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    Ł7.50, Ł5 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

Chris- I have broadband so it should upload pretty quickly, if INTJ doesnt mind posting it?? (in demand)

By the way, good review on MNIRC, I really hope it comes to Scotland so I can go see it!!

Leanne

-x-

Oky doky, folks here it is! I finnaly managed to read the whole script today (I WAS suppose to be listening to what the lector had to say about The Beginings of the Cold War but really, that stands no chance against the all mighty AR! )

In the script it`s specified that she`s about 35 and that he`s fifty-something, but with a "timeless face" or something like that. He was a piano teacher or something in those lines and was part of a literary group who met at her mother`s house, where the abuse happened. I can`t say I was dissapointed because the script draws a very distinctive line between what happened then and what is tha cause of her arrest NOW. I think it mad it even MORE interesting especially because of how he talks about her as a child. It`s scary bcause I found it charming in a way. And what I really admired is how the writer brings him on the verge of redeeming himself and hen just hrows him back into the darkness again. Also i`d like to add that the script has MANY deleted or changed lines. I don`t think the abuse was the reason he was unhappy with the result because much of it was left out especially some really obscene lines. I was surprised that he could bring that much ellegance the character. But then again he always does. The script is much more sexual too. And you just HAVE to read it because it contains some aditional explanations and "hints" regarding some reactions or lines. The "You`re going to press what against whom?" line and the hidden meaning...Oh my God, I would have never thought of that...but you must read it in order to understand it and I appreciate the film even more now. Thank you again Hikity!

ABOUT CLOSET LAND - ANOTHER INTERPRETATION 

*SPOILERS*

At first I was quite disturbed by the fact that AR's character was supposed to be the abuser, too. But then I read a very good interpretation of the movie - and it suddenly all made sense.

Yet, in that case, it is much more than "just" an Amnesty movie about dictatorship and torture in prisons imho.

As far as I understood it, the events in the cell are rather a dream/nightmare or inner monologue than real events. Maybe that explains the weird looks of the place... it is something like the inside of the woman's head. She tries to deal with what happened to her as a child and thus pictures her abuser as the three different characters she sees in him:

the abusive, brutal man impersonated by the second interrogator with the strange voice

the understanding, friend-like, yet uncanny person impersonated by the first interrogator

and the abuser as a victim himself impersonated by the tortured "Friendly Rooster"

That explains why AR plays three characters at once - it is not only for intensive torture, but rather works on an allegoric level as well.

In the end, the woman manages to free herself - her nightmares end. I remember at one stage water is poured over her head.

Note that the torture methods are all more or less related to or alluding to sexual violence and the pain the imprisoned woman associates with it.

Hope that explanation (in my stream-of-consciousness gibberish) makes some sense to you. It rather helped me appreciate the film much more. Although I have only watched it once, too, and am not planning to watch it often. It is just too disturbing with its psychological and unrestrained violence.

Yet, I think it is a very good and important movie in its own unusual way.

***CL Spoilers***

I'm glad to see I'm not alone in not being able to watch CL more than a couple times.  It really is excruciating to watch. 

I had it in my head, as well, that the revelation of the Interrogator being the child abuser was just a huge, well executed mind game.  This made the film even more of a statement (a scary one) on an International level.  

But when this was discussed a year or so ago, sonoma posted that she had read the playscript and that it did specifically say that the Interrogator was the child abuser. Well, this revelation just totally disappointed me.  In my mind, that little fact just made the whole film a story about a lowlife criminal that happened to get a job with the government instead of making an statement about government's ruthless use of detaining and torture.

NativeMoon, I'm very curious about where your read AR's reaction to the film.  I don't believe I've ever run across it.  I can't say that I'm surprised that he wasn't satisfied with it though.  That film had great potential, IMO. 

***END OF SPOILERS***

Vicki you are making perfect sense.

Ive read that AR himself was devastated by the way the film turned out. The reasons why werent chronicled but if it is true - I would wager than the abuse/Interrogator abuser storyline has something to do with it.

The film was made with the backing of /or in support of Amnesty International (if I am remembering somewhat correctly) - the abuse storyline and then having the Interrogator turn out to be the abuser is a complete mockery of what started out as a good concept. As you indicate - the film becomes something else altogether from what was originally meant.

Well, I got a sort of generic response from HBO.  Here is what they replied:

Dear Victoria,

Thank you for contacting Customer Support at http://www.store.hbo.com.

Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to view the inventory we will
carry in the future.  We recommend that you periodically check our
website to see if we have the item(s) you inquired about.  We apologize
for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please let us know if there is anything else we can do for you, and
thank you again for contacting Customer Support at http://www.store.hbo.com.


Sincerely,

Dennis H.- Customer Service Representative
Customer Support at http://www.store.hbo.com

If you have additional questions, please visit our online Help Desk.

Kind of a cop-out answer, but maybe if they get enough requests, they might consider a DVD release.  Even though I have the video tape, I would definitely buy the DVD version also. 

****Spoiler****

Re: Closet Land : I always felt that part of the film where it's revealed that he was the abuser was where they finally lost me.  AR is incredibly hot looking in this one so it will always be part of my AR library.  But I don't watch this one very often because the abuse is so disturbing and then the story coming full circle to make him the abuser just loses all credibility for me.  Perhaps it works well in the script but I think it ruins the film.  It's almost like it cancels out the idea that she is an author being accused of writing subversive material by a government and becomes a film where he is a stalker and purposely sought her out just to continue the abuse.  Or maybe it's just my weird mind.  It's late and I better get to bed because I don't think I'm making sense. 

****End Spoiler****

Dear Who -

I just read past entries and I have missed your big day *wail*

Happy Belated Birthday and well done with getting the role in the play! Break a leg!!

Whogirl17~ Happy Birthday darling!!

eBay has several Rasputins - one is up to $21 plus shipping - but it's hard to say how high they'll go.  Most look like pretty reliable sellers, though.  I've had good luck with quite a few videos/DVDs there.

I knew in Closet Land that she became aware that he was the one who had abused her, but I thought he seemed too young to be, too, unless he was a very young man at the time.  But I think you're supposed to accept that he is old enough.

Vicki...Thanks for the info on Rasputin at Amazon.  I will check into that.  Mesmer is really expensive there too.  And it looks like Closet Land is going to have to be added to my list also. 

Closet Land - I'm full of questions about that movie! Does the script actually say HE was the one who abused her? I had the feeling that the abuser was someone older --aren't they too close to the same age? And how could anyone know about the abuse and put them together?

Rasputin is one of my favorite AR movies! He is SO intense and sexy! I think an interviewer once asked AR if there was any role that he felt really uncomfortable with, and he said 'Rasputin'. (that's obviously not a direct quote) And yet he won such great awards for it!

Happy birthday, WhoGirl!!

ClosetLand script? Where do I get that?!

No problem Hikity, glad you are enjoying the toffee. We love that here in Canada, satisfies our sweet tooth and our anger managment problems as well. Dont know if you get Smarties there but i know they dont have them in USA so i  always send some of those and Macks wherever i send stuff too. You are welcome and i look forwad to any mail from you. Enjoy that magazine too.

Ooooh, Chris!  Thanks for the heads up on the Closet Land script.  It's been laying in my 'to read' pile, but it's gonna have to move up to the top!

Chrisy, my daughter might have been an actress her whole 19 years of live but she definitely is a really great actress on stage, too...send you a pic via mail as PUCK from Will's Summernight (btw I adore Will)

Hikity - yes, daughters tend to be that way, don`t they?  

SPOILER CLOSET LAND Oh I read a bit of the Closet Land script you sent me Hikity! There are some extras! How neat si that! And it did answer me one question! He really WAS the one who abused her as a child! I thought that was a bluff but from what I`ve read so far it turns out it was him all along! I`ll have to read it throughly though before venturing into any more statements. But it`s a really  GREAT piece of writing!

WhoGirl, so sorry I missed it. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hope you had a Great One!

Vicki, I`m with you on that, Rasputin was such a powerful movie, it should have gotten more publicity! Some people just don`t know a good movie when they see one! Let us know if you receive anything back. It was a smart move none the less, sending that email!

Alfan,  I smacked the Mack...hmmmm

you are really great - thanks a lot - just got your mail and I am enjoying EVERY BIT - next week I am going to send you a letter!

Chris, do you want a pic from my daughter while acting...she is the actress in our family - in every respect -

Rebecca (luvinthunder)- well, you can get a used copy (VHS only) of Rasputin from Amazon.com market sellers.  But you would have to be willing to part with $40 - $50 bucks to get it.  That is such highway robbery.  The majority of these market sellers are video store owners who are trying to unload their old, VHS inventory.  You would think they would be happy just to be able to sell it and make room for DVD's.  But the second they sense that something is in high demand (we need a dancing Alan emotie here) they jack up the price to ridiculous heights. 

I don't understand why HBO won't release a DVD version of this?  It won three golden globes and obviously, as evidenced by the price gouging, it is still popular.  Are they just not aware? 

**UPDATE**  Well, I just sent an e-mail to HBO to ask if they will ever release Rasputin onto DVD.  I told them to check out the prices that a used VHS copy was pulling in and basically told them that they were missing the boat.  They probably won't even respond, but....we'll see.

Leanne- aaaaw shucks! Listen, there was a super high quality version running around here that INTJ (god bless her soul!) posted, I`m not sure but I think CatsPlay or someone with a fast connection can upload it somewhere again and post the link. I would but we`d probably still be here next year with my "speedy" connection!

WhoGirl,

happy birthday, sorry for the late, I hope you're having a great day

http://britbitsandclips.com/video/InDemand.zip

Leanne

CLaudia has it on television page

this is the direct link, I hope it's ok, CLaudia?

Hey, can I ask if anyone has "In Demand" the original video clip?

I tried looking for it on the downloads page but it's not there and I'd really like it.

Thanks in advance.

Leanne

-x-

ps-Chris you are hilarious!!

Who- WOOOW there horsie! what do you mean you graduated from....wait. Must recover from shock. Do you have any clip or something, any picture with you on stage? Oh please send them in if you do!!! And another shocker! your birthday?! Oh wait, it rained with birthdays this week so...did I wish you a happy birthday? Or not? hmmm...that is the question. Oh well never to late for that one!

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday, dear future-famous-writer/musician/actress-and-NOT-average-at-all-of-them!

Happy birthday to you!

That's right, Chris, I've been acting since I was ten years old!  I just graduated from college with a degree in acting last May.  So that's me, actress/writer/musician and proud of being average at them all  

And by the way, thank you to everyone who emailed me and wished me a happy birthday.  It was very much appreciated

Well, about the whole Alan comments on Snape, he could have just been having a bad day.  Or I think it is understandable if people just kept asking him about his Snape role, and not the other stuff he was or is working on. Personally, I just think he could have been having a bad day.

Well, thanks for letting me know that he could very well be here in the city.  But where am I? studying, or not in the city where he is Does anybody know where he might be in the city?

If I don't get to see him, at least I am planing an ALAN MOVIE NIGHT! sometime this weekend with just me! I think i will watch S&S (my favorite), TMD, and some of the HPS.

My take on the quote when it first came out is that he was tallking about not knowing whether he cared if he upset the HP crowd by not wanting to talk about anything HP.  This is not the first time he has been snippy about Snape.  There was an incident after the first film in which a trash journalist asked him to sign as Snape for his/her child and AR responded rather sharp then as well.  Granted...the so called journalist (supposedly an adult) had no business asking for such a favor but AR was definitely not in the HP mood that day either. 

Also, keep in mind this quote was made (if it was made in that way) right at the beginning of the second production of MNiRC so it would be understandable that he would only want to talk about his play. 

Of course, all this is just my humble opinion. 

Brittany, according to sighting reports, he's been in NY for a couple of weeks now. The last report was dated the 18th of this month.

That quote from AR could refer to either HP or MNiRC.  It does seem like poor writing to write it so ambiguously.  The writer probably thought it was perfectly clear.  Hmmm. . . He has said he has a 'dark side' in an interview about Winter Guest. 

But it is understandable that he doesn't want to always be talking about HP, as if it's the only thing he's ever done - and, after all, what can he say?  He can't give away anything.

I know some people have taken his reluctance to talk about it as general disenchantment with the whole project, but I think that would be a mistake.

MrsDoylesCat--That would make the quote, if that's what it is, alot clearer.  I'm hoping he WAS referring to the play. It would make more sense, I mean why be so snarky about playing Snape?

Arrggh!

Mrs Doyles Cat:  Hmmm, could be.

Hikity: Hmmm, could be.

But --If so, why?  Why not just say the first part as he did, and leave out the "attitude" at the end?  *off to scour internet for any scrap of info regarding this*

Ms Doyle's Cat, I think he refers to his statement about HP and JKR - it's a bit ambigue but I am quite sure he cares a lot about the reaction on his play.

I have toothache and go to bed now, nightynight

Rebecca, when I first read that originally I had to read it twice but I think he is referring to the fact that <i>My Name is Rachel Corrie</i> may upset some people (because of the subject matter) and he doesn't really care!(and IMHO nor should he!).

*too shocked to find the right words*

WHO!!!!!! Did I miss you saying you were an acttress too?! or a performer of any type? Duuuuude! Exxxxcelleeeeent! Grab the camera, baby, and send some photos down my way as I`m not sure I can reach Pittsburgh in time! Damn it, that`s me, always a step behind! Oh brother!

Wonderful news on MNiRC, I hope everyone of you gets to see teh man on US soil! *cough* don`t forget the camera either! Hide it under your sleeve! JUST KIDDING! And I hope you all enjoy the play!

Dee, I`ll make sure you REMEMBER to ride that bike! My (virtual) eye is upon you, mark my words!

Hey everyone!  I've been so busy lately and I've missed you guys so much!  Anyway, a bit of good news for me and since some of you are in/around Pittsburgh, you might like to participate.  I just found out that in July I will be starring in my friend's production of Amish Burlesque (yeah, you read that right!) at the State Theatre in Uniontown.  So makr your calendars, ladies, if you'd like to come see me live on stage!  Hope everyone is well.  See you all in the chat room!

Dug this up while searching for MNiRC stuff to read...I just wondered what everyone's thoughts are on this.  I'd never read this exact article, with these exact quotes.

Copyright 2005 Times Newspapers Limited
The Times (London)
October 7, 2005, Friday
SECTION: Home news; 14
LENGTH: 81 words
HEADLINE: Alan's not potty for Harry
BYLINE: Hugo Rifkind

ALAN RICKMAN must be getting sick of all the Harry Potter questions. Cornered by a People person at the launch of Roberta Taylor's Too Many Mothers, the sometime Professor Snape gave short shrift to inquiries about all things J. K. Rowling. "I really do not want to talk about Harry Potter in any way, shape or form," he said, preferring to discuss his Royal Court production, My Name is Rachel Corrie. "It might upset some people. I don't know, and I'm not sure I care."

My initial reaction was, okay he wants to talk about the play, fine.  But why play a character, then refuse to talk/get upset when asked? Was he being hounded?  "Not sure I care.."??? Was he having a bad day? (Although, that is a very Snape-y turn of phrase).

 Please understand, I'm just curious, and not trying to upset anyone!

Poor Julia! I'm so sorry!

Rebecca - I must have just missed you in the chatroom. MNiRC is "My Name is Rachel Corrie" - a one-woman play that AR directed at a small theater in London (you can look up the premise, and controversary, at many places on the web). The reviews by fans who saw it were glowing, plus AR made several appearance while it was running. Now -- as we American's were hoping -- the play is coming to NYC. So, not only can we see the play, there may actually be a chance to catch a glimpse of AR on US soil too.

(Well...a chance for everyone except poor Julia who will be in London drowning her sorrows in a tall ale! Just teasing, honey! *hugs*)

Thanks everyone for the encouraging exercise words. sigh...I'll put down this brownie and hop on the bike right now! Well...maybe not NOW. Later...yes, later. I will definately ride it later...

*steps out of lurkdom* Hi everyone!

So, I'm making the final preparations for my March London trip...and he's gonna be HERE???????

Will I ever be on the same continent as teh man?

(I assumed he'd be filming HP5 by March.)

Ok Dee, explain to me what MNiRC is. 

BTW...I am in chat for a few minutes if you catch this

Vicki...Your description of Rasputin really makes me want to see it.  I wish I could find it.  I have heard several people rave about it.

Dee...I agree with everyone.  Just hang in there.  I have been doing exercises and eating right and I see no difference.  I bought Turbo Jam and am hoping it will help out.  A friend of mine suggested it.  She has done a lot of toning up.

Gotta get back to the sick hubby and son.  I just hope my youngest or myself doesn't get this nasty thing. 

This is not a test of the AR Emergency Broadcasting System. Repeat: not a test. If this were a mere test, the forthcoming "squee" would be contained to 10pt font. Because this is an actual emergency, the "squee" will be posted in large font audiable only to dogs.

SQUEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MNiRC is coming to NYC!!!!! That means AR is coming, right?!

Now the BIG question: Is this an opportunity for actual AR sighting?!

Alfan - no, I haven't been there, and I'd love to go!  It just depends on what week you are coming.  Maybe e-mail me privately and we can hammer out the details.  Have you tried to get tickets to the Ellen show yet?  Let me know.  The weather is almost always mild here....about the worst you may experience in April would be some rain.  But so far, it's been a pretty dry season.  Very little of the deluge from Northern California has made it's way down here.

Dee - I "feel your pain."   I have been trying to do 30 minutes on the treadmill (while watching AR movies at the same time) every morning and feel like nothing is happening. This week I've been distracting myself with "Rasputin" in 30 minute increments.  It's not fair!  I think I'm actually gaining weight!  Just watching him devour those cakes and gulp down that wine I think has vicariously put on pounds.  *Heavy sigh*  Father Gregori would probably tell me I lack faith. 

Rasputin was so well done.  It deserved every award it got...and more!  Not only was AR fantastic, but the entire cast, the costumes, the locations...it was a beautiful production.  But the one thing that always touches me about this film is how, as a parent, you would do anything, anything to help your child.  Greta Sacchi's performance always moves me to tears.  Because whether you are a Czarina or a pauper, you are a parent first and those emotions are the same for everyone.  It also throws a light on how vulnerable parents of a child in need can be to "miracle cures" or charlatans who claim to have the answer you are so desperately seeking. 

Was Rasputin a miracle worker or a charlatan?  A little of both, it seems.  By his admission, he didn't really talk to Mary, but it does seem that he had a gift of clairvoyance that he used to his advantage whenever possible.  He also seemed to have a gift of charisma..to a certain extent, and possibly was versed in hypnosis.  But he was also a bit full of himself, was uncouth, and had a voracious appetite for alcohol, women, and attention which ultimately led to his downfall.  An interesting character, to say the least.

Hey Dee, hang in there, you're doing great!

Claudia,

Well, you get a glimpse of AR's fingers in it so you are forgiven.  Is it obvious that the 'hi!' is what he says (so adorably) after he scares her with the fish?

Rebecca, congrats on your AR converts!  Hopefully that will mean more AR videos for you in the future!

Reedpipe! Thanks so much for sharing the GG pics with us and please extend our thanks to your friend as well.  Those are really good photos!

Thanks, CatsPlay.  Those TMD icons are adorable!  And believe it or not, I like the one with Juliet Stevenson the best!  I know...I can't even believe I'm saying that myself!  LOL

One more thing, whoever`s interested in JKR`s visit to Romania and her interview here:

(excerpt from mugglenet.com)

Best-selling author J.K. Rowling is to visit Romania this week to take part in a fundraising gala to help children in need in Romania and across Europe, organizers said Monday. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, recently became a trustee of the newly established charitable foundation The Children's High Level Group, which raises funds to support children in need, focusing on child health and development in Romania and across Europe. She will be in Romania Jan. 25-26, where she will be the guest of honor at a gala at the former palace built by late dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

Rowling will also meet children living in foster care and orphanages who have made achievements in sports, science and the arts on Wednesday.

She is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu and President Traian Basescu. A fundraising appeal will be transmitted by Romanian state television on Thursday during Rowling's visit. Rowling's visit is designed to highlight reforms made in Romania's child welfare system, organizers said.

As for the televised event, we now know that you will be able to watch it online at this link.The interview will air at 9:50 PM EET (2:50 PM eastern, 1:50 PM central) tomorrow, January 25th.

Wait! I seemed to have missed Dee`s complains! WHAT?! The "BIUKE" operation didn`t work out the way you planned? Impossible! Don`t lose faith! Just give up the twinkies and think "I feel pretty (...)" !!!

Reedpipe - thank you (and your friend of course!) for the pictures! Yes KK had a lovely dress and ET looked stunning as always!

Cats, need I say more? Something smells FISHY here...

Congrats, this was just the cure I needed for another cold busy day!

SQUEEEEEEEEE STLM and CME dvd's arrived this morning!!!  

DEE- emtee is 100% correct, just keep at it, it does work! (have a hug from me!)

Leanne

-x-

Morning , ladies, just a hello from me before the dentist is trying to kill me....ohhhh

Alfan, I am sorry I come so late with it: Thousand thanks again for your kindness!! I am looking foreard to your mail.

Jen - Thanks for clearing up the Snape quote issue! I don't think anyone can argue that Snape is a bastard or, that no matter whose side he's on, he is also looking out for his own best interest. But, I'm going to hold out hope that he's not "evil" and that he won't die! Although...with AR's track record of dying in so many movies, I guess I shouldn't hold my breath!

Rebecca - I'd love to meet up with you sometime! Next time I'm in the BU area, I'll try to catch you in a post a couple days ahead!

emtee - sigh...thanks for the encouragement. I'll keep peddling...*cursing colorfully in English* BTW - have you watched IT yet?

Thanks Vicki, have you been there yourself ? would you like to come with me?  I know i have a couple days to myself as Keith is taking the kids to Universal Studio's and i have been there already so i told him thats the day i want to tour around, maybe go to the Harry Potter Wizard Store or maybe if possible i could catch an Ellen show but she is so hard to get into. Thank you for all your help, it really is appreciated and we have used that info to pre-book hotel suites and so forth..whats the weather like there in April? I even thought of walking down around Beverly Hills ( god knows i wont be able to buy anything though) but i think i would be safe there by myself ( i hope ). This is a trip i so look forward to, even getting back to Vegas excites me as i love that place too.

Claudia,

I know TMD is your favorite AR movie.... just thought I'd let you know I created 6 icons featuring the red fishy, over at my LJ

Dee - Did I hear a plaintive wail from the stationary bike?  Take heart - literally!  Think of all the cardiovascular strength you're building.  The scale's probably just not moving as your body converts . . . . ummm . . . .*searches for a good euphemism* . . . "excess reserve stores of energy" into muscle.  The scale will move!  Keep on keepin' on!

emteee

Thanks for sharing, Reedpipe!  Doesn't Emma look beautiful??!  By the way, she is going to be on The View tomorrow (Weds).  And I think Kiera Knightley has on the most gorgeous dress. 

Alfan -  While you are out here in April, you guys should try and catch the Warner Brothers Museum.  If you make arrangements ahead of time, there is supposedly an exceptional Harry Potter exhibit on the second floor.  But it is for groups only.  If you call ahead, maybe you can attach yourself to a group that will be touring the week that you are here.

  http://www.hometown-pages.com/main.asp?SectionID=12&SubSectionID=54&ArticleID=10910&TM=8978.85 

This article tells a little bit more about the museum.    Enjoy!

Wow, Cristina, I am happy you received mail from good old Germany...talk to you tomorrow, I am really very tires

BTW -Snapy is not guilty whatever JKR says or writes - I don't mind - for me he is the incarnation of man

Great song!!!

just to ask a favour really, I just started a live journal so any of you out there who have one, your help would be greatly appreciated!

Have a good evening, maybe catch some of you in the chat room later!

Leanne

-x-

Hey guys, about the Snape talk, I would have posted this on the HP page but it`s not really approapriat on a serious place as that so I`ll take my chance here! Thought we could the smile. Source: Mugglenet Song Parodies at http://www.mugglenet.com/songparodies.shtml#i

Two song parodies, both entitled "I`m in the order (Snape`s song)"

Firts one: From Status Quo - In The Army.

A new location in a foreign camp              
Voldemort does the best he can
I'm in the Order now
Oh, oh, I'm in the Order now!

Now you remember what Voldie said --
Nothing to do all day but spy like mad
I'm in the Order now
Oh, oh, I'm in the Order now!

For the Death Eaters I'm the hero of the neighborhood
Nobody knows that I left for good
I'm in the Order now
Oh, oh, I'm in the Order now!

Smiling faces at Dumbledore's command
But once he leaves no one gives a damn
I'm in the Order now
Oh, oh, I'm in the Order now!

Curses, jinxes flying over your head
If you want to survive -- best playing dead
I'm in the Order now
Oh, oh, I'm in the Order now!

Voices ring out in the dead of night
Potter shouts, "You coward, stand up and fight!"
I'm in the Order now
Oh, oh, I'm in the Order now!

You've got your orders -- flash of bright green light
Your hand holds the wand
But it don't seem right!
I'm in the Order now
Oh, oh, I'm in the Order now!

Night is falling and you just can't see
Is this illusion or reality
I'm in the Order now
Oh, oh, I'm in the Order now!
I'm in the Order now
Oh, oh, I'm in the Order now!

and the second one:

To the tune of I'm a Believer by The Monkees.

I hung out in school with all the Slytherins.
I learned every curse that I could find.
I hated James and Sirius.
They both hated me.
Right hand of the Dark Lord I would be.

Then I changed my mind. Now I’m in the Order.
Dumbledore is standing by me.
I’m a spy—ooooh…
I’m in the order, not a supporter
Of You-Know-Who.
I’m a practiced expert at Legilimens.

Good enough to fool Lord Voldemort.
Harry is suspicious.
He’s just like his dad.
Wondering if I’m really good or bad.
‘Cause I changed my mind. Now I’m in the Order.

Dumbledore is standing by me.
I’m a spy—ooooh…
I’m in the order, not a supporter
Of You-Know-Who.

(Musical Interlude)

Dumbledore believes me.
He’s a trusting man.
Serving him or Voldy—what’s my plan?

Did I change my mind? I’m still in the Order.
Dumbledore is standing by me.
I’m a spy—ooooh…
I’m in the order, or a supporter
Of You-Know-Who.

PS: Hikity, here`s to the little things in life we treasure! (I decided to go with beer as a tribute to your wonderful country! )

are you talking to ME about cold?! HA HA! How about -21 degrees Celsium, eh? Take THAT!

Hikity I finnaly got your package! Oh thank yo thank you thank you! And that was such a lovely letter you attached! You swet sweet thing!

Nice one Leanne!

Leanne...

How weird!  I just put that   on my desktop a few minutes ago here at work...I got it from somewhere (?) a few weeks ago.

Isn't it  LOVELY!!!!!

New Snapey Picture from veritaserum!!

Grrrr. 

 This "quote" is all over the HP sites as a direct JKR quote about the "pact" they had....stated as fact. 

And, BTW, don't forget that AR loves to SHOCK us!

Dee:  That exact quote from JKR which I found in a Mugglenet/Leaky interview was:

So it wasn't about Snape's pact with DD specifically, but whether he is 'evil.'  She also once said that people shouldn't think of Snape as being too nice - or something to that effect.

Personally, I think Snape has his own motivations for what he does - beyond DD's or Voldemort's direction.  As AR has said, 'He's full of himself.'  He doesn't strike me as a 'follower' - of anybody's.  If he makes a pact with someone or appears to follow orders, he is only doing so to achieve his own ends - whatever those are!

But it's anybody's guess!  JKR can do whatever she wants.  And isn't the anticipation fun?  I can't wait until the last book comes out and I can see what she has in store for us, but it will also be a let-down to not have more to look forward to.

Susan,

thank you for the info!!!!

Is it the play with Alan Rickman? I mean there is AR or is just the play with other actors?

Dee, thank you for asking about this play, I never thought there could be something available and I didn't ask/look for..I was missing something!!!!

catsplay~ Just manage to see your video And squeal out loud so many times, by the end of it my big bro looked at me, shocked like i'm out of my mind!

Okay... no one is answering my question on the GB. Maybe they just don't know? I'm trying to find info on the play AR was in with Tracey Ullman called The Grass Widow, by Snoo Wilson. I just need a general description of what the play is about. Does anyone here know?

BTW - We all bow to the Video Queen, Catsplay! I had to watch it on the tiny screen, but wOw! It's so much better than the original! Less of the girl and more AR! Yeah!

And I saw the quote from JKR latest interview, saying that readers that believe that Dumbledore and Snape have a pact "cling to some desperate hope."  egads! Not sure why I have such an emotional investment in this, but I'll be devastated if Snape turns out to be truly evil. The only thing worse will be if he dies!

One last comment then off to bed. I've been riding my exercise bike for three weeks and haven't lost an ounce! I'm soooooo depressed! *my best Marvin imitation* emteeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

Thanks for the kind comments about the In Demand: Smooth Remix video, I appreciate it!  I had a blast making it, and I kind of suspected you all might love it -- just a bit!

CatsPlay...I have one word for your video...

I give you two

It was just   Keep up the excellent work!

Hey all...lurking lately, but had  some random AR related things happen over the last couple of days...

I finally have a dream about Alan Rickman.  Hot and steamy, you ask?  Dancing, perhaps?  Nnooooooo....not ME. 

 Here's how it went down:

  Scene: AR and I sitting on a crappy loveseat, in a huge warehouse type building (Flea market? Spock convention?), and I, for some unknown reason, am INTERVIEWING him.  I keep saying in my dream head, " THINK of something good to ask...DON'T ASK ANYTHING STUPID!! He'll never do another interview again!"  And AR is saying back to me at some point, "PLEASE don't ask me any stupid questions...." 

 I tried to remember what my questions were when I first woke up, but, alas, they had all slipped away.

So I told hubby about my purely platonic *sigh* AR dream.  He looks at me, shakes his head and says, "I just DON'T see it.  You lusting after Alan Rickman would be like me lusting after Elizabeth Taylor."  HA! They just don't get it, do they?

Also:

2 more AR converts:

My parents got me STLM and LA for Xmas.  I gave STLM to Mom the other day, said " You have to see this, it's really good."

She calls me today, saying," Wow, that was really good.  What about that other DVD? You know, the other Alan Rickman movie we got you...can we borrow that, too? LOL. 

Oooo Claudia, I watched BH last night also! It is so mysterious, isn't it? I just can't wait until next Sunday to see what happens from here.

Chat room anyone?

Welcome Brittany.  I'm glad you joined us.  Here's the address I have for AR.  I hope that helps. 

Alan Rickman
c/o Melanie Parker
ICM, Oxford House
76 Oxford Street
London
W1D 1BS
UK

Your video is great, CatsPlay!  You have great timing between the music and the video.  Great work!

I started watching Bleak House last night on PBS.  I've been dying to see this since all our Brit pals started talking about it.  Now I can see why they were glues to their tellys each week!  Its a brilliant adaptation of Charles Dickens book. 

Wow, Catsplay. You managed to kill two birds with one stone with me, not only do i love the video I also love Rob Thomas and when he sang that song in concert in Nov when i saw him i melted. Now i will melt for two reasons. Well done, well done.

Oh and by the way Hikity, your little package is on the way with a couple of good ole Canadian items in there as well.

Claudia, that's a nice new intro you and others created!

you are Catsplay, I followed your instructions, but in addition I had an icecream while viewing as a safety measure to cool down. Sexiest Man ALIVE - Thanks a lot and I happen to agree with Chris!

awesome!!! Thanks for sharing.

CatsPlay, I don`t know HOW you do it but I`d just like to skip the obvious and say only this: Girl, get your bags and head up to Hollywood! Spielberg? Coppola? Ron Howard? Scorsese? Polanski? They`re sooo OVER! You`re the highlight os the season! Really, you should consider directing! Or editing. Or anything that involves videos and artistic concept! I swear to you, that`s one of the sexiest things I`ve ever saw! The whole concept is really really something else! More, More, More!!!!

Brittany-

Alan Rickman

C/o ICM, Oxford House

76 Oxford Street

London

WID IBS

Hope that helps!? Let us know if you get a response too!

Leanne

-x-

CatsPlay, WOW Triple

Catsplay-

Thanks, Alba!  If anyone is having any trouble downloading the large files, I've added a link to watch it directly online on YouTube, which should make it easier.  You can get the link & info on my LiveJournal.

Reedpipe: I've tried again.  I hope it works!

I've been working on a REMIX version of In Demand that I've just completed, and am pretty excited about.  I will post a link to my LiveJournal  here, where you can find all of the options for downloading it, and more details about it.

I encourage you all to watch it -- anyone who *cough* enjoys In Demand (and I'm assuming that's all of us) is likely going to go ballistic over my remix!

Can I just be the first one to say OMG!! SQUEEEEEEEEEE!

Thanks for all the compliments about the new intro on the main board but it was a collaboration effort of many members of our group so the compliments can be spread around. 

Many many thanks go to all of you for helping to make the new format of our group work so perfectly.  I've really enjoyed the last few harmonious weeks. 

We are having a nice chat going in the chat room if anyone wishes to join us.

Puddingdale: I can certainly relate....I've been slogging through tax forms and closing out the end-of-the-year bookwork for several companies for weeks now.    I still manage to find time to pop over to both GB's everyday and read what's happening. 

Dazey:  thanks for your siting report.  It's funny...I've read several reports from people who have seen AR in person and gotten his autograph and the one recurring theme in almost all of their posts is that he smells fabulous!    Gee, I wonder what cologne/perfume he wears?  Do you think Melanie Parker would divulge the secret?  (Of course she wouldn't...she wouldn't have her job for this long if she did....drat!)  I would love to know. 

Well, keep the piccies and stories coming ladies.  It's the only thing keeping me sane!

Oh, Reedpipe:  I sent you a couple of e-mails.  Did you ever receive them?

I will give your regards to Mrs Slope, Chris. Finished working and hope you are not too stressed either.

Hopefully, we will meet in the chatroom again soon.

By the way, Claudia. Your new intro for the GB is great and I am sure very helpful to avoid future misunderstandings.

Laura those new pics are wonderful and It`s the first time I`ve seen them unwatermarked! Amazing!

Puddingdale - Oh I know how that feels, I`m struggling with mountains of paperwork myself! Give Mrs. Slope all our best thoughts too!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/LLKK5/berlinale1996.jpg

I forgot to add the source of the photos: fotomarktplatz

Welcome aboard, Dazey and I'm so glad you found us.  Thank you for sharing your AR sighting with us!

Hey, INTJ!  I'm glad you joined us over here. 

The pics have been wonderful!  The Colonel always steals my attention.  LOL  And the Antony and Cleopatra pics are gorgeous!  The Antony era look has always been my favorite!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/LLKK5/berlinalepremio.jpg

After months of thumbnails I can see this pic larger, lol.

Severina, I hope you feel much better soon, what is the link to your LJ? Sorry if it's a silly question...

Hello everyone

Thank you for your email, Christina!

Thank you for the link INTJ

Thank you everyone for everything you share here and for your work

Marlina, I promise you to send this week my package, sorry for the late,excuse me!

Laura

Hi everyone!

Chris, sorry, I did not mean to abandon anyone. Horribly, my job keeps me very busy at the moment - including the weekends. Of course, I am still reading the entries in the guestbooks and hugely enjoying all the stories about fruit and toes and fainting over pictures *lol*

Yet, there is nothing interesting I can add to the discussion at the moment, so I am rather lurking. (The Dark Lord is watching you *lol*). But I am still out there and it is a good feeling to be greeted  Would not mind a chat either, if ever I could catch any of you guys again.

An antique shop! Delightful! I have a friend who owns one and I hang out there most of the time. After a while, you won`t even notice the smell anymore! Anyway, what did I wanted to say? Oh yeah! Rebecca, you should post a message when you`re in the chat room, last night NativeMoon did and me and Laurie came in at the same time. we were like "you called, master?"  

Also *tapping* I noticed Puddingdale and Mrs. Slope abandoned us! Guuuys??? You know you can`t walk away from us now!

Dazey...thanks for sharing all the details of your meeting.  I didn't realize how many movies AR was in either.  If you have not seen Sense and Sensibility, I highly recomend it. 

Dee said:

No one commented on my post on the GB, so I'll ask here. Could AR be in the US for the Sundance Film Festival? We know he loves film festivals...maybe he's going?

I hope he is...I live in Salt Lake City and that means he'll be only half an hour from me! I think the festival opened today-I may drive up there tomorrow (I've been there before during the Film Festival, and the traffic is hell! And you wouldn't believe the multitude of people-festival goers & skiiers alike!)!!

Leanne...That is one of my favorite pictures too.

Dee...the toe thing is unique.

I keep checking the chat room.  Keep missing everyone though.

CatsPlay - Lovely photo! It's new to me too. Jeeze...for some reason I want to run my toes thru his hair. Is that weird, or what?!

No one commented on my post on the GB, so I'll ask here. Could AR be in the US for the Sundance Film Festival? We know he loves film festivals...maybe he's going?

Shoot! I missed a chat with Sev! *pouting with disappointment*. I miss you, girl! What kind of health problems? I'm worried about you!

Well since there seems to be pictures going about, heres one of my favourites:

Night folks

Leanne

-x-

In the chat room....

Laurie - *waves* You're most welcome. : )

Cats - 

Leanne - I so agree with everything you've just said. *sighs dreamily* 

I feel the same way. *melts*

INTJ- that was the picture that made me go weak at the knees and fall for him from the start!

I think its the smile, its a 'yes,everythings going to be alright' kind of smile *melts*

Hey Chris ... the details are in my LJ...

WOW, thanks CatsPlay and INTJ for posting those pictures! I've never seen them before.

INTJ,

No, I think there are probably THOUSANDS of other pics that result in the same reaction!   That is just the one for TODAY! 

Chris, you're most welcome! I, too, just LOVE that pic.

(Plus all the Antony pics - he's so very, very beautiful there. )

Cats, are you trying to tell me that pic you posted is the ONLY one that makes you want to jump on him and run your hands through his hair?  

INTJ, Yes, that one is nice too!  But that one I posted -- it just makes me want to jump on him and run my hands through his hair.  OOOPS! 

Oh INTJ, those were fabulous! the pic you posted`s my favorite from that selection! Oh and Cats, I haven`t seen it either! INTJ, a million thanks!  

Oops, that thumbnail didn't work. OK, next attempt:

Hi CatsPlay, my pleasure. : ) It's an absolutely fantastic pic, isn't it?  Talking of his gorgeous hair, I also love his tousled look in this pic

very much.  I just wish the photos weren't so badly watermarked... *sigh*

Ooops, that link didn't work.  Here it is

Hello INTJ,

Thanks for the info on Topfoto.  I actually have that on my bookmark list but somehow had missed the tons of Antony and Cleopatra pictures they have there.  I know I've never seen this luscious one with him laying and his hair falling back!

Hiya ladies, I'm finally getting around to dropping in here and reading all the new posts.

Dazey - What a marvellous AR encounter! I'm with Dee - we need more details! Pretty please??

I also wanted to share a new(?) photo site with you guys: www.topfoto.co.uk  There are several shots (especially from "Anthony & Cleopatra") I hadn't seen before.

Severina!!! What do you mean health problems? Are you alright? I hope it`s nothing to serious! How`s it hangin`, girlie?  Still busy I presume? Same goes for me, I have a mountain of paperwork waiting for me in the living room, but I`m cleverly dodging it at the moment. How`s the campaign going? Everything ok? Hope to hear from you soon, we all miss you terribly here!

Just wanted to say hi folks - serious computer and health problems unfortunately....

Ok I`m really in a hurr, got to head out into the big city but I just wanted to say this:

Rebecca - Welcome to the round table! So glad you joined the ranks!

Danzey - Wow! Just wow! This must be the first "scent" report!!!

Moro- What?! Oh tell me you`re kidding! I`m so sorry but I can`t help it.... So sweet!

Rebecca!  Hey there!  Good to see you in here!  Glad you're delurking!

Dazey:  " . . . and he smelled heavenly too."  I KNEW it!  Thanks for sharing!

luvinthunder! I'm so glad you joined us! I'm excited to have another Hoosier in our midst! And yes...still gotta love those Colts. And there's always next year!

I have been a lurker forever and have finally decided to try to come out and join the conversations. 

Jen...I want to thank you for sharing your story.  It was very touching.

Dazey...Your story was amazing.  If you don't mind me asking, were you a big fan of AR when this happened or did that occurrence open your eyes to AR?

Dee...Good luck on your mailing.  (BTW...still gotta luv the Colts, right? )

wOw! Two fabulous AR stories!

Dazey - Thanks for sharing your sighting -- or should I say "touching"? He told you to call him Alan? egads... But I need more details, girl! When was this? What grocery were you in (we've got to stake out the place!)? Do you mind if I ask how old you are?

Jen - Thanks for telling us those stories of AR's personal response. It's nice to hear that he reaches out kindly to fans when he can. I still refuse to expect anything but a generic response...but that's probably a mental, self-protecting mechanism so I won't be devastated. You're sweet to share!

Hey Chris!  I'm still here, no worries.  Just another rough week at work.  Been staying late every night, so by the time I get home, I'm exhausted and have nothing witty to say on the GB.  But I will try ot make it onto the guest book tomorrow!  Actually, most of my free time this week has been spent cruising this site:  http://cloudlessnights.livejournal.com/  For those of you who haven't seen it before, it tells the story of the first two HP books (so far) using The Sims 2.  I especially like the Time Turner Incident entries (naked Snape, people!)  So anyway, thank you for missing me!  I will see you very soon in the chat room!

Thank you so much for sharing that story, Jen!  That is quite an amazing story! 

Dee: So what does "Colts" flavor ice cream taste like, what is a similar flavor?

vanilla and peanut butter cups?

Neopolitan

Literally what is says: Colt (hey, some people like horse)
defeat? (sorry, my condolences).

Where do you all think AR keeps all the stuff he is sent, if he keeps it?  Does he gradually move the older stuff to the bin, have a separate storage facility, or do he and Rima have to keep moving to larger and larger houses so that he can have a room entitled "fan stuff"?

Me too, me too! *bouncy state of mind*  Jen, those were so nice! Dee, where are you? Hear THAT? At ease, soldier!

Oh, and Jen, I'd love to hear your story(ies) of meeting AR at the stage door, if you ever have a chance, here, or wherever!

Jen,

Thank you so much for sharing those stories.  They really are wonderful and show what a fantastic person AR is.  Really, you've made my day!

Hey, all!  Just popping in to see how everyone is--hope you're all having a great week! TGIF, indeed!

On the topic of AR and mail . . .  Not sure what this is worth, but I don't know that this story has ever been shared with anyone outside of TARF.  Without giving too many personal details (I'm sure you will all understand why), I'll share it now, though:

Last year, a member asked me if it would be all right to write a letter to Alan care of Ms. Parker on behalf of another member who has been going through a really difficult situation the past few years.  I said, sure, why not--an autographed pic would be a really sweet pick-me-up!  (She had no idea that this was done on her behalf!) 

Meanwhile, a bunch of us got together and gathered all sorts of fan-sweets (DVD's and pictures and cards, e-mails, and at the request of another member, the amazing Marquise of HP fanart fame even drew a special piece of art for her!).  All of this was meant to support her during this time, and I was uber proud of how people came together to buck up an Internet pal.  And I know those things really touched and cheered her immensely, but . . . the icing on the cake was a package she received, including a letter from Ms. Parker with a rather long and amazingly caring personal message from Mr. Rickman (Ms. Parker had typed it into the letter itself), several different autographed pictures, AND a thoughtful gift of a calendar with scenes of England, because this member had always longed to visit his country.  Yes, he probably spoke to her over the phone to dictate the message, and probably asked her to pick up the calendar before she sent the package, but still--amazing!

She was, understandably, BLOWN AWAY, and so were we all, by this incredible act of kindness.

I'm sure that AR is touched by everything that people send him, although the sheer volume keeps him from being able to respond to every item.  But I wanted to share this story--and another little tidbit, too--to maybe encourage you to believe that he at least tries to look at it all:

When I stood with a group of fans outside the Stage Door after a performance of "Private Lives" in London, there were a few girls inquiring about whether or not he had received the Snape-related art they'd sent him--separately.  He thought for a moment, and they began to describe their pictures for him.  He must have been reminded by what they were saying, because he responded by adding other details, proving that he had at least seen the pictures and even remembered them!

If he can remember Snape art (of which, I would hazard to guess that he receives a TON), and if he cares enough to send special messages and a few tokens of kindness to someone in need of a pick-me-up, then I don't doubt that he cares about the birthday items and all the other mail people take time to send, even though he just cannot respond to it all.

I hope that helps someone--and, if not, I hope you all found another reason to love him just that little bit more!  (God, I am such a fangirl!)

Hey Chris, I'm doing better, thank you!

PS: Moro - Poor Willy.....

But is that STRANGE OR WHAT?! Look out, nessie!

I`m abssolutely frozen! i`m on the verge of being transformed into an iceberg! I can`t really type either! kjehgv-whvh lkhwe kj;r;j See? This is my new look, in order to accomodate to new life conditions! I will survive! Me, birds and reptiles!

Moro -  Just that. It says enough! Oh and share that with Hikity too!!! Play nice you too! Oh and have I seen this right? You actually POSTED?! OMG, desperate times call for desperate measures so have a drink, it`s on the (Hen)House!  

Gotta go now and see what Teh Resident Rickmaniac had in store for us today! And see how Dee`s feet are doing! Laurie, feeling any better, kiddo? Oh and where on Earth is WHO?! WHO???? are you there??? Come in please! This is Houston, come in please! Which reminds me, Marlina backed out on us too! Buuuuu! Marlina, i`ts so strange not seing you post every day! Come back to the light, my child!

Laura- I haven`t forgot about your package, I just have to see if mine arrived first! Hugs to you all!

Reading back what I posted...I shouldn't have said the whale story was a lighter note. Shame on me!  Its really a sad story. 

I'm watching it live on CNN Pipeline and the poor reporter doesn't realize that her sniffling is audible and going out all over the world. 

Dee several years ago, AR used to answer each and every piece of mail he received.  In fact, one recipient auctioned off his/her letter through eBay a couple years ago.  Of course now and for the past few years, that has been impossible for him to do.

Far be it from me to say that I have read every fan's response posted on the Internet because there are certainly groups and boards that I don't participate in or read but of all the reports I've read over the past few years (and there have many), there has not been a personal contact from AR NOR a secondary contact from MP.

Maybe someone else can offer more information but if not, I hope this helps. 

On a lighter note.  I hope to God I don't have to resort to this "little" fellow's route to London.  *grin*

Fears for whale in River Thames

If you have CNN Pipeline, you can watch the whale live. 

Chris - ROFL! You nailed my actions at the post office perfectly. As soon as I dropped the package in the mailslot, I wanted to fling myself in front of the mailtruck!

But, I honestly do not believe AR will even see the booklet. Ms Parker is an excellent assistant and knows how to effectively manage her boss' time -- and no assistant worth her salt is going to let her boss waste time going thru, literally, mountains of mail. A few extraordinary items are probably set aside for him -- but that's it. Plus, has anyone ever heard of a fan receiving anything remotely like a "personal" response from AR? A gracious (but generic) letter and occassionally a personalized autograph seems to be the top end.

So...I'm trying to look at it as an exercise in "self expression".

Dee - I'm so very glad you did it after all!  I'd love it if you'd post a LiveJournal entry about how the formatting and printing process went.  Of course, I'd love to learn what you receive for a response, too!

Congratulations!

emteee - these "e's" are for "excited"!

Thanks Chris! I will be sending my letter next week some time so it arrives in time for his birthday which is two days before mine!

Ohhhhh thanks for that information, Moro.  It's definitely not supposed to act like that.  I'll have to look into the problem. 

Dee, I am soooo tickled that you sent an ARt book to AR.  I've long admired your ARt and enjoyed it as a learning tool as well as a chance to peep at The Man! 

Please let us know if you receive a response from MP! 

Don't worry, Moro.  html is now back in the background...where it should stay! 

The great thing about this guest book format is that it will do the html for you.  All you have to do is use the toolbar at the top of the comments box for all your formatting. 

I notice that Christina said:

What's this "a poor attempt of a book" nonsense?  Bah, I say!  BAH!  You've got a very clear handle on what you're trying to achieve, and a very strong premise.  It'll get to where you want it to go.  As you work it's likely even to surprise and delight you, by taking directions you never expected.

There's nothing wrong with sad and wistful, either; in terms of the novel you're working with, I think it's an appropriate mood.  But you are very good at comedy, too, and comedy can pack just as much punch in terms of significance.  Hikity's idea might be something to keep in the back of your mind and toy with every now and then.  I think it could turn into a rather grand second novel!

It's so good to see y'all having so much fun, and spreadin' the sunshine.  It makes me happy, and it's what I've always loved about this place.  It's all of you who make it worthwhile!   

Dee, you did WHAT?! OMG OMG OMG!!!!! I can`t wait for you to tell us more!!!!! Oh look at me, I can`t stop laughing!!!! And you kept it all to yourself, shame on you! You should have said "Guys, here I go, I`m putting it in the envelope...I`m going to the post office....I am IN the post office!...It`s IN!!!!!!! OH NO< it`s really in and I can`t take it back!!!! Someone bring me a gun to shot myself where I stand! What if he doesn` like it? Wait! What if it never gets there? and he won`t be able to respond and I`ll just bite my nails until my hands fall off waiting for some sign?! Oh my, there goes the neighborhood!" Leanne, great for you too! Keep us posted you two!!!

Well how comes I never saw this before, (now where did that 'I am stupid' smilie go?) *goes to look*

Can't find it, oh well least ive found it now!!

Dee, I am also sending Alan a birthday letter, I wish you luck and I hope he loves it!! (im sure he will)

Oh Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

*major coughing fit, ambulance arriving* - please check your email!  Run please.

Christina - well...now that you've asked... My new Famous ARt website is almost ready! I'm SO excited! This whole html stuff is HARD (the wizard won't do all the cool stuff I want so I've been teaching myself. egads...my brain cells are fried!)! I'll post when it's up and running, and I hope everyone pops by for a visit!

Also...this is sooooo embarrassing...I DID send AR my Famous ARt about a week ago.  Put it into a professional-looking booklet (it turned out pretty good, if I say so myself!) and included a letter. (Thanks to CatsPlay for proofing it to assure that I didn't gush all over the poor man's lovely shoes!)

Christina, whatever you are writing for the time being - you must write at least a short story or novella in the way you are describing these daily "hassles". got to go now..

Thanks Hikity, and thanks for the screensaver idea too! Wonder why my stand-by mind didn`t think of THAT!

Well funny you should mention it but I AM writing a book. well more like a really poor attempt of a book. Yeah, that`s more like it! But one thing I cannot fully explain is the fact that it`s bassicly REALLY sad! I do try to add up a little optimistic hint but everytime I re-read it I am just stuck with "Oh good job, you, where have you been living so far, in a dungeon or something?! (I could really use some Snape smiley right now! Like the world needs more depressed individual on its hands!" But what the heck, maybe the screw will turn and I`ll write comedy one day! *terrified screams in the background : Nooo Nooo Nooooo!!! Save yourself while you still can everyone! Run for your minds!*

PS: Oh so it isn`t just ME when I say European waiters bassicly suck, eh? The worse thing is when you go to abroad (in Europe) and well, hunger takes over you (that happens sometimes ) and you decide "Hey, how bad can it be?!" and go to a restaurant. Duuh. And then the waiter doesn`t speak english of any kind. It also happens that in 9 out of 10 cases, they don`t speak any other foreign language that you know.They`d probably speak pakistanese too but that really doesn`t change the situation much!  And then you have to make those silly signs with your hands in order for him to understand that you want just a roasted chicken and not octopus in sauce. When he returns, you get an exotic pizza. All you can do is stare at him blankly until he warns you that the price does NOT include ketchup. Or toothpicks, for that matter. By the end of your meal, your stomach will be stuffed (that is, if you can AFFORD it! ) because the food is excellent, but your brain`s dried out completely. Bon apetit!

Dee, my praises are on the other page! But speaking or ARt, did you manage to find a proper hosting? You mentioned something about a site not long ago. Are you still planning to send them to AR? With the letter and all? (Groovy, baby! )

Yes, Dee, a very lovely ARt, thank you

Chrisy, you should write your experiences with your family down (you are so witty) and then- one day - write a book. I laughed to tears while reading your day out with your mother. My father likes to lecture waiters, too, esp. about pre-dinner drinks such as a martini cocktail. He learned to mix it from all his American friends - therefore, nobody in Germany is able to do it the right way, haha. I don't drink it anymore

and this is what I really have to do now: before I attend my courses of today.

A wonderful and sunny day to everybody

CatsPlay - *sticking out tongue* blah!  Must confess...I felt so sorry for that poor old defensive line player for the Steelers that lost the ball, I was actually glad he was off the hook with a win! But gee...we thought this was finally the year for the Colts... Oh well! Plenty of ice cream to soothe the pain!

BTW - I posted a lovely (if I say so myself) wallpaper on the GB from the Snowcake photo if anyone is interested.

"How callus!  How cruel!

I bought six."

You know, I really enjoy AR, but it's the clever and witty posts that really keep me coming back here every day!

emteee

Dee,

Huh.  Looks like Pittsburgh creamed your sorry butts!  Ooops!

Ahh...Lex - You are one of my favorite people! Thanks so much for keeping us updated!

The Oliver Awards - Is this the kind of show where fans stand outside and watch the celebries pass by on the red carpet? Will AR be there? Is this a chance for a sighting?

Any football fans out there ("American" football - with a funny shaped ball)? My entire state is still in mourning over the Colts painful loss on Sunday. Today at the grocery, I noticed an entire freezer filled with Eddy's Ice Cream's special edition "Colts" flavor 1/2 gallons on clearance sale for 50 cents each. I was so upset! How callus! How cruel!

I bought six.

Can't wait to see some updates, Lex! 

Lex,

I'm very happy that you didn't stop posting. Thank you also for the news on the updates, I love everything you put in your site and the way you show everything, good work!

Chris,

what a day!

I am having some problems myself with yahoo: today I was able to read but not to replay to emails.

Hikity ,

can you please email me also the other account of email? if yahoo would misbehave again...

This is the version of Private Lives I saw.  No, Reedpipe, it didn't have LO in it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0022279/

I am picking myself off the floor from having kicked myself SENSELESS for missing Hug Laurie and Stephen Fry. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRGGGHHHHHH!!!

I figured he wasn't there and clicked around and BLOODY MISSED IT!!!!

Oh goodie, Lex! Does this mean there may be a good lengthy trailer on the horizon???

Oh Lex I would have emailed you but I see you`ve got quite a crowd rounding up in that inbox of yours so I didn`t want to add mine to the pile The music is so beautiful and your use of sepia on those pictures was a very inspired choice!!! But how come it stops and the music keeps on rollin?

Laura, dear, shopping was awfull!We went to this fancy

restaurant where she drove us all mad because the service was rather poor. Well not poor. Lazy is the better work. And then she started lecturing the waiter, operation which easily continued for about 15 minutes. THEN she started packing the leftovers in her tissue to feed her own dog with some goodies, which was rather embarassing, come to think of it. Just SLIGHTLY! THEN we went for some shoe hunting. For about 3 hours straight until she decided she didn`t WANT shoes really! Step-dad bought them anyway! More for me then! THEN, as we got to her place she found out her cable wasn`t working.....I don`t even wanna go into that! The clerk at the cable company`s office will definetly remember us from now on! I think the trauma was so severe he actually might be considering moving to another state! And that` about it, really! Nothing out of the usual!

Lex,

Interested to know more about this, email me if you wish!

Rumour has it that there'll be a huge update on a Film site.

Chris, how went the shopping with your mother? Many wishes from me too

Someone sweet friend sent me this clip of the Snape impression from Dead Ringers Christmas Special which aired 23/12/2005. (notice since it aired on Brit tv that I used the Brit date format????? *grin*)

The reason I can't thank the person that sent it by name is because the YouSendIt message didn't contain the name.  Whoever sent it, please let us know who you are so we can thank you properly! 

http://s5.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2V8B2TZTP884F2OGLGU3IBA0O0

Chris, no, the Private Lives I saw was definitely from 1931.

I was pretty funny when one could catch the punchlines.  But I can't compare it on whole to the AR&LD play as I've only seen clips of that.

Claudia: Thanks for those new stills!

Thank you so much for the link to the ET interview, CatsPlay! She just re-enforces my reasons for admiring her!  She's funny as heck yet strong enough to put some elbow grease into her charity work!  Thanks again. 

Thanks for the link to the Hugh Laurie site, WhoGirl17!  Its much much more than the HL download haven!  Its really a nice site....one that the download haven only dreams to be one day. 

Snow Cake is an original screenplay but I think you're right about the possibility of it being printed after the film.  This is Angela Pell's first screenplay and its quite amazing how successful it has been.  I've read that its a very rare first screenplay that gets anywhere.  So to have the likes of AR and Sigourney Weaver like it enough to put their names to it is quite amazing.

Heck yeah, there should be some kissing!  Carrie-Anne Moss' character is supposed to seduce him!

Oh my, Claudia, thanks for your wishing, I was in total shock when I saw that! So kind of you!  

I WAS going to tell you about my shopping adventures with Mum but WHO CARES ABOUT THAT NOW?! *FAINTING FROM EXCITEMENT*

the pics are great! OH THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!

I will skip the future obvious comments on his look but I`d jus like to add this: He dressed up very stylish for that movie!

Oh and Laura, I SO agree!

Just opened my 1/23/06 issue of Time magazine and there's a full page on Emma T.  You can read it here, but it doesn't show the photo.  She mentions S&S a few times.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1149384,00.html

Since I'll probably meander into squeeing and speculation, I though I'd better post this here.

First, does anyone know if there is a book or novel that Snow Cake is based on?  I haven't found anything.  Otherwise, is it likely that the screenplay will be put into print after the movie is released?

Secondly, I'd like to generate some wild speculation on the movie based on the gorgeous stills.  Wine, rumpled looking hair, girl in a blanket, rumored hot tub scene, tender hugging......is anyone else wondering if there will be kissing, or other such hotness???! 

Oh my God, I am so happy for Hugh Laurie!  He absolutly deserved that Golden Globe after being robbed of the Emmy by Willam Shatner.  I mean, come on!  William Shatner?!?!?!  And yes, Claudia, Hugh's acceptance speech was priceless.  I was screaming my head off for him.  And how cute that he thanked/brought Stephen Fry!  My other big win of the night was the beautiful Johnathan Rhys-Meyers (Alan connection, he played the young assassin in Michael Collins), who got a Globe for "Elvis."  Honestly, I didn't think his performance in that had any chance of getting him the award, but I'm glad he got it anyway, because he has really grown over the years.  Oh!  And for those of you who may not have seen Hugh's speech, it should be up on www.hughlaurie.net very soon.  This place is great.  You could say that it's a Hugh Laurie Download Haven

Thanks again Claudia for posting those Pics!

I thought I'd post the images from the Berlinale site over here too!  Can't get enough of The Man, that's for sure! 

Wooo Hooo CatsPlay and andi!  Thanks for the links! 

I simply just can not wait for this film!  I'm an impatient soul!  LOL

Ohhh what the heck...this one has been seen far and wide but I'm still going to post it. 

miem, I caught part of the film, Private Lives, a couple years back.  I've often wanted to try to see it from the beginning but have never went out of my way to find it.  I'll have to do some searching now and see if I can find it. 

Happiest of birthdays to Chris' Mom!!!  Have a fabulous day!

I watched the Golden Globes last night and although I had some disappointments....nothing for Viva Blackpool or Rome or Bill Nighy   Hugh Laurie won big and was absolutely hilarious in his acceptance speech! 

Keira Knightley was elegant as usual and her elegant Mum (Sharman MacDonald) with her. 

Emma Thompson was ever beautiful in pink!  I caught her chewing the fat with Tim Robbins during one of the commercial cuts.  Wonder what they were talking about.....politics?...a new film?

The only nod one of last year's best films (The Constant Gardner) got was best supporting actress. 

Colin Firth was there and presented but I haven't found any pics of him yet.  I don't know for sure but something told me by the way he presented that he might have been under the weather or something. 

Also spotted another of my heart-throbs in the audience....Don Johnson! 

CLaudia,

thank you for posting the large pics from Snow Cake ( and thank you, Andi for posting the links!).

Since this is the place, I'll comment the pics:

sbav sbav sbav...ok, the hair seems like mine when I wake up ..you know...like if a bird had slept in it but I love those pics anyway

 I truly appreciate a man who is real and not only for the role he has to play.

A man who is not ashamed of his age , his body changing and all.

I really like ALan Rickman because he is this way and he's not trying to focus the attention of viewers on his look but on his being so talented!On his capability (??word?) to act and to express any sensation, any feeling, everything!

He doesn't need to hide behind a youngish look, thank god !

He's a great actor and he's a real man for what he let us see

Pbviously I would like to find more photos and stuff about him but his being private is also part of his charm and of his being attractive because he doesn't need gossips to have people to speak about him...his work makes us to speak about him

Miem, mention Private Lives and I`m there! Although the ignorant in me prevented me from even KNOWING that such a movie existed! *runs off to IMDB to check it out* How was it? *after checking it on IMDB* are you reffering to the `76 version?And yes, LD and AR do make a lovely pair when they`re on stage! I wonder why no one thought of distribuiting the play. They could have recorded it and after it closed, they could have it on DVD or something. Some of our theaters did that here and it went on pretty well. They actually thought of bringing some plays back because they had so much succes even after a couple of years since they went out.

So, how is everybody today?

To everyone here who read the entry about my mother in my blog, today`s her birthday........*extremely LONG pause*  so I`m taking her out. She wants to go shopping afterwards...Hell will be unleashed on my head! I ca hear her now "this is a lovely skirt but what if it`s too long and I`ll step on it on the street and fall in front of a car and DIE?!" ROFL

The 1931 Private Lives was on TCMtonight, I caught it part way though and I actually didn't watch all of it.

I was zooming through the channel guide and came across it and thought "Hmm....I wonder if this is the same as the play?" and read the synopsis, to find that it was.  I came in just at the bit before Amanda and Eliot see eachother on the balcony. 

The parts that I saw were pretty funny, but because of sound quality and the speed the two talk at some of the punchlines were difficult to catch.

Of the clips that I have seen of the LD & AR play, I think I prefer they way AR and LD delivered many of the lines compared to these actors.  Not that the others did poorly, not at all.

Have any of you seen this movie version of Private Lives?

Greetings all!  Sorry for spacing out on all of you in the chat room on Saturday.  I went to answer my phone and when I cam back, everyone was gone!  Anyway, to cheer us all up a little about the Hello poll, I decided to compare the competetors using the Hollywood Stock Exchange going rates (these numbers are as of Jan 16, 2006)  So here we go!

Gerard Butler-21.87

Alan Rickman-169.76

Sean Bean-105.21

Will Young- N/A

Orlando Bloom-91.17

Viggo Mortensen-149.22

Russell Crowe-100.93

Johnny Depp-78.18

Hugh Jackman-107.98

Ewan McGregor-81.91

Hayden Christensen-113.47

Enrique Iglesias- N/A

That's right, people.  Alan's stock is the highest! We always knew he was a hot comodity! Take that, Gerard Butler!

Chrisy, I mentioned Oscar and Lucinda. I've got the video and last year we had a literature course at the uni: Peter Carey. We talked at length about PC and watched O and L and Bliss to compare film and literature. That was a very delightful course with a wonderful lady professor. Hubby suggested the other day that we finally should visit Down Under end of this year...

Thanks Laura! Lots of people have told me I would watch Closet Land so I think that may be my next one.

Marlina, I just checked the chat room as well. Usually I'm not on chat at this time but I'm off from work today.

Hi all!

Yes, Marlina, I have got your email and answered just now

Laurie, I think it depends on personal taste what movie watch first and what later.

I would say: watch Closet Land and Judas Kiss before

Just checked the chat room..

Is there no one in there at this time?

Ought to go to bed soon.. School tomorrow

Christina~ hooo! My bro will kill me if i dare brought his laptop to bed! 

Laura~ Have you got my mail.. Is it arrived yet?

My Dial-Up is a bit slow today.. (Everyday actually! :laugh4

It wasn't me Chris, maybe Claudia?

Sorry for the smiley attack, sometimes I just totally LOSE it!

Hello evryone? Top of the morning to ya!

Melissa, I`m so sorry, can`t help with the book you`ve mentioned. Have you tried Amazon and the rest? I haven`t even heard of it! Shame on me, shame on me, I must get out more!

Marlina, good to have you back with us! I want a laptop! That`ll be my new short term goal! Nothing`s more pleasant than to type in bed! Or watching Alan in bed. I mean...erm...ME wathing HIM! Him on the screen! Only me in the bed! Er...and only because it`s comfy! yeah!

Hikity - I know, I wasn`t worrying or anything, I just wanted to let you know. Keep you up to date and all. I remember when Laura sent me a package and she asked me everyday if I got it because she was so worried that she wrote the wrong adress or something! She`s a sport! And I`m a very patient person. I am! PS: Loved the way you called me Chrisy, now there`s something I didn`t think of! I think I`ll use it!

Laurie - Was it you or Claudia who told us about Oscar and Lucinda? Or was it somebody else? I`ll check as soon as I`m outta here! Sorry, writer`s block! Anyway, that`s one of my all-time favorites! I just loved the sequence with that glass church or whatever it was, so powerful and dramatic! And RF with hes reddish hair! Who could resist? Cate Blanchett was brilliant as usual! And the constant gardener - superb! I love the way it`s shot, it makes it look so real! And the performances were great!

watch out Alan! WOOHOOO Ralph Fiennes is scorching! *sizzle*

i'm on an estrogen OD....can u tell?

I've had a day full of Alan Rickman, Hugh Laurie, Ralph Fiennes and the brainy, witty and charming (but gay...damn) Stephen Fry.

Melissa, I love I'm sorry I haven't a Clue.  I was listening to it last night--They are comic geniuses!  Many, many laughs!  BBC 4 and 7

Just watched RF on Inside the Actor's Studio.  Very Good.

I was very impressed by him, in alot of ways. New fan, I am.  Will definitely be renting some of his movies soon!

WOW, thank you Emily and Claudia for that! The first time I saw RF was in The English Patient and I've loved him every since.

Thanks again!

Thanks for the recommendations, Hikity.  I saw Oscar and Lucinda a good while back and I saw The Constant Gardner in the cinema when it was making its rounds. You're right....both are excellent films. 

Emily mailed me a link to The New York Times spread on RF. (bless her)

http://www.nytimes.com/pages/magazine/index.html?8dpc

Go to the "Style" section and click on "Buttoned Up" and then prepare to make a great big

Claudia, and all those who love Cate Blanchett and Ralph Fiennes: Go and watch the wonderful, calm and very Australian film (based on PETER CAREY's Novel - great author BTW): Oscar and Lucinda.  And then: RF latest film, just released: The Constant Gardener - good grief, he looks sooooo good, wow (noooo, don't worry I won't be unfaithful, no, promise)

Chrisy, the mail needs more time than an e-mail...

does anyone have the audiobook of "moab is my washpot" ?

Is this old news?

BERLIN The Berlin International Film Festival lays claim to the largest audience of any film festival in the world, selling up to 180,000 tickets for about 800 movie screenings. The festival, known as the Berlinale, (entrance, below) runs this year from Feb. 9 to 19, and will include the main competition, a series of experimental films, and a ''kinderfilmfest'' for children. Most of the films are European or world premieres. The world premieres this year includes an adaptation by Oskar Roehler, the German director, of Michel Houellebecq's novel ''The Elementary Particles'' and the British-Canadian film ''Snow Cake,'' starring Alan Rickman and Sigourney Weaver. Tickets go on sale three days before each screening (or four days, for repeat showings of films entered in the main competition) at http://www.berlinale.de.

Chris, I've seen all of the movies you've mentioned, including *cough* Blow Dry AND Dark Harbor. I haven't seen Closet Land, Bob Roberts or Judas Kiss. I haven't seen Barchester Chronicles either. I really don't own many of his movies (most I've just rented) and I must start adding to my collection. I can't remember who it was in the chat room one night who gave me a list of the ones I should buy and in what order. Gotta start workin on that list...

I`m such an idiot! I meant DH, not Blow dry! Dee, this is all your doing! And you KNOW what I mean!!! ROFL BLOW dry....God!

Lex, have you sent them by email? None so far! Well I`m out now so I`ll let you know in the morning! Thank you from the buttom of my heart!

Well CatsPlay`s quite keen on those (HANDS) too! Is it the pool scene? Please not one of those surgery scenes, they cut out all my appetite! ROFL Kidding. (I dunno why, I just need to say that every now and then to prevent people not to take everything I say so seriously! ) Of course it`s not urgent, I have the movie at home too, I`m just a mess with any capturing device! And yours are so clear! Yum! Thanks, Lex! A LOT! Such a great gall, that one!

Laurie, the way I see it, it`s IMPERATIVE for you to see Rasputin, Truly Madly Deeply and Something the lord made. Exquisite! (if you haven`t seen them already, of course) I won`t say Blow Dry. *cough crisis* I`m trying to keep a decent tone here! Give me some credeit! ROFL Let me see, what else? ...

Lex, thanks for posting those pictures of STLM!

Claudia and Chris, I also loved The Gift. Actually I haven't seen a movie yet with Cate Blanchett that I didn't like, she's great! I'm glad you two gave me the heads up on Broken Flowers and Lost in Translation. I've been holding off on renting them because I also have not been very impressed with Bill Murray as of late. Guess I'll continue to hold off. LOL There are still quite a few AR movies I haven't seen yet but I just have to make a decision on which one I want to see next!

Sev, glad to see you back!

Claudia, I loved the Gift also! I was totally thrown back by the end! Who could have imagened it? Great! too bad Keanu Reeves was there! About Bill Murray, don`t get me going there! I so liked the guy and suddenly every movie that I watch with him brings me down. I think I was the only person who abssolutely HATED Lost in Translation. It should have been profound, interesting and well thought, for me it was just a bad try.

James Purefoy! Had no idea he was the one in the Getaway video (Texas) Man, she has taste in men! But I wouldn`t mind a sequel better!

Sev, glad you`re back! I won`t mail you cause you`ve told me you`ve got loads of emails to answer! But it`s so good to see you`re alive and kickin! HUGS!

Lex- Boy, wasn`t that the greatest update ever! your message in which you say "sorry, there is no update!" Or something like that! ROFL! Or should I have looked to the other sections as well except the home page? I`m so sorry, you really need to point something to me in order for me to actually see it! Oh but fabulous STLM pics! I think I speak for emteee as well when I say "Teh glasses! Teh suite!!" Yay! Great! Thank you thank you thank you!!!! Oh request! Could you do one of the scene where he comes off the elevator with Vivien, at the end? I really like the expression on his face before he stands up and leaves! Pretty pls? Pretty pls with Blalock on top? Thanks, you`re a doll!

Hikity, I haven`t received the script yesterday but I should any minute!  Can`t wait!

Laura, I finnaly had time to look over your package! May I say just this! You`ve brought heaven on me! Speak to you more later!

Nice pics, Lex!  Thanks for sharing!

Welcome back Severina!  We missed you.

Well, I spent yesterday getting caught up on some films from NetFlix.  I have a bad habit of piling them up and then I have to take a Saturday every now and then and catch up on them.  Yesterday was that day.

I thought I would share with you some of what I watched and make recommendations. 

First, if yall haven't already figured it out, I am a huge Anglophile and I love anything British including their films!  Man....the wonderful stuff we Americans miss out on simply because we are on the wrong continent!

OK, my first film was Broken Flowers with Bill Murray.  I had heard a lot about this film around its release and really thought it would be a good one to see.  My opinion....don't bother.  I've been really disappointed in Bill Murray's choice of films lately.  BF does offer a chuckle or two but it really left me at a loss.  Its like it stopped right in the middle of the story and I hate films like that!

Next was an older film called The Gift. The Gift was pretty good.  Cate Blanchett is truly a gifted actress.  One of her co-stars is the guy she was opposite in the Tom Tykwer film Heaven, Giovanni Ribisi.  They did a wonderful job of their deep south accents. 

And then there was the highlight of my day!  Run....don't walk....and get Women Talking Dirty!  It stars Helena Bonham Carter (whom I don't particularly care for) and Gina McKee.  Its set in Edinburgh, Scotland so it has allll those wonderful Scottish accents and the beautiful scenery of Edinburgh.  James Purefoy plays an absolute a** in it but anyone that's been sort of on the edge of liking him will begin to think of him quite differently after this.  Oh and James Nesbitt is in this with his lovely curly locks from his Cold Feet days.  Eileen Atkins is her usual fantastic self. 

I also saw a film a weekend or two ago called Last Orders with Michael Caine, Helen Mirren, Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone, and some other familiar British faces.  Loved it!  Catch it too, if you can. 

NativeMoon, wonderful new name btw, Dear Sev - I wish you a wonderful and successful new year in life. Women in their 40s, my 91-year-old aunt told me, are the most beautiful and dangerous for men and (therefore???)- the 40s would be the best years in life. Well, enjoy them...

And a big thankyou for your brief report on your successfull petition support...

NativeMoon/SeverinaSnape - Welcome back!   We missed you!  Sorry to hear you weren't feeling well! 

By the way, given your computer problems, I loaded the entire month so that you could view all entries when you get the chance.

I hope I see you in chat!  If not, I'll see you around EZBoard!

emteee

Many thanks to my wonderful friends here and their generous thoughts as I head into what I am told is my prime - life begins at 40? Well I aim to find out!

In addition to computer problems I collapsed from exhaustion - my charity work and other projects have me burning too many candles from both ends.

Note 1:

The legal age of consent in the UK is 16 for enquiring minds (although there is talk about lowering it giving the soaring rate of pregnancy amongst the under 16's - crazy)

Note 2: SilentLurker - bless you for your wisdom and eloquence!

Note 3:

Petitions do work - I was a vocal supporter of one which led to a major record label releasing the final tracks of one of my fav bands of all time - and now I am doing some very exciting work for the lead singer/chief visionary and the drummer... The singer, the chief visionary and defacto head of the group, changed his mind about giving the ok to release the last CD on the basis of 3,000 signatures - the CD went on to sell a LOT more than that

...so ladies (and any gents)... you do have it within yourselves to make your support known and if its something or someone you care a lot about - then you owe it to yourselves to show the love so to speak. Ive seen first-hand the results in several instances from similar petitions and know of a couple of prominent persons who were deeply moved by the gesture...

Christina, this is the one I was talking about.  And yes, it's Daydreamer! Duh. (This is a different one than the Lucius/Luscius one!)

It's Hang On:

http://www.livejournal.com/users/dreamingallday/27275.html#cutid1

Its come to my attention that we missed a birthday last week! 

I hope SeverinaSnape's birthday on the 10th was just as AR filled as possible! 

I've been doing some poking around on some of my favorite AR sites and found that one of our dear friends here is having a birthday today!!!! 

Have a fantastic birthday, Red Tango!!!  I hope its an AR kind of day for you!

That was supposed to be adressed to Rebecca! Sorry!

That`s me!

Daysleeper? Wasn`t it Daydreamer, Sherry? I don`t think I`ve seen that one! Point it out to me too! Wait! was it that one with Lucious Lucius too?

Dee's quote:For some reason I feel like I need to post a disclaimer: I'm not a porn addict, sicko, degenerate, dehumanizer (snort moro), slutty, pervert (did I miss anything...?). Frankly, I just get a silly little thrill from them...

Same here... 

Me again (?):

Thanks for that link, dang she is good!  And yes, I'm a Snape/Lily "shipper".  Has anyone seen Daysleeper's "Hang On" video by Seether? It's a Snape/Lily vid, and I love it! (Not sure where link is...Daysleeper, are you there?)

Didn't mean to cause a stink about Marquise's site. I agree entirely that her work is very good indeed. I wish I could be that artistic. Like I stated, I'm certainly not a prude, but for me, there's just just a certain 'ick factor' when I see a teenage girl with a middle-aged man, that's all.

And, to see Snape?AR drawn half-naked IS quite titilating!

Da** page won`t open! Hang in there Who! If you`re still there!

Chat time, people!  Come and help cheer me up!  It's been a rough week.

Good morning! 

CatsPlay, your video is really cute!  Thanks for sharing it with us.  I see there is more to come. Does this mean you will be doing the whole film? Those little Die Hard Palz are just hilarious! 

Sherry, I completely understand your feelings on the erotica art.  Marquise is a very good artist, indeed but the subject of her art makes me very uncomfortable.  But (there's always a but, isn't there?) I don't see a problem with anyone posting the link to her site here as long as its just the link and not the art AND the appropriate disclaimers are posted as Dee so thoughtfully did. 

Cats, the term comes from "relationship". It`s used mainly on HP sites. (ex: Draco/Hermione shippers, Tonks/Lupin shippers - shich actually turned out to be true , etc)

Can someone explain the 'shipper' references?  I've heard that term and don't know what it means (duh).

HP fans (and most of all Snape/Lilly shippers ) HAVE to see this! It`s really not vulgar at all and I found it very very nicely done!

http://www.livejournal.com/users/ledivinemarquis/28531.html#cutid1

quick clarification: "crossed my mind", "legal", "age", and other words that actually EXIST should have been in my previous post! Sorry, no time to edit them! Time is money!

*yawn*..... Morning everybody!

*chorus*

Happy (late) birthday to you!

Happy (late) birthday to you!

Happy (late) birthday, Dear Severinaaaaaa!

Happy (late) birthday to yoooooouuuuu!

CatsPlay - I have nothing else to say to you except...

Dee- Did you tell her?!

ROFL!

Yeah, Cats, we had a great time, just couldn`t keep`em shut! I don`t think we would have wanted to, either!Hey I`m off to see your video straight away! I`l come back to sing your praises soon!

Sherry - I do believe the legal ae in Europe is 18 too. Or am I mistaken? Anyway, that`s the first thing that crosses my mind too, the first time I`ve seen them. But then I was much more impressed with her talent. And believe me, I`ve seen waaaaaay worse! Fan-fic, even adult fan-fic, can be either great or really disgusting. But it`s not really my area of expertise. And yes, I second Dee! I am quite untouched by perverseness! *angel wings sound* ROFL It`s good to have you back, Sherry, hope you`re here to stay!

Laura - Get back to food shopping, the cats kittens need to be fed today! Not to mention your family! Naughty, Naughty! Tisk tisk tisk!

Oh I am sorry, I forgot to place an add! for everyone here who is not familiar with "the blog family" and have one, (and don`t hate us SILLY OTers ) you may submit your request to join the ranks at http://www.livejournal.com/users/cerebralhens/ Think. Fast.  (the portal is the outstanding work of CatsPlay! We have buttons too!)

severina,

happy belated birthday!

CatsPlay,

chat is almost daily when someone makes a "call" and others have time, just try to jump in it or post a message and we'll come to spread hugs and laughs (and tears by laughing) as soon as we can

...going to check Dee's link, I'm curious now ...I was supposed to go shopping for food, lol

Sherry - there's nothing wrong with an honest question.

I'm not an expert of her site, but I believe Satai is right - marquis draws from fan fiction. Many of her drawings have a definite storyline. There's a lot of (IMHO) inappropriate fan fiction of Snape with underage girls and boys, but marquis draws only adults -- so "her" Herminie is young, but of legal age.

Warning: I don't know if you scrolled back thru her archives, but there are also a few drawings there that are not of "consensual" nature.

For some reason I feel like I need to post a disclaimer: I'm not a porn addict, sicko, degenerate, dehumanizer (snort moro), slutty, pervert (did I miss anything...?). Frankly, I just get a silly little thrill from them, and then immediately close the window, delete my history, clean my cookies and hope my teenage son doesn't catch me peeking!

*please don't anyone flame me*

*Briefly coming out of lurkdom*

I happen to like her drawings of Snape/Hermione. Both the erotica and the non-erotica. If I remember correctly, most of the drawings that Marquise does of them Hermione is at least 17, and please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe in England/Europe to be of age is 17, not 18 like in America. So technically, Hermione in Marquise's drawings is not a minor.

Again, if someone more familiar with Marquise's work than I am knows different, please say so.

I hate to sound like a prude, but is it really appropriate to have Hermione/Snape 'erotica', her character is afterall a minor. Not that I mind seeing Snape half nude...!!!

Dee, thank you for posting that! *recovers from seeing the sights*

(I had read the first part of Featherxquill's story she has posted there on her site last month, but lost the link before she posted part two.  So thank you, THAT story is now complete for me, if ya know what I mean. )

HEY!! marquis at Romance Never Dies is posting her erotic Snape art again!! She hasn't posted anything since October, so this is news! For those who don't know her site - she is a very talented artist who draws pen and ink sketches of (mostly) Snape, Lucious, Harminie and, now, Rita Skeeter. I honestly admire her talent...plus, oh my! NOTE: This is an adult site. Her art includes various degrees of nudity and "activities", but she places warnings so you don't open anything you don't want to see.

http://www.livejournal.com/users/ledivinemarquis/

Claudia - I figured this was unappropriate for the GB...but feel free to repeat it there if you think they'd be interested.

Chris--Thank you!!!

I finally had some time to work on my Die Hard PALZ parody video.   Rather than rehashing info, the details and links to view are at my LJ.  Click on Hans to check it out:

Like I say on my LJ, I'm not entirely happy with it. 

CatsPlay  Claudia, I LOVE the new icons you've got here, Thank You!

Well, I hear I missed a very fun afternoon in the chatroom.  Seems like you ladies just couldn't keep your mouths shut. 

BWAAAAHAAAAAHAAAAA!