heya,morning everybody....no sun today here,

Leanne, that's no rumour. The release date has been known for ages - the question still lingering is whether the premiere takes place in Munich or Berlin - as I highly doubt it that TT will be so sentimental as to have the premiere in his home town Wuppertal.... Nevertheless the city of Wuppertal is carrying out a project, i.e. contest, on Parfume this year (the university is among the participants) and 2 weeks before the official release there is a celebration, announcement of the winner groups etc. I hope I'll have to time to join in (but my forthcoming exam in August and September of course... are more important).

Here are some pics which I believe have not yet been posted here:

Have a nice and relaxing Thursday

Hikity

I like Robin hood but it is not my fave. There are some good lines i like:

'no more merciful beheadings... and cancel chrismas!'

'You my room 10:30 you my room 11:00 (?) bring a friend.'

Hi Dee,
I know what you mean about the movie book but aren't the photos gorgeous???
You're right as to what our overseas friends think of groundhogs day.
Geez, ligthen up people-we are all AR fans..
Dee, I found my movie book at the Friends of the Library Sale by the way. You just never know what will be there do you??  The extended version DVD of RHPOT is fantastic with the added scenes etc.
I have to check on the snowcake information also to see when it will be released.
Anyway, off to bed.. Have a fun day at the Library Dee. Maybe at one of your friends booksales you may find some cool AR things too..

Has anyone been checking the Wawa websites to see if they have anything to say about Snowcake? I thought the director made a big deal about bringing it back to the town -- or am I dreaming?

I love Robin Hood -- especially the extended version! More AR to drool over. I have the "Official Movie Book", but it has a lot of wrong information. For instance -- remember the scene where the sheriff is talking to the little girl (we was threatening Maid Marianne to marry him)? In the book, it says he talked soothing to her, holding her hand, and then bit her until she screamed. I've often wondered if AR refused to do it.

Do we know if AR is going to be in London for awhile?

Happy Ground Hog Day to everyone! Gee...what do our overseas friends think of THIS weird holiday!

Leanne - I think Perfume is listed as a German movie production. No?

Whogirl17- well, i think silent conspiracy is an awesome name! its so amazingly brilliant. I was a bit confused with that though, was that Chris' bands name? Today it was okay, but man, the George Harison solo is soooo hard. and nobody in the group is thinking about names yet, but oh well. To Everybody,  I watched Robin Hood again too, but I hadnt watched it in a really long time, and I forgot that he died. Oh well. I really thought it was funny though when AR was like "you, my room, 10:30, you 10:45...and bring a friend!" Teehee. I could be the friend.

Dont know when Snow Cake is coming but rumour has it that Perfume is due for release in September!!

Its being released in Germany first for some reason (i dont know)

on the 14th of September, well so I read on the IMDB!

Does anyone else love James Spader and Boston Legal?  And Shatner, too.   I love this show. 

CatsPlay, that is beautiful, thank you for the link, it`s so special to me because chestnuts hold a very dear place in my heart as well. The street were I grew up is simply paved with chestnuts and in the spring time, when they blossom it`s like a dream come true. I`ve added my leaf. Anyone here that knos more about the movie she`s promoting, I must say I`m a bit behind with the news!

Laura, thank you also for the news, remind me not to open anything that looks suspicious!

Emma Thompson Launches Internet Site to Fight Racism

a friend alerted me about a new virus, a worm, that will "start to work" on friday. So the suggestion is: update your antivirus and scan for viruses your pc.

I asked for more details, if you're interested too I'll post what/when I hear back from her

Yes, it`s a wonder he`s still sane!  Personally, I loved the-just-before-spreading-legs scene , when he yells something like "I can`t do it with all this noise".

But one of my favorite characters is Ed, I have to give you that. The painter! Geesh, what a role! Besides "Yes", "ok" and "sure" he barely says anything but he still manages to steal the scenes! And I almost fell on my back with laughter when I saw him take that punch! Not to mention his style! He looked like a mad French artist!  (no offense, I LOVE Frenchmen! Yum!)

Marlina -I always loved that part...it made me feel somewhat sorry for him.  Poor baby. 

Chris:  Awe, I used to have a band.  Several, actually.  The best one was called Silent Conspiracy and we did very well for ourselves.  But alas, the days of rocking out with the boys are over.  But I've always been all for an Alan Tribute band  

Brittany:  Welcome to the board!  Good to have another guitar player in the house!  Good luck with your band.  Scratched Vinyl is an awesome name!

Alma~ That's a hell of a manip

Guys, i just got this real weird experience in the chat room.. Anyway, i just watch Robin Hood again tonight.. Anyone notice how miserable Alan face near the end of the movie when he pulled the stabbed dagger from his chest? He look at Marian while holding the bloody dagger like he want to say, "This... This is the dagger i gave you..why.."

How ironic...

Good night!

Woo hoooo, Laura! Thank you! 

Hey everybody! That was funny alma. chris and pam, im so excited about guitar more than ever now! I hope we actually get the "band" thing going.  Right now we have five guitarists, although one of them can play saxaphone, which isnt needed much in rock music, which is what we play most. we also have a singer. and we had a guitarist and drummer, but she flaked out on us. oh well.  For some songs you dont even need drums, but they are helpful. I really should revord something by us and post a link. If i can the earliest possible date would maybe be arouned the 13th. Well, hope everybody has a gread day, or night, depending on time zones!

Alma that was too funyy!!!!! ROFL

Brittany - wow, our first official musician here! Who, you don`t happen to have a band too, do you? And what a terrific name! That`s it, we need a sample of your music! And pronto!

Hello i'm back... i was here for a while about... erm a few months ago why did i leave? who knows why did i come back? its a mystery.

Boy things have changed in that time. Its now a super awsome site not just a really awsome site. Anyway ill be back again. Hopefully to join in some talk.

it took me a while to find how to get into the guest book so i went to the snape one. But eventualy i found it! 

Anyway great site again to all who have clips to add.

Love

Carla

xoxo  (( i end everything like this ))

This took way too long. It is also thoroughly ridiculous

Hey pam, really dont worry about it. I read part of the posts too, and I can understand how it seems like was acted. i think there was a bunch of confusion all around on it.  Thanks for the support with my band. I just cant wait until the concert! How long have you liked AR, and which are your favorite movies of his?

Hello Pam. Well, I don't know how it got around about me acting, because I couldnt act if my life depended on it. But thanks for the compliments anyway. I do really love guitar though! And I really can't sing. oh well. we havnt come up with a name yet on our band, but we were thinking of Scratched Vinyl. if anyone has any suggestions, it would be much appreciated!

Jan,

I think there are like 30+ comments on that item, I encourage you to read them, they are interesting.

CatsPlay - thanks, I didn't see the comments on your site - I'll have to look for them - and the other one, too.  Of course there are different ways to look at any issue - I just got a little carried away.  It's something I've given some serious thought to at different times - trying to put myself in their shoes (mentally, obviously) and think 'what would I want if it were me?'

In the end, we each have to follow our own gut feeling about things and that's a good thing.  Everyone has their own style - their own way of being in the world.  That's what makes it so interesting.

sorry, I meant "'Concerto Londra' "!

Hi Jan

Thanks for reading my LJ on that topic.  I actually almost included mention of the Contra video in that same LJ post, because I agree with what you said.  However, there were lots of good and constrasting comments and discussions on that LJ post, as well as subsequently on various sites in the AR Cerebral Hens Network that took a good look at both sides of the coin.

CatsPlay: The feeling you described having looking at the picture of AR in your LJ on Jan. 25th is exactly what I felt watching AR in that video of the 'Concerto Londra' event! 

Did anyone else notice in that video that, after he walked to the side and stood, a young woman in the program walked over and stood near him and turned around facing away from him and HE BACKED UP!  I mean he backed WAY back.  He put much space between himself and anyone else.  And she wasn't a fan or anything, but a fellow performer (don't know who she was).

I've had people walk up right in my face and start talking and I back up instinctively - even if they're very nice people who I know and like, so I'm certainly not criticizing AR.  Some of us like a little literal space.  It just struck me, that's all.

And that tiny smile that flitted over his mouth repeatedly ever-so-fleetingly when he was being applauded. Slightly pained.

Anyway - that gave me the same feeling you described.  How would it be if many people 'fell in love' (so to speak) with good-looking - say - computer operators, and they crowded around them if they saw them and asked for autographs and wanted some little bit of attention, recognition of existence?  Wierd!

Do you realize how many 60-year-old men there are in this world who are every bit as good-looking as AR and every bit as good at whatever it is they do for a living as AR but who we never give a second look?  Alan knows - bet on it!  It's one of the reasons we love him - he's not full of himself - he's still 'real'.

But we do see him as exceptional and love many things about him - that's the way it is. If I ever saw him in public, though, I'd be severely torn between the desire to meet him and the desire to not intrude on his life with one more face among - what? hundreds? thousands? - which will come and go before him.

Sheesh!  Depressing!  And not to say he doesn't appreciate our appreciation of his work, at least, if not his every little physical attribute - mouth, hair, VOICE! *pant* *pant* *pant*  *thud!*

I'm not about to stop collecting photographs and DVD's and on and on and on, noninvasive stuff - but I'm AWARE. . . .

Okay well first things first- Curious, no I dont know anyone named tiff, sorry.  Second thing, Claudia, I think that was a great story too. My gradmother makes the best fruit cobler. And three, some you you know that I play guitar, and our first concert is the tenth. I just learned the George Harrison solo for "twist and shout" by the beatles, and when we perfom, i will be doing it solo! WOOT! super excited and nervous. Another thing, we started the new term today, and i still have all the same teachers. YAYYAYYAYYAY! that is a bunch of happy me!

Claudia, what a great story!

I think this is just one of the neatest stories I've read in a long time! 

Love story wins cell phone movie award

Ithaca College junior Mike Potter, from Broomfield, Colorado, won the $5,000 grand prize Monday in the first CellFlix Festival, said Dianne Lynch, dean of Ithaca's communications school, which sponsored the contest.

Potter's piece was titled "Cheat." In it, his grandfather plays a game with his grandmother while reading the Sunday newspaper. He reads a headline and rewards her with a kiss if she guesses correctly whether it's true or false.

"I've got to tell you something. Sometimes I cheat," the grandfather says in a solo shot, a boyish grin growing across his face.

The contest was open to high school and college students anywhere. The college received 178 submissions, Lynch said.

Potter's film was chosen from 10 finalists.

"It's a 30-second love story, with a buildup and a payoff," said David Lebow, one of the two grand prize judges, an executive vice president and general manager of AOL Media Networks, and an Ithaca College alumnus. The other was Bolivian filmmaker Rodrigo Bellott, also an Ithaca College graduate, who described Potter's film as "Contagious. Lovable. Effective."

The idea for the film came from sitting at dinner with his grandparents, Potter said.

"I saw something in their interactions, how much fun they have together. ... My hope was that if I had fun with it, other people would, and that if my grandparents could make me laugh, they could make other people laugh," said Potter, who is majoring in television-radio, business administration, and computer information systems.

The rules were simple: There must be a story, a narrative and sound, and the film must be shot on a cell phone. Editing could be done digitally on a computer or on a cell phone with editing functions.

The submissions were reviewed by a panel of film students and faculty members, which selected 10 finalists. Lebow and Bellott selected the winner from the 10 finalists in a "blind" review, without any outside information on the entry, Lynch said.

The finalists included two high school students and two submissions from foreign countries. Four finalists were Ithaca College students.

Well, lets see now that I got that out of my system what was I going to say??? Oh right. CatsPlay- Well, I totally don't mind that you were obsession over AR because we all love him.  Believe it or not, i have never even seen an episode of the sopranos.  Actually, one thing I forgot to tell you, one year when he won an Emmy, my aunt asked him to say hello to me, so he won the Emmy, and he thanked everybody, and he said "Hello Brittany" at the end.  It was super cool.  oh, and BTW, I LOVE your site! Its great, Id love to look around when I have more time.

Guys, I invite you over to my Live Journal (URL above) for the Great Rickman Refrigerator Expose.  Come check it out, and please, show us your fridges!!

*yes, I'm easily amused*

Wow, that is really cool, Brittany, thanks for sharing.  I bet he is a nice guy!  NO, I didn't know about the new season -- I must be living under a ROCK!  Thanks for the heads up!  Some fan I AM!  Too busy fixating over AR I guess!

Hey Catsplay. well, im not sure what i can say about him. But my aunt is his acting coach. we hang out in the summer sometimes.  Ive been jetskiing with him, and to the boardwalk in Jersey.  He is a really sweet guy. Im sure you know the new season comes out march 12th. thats about all I know.

Great dream Brittany, but I've GOT to know the details of you and James Gandalfini!   I am a major Sopranos fan!!!

Anybody wanna chat? im bored.

Brittany~ You lucky lady! When I coincidently dream about Alan, it always ended up in the middle..

SQUEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!! (sorry, it's probably because of the Alan draught..)

That screencaps Sue made is so nice! Awwww!!! 

Chris~ It's Gong Xi Fat Chay (Happy New Year) or something like that i'm not sure it's "chay" or "choi"... though i'm Chinese, I never really an expert in mandarin

Well well well, guess who had their first AR dream ever this weekend! yay. so here's what happened.

Some of you know that i personally know James gandolfini. Well, in the dream him and i were walking on a subway platform (weird!), and he told me he had a surprise. Anyway, from a distance I see Alan Rickman, but I didn't realize it was him.  But then we got closer and I started freaking out.  James was like "Brittany, meet Alan Rickman. I know you love him!" I was soooooo embarrassed.  So I just started freaking out! I spazed when he said in his sexy voice "Hello Brittany" and then i really fainted.And that's not the end of it. So after I became conscious again, he was leaning over me and he asked if I was okay. I said yes, he smiled, and then turned into Colonel Brandon from S&S.  I told him that i loved him, and then the dream was over.

Oh well, all and all i was just happy to have a dream about him. I also watched RH that night, so that's why I might have had a dream about him.

Dee, you are aware nobody but us weirdos would even notice the microscopic gap in the "barn door"?

I couldn't figure out what huge pixs you were talking about, so had to run to the GB. wOw! He looks so elegant! Can't wait to blow up a couple of these in Photoshop for a closer look!

All of the recent sightings have specifically mentioned how gray his hair looked - but he's obviously done something here. Perhaps something special for the awards, or getting ready for an upcoming project?

But, I feel bad for him about the zipper...that sort of thing happens to everyone sometimes and it's embarrassing. Surely he didn't go to this event alone? Couldn't his guest have whispered, "Alan dear, the barn door isn't quite closed and your pony is trying to get out." He should've invited me. I would have helped him personally.

Peekabooh, sweetie, that schedule really annoys me - I am not interested in the German version, but cannot fly over before  Friday evening or better Saturday morning - s*** And I assume the premiere will be in the Berlinale Cinema (English version) and threre you will find Him (catch him if you can)

Oooo, no, Peekabooh, I had no intention to go as I have a few exams I need to catch up on plus my travelling money for this year have either a Belgium or an Austria destination.Or maybe I`ll pay you a visit, I`ve always wanted to visit your country. That is IF I find the time and funds. My mother will travel to Paris in a few months but she`s going there on bussiness so no travelling for me anytime soon. I was just asking out of curiosity, I`d love to go but it`s a bit late for that Too bad no one here can attend.

Gotta go now, 10 minutes have passed without me looking at that awfully big picture again! ROFL

Just had to look through all the great new pics again -- did anyone else but me notice Teh Hand in view in a few of the photos??  And, on the ones where he is stretching to look, my goodness, his neck is completely free of any wrinkles - egads!  He does NOT look like a 60 year old man!

&^$(&(_*)(_)_ ^%$#$%# !!!! Have you guys SEEN those huge pics? What is it with me? Their just pictures, for God`s sake...yeah RIGHT!

Is it just me or does he look even BETTER (if possible) than before? Talk about good win!

CatsPlay - why, aren`t you the sweetest strawberry on the cake? Thank you so much for the interview, the pie throwing scene was hilarious and I`m currntly downloading the one you posted.

Dee- Yes, it`s true some people actually think of it as a blessing. I guess it has a lot to do with what kind of person you are. Personally I love my space in a relationship but it`s hard to find someone who`d think the same way, that`s the reason I broke off with my ex. Again, me and Aland would get along just fine! But you`re right, five days a week is a long time. But from what I heard from you, it`s worth the wait! *wink*

PS: I`ve got a special delivery-pie for Moro when she arrives in "da hood"! ROFL

In case anyone has been wondering (Dee, Chris, emtee, Laurie, gang), Moro's Internet has been out for 3 days.  She hopes it will be back today.

Chris and all,

Here is the video clip of Emma's whole interview on Dave.  Becaue it was still so big, I had to cut off at the part where the pie throwing started, but I figured that was OK since you can already watch that on Dave's site.

I particularly love the bit about the vodka.

http://s39.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2QLB9TQSWFNEP3E35ZD1LGGGLJ

Hi everyone!

I found this and it's really funny, at least for a time.
A brief sample, PG rated.

 -- Conversation Window --
snapeybot: I am glad your having such a entertaining  time.
Interesting plan. Good luck.
You: Thanks
snapeybot: Don't mention it.
You: You are very polite
snapeybot: Oh, so you think I am very polite, do you?
You: Right now, yes
snapeybot: Hmm... I am glad you agree )
You:
snapeybot: Why the shocked expression?
You: I copied yours
snapeybot:
You: what?
snapeybot: Oh, such a CLEVER response!
You: Don't ever mention it
snapeybot: I don't have any reason to do that to you.
You: what?
snapeybot: Are you hard of hearing?
You: No, of reading
snapeybot: Why not?Hmm... Tell me more...
You: Tell me you more, tell me a joke
snapeybot: Very well: Why did the Potions Master cross the
road?
You: I don't know, why?
snapeybot: Most likely to get away from you.
You: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!
snapeybot: I am glad your having such a entertaining
time.Marvelous. At least one of us is happy. I am so glad
you find this amusing.

Chris - I thought I was the only one who hated Sunday evenings! My reason is because hubby leaves for his job in Urbana and I don't see him again until Friday night. sigh... How do others handle these long distance relationships? I wonder how AR and Rima do it?

CatsPlay - Do you have the book Perfume? If not, your library probably has it and you can read it for free! I read it when news about AR's role was announced. I personally didn't care for it, but one of our German fans said that the English translation is poorly done - so that might explain it. It just seemed too "technical" (did I really need to know the graphic details of distilling essence?). And, the way it was written, it was impossible to care about any of the characters. To me, they all seemed shallow and uninteresting. IMHO!!

BTW I'm going to pop into the chatroom. Haven't been able to catch anyone in there for a long time!

Chris,

I will do it via YouSendit!  You are going to love it, she is so funny!

Cats, that would be awsome! But please, if you do, could you pleas not put it on youtube? For some reasons I can`t view the videos from there and I totally love her so...please? Thank you in advance! You`re a sweetheart!

Also, I forgot to thank Dee for that lovely *cough* wallpaper! Love the look on his face!

Marlina - I don`t know the traditional saying for the Chinese New Year but have a great one! Yes, that`s the bottom line!

Oh and RickiNicki, that`s a wonderful find, thanks a lot! I should have posted this on the main GB but if I started it here might as well finish it

And that`s a wrap, folks, I`m heading for a long nice nap! God, I hate Sunday evenings, their a constant reminder or the following week! Bah! Have a nice evening everyone!

Claudia - Thanks, I thought it must be an interview but wasn't sure.  Not one I've seen, I'm sure.

Critic, Sizie, Connie, Puddingdale, and whom else it may concern:

What's that smell???

I just watched the Emma  interview on Dave in its entirety and she is absolutely hilarious!  I am going to see if I can transfer it so you guys can see it. 

Thank you Hikity!  The first link was the one I was looking for. 

Happy Chinese New Year!!!!

Marlina,

happy chinese new year!

Claudia, I just gave the last link a closer look...help, seems not be the right one, sorry

I pressed the button by chance, sorry, so here is a second post:

Claudia, do you mean this link:

http://www.tarleton.edu/~lilly/bordwell.htm

this one is not so thorough:

http://videodetective.com/home.asp?PublishedID=3368

and I just found this one:

http://www.submissivewomenspeak.net/movie3.htm

Dee, forgot to thank you for your latest wallpaper (for Ali-Pat's birhtday), hmm, delicious as usual

Lurking Fairy, I have not seen Munich yet, but it along with Syriana are two that are high on my list.  You have a very good taste in films so I'm taking your recommendation very seriously!  *grin*

Jan, I had not seen that Closet Land site before.  Thanks for posting it.  There is another site that I can't find at the moment (I really need to get my bookmarks sorted) that does a huge analysis of the film.

In the "pained photo", he's doing an interview but as usual, I can't find which one.  We all know how expressive his face can be when he's talking on a serious note.  Unfortunately, that shot was taken at one of those moments. 

 There's lot of new names here so welcome to everyone!!!  Yall move to fast for me to keep up but you all do keep me in stitches!     

Thanks for the link to the Letterman site, CatsPlay!  She is hilarious!

Yes indeed, you can hardly recognize ET in her Nanny McPhee role!  It was quite interesting to see ET in the many appearances she did for Love Actually.  Karen was rather dumpy so during all her appearances, she really went all out to look fantastic and it looks like she's doing the same with this film as well.

Wow Laura!

Thank you! There's so many new pics!

You're all funny!

Chris, do not ask what started this. It is sheer madness without method...

By the way, I HAVE finished work now. So, no exhaustion, but

Yet, as you seem to insist not to step back concerning 9th of February, I will graciously let you have all the fun. I am sure I shall be rewarded for this unselfish gesture one day ...

Chris, I've got the same error message but if you wait a few minutes, it should work again

Glad you all like it

Funny Pudd, very funny indeed, too bad that you have to work, ha? by the time your finished he will be exhausted! OH BAD BAD Christina! Stop it! Dobby must punish himself!!! *bangs head with old lamp*

OK but I still don`t know what started this!!!!!!

Anyway, the REAL eason I posted this is to ask Laura if fotobank worked for her beyond page 3 or 4. It stops for me, I get a warning of some sort And there are fabulous new pictures there!!! Bwwwwaaaaaaaaaah!!!!

Funny, Chris? I have no idea what you are talking about... And I have Jan's permission for sure...

Back to work now, so that I will  have finished till dinner on the 9th. Well, that pained look on AR'S face was when he heard of Chris's memory loss. He is a compassionate guy. Still, forgetting a meeting with AR really insulted the man. So face it, Chris, you won't need a suitcase anymore - I shall stand in for you, no need to thank me.

OMG OMG OMG!!!! ROFL There are no words to describe that hilarious scene with ET and DL!!! Thank you Cats, I can always depend on you for a healthy laugh!

Oh my, what a naughty bunch we have here, where did you all came from? Bad food, gas attack, what will be next? You people!

Peekabooh...oh well all right! But at least you should be happy cause it won`t be a heavy suitcase as I don`t plan to take too many clothes with me! Oh no, I can`t believe I said that! You people are a bad influence on me! That`s it, I`m going to church now! Don`t follow me!

PS: Laura, what a terrific find, thanks for the link, it`s working now! This has to be one of the best mornings ever!

Pudd, I`ve got my eye on you, don`t try anything funny while I`m away!

There's a funny clip of Emma T throwing pies at Dave Letterman here

http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/dave_tv/ls_dtv_big_show_highlights.shtml#

second one down.

Great link, Laura!

Does anyone know what this picture is from???

The poor dear looks pained and I don't remember seeing anything like it before.

Carry on, Puddingdale, I'll gladly take the blame!

Chris - tell him I'll throw in some buttertarts for a comedy.  A whole truckload for a copy of John Gissing!!!!!

Vicki - her comments must be in context - she wrote it herself.  It does seem very odd that she's still so defensive after so long!  And it just really jumps out at me that she talks at length about her preffered actors and why she wanted them and what she didn't want in the portrayal and never mentions Alan at all.  Oh, well, that's her problem.

Hello

I'll be hanging out in the chatroom for a bit if anyone wants to say "Hey!"

emteee

It does not seem you got the latest development right, guys: As Chris is suffering from memory loss, I will be the one to whisper in AR'S ear. Forget about it, Chris...hehe

RickiNicki, save your money - you will not find any such sophisticated information in the Bild Zeitung.

*flying back into nutter's heaven*

Chris

try this

Fotobank

How did everybody get so funny lately?  I STILL don`t get it but let`s tag along! Yes, i`ll whisper many things to him but I don`t know if I`ll have time to tell him that too as we may be SOOOOOOO busy! Why do I get the feeling this will turn out like one of those chat discussions *cough* ?? You guys are simply......ADORABLE!!!!! You cheeky monkeys!

That is just so pathetically sweet!!

It sounds like a comic plot from Everybody Loves Raymond.  *Sniff -- wiping tears of laughter from my eyes*  Oh, it's the thought that counts, right?  But your observations on the actor's facial expressions are very interesting.

Thanks for the link to that article, Jan.  Her omission of mentioning AR makes you wonder.  Is she trying to say that he did not convey the characteristics she was looking for?  As the director, isn't that part of her job?  Or maybe some of her comments are taken out of context.  We can only guess.  But it's interesting that in 2005 she is still trying to make her message clear. 

Chris - while you are snuggling with AR on your moonlight stroll, maybe you can whisper in his ear that we'd like to see him do another comedy soon......please!  (Bribe him with a buttertart, if you have to).

Laura that`s a GRRRRRRRREAT one! Bravo!!!!! *bows* but how come I get a "no results" on my AR search on fotobank? HELP!

PS: Dude, what`s with the shirt? ROFL

you're very welcome!

my favorites/bookmars(?) are all yours if you want

I also have the login to 2 of them...unfortunately not the ones that often have new pics :-/

Hey Laura, I don't have an unwatermarked but wanted to say thanks for sharing that photo site.  That was one that I didn't have on my photo agencies bookmarks list!

http://www.fotobank.com/photo/imageedit_hires.html?id=P004-8640

is this image available without watermark?

Happy saturday to all of you

Good to know that, Jan. But now it is your fault if we will never stop...  

Your 'crap' is great fun!

Yes, you are right - we are nuts! Nutterynuts! Isn't that just great?

Now, Chris, AR tells me he is very worried about your memory loss. He sends his best wishes and in order for you to recover, he will go for the stroll, dinner and hotel room with me instead - hahahaaaaaaaaaa!

Right, Chris, Hikity and everyone else who is silly enough to even read all our crap, I wish you a very good weekend, too!!!

Chris and Puddingdale, enjoy your Saturday! I have to clean the house now...how I hate these chores

Come on, Chris, you cannot fool us. Hikity and I may be envious but we still love you.

So, after the stroll, what will you two be up to? I do hope you booked your own hotel room, Chris??? And for how long have you kept it all a secret from us?

Sure AR would not mind my joining you for dinner? I will ask him when he calls next time ...

 We all envie you, dear Chris, that's a fact. First I read here on GB that Alan invited you for dinner , which can only be at the ADLON Hotel in Berlin and Puddingdale found it confirmed in the Bild Zeitung plus the evening stroll along Berlin's most famous street.... so now, tell us: which hotel are you staying in?? And will you allow Peekabooh to take a nice pic??

I bookmarked this ages ago and never looked at it after the first time. Its a great find Jen! Having read it through again, there is a lot of bitterness in Bharadwaj's clearning of the air.

If you research CL and see the unflattering reviews it received from many quarters (Film critic Leonard Maltin (amongst others) said the film was 'ike a bad play that never went beyond workshop status' and many others were overly fond of regarding it as 'pretentious'. Janet Maslin of the NY Times was not only scathing about the film and its execution of its ideas - but said that the actors were 'somewhat better than their material'...), I do think Radha Bharadwaj meant exactly that and should have had the power of her convictions to say it. But she isnt stupid - AR is too respected and far too successful now 15 years on and she hasnt exactly set the world on fire as a filmmaker. She can only burn but so many bridges if she wants to get ahead in Hollyweird... A statement like that required further explanation. She says she met with a number of actors and actresses who wanted the roles - but were Hopkins, Holm and O'Toole actually interested? Or were they approached but rejected it? Were they ever actually approached at all? She doesnt mention AR by name and there is a definite reason for that.

Having read the entirety of her comments - she takes issue with the Amnesty International quotes and commercials that tag the film and yet at the time of the film's release she said she wrote the screenplay inspired her husband's work with the organisation and seemed happy enough allow the film to be used by the organisation. Now she doesnt like the way her work has been interpreted with the exception of her 'best viewers' who 'have also understood is that [my] film, despite being about torture, also deals with the exhilaration of freedom and the power of human imagination.' She also says 'When plastered on a film, these quotes and commercials ended up subjugating the voice of the artist to the voice of a cause' but she is proud of the people that write to her about the film and who have found it through word of mouth. Well I'd wager its the political messages that inspire people moreso than the abuse based on viewer reviews I have researched. And given America's and Britain's record of Human Rights violations - it strikes a cord post 9-11. Bharadwaj seemed to have a lot to say with CL and even more to say in the aftermath ('Without the creator’s intention on record, everything becomes a matter of third party interpretation, speculation, and, at times, even distortion. This is to set the record straight.') - but her own voice was lost even with her at the helm as director. Does she not understand that?

As a writer and artist I fully understand the sensitivity (sometimes oversensitivity from protectiveness) that we creatives have about our work. Bharadwaj wanted control of her first time offering and she got it. She was the director and creative force. It was her vision and no one else's. She's finally come out towards the end of 2005 and said what the film was really all about ('She trusts the viewer’s imagination to fill in the blanks, and the viewer is, in turn, left with a deeper understanding of why some human beings violate others—and why some manage to soar above the abuse') and apparently most of us miss the plot entirely. The work itself does not lend itself to the automatic conclusion she feels we are supposed to come to. The brilliant thing about CL is that it compels one to think about all manner of things - iwhether ntentional or not. And if the characterisations are not to her liking - then as the director only she can take responsibility for that. She hasnt trust the viewer's imagination - and I am sitting here now thinking - right all this time its a film about abuse and we are supposed to be as sympathetic for the Interrogator as much as the Victim. Bharadwaj has muddied the waters by her own hand about what the film is supposed to be - mainly because of the negative reactions she's had to it.

I am still searching for the mention about AR's reaction to the final film - which reasonates even more in light of Bharadwaj commentary.

CL SPOILERS

Hi Alma, thanks for posting - hope there will be many more!!! I agree with every word you wrote. Yes, the movie seems to be much more about dealing with child abuse than torture at the interrogation. That way, ending it all with Amnesty International seemed a bit confusing to me. Of course, Amnesty has every right to use the movie for its purposes as its causes are so important.

Still, to me the unrealistic setting made a point, telling the viewer to watch more carefully and think about what it could all mean allegorically.

The fact that the interrogator should have a timeless face, adds to the dream/inner monologue theory. And of course, he need not look older than the woman, for she pictures him the way she remembers him - not yet able to face the fact who she has to face in her nightmares again and again.

I think AR's painful expression makes some sense too, especially when the woman pictures him as being a victim of some sort as well. In that way, it is a very brave movie - quite provokative I should say. I am not sure I can agree with the "abuser as victim" part of the film - but it definitely made me think. Maybe this is why the film is so exhausting - it forces you to deal with very painful issues and really to look at it from all angles - even the abuser's point of view.

Yeah "the friendly rooster shakes his tail feathers" - it adds to the horrors of the film that the brutal interrogator could be so - well ummm .... sexy. Raaah, maybe someone else should have played the part after all...No, not really

Regarding RB`s choices on Closet Land - I don`t mean to be disrespectfull or anything, but she had some odd choices. I mean reading the script and the way The Interrogator`s characterized I can say without fear that she seemed to describe HIM from the begining. But anyway, Anthony Hopkins - yes, a good choice but I think it would have changed the movie entirely. Plus it seemes to me that when he moves a lot (which he had to do here) it`s in a rather comical way. I still love his acting, none the less. Ian Holm - I totally disagree! Ian Holm does not posess a "timeless face"  And I can`t even imagine that scene "in the closet". As for Peter O`tool, hmmm....Maybe. But he seems much to "sweet" for me. Even if I weren`t a fan of AR, he still would have been my first choice. And yes, Dee, he does seem to be much more in pain than she. MS could have brought more to the character herself. BUT I liked the result because it created this perspective that the pain of someone who has to fight his own feelings in order to accomplish something he loathes (hmmm, see any Snape resemblance? ) is much more stronger. Yes, he didn`t play the character as if he WERE the abuser but the script doesn`t really "tell" you that either until the very end. But they did leave some parts out of it, maybe because they didn`t want to reach that personal level and just hint at it. They did a good job in my view, I think discussing it further would have determined some people to go "oh did he really do THAT?! Eeeeewww!".

PS: I like the new hairstyle and I`ve always admired his choice for clothes. But I think the hair color is what gets me every time

Should have put this in the last post - sorry.

She says:

Does that mean Alan didn't capture his humanity??? Or that he portrayed him with 'flamboyant bombast and grandiose posturing?

We know from watching The Making of Mesmer, and interviews on Die Hard and Galaxy Quest that he has very strong ideas about the characters he plays and likes to have a lot of input. As he says, he likes to have 'a dialog between the script, the actor, and the director.' Maybe, in the end, they both compromised and neither was completely happy with the result???

Very, very interesting! I'd love to read that script, too. I found that there was once a book but that it's out of print and I couldn't find it anywhere (on the Internet).

Have you seen this?

http://www.closetland.com/closetland/closetland.htm

I was poking around on Yahoo! search after reading today's posts here and found this.  This statement by Radha Bharadwaj is dated September 2005 so is quite new.

It doesn't mention Alan at all but says which 3 actors she wanted (and still would prefer to have had!) for the role of the interrogator and why.

It also explains why she did it the way she did (it is her script entirely) it the way she did - having it both about 'political, state-sponsored violence' and 'intimate, personal abuse'.

It's very interesting. But maybe I'm just late in seeing it???

I think the hair just lacked a certain foofiness in these shots, that's all. 

I know, the top button thing is comical.  But you know what, Jake Gylenhall (?sp) and Heath Ledger came out on Oprah today and I immediately noticed that they had their jackets buttoned the same dorky way.  I like the dark on dark on AR too, and I was admiring the fabric of his suit jacket.  I bet that is a gorgeous suit up close.  I bet it feels good to touch.

OOPS!  *slapping self*

I know they don't like us to discuss AR's fashion choices on the GB so...

He looks so elegant and handsome in those recent photos. I love the dark, on dark, on dark. But why does AR insist on buttoning only the top button of his jackets? Even the skinniest man would look like he has pudge with the bottom of his shirt and tie poking out! "Alan, please, either button it or unbutton it!"

And, did he get his hair cut, or is it just combed back? The "tug" looks gone.

In Demand can also be found on the DVD called Texas Paris Concert.

Leanne - If you're having trouble playing the vid, it's probably because you are missing the DivX codec which is required to play .avi files. Go here to download and install the free DivX codec: http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/codecs_and_filters/divx_play.cfm

That should do the trick.  If you're still having trouble, drop me an e-mail and I'll try my best to help you out.

Oh, and the video can be found on the 2 CD & 1 DVD box set Texas: The Greatest Hits Deluxe Edition.

ClosetLand - Hubby got me CL for Christmas...the Spanish edition! After reading the discussions, I tried watching it last night. Since it's the wrong region, it wouldn't play in my DVD player, but it worked in my laptop...except...no sound or subtitles. So I watched the entire movie in silence! Can you imagine? What a weird trip!

Possible Spoilers:

All I had to go with were their facial expressions. Amazing...but in silence, AR actually seemed more tramatized and in pain than she did. Her face is often stony for minutes on end, but AR's face was constantly twitching, grimacing, sweating, etc. The way it played without words, there was no way that he could be the abuser. Even when smiling or acting, "evil", his face looks sickened by what he's doing.

Maybe the script and storyteller says that the abuser and interrogater are the same...but it doesn't play that way. At least, not in silence!

Ok, may have posted my last messesge a wee bit too early lol

Once it downloaded, it only gave me the music, no video

Is there something I did wrong?

This is really for Claudia LOL - I wondered whether you had seen Munich yet? I saw it today and was blown away by a fabulous screenplay great acting from a superb cast and a truely moving true story.

OMG INTJ- thankyou soooooooooo soooooooo much (hugs and kisses galore for you!)

Chris is right its like watching it stright from DVD!!

Speaking of which, what DVD is it from, I must get my grubby little mits on it!!

If there is a chance of the copy of MNiRC script going around, could I have it too please? my email is there.

TMD arrived this morning too so Im having a pretty good Alan week all round!!

Leanne

-x-

Thanks for posting that version of In Demand, INTJ.  Its quality is as good as watching it from the DVD. 

Leanne - Go to http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=3bb01ef59673d1c95705cf66 to download my hi-res (*cough* DVD rip *cough*) version of In Demand. Enjoy!

Forgive me if this isnt new

source: http://fanzone50.com/faves/AlanRickman-ClosetlandAutograph.html

OMG, Who, you did LLD! *faints* ! I thought your novel was about actors because you liked alan! ROFL

Peekabooh - there are 85 pages!!!! there must be some other way, some site we can digg up with the screenplay or something.... It would be easier to just make this a chain letter!

Wow!  Even more birthday wishes! Thanks Chris, Laura, Laurie, Dee, Marlina, and Native Moon (Glad to hear from you again!  Hope you and your computer are doing ok)!  You guys are awesome

Oh, and Chris:  Did I never mention I went to school for acting?  Hehehe, oops!  Well, I guess that explains why my novel is about actors.  I have the inside info.  Here's a very foggy picture of me doing Les Liasons Dangerous last fall.  (I'm on the far right)  Enjoy!  Oh, and yes, I totally got the role in this play because of my extensive knowledge of the original cast  

Over four Friday nights between February and May, Ken Campbell will assemble a team of actors and musicians and set them improvisational challenges exploring the history of the Royal Court and iconic moments from the plays. 

The show will ask penetrating and important questions such as: Who were the ‘tit swingers’?; What happens if you turn Shopping and F**king into an opera?, Or get a Greek Chorus to tell the story of Look Back in Anger? 

Join us for this anarchic, irreverent and possibly notorious, spontaneous improvisation show.

“As much a national treasure in his own alternative way as the Queen, Judi Dench and Basil Brush” The Guardian

Jerwood Theatre Downstairs    £7.50, £5 discount             

Box Office 020 7565 5000  

Book online www.royalcourttheatre.com

Yes, Nativemoon, have seen it. I think that was the site where I found the allegorical interpretation ...

Claudia - I came across an article in Googling about CL that mentioned ARs reaction to the final product. It was the first (and last) time I ever heard that. I will Google again and see if I can find the link.

In the meantime - has anyone see this

http://www.tarleton.edu/~lilly/closet.htm

Sev