgiving to all the US GBers. It was me who asked whether AR read the GB. Personally, I think if he doesn't then someone from his "office" does just to keep in touch with what fans are saying/thinking. I don't lose sleep if I don't get an answer to a questions, but I do enjoy reading what everyone thinks.
Jennifer
Calgary, - Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 10:41:44 AM
And the Pilgrims were really lost. They intended to join the English colony in Virginia but got blown off courwse and landed in Massachusetts, landed on Plymouth (they called it) Rock i9in 1620 and in celebrated in 1621 the fact that some of them were still alive. At least that's the offial story. Please do still get Hannah and her Sisters from your local video store (my best video store--the public library) for a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner.
Aurora
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 10:28:13 AM
The Pilgrims of Thanksgiving fame (ask a Native American for her/his version of 1621)started from the Netherlands and stopped in England at Plymouth, the proceeded to America. What? no celebration? There's a plaque in Plymouth UK. I've seen it.
Aurora
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 10:15:48 AM
Ugly bird? B.Franklin man that very wise man (advice to young man: get an older woman as a mistress. They're so grateful) preferred the turkey to the eagle as national emblem. they're native and truly express our national character.
Aurora
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 10:06:40 AM
Ofcourse, that's why that ugly bird is waving at me, i forgot, we don't celebrate thanksgiving as you can understand!!!
loesje
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 10:01:57 AM
Proved me wrong. Not the first time. A message I attempted to send early in the a.m. gave a cannot connect to server. Must be that the technical problem has been corrected.
Aurora
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 09:53:09 AM
Well, I'm here. Maybe they are all stuffing turkey??Or turkey stuffing??
Sue
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 09:49:31 AM
test message. Besides the fact that the US members are celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday today and no one is at her computer, I think there is something wrong technically.
Aurora
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 09:47:02 AM
Alan does not own a computer, I've got that one first hand. Mind you, he does love his fans, but I get the impression that things get a bit too much at times, especially when the press is haunding him. At the stage door of Private Lives he was a lot more relaxed and he took a very long time to talk to his fans.
Starling , <starling@twolips-translations.co.ukfoo>
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 03:52:36 AM
C, the items in the picture are just food detritus, looks like empty bottles and dead kebabs plus urine stains and a car clamping sign.(Pretty much your average London car park!)
Sue
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 01:54:02 AM
Thanks for that link. I read about that project in the Sunday's last week and actually looked to see if AR was named but they only listed a few of the people involved. Nice to see that he has a more realistic eye on London than Richard Curtis!!
Stephanie, you may be 12 but are obvious developing a mature taste in actors. Nice to hear from you.
Sue
England Sorry if this comes up twice! - Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 01:31:22 AM
As far as Alan reading this Guestbook: I read in a couple of places that he does not use/own a computer. Unless he decided to take the plunge recently.
C
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 12:47:54 AM
Ok maybe I'm missing something but I don't understand the meaning behind the photo that Alan took that is supposed to represent London to him. I clicked on the Link provided by TSO below. I have a small computer screen so I can't really see the items on the ground in front of the chair. Can someone with a larger screen explain it to me. Thanks
Chris
- Thursday, November 27th 2003 - 12:33:24 AM
LINK ok, This is for something I had no idea Alan was doing, but its wonderful all the same. when you click on the link go to the picture of Alan and click on it .
TSO
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 09:40:50 PM
AWW come on Christine, Blind Freddy could see that AR DOES read this GB!! AR is NOT stupid, He likes his fans!! I bet AR AND his Managers keep a very close eye on this page and maybe,Just MAYBE,they enjoy reading it! Come on!! Any Managers out there who are reading all this,or AR himself!, like to respond here on the GB??? Come on, so this vexing question can be cleared up as to whether AR does/doesn't read these pages. Thank you!!
Barbara the Australian
Gold Coast, Qld., Australia - Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 08:46:59 PM
I followed Bunks advice (on the diet- for so many pounds- an AR movie) I did the same for school work. No AABA until term paper was written. So I finally saw it, and it was wonderful!(That will teach me to procrastinate.) Just a thought- there is a singer(mexican), who looks just like our man during his George (RH POT)days. The singer's name is Marco Antonio Solis. If any one can help me find a pic to prove my point, I would appreciate it.
Monica in Texas , <monicarnsg@yahoo.comfoo>
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 08:31:04 PM
Loesje, I don't remember anyone asking (lately) if Alan reads this GB, but if they did, the *official* answer is at the very top of the page: "Please be aware that Alan Rickman doesn't actually read this Guestbook (at least we don't think he does!)..."
My personal feeling is that he does not, but I'm sure he is aware of its existence. Actually I hope he does not (read it).
Christine
USA - Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 07:54:11 PM
Hi Stephanie, Congratulations on making High Honors in School. That isn't easy to do. My son made the honor roll this month with A's and a couple of B's. This is his first year of Middle school so thought he was doing very well with the transition. I also saw Love actually and loved it. Wasnt Alan Rickman wonderful in it? You are lucky your parents let you go to see it. He has also been in many more films such as Mesmer, Rasputin and Sense and Sensibility. (my favorite) As for Lucy Lawless in Xena, we also used to watch it and enjoyed it very much. It was corny but good and you could always anticipate the ending of each show! Enjoy all the AR shows etc. and welcome to the guestbook! Happy Thanksgiving
Lurker 27
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 07:30:16 PM
loesje, when nobody answers a question, I don't think it's because they're ignoring the person asking or that they're being rude. I think it's because nobody actually KNOWS the answer. And don't you think that if you don't know the answer it's better to say nothing than 190 thousand people saying "I don't know"? Besides, in reference to Alan reading this page, it already says at the top of the guestbook, "... we don't think he does." So I think that's as good an answer as you're going to get for that question.
Sally
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 07:29:33 PM
Hi Loesje, I know what you mean about being ignored. A lot of the posts I read are never answered and continue with the subject at hand. I just hope the poster comes back and continues to post. I don't care if anyone responds or not to my posts but I can imagine some of the newer posters dont come back. Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving to all the American posters here and enjoy the holiday. Friday officially starts the Christmas shopping season. All the radio stations are playing Christmas songs and have been for the last week! Yikes-wonder what AR put on his list for Rima to get him?? hmmm
Lurker 27
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 07:22:10 PM
Uhm, Hi everyone. Well, I read a post or message saying that you're surprised on how Alan Rickman's popularity was growing after he portrayed Snape in the Harry Potter movies. Especially, among the younger fans. I'd just like to say that I'm one of them. I'm currently 12-years-old and I was saddened by my semi-former idol's TV series ending. She was Lucy Lawless aka Xena Warrior Princess. I was a fan of her since I was just 4yrs old. I cried every time her character died(which was really often) and knew everything about her. I even based most of my literature schoolwork on her(ironically I actually won awards for them)I collected everything that had to do with her. In 1st grade I thought she was based on a real person and so I started researching about all those historical stuff. I became really advanced for my age. I kept my liking of her a total secret though. Then 2 yrs after her show ended, I started to lose my interest. Every time I tried to watch the reruns I stared to hurt inside. Then one day(this year) I was watching the special features on the Harry Potter DVDs, the interviews actually, and I chose the interview on Professor Snape. I missed his name but I was to lazy to rewind it. To be honest I've always had a strange liking for that genre of a character, mysterious, misunderstood, and unknown. Take Golem for Lord of the Rings. Okay, so then I went to my room and turned the TV on to this channel that a movie Dogma was on. I was interested because it had Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Then I saw this dude in a nice suit and thought that he looked awfully familiar. So then I go back to my HP dvd and review the interview and found out that the dude's name was Alan Rickman. As time passed, I started to get bored during the summer,so I went online to research about Alan Rickman. I found out that I saw most of the movies that he starred in. Galaxy Quest, Dogma, and Harry Potter. Strangely enough I went to my parents room and when I turned on the TV, I was shocked to see that the movie was Sense and Sensibility. I decided to watch it and it was a great and charming movie. I fell in love with Alan Rickman and his performance. In the beginning I felt sad for Col. Brandon but it was all good at the end. What really won me over was that beautiful voice of his. It sounds so romantic and charming. But really the sad part is that I thought I was doing something wrong by replacing Lucy Lawless with Alan Rickman. At first I said to myself that Lucy Lawless is my idol, and Alan Rickman is my most favorite actor in the world. Forget all those hot guys like Justin Timberlake, Brad Pitt, Colin Pharrel. Slowly though that all started to change. Alan Rickman became #1 in my life and Lucy Lawless has become a memory because...well i dont know. Recently I saw Love Actually(i know im a bit young. my parents took me to it and i was the only child there. i felt so disoriented because i didnt want my parents to know that i liked the parts with Alan Rickman) and I loved it . So did my parents. My dad even got me the soundtrack that I've been wating to get for a month for my High Honors Reward for having good grades. All A's actually.
So I guess that's how it all started. It's sad though but it's all for the better. I'm even mailing a letter to the Wayne Brady Show, persuading him to let my on the show. I also asked him to ask Alan Rickman to be on the show. I asked him to put me on the show with Alan Rickman. It might be around the time Harry Potter 3 comes out. Absolutely loved the trailer. I even got the fifth book. One of the many reasons why I started to like Snape and the person who plays him...... Well there's my very sad yet interesting story. Sorry if I wasted your time. I just feel better when I actually do share it.
Stephanie, <rodriguezsteph@hotmail.com>
Milpitas, California, US - Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 7:20:05 PM (Pacific Time)
Susan maybe he is allegic to cats. We have a friend who tells them to scat also(he's to proper to swear). Our friend says the only good cat is a dead cat. Of course the cats are attracted to the person who doesn't like them heh, heh.
bunks
Whitby, Canada - Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 6:10:42 PM (Pacific Time)
I just got ET Diary/Screenplay of SS from the library. On the first skim through, I was disappointed that there wasn't more about AR. The only bit that was interesting/different was his telling the cat in the restaurant to "F* Off"... I had no idea that he doesn't like cats! Did I miss more interesting bits? Not many photos of him either. I don't know if I want to track down a copy to buy.
Is there a fan page for ET like this one for AR?
What is your favorite AR character quote? Mine is from JM: In his first scene, AR as "Ed' says, "Jus' languish there, darlin'. Don't molest anything!" AR just doesn't have many lines in JM. Unfortunately, I haven't seen all of his movies. There are several lines as "George" in RH/POT that crack me up! My favorite characters are Col. Brandon and P.L. O'Hara. I like Hans Gruber too. I saw AR first in SS on the big screen. I missed DH on the big screen ut saw it on TV.
Handbag.com count: CF 38%, AR 30%, HG 19%. Phooey!
Susan
Texas, USA - Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 5:53:54 PM (Pacific Time)
hey ladies, ther's something i want to say to us all:
there was somebody( i don't recall her name) who posted a question about AR reading this GB and nonone answered that, i didn't too ,because i really don'tknow the answer.,and from a 15year old girl who wrote this gb wasthe best she'd ever read, i think that a little answer would be in place , since they've took the energy to write to the gb, please , if you don't agree with me ,let me know, but i think the lady who asked if AR ever reads this GB should get a little answer(if you do or don't know).she's not asking this for nothing, so here's my queston: could we answer those questions who aren't totally crazy and who are not relevant to te subject we are discussing at that time?
i don't want to be a mother superiour here, but i can understand those feelings of being let completely out of this GB as if they didn't even asked /or tell something.
if you do'n't agree , please let me know.
loesje
i'm not trying to be nagging. - Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 5:51:11 PM (Pacific Time)
I forgot to mention how i disliked the hair cut, color and glasses on Harry. He should have the "Fab 5" fix him up to look more like Alan Rickman... It would prob help his marriage.
F-I-R
usa - Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 3:35:53 PM (Pacific Time)
Thanks AliPat, I checked out your website last week and noticed that page. All I actually have is a couple of hard drives full of images and sounds. Some videos, CDs, But I am wanting to buy a snape action figure!
I also wanted to say how amazing your website is... lots of reading to do, and I have spent alot of time reading.... I wanted to compliment you on it at any rate as it is a wonderful tribute to AR.
Fan-In-Recovery
usa - Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 3:43:28 PM (Pacific Time)
Aren't we amazing? We figured this all out already!
Fan in Recovery, perhaps this list will help you find places for all your Alan treasures. :o)
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH, USA (off to make cranberry sauce...) - Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 3:32:36 PM (Pacific Time)
I think Harry made it to the Christmas play on time, but he was late getting home. When he came through the door, Karen asked ‘where have you been? You should have been home (3?) hours ago!’ it was something to that effect. That’s when she found the necklace. I don’t know why she was digging in his pockets. I don’t think it would take hours to buy the necklace at the department store, but apparently it was one reason why he was late. So if he went to devil woman’s house, and then to the department store, and then home—it would account for the two to three hours time.
seen it three times
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 3:30:39 PM (Pacific Time)
Hi Everyone~~~~~ Saw LA today. Quite a bargain at only $6.25. The theater holds 250 but only 7 people were there. I guess everyone else was vacuuming or stuffing turkeys for Thanksgiving tomorrow........
I LOVED it absolutely! Hugh is always so funny and Bill Nighy was hysterical too. Liam is always great. The kid was cute. I really hated that secretary thou> why the heck would Harry want to sleep with that skank when Emma was much more beautiful and classy.
If I hadn't read all your reviews and theories on LA before hand I am afraid half the movie might have gone right over my head. Or at best it would have taken me forever to figure it all out. I took note of the devil ears at Christmas, the apparent second trip to the jeweler, twinkling London, the rumpled bedsheets, Emma undergarments (that look like mine), and is that really how Joni Mitchell sounds these days? geeez
If I hadn't been reading the posts I would have wondered how skank girl got the necklace. LOL Like, "hey, isn't that the necklace that was in his pocket? How and when did she get it?" duhhhhh...... so anyway, thanks for all the contributors to this page. Not all spoilers are all bad..... :) In fact much was very helpful to me. Christine, I didn't notice he was late to the xmas pageant either, guess I'll have to see it again!
Nadia, I wish I could get away with a room....... like a dedicated shrine....to Alan Rickman. I don't think my husband would appreciate it. tee hee
fan-in-recovery
USA ~ turkeys beware , you know what tomorrow is.... - Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 3:08:48 PM (Pacific Time)
I don't know about a raise, but I'm pretty sure she got a *rise* out of Harry.
I'm going to have to see it again just to clear up these timeline issues. I don't even remember him being late for the Christmas pageant.
Christine
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 2:36:28 PM (Pacific Time)
She was just trying to get a raise.
What was also obvious was the place that she picked for the party. The nude art served to prompt Harry’s mind both conscientiously and subconsciously. Men are very visual that way.
I think you could throw Valentines Day in with the list of inappropriate holidays she was confusing. Hearts everywhere.
lee
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 11:04:58 AM (Pacific Time)
Mia was supposedly a "new hire". I cannot imagine the sort of damage that would be done by such a person methodically working their way through all of the married men in the office. I don't work in an office, but at my place of employment, such behavior would be grounds for dismissal, as it is very disruptive to the work and atmosphere-not a good idea to date someone that you have to see every day, especially if things turn sour! Whatever Mia was playing at, it wasn't "love"!
ACC
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 10:45:18 AM (Pacific Time)
Bunks, I think she stays at her job and moves onto new prey. I think she would try and show Harry what he missed. She struck me as that type of person.
Jennifer
Calgary - 2003 - 10:32:49 AM (Pacific Time)
Mary, (RI) Close My Eyes was released in Oct. 2003 on a region 1 DVD, but is apparently not available in other regions, making non North Americans sad. (Folks in other regions can still get the videotape, but only we lucky N Americans can get a DVD fit for our local players.) I got my DVD at amazon, which has it in VHS as well.
Regarding the region issue, I’m a bit surprised that I don’t notice many GBers talking about their multiregion players. When I looked online for multiregion standalone players, I saw a lot of them listed DVDIdle Pro (not a commercial for their product, just a fact), which works very well for me. Software is cheaper,$50 max or even free, vs $150 (usu 90 pounds) or so low end for a player for your TV. I’m considering buying a player one bec. I love what I can do on my laptop so much, now I want MORE.
And of course a cleverer person may be able to find the region hack for her own player by searching online. On some models, you can disable the region setting by using some hidden settings on the remote. If you find the directions for your player. Nor do I think it’s even enjoyable illegal. I don’t think the wishes of the MPAA to control release dates has force of law, like copyright.
Aurora
OH, USA - Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 10:02:49 AM (Pacific Time)
the vote now is: Colin 38%; Alan 30%...he lost 1%! and Hugh 18%
Jennifer
Calgary - Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 08:35:16 AM (Pacific Time)
Lol Ali-Pat - I'm sure if you spent time with him you'd develop a serious attraction FOR Colin Firth as well.
Rebecca
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 07:34:12 AM (Pacific Time)
...make that TO Colin Firth (LOL)
And I agree about the cheap laughs directed at overweight people. Whenever I see the Portuguese sister scenes, I keep telling myself that they are making fun of her because of her awful personality. Helps calm the irritation (cause face it--she is lacking in the social graces department!).
Ali-Pat
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 07:31:23 AM (Pacific Time)
Mary (RI), Close My Eyes is a great favorite among Rickmaniacs, partly because the role of Sinclair was written for Alan and partly because there is so much of him in it. It is about a brother and sister who become way to fond of one another--Alan's character is married to the sister. Their turbulent story is set against the backdrop of other turbulent issues of the time, such as the dawning of AIDS awareness and the political/economic climate of Thatcherite Britain. I could go on for days. I urge you to take a look at it, especially the DVD since it is so crisp and the sound is so much better. I don't know why you could not find it in IMDB--it is right there where it belongs.
As for A Search for John Gissing, who knows? It was shown at several film festivals and received generally positive reviews from critics, but it faded quietly away after failing to find a distributor. I still hope and pray for a DVD release.
And now, having seen LA for the third time, I have come to a conclusion about the Harry/Karen story. Read no further if you do not wish to encounter a
SPOILER FOR THE END OF LA.
I believe it was definitely sex and a necklace--the rumpled bed in view behind the Devil Girl when she puts on the necklace should be enough proof of this. And by the way, who wears devil horns to a Christmas party, anyway? I think she is confusing her holidays--it's not Halloween, after all (unless she has just seen The Nightmare Before Christmas too often). As for the return at the airport, I have concluded that where Harry is returning from is immaterial--the fact that he is returning to his wife and children is the main fact. True, his reception from his wife is not a warm one, but she is accepting him back into their home. I read Karen's expression as one who is deep in the pain of betrayal, but who is slowly healing. And I see regret in Harry's eyes, as well as recognition of the amount of pain he has caused his wife. I think
this marriage will survive, but it will take time for healing and forgiveness to take place fully.
End of Spoiler.
Now I think I will lay off seeing this movie for a while as I am developing a serious attraction for Colin Firth.
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH USA
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 07:25:43 AM (Pacific Time)
Hello....I'm Nadia Foree... I'm 15 years old! I live in the
Netherlands..that's a bit far from Great-Brittain..! I'm a big fan too of Alan Rickman...my room is almost Alan Rickman haha...I want to say that this
site...is the most wonderful...well..that's what I want to say.. Greetings,
Hugs, big kisses from nadia
Nadia nadiaforee901@msn.com
Assen, The Netherlands
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 07:00:29 AM (Pacific Time)
Just a thought on the whole are they going to stick together thing.
iVillage.com had a question survey (one of those things they ask after the
written psychology acticle by the featured speaker). The article was on
forgiving a spouse after being unfaithful and how it can make a marriage
stronger. The response was phenominal, several hundreds of replys.
Some spouses couldn't get past the betrayal
Some had forgiven but the partner cheated again and that was it for the relationship
Others didn't care that the spouse had cheated (I'm thinking they didn't like sex)
And then some had forgiven and given the spouse another chance. They both made an effort and things worked out. In these cases the response was that the marriage was closer and better than before.
In the majority of the replys, the betrayed partner said they could never trust the other again and that it took several years for the wound to heal. I think the ending for Harry/Karen is ambiguous enough that you can put your own interpretation to it. And maybe that is why the critics liked this story-line the best because it makes you think. I really enjoy reading everyone's interpretations of the plot because each opinion can be correct. Its very refreshing to share ideas with others and see different perspectives.
bunks, Whitby, Canada
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 06:52:08 AM (Pacific Time)
By the way Alan was at the National Theatre at The Pillowman by Martin
McDonagh on Monday evening. It's a fantastic production (NB disturbing and not suitable for children).
rebecca
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 02:51:53 AM (Pacific Time)
I saw LA on Sunday and I enjoyed it; Colin & Alan are my favourites, and I would have loved to see them act together. I had many good laughs, and now I can't wait till I see Alan on the big screen again! But. The cheapest joke is to laugh at the way someone looks. I think this can be applied to baldness, long noses, weird eyes - and overweight.
Callette
Snowlandia
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003- 02:51:08 AM (Pacific Time)
Lily - I think the clue to what happens to the marriage is in what she
says at the school. He comes back, it's nice to have him back, and they stay
together...only everything is a little bit worse. Oh, and...London does sparkle sometimes, you know. That view of the river in the sunshine (which the entire cast seems to work near) is pretty authentic.
Rebecca
London
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 02:34:48 AM (Pacific Time)
Well, THANKS a bunch Lily I was going to watch Unfaithful!!!LOL Some nice points there about lA.
Sue
England
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 01:38:57 AM (Pacific Time)
Snape had quite an Impact
It is interesting to see how many more fans discovered Alan because of
Snape. I was just looking at the number of monthly posting on the Yahoo Group Alan Rickman Experience.
I see there were very few posting leading up to Nov 2001(when the 1st HP was released) and then it starts to grow and explode up to a high of over 2000 posts in Feb 2002.
The posts remain in the thousands all thru 2002. But then they start to go down again and they were down to 402 in Oct 2003
I wonder if they will swell again after June 2004 when then next HP comes out.
It seems like there is a solid loyal group of fans who love AR in
EVERYTHING he does (myself included in that group) but there is a much larger and possibly younger group (remember all those thirteen year olds declaring their love for Snape) group of fans who came on board because of Snape.
Chris
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 01:30:26 AM (Pacific Time)
Sue - re the "cold, English wife" thing, I'm going to see LA
again quite soon so I'll keep an eye out for the line and everything that leads up to it in an effort to shed a bit more light.
Karen's Big Brown Jersey
London
Glad I wasn't the only one to notice it, hurrah!
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 01:06:10 AM (Pacific Time)
Lily, very interesting insight. I HAVE to see LA again, in English this time. Wonder if this is possible in the land of right faces with wrong voices.
Martha! Perfectly right! That guy (erm well, call me sexist for
remembering his torso but not his name) should be on the list as well. Sure, we are all in here just for artistical reasons and such, but I for one enjoy a nice MALE body in all the usual eye candy for the boys.
confirmation needed?
Karl
mortianna
yes, I'm an old witch, but my eyes still serve me...
- Wednesday, November 26th 2003 - 12:46:38 AM (Pacific Time)
A few questions about films, what is this "Close My Eyes" that is listed as having been released in October? I find no reference to it on imdb.com. Also, what is the word on the possible release of "The Search for John Gissing"? From the scant clip I saw online, it looks hilarious.. it hasn't played the local art cinema here.. is it being held in hope of mass release or could one realistically expect it to show up on DVD sometime soon? Anyone heard anything on that score?
Mary
Warwick RI US
- Tuesday, November 25th 2003 - 10:31:01 PM (Pacific Time)
SPOILERS & Additions to the mix. We see Karen, the wife of 13 years, in baggy "schmattas" complain about feeling fat (no doubt in her thoughts comparing herself to Mia) while undressing down to her utilitarian white underwear (and a whole lot of it there is) after the Christmas party. Meanwhile Mia goes home alone (at that point) and peels off the red backless dress to red lace undies--all of which she'd dressed in "just for him" as she tells him earlier in the evening. I thought the brief shot of Mia undressing alone in her bedroom mainly served the purpose of contrasting her sexiness to Karen's matronly, practical self. (Harry's own aging issues--his comments speculating about Mia having a boyfriend, and snarling about the possible tight shirt on a muscular boyfriend.) Message is sledge-hammered home with the bed scene, each on their own side, and Karen knowing things ain't so hot. Earlier, Harry sits uncomfortably on the edge of the bed as he's told to "be careful there" (the warning about his secretary also has him uncomfortable in his own bed).
When Karen is playing Joni Mitchell songs the first time around, I assume she's playing the original, perkier delivery of the songs from the 60s. Harry gives Karen the torchy, sung-after-a-lifetime-of-experience-and-knowledge Joni Mitchell reissue cd for her continuing education. And then Harry says something like, "for my intelligent wife." LOL really, what is that supposed to mean?!! (Ideas, anyone?) And then there's the song. "Both Sides Now" is about knowing and preferring illusions, but not knowing love or life at all. Yes, Christmas is about telling the truth, but more than a little it's about "rows and flows of angel hair and ice cream castles in the air" and, perhaps, perferring the illusions (for Karen it's believing that after years of scarves he's given her a necklace--she senses trouble but doesn't allow herself to know it until it hits her between the eyes, and for us it's believing London twinkles and sparkles--Why is it that I don't think this is what R. Curtis intended!!) thus knowing nothing at all. All interwoven in the Harry+Karen story...knowledge, illusions, being a classic fool, being made a fool of, and making the life she leads look foolish. (The kids are reality, not foolish, and they are loved.)
I thought Emma T's performance was pretty terrific. One of those where you get to see recognition dawn and a heart break while not a word is said. I agree with everyone who has commented on Harry, the Boss, being sensitive when he talks with Laura L's character (had to be a boss at a not-for-profit LOL). I especially like the scene when they playfully swat back & forth at each other, cute. Good points for the movie giving her brother age, heft and violent mo
