Alan Rickman Guestbook

And for those with less time or just want 'the facts,' please go to the News, Info & Schedule page.

We have another guestbook page devoted to fiction & virtual parties called Flights of Fancy. Again, this page that we are on now is intended (more or less) for discussion of Mr. Rickman's projects (both past, present and future).

We also have another page called the Harry Potter Forum where we can discus all things Harry Potter, spoilers and all!

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Sue! It's so good to see you here! Great photos, and I enjoyed reading your review. I had no idea you were having problems posting here for so long (sorry about that). And Dottee, too. I can't figure out why some people can't post using IE (works fine for me), but I'm going to do some experimenting to see if I can find anything out. Thanks, Ali-Pat, for the tip! I've added it to the "Problems Posting?" page.

Welcome, Suzanne! :-) Have fun watching all the AR movies.

Suzanne <webmistress@alan-rickman.comfoo>
TX USA - Friday, July 04, 2008 at 11:10:36 PM (EDT)

Ali-Pat: Dottee has told me she can't even read this GB at present. Would Firefox help her, do you think? (I use Firefox myself.)
pia susanna
- Friday, July 04, 2008 at 08:13:35 AM (EDT)

Well will you look at that! Ali-Pat's right! First time I've managed to post here for a couple of years!!
Now I shall have to think of something intelligent to say! Oh I know, here's a couple of links to my visit to Eastleigh last Saturday to see Alan: 1 2
sue
england - Thursday, July 03, 2008 at 06:26:28 PM (EDT)

Hi, I'm a new poster. I just want to say I really enjoy this site. There's a lot to discover and read for me yet. AR is such a versatile actor. Recently I went and bought Die Hard, Sense and Sensibility and Perfume. I wonder want the shop assistant thought of that choice, lol.

A couple of messages below I read the following: "There were some unkind critiques made about his romance in Snow Cake... A few "journalists" (his favorite people) mentioned that they found it quite unbelievable that a man of his age could honestly attract all the women in town".
I haven't seen Snowcake (yet). But these "journalists" don't get it, do they? Attractiveness has got nothing to do with age. It has to do with the way someone moves, someone talks, some sense of humour, a certain level of intellect and so on. Even *hair* for some people, lol.
Suzanne
Amsterdam, Netherlands - Thursday, July 03, 2008 at 06:15:10 PM (EDT)

I just learned something that might help some of the former posters who are getting blocked from this site. If you normally use Internet Explorer as your browser, switch to Mozilla Firefox. I had a problem posting with my new computer until I downloaded Firefox and now--no problem! You don't have to be a computer guru to do this. It is easy, painless, and safe. And you will be able to post here again!
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH USA - Thursday, July 03, 2008 at 08:49:58 AM (EDT)

Yeah! I imagine Edinburgh must be incredibly beautiful, too. Besides, you're lucky to be so near London and go visit often. Buenos Aires is a great city as well, beautiful, with a thousand things to do and places to go. There are many great cities around the world, but I think London has that special something. And a "plus": Alan!!
Maria Laura
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 08:18:55 PM (EDT)

Apart from Edinburgh, London is the most marvellous city in the world. I have lived and studied there, and visit it quite often.
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 05:07:54 PM (EDT)

Pia Susanna: great videos. God bless Youtube! And the entire fan work on Alan! Well, his hair is sth that I don't think we could do without!! It absolutely fascinates me. I also happen to like the videos made with Harry Potter scenes and Evanescence's music. I like the combination of the three: Alan, HP and Evanescence's music. Very powerful and I think they match perfectly. I have a friend who lives in Canada. She is from Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina. But she's moved to Canada for five years now. And a couple of months ago she got the chance to come to London for ten days. Now she's visiting her relatives here in Argentina and the other night we met to have dinner and catch up. She's fascinated by London. She said to me "girl, it's the top of the world, it doesn't get any better" And I could only sigh. I'm turning 33 today and I've wanted to come to London since I was 15, to go see A. L. Webber's Phantom of the Opera, which I know by heart coz that play is part of my DNA!!! Now, I have another reason: Alan, to see him perform in theatre. But, truth be told, I don't have what it takes, in terms of money. May be some day... I can't stop my heart from dreaming. In the meantime, I have movies, Internet and you, dearest Alan's fans, to talk to! Lots of love.
Maria Laura <mourom@fibertel.com.arfoo>
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 12:20:51 PM (EDT)

After all these years, I now have found that I love him!
Joy <jesmore84@aol.comfoo>
Wanamassa, NJ USA - Friday, June 27, 2008 at 10:46:52 PM (EDT)

Rickmaniacs: Have you seen the brand new Bottle Shock trailer, posted very recently on YouTube? More AR here, perhaps because of his Golden Space Needle Award recently. Just type in "Bottle Shock (2008)New Trailer (HD)". And, while I'm at it, have you seen a lovely funny music vid where, not AR, but his HAIR is the real star? Go to YouTube, then type in "hair" and "catsplay".
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Friday, June 27, 2008 at 03:19:59 PM (EDT)

Oh! Im sorry! My last comment was meant to be posted at HP' forum
Maria Laura
- Friday, June 27, 2008 at 05:38:56 AM (EDT)

Pia Susanna: your alternative ending is great. It made me laugh. I really agree with you about the fact that book 7 is a long death list. And it is so morbid, too!!!!! And you can feel JKR did not enjoy writing it, it was just sth that had to be done and over with. I think SS's character should have been treated differently, even if she was planning to kill him in the end. Severus is too an important character to have had such a poor resolution. Shouldn't he have had the right to avenge Lily? And the final chapter was the worst of all. I mean, after all Harry has experienced and lived through you cannot tell me he just marries, has children and lives happily ever after. I don't buy that. I wouldn't have written about the characters' future either. We are used to seeing Harry as a boy, then an adolescent. It's to shocking to picture him being a "daddy" or a "husband". And naming his son "Albus Severus"? Come on, it's not serious. I know JKR could have done so much better. And despite the diff opinions we may have, I think deep down we all feel the same.
Maria Laura <mourom@fibertel.com.arfoo>
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Friday, June 27, 2008 at 05:37:56 AM (EDT)

Pia Susanna: from your comment it can be seen there are so many different ways of interpreting a film or story. And I think that as it is so well performed you can have as many diff. "readings" of it as you like. I hadn't thought of Snow Cake from a religious or mythological point of view. Next time I watch the film, I'll do it bearing in mind your perspective. Lots of love.
Maria Laura <mourom@fibertel.com.arfoo>
Buenos Aires, Capital Federal Argentina - Friday, June 27, 2008 at 05:16:34 AM (EDT)

Maria Laura: thanks for all this! I know what you mean, and I'm sure many of AR's admirers feel the same. I didn't know that "Linda" means "beautiful"; it seems suitable. I thought of linden trees (lime trees); they're beautiful! Originally, Linda was meant to be called "Alice", it seems; in that case, one would have thought of Alice in Wonderland. Alice in that book (or those books) is a small girl. This would have been suitable, too, as Linda is so childlike. I've speculated (forgive me) about, if Linda is something of a Virgin Mary, how Vivienne might be a female Christ figure, dying for others, and Maggie a kind of Aphrodite/Venus. She enjoys sex, likes men, is beautiful. Moreover, Alex gives her that dog which Linda doesn't like and doesn't want. In Renaissance art, the goddess is often depicted with a dog, and already among the Romans, there was an association between Venus and dogs. Later, in painting, if Venus was shown with a dog, this was a kind of pictorial riddle which meant "faithful love". Venus meant love, the dog was an emblem of fidelity. Maggie isn't perhaps the most faithful of lovers, but anyway. Alex has three female helpers in the film, which gives it an almost mythical quality.
pia susanna
- Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 04:34:37 PM (EDT)

Pia Susanna: Yes… at the beginning Alan’s character is depressed, caught so deep inside that “wintry state” as you so beautifully put it, but he is soooo cute. I remember one of the first, if not the first scene, when he is sitting at a diner and reading a book and the girl approaches, I don’t know how she even dares to talk to him! He imposes such a distance between him and the rest of the world, and such authority. I would have stayed at the other corner of the room and from that safe and meaning to be respectful distance I would just “gander” at him… I hope the expression rings a bell and reminds you of another fantastic Sweeney Todd scene… Oh, yes, sir, I would have “gander” at him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, as much as I could. You know if he ever put his face so close to mine as he does when he’s threatening the poor sailor boy I don’t think I could manage to avoid kissing him. Even if he were mad at me and saying things to me in a menacing voice, tone and attitude I would just look right into those hazel eyes of his and say “kiss me”... kiss me or I'll die.

Now, on the matter of Linda’s virgin qualities. She doesn’t strike me as a Virgin Mary figure, but of course due to her autism Linda is “virgin” of many things, “in the ways of the world” for sure (another line from the same Sweeney scene, which I happen to love as you might have noticed). She relates to the Virgin Mary figure in terms of her purity. Linda is as pure as a child. Linda in Spanish means beautiful which she is, her soul is so beautiful, bright and clean as a snowflake… but it cannot be grasped or possessed or sometimes even touched without disintegrating, they share the same vulnerability and they’re both just as fragile.

I don’t think she’s ever experienced and orgasm (would had she been able to cope with the intensity of it?), otherwise she wouldn’t have asked Alex if he ever had one and certainly she would not have replied “it sounds like an inferior version of…” she would’ve just stated “it is an inferior version of” But I don’t think orgasms matter to Linda, Snow Cakes do!!!!!!!!!!!

Lots of love.
Maria Laura <mourom@fibertel.com.arfoo>
Buenos Aires, Capital Federal Argentina - Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 07:26:36 AM (EDT)

Maria Laura: I agree with you. AR's character develops from his depressed wintry state to something else -- a new spring. The visual imagery matches this. Both AR and SW are perfect in their roles. And how lovely that the autist is a helper, not a victim! I'd just like to add, about Linda in the snow: it's ALSO about accepting what's childlike in the nominally adult person. It's about being or becoming oneself (again). Sex is of course part of Alex's awakening, but you're so right to point out that it's love, more than sex, that matters here. I only wonder about Linda -- doesn't it seem, from what she says, as if she never had an orgasm? There is of course something virginal about her, but, in realistic terms, it's a bit odd. (She had her child almost as if by a virgin birth. Is she a Virgin Mary figure, on some level??)
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 08:07:16 AM (EDT)

Pia Susanna: absolutely! Alan's character has one affair with that Matrix' actress (no offence meant but i can't recall her name). I just can't help wondering is that remark the only thing to be said about Snow Cake, the only thing that stands out, the so called "unbelievable" irresistible attraction Alan causes on women? The movie is not about Alan's sexiness, if it had been they would have shot a diff thing, I don't know, Snape in the semi-nude and getting wild, perhaps... Now, seriously, Snow Cake is incredibly profound and sweet; it's about LOVE not sex! It's about learning to accept life in a simple, unpretentious way, and finding joy in simple matters such as eating snow! That's one of my favourite scenes. When Alan and Sigourney are in the front lawn and Alan is so cold, standing with folded arms, reluctant and Sigourney is lying on the floor eating snow and says "Have you ever had an orgasm, Alex?" and Alan answers back in such sarcastic tone "It has been known..." and S. says "It sounds like an inferior version of what I feel when I have mouthfuls of snow". I think it's a waking up scene, it is meant to call our attention, it's saying enjoy!! Get wet!! Get dirty!! Go outdoors!! Jump! Laugh! For Heaven's sake, breatheeee!!!! Unfold your arms! Play, have fun! It's about finding life in death, it's about forgiveness, it's about being reborn through somebody else's tragic death, it's about finding your way where you did not have the slightest intention to stay or even pass by, it's about random encounters that transform your life for good and for the better.
Sigourney Weaver’s performance is outstanding. It's a great match to Alan's.
For those who haven't seen the movi, I give you the link for the trailer
http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/snowcake/trailer/
Huge hug.
Maria Laura <mourom@fibertel.com.arfoo>
Buenos Aires, Capital Federal Argentina - Monday, June 23, 2008 at 10:22:02 PM (EDT)

Maria Laura: You're SO right, and I love In Demand too, it's sweet, romantic, erotic, tender. I don't understand, re Snow Cake, that bit about all the women in town. Only one of them has sex with him. And he's more attractive now than when much younger. I know I'm not alone in thinking/feeling this.
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Monday, June 23, 2008 at 08:02:13 AM (EDT)

And yes! we have a Bottle Shock trailer and here is the link
http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/bottleshock/trailer/

I just love these lines, and Alan's face and tone when he words his answer:
B.P. "Why don't I like you?"
A.R. "Because you think I'm an ass and I'm not, really. I'm just British...and well... you're not"

PS And by the way I'm 32, so much for the covering of all ranges of women of diff ages who love our beloved AR.
Maria Laura <mourom@fibertel.com.arfoo>
Buenos Aires, Capital Federal Argentina - Monday, June 23, 2008 at 01:36:52 AM (EDT)

Girls, all of you, all who love Alan and enjoy endlessly watching him perform no matter what role. I just want to share with you that whenever I feel sad and low I simply watch Texas' In Demand video and it heightens my spirits so much, I just daydream I'm her in his arms. I just dream with that kind of deep and tender love, which doesn't need words and everything is stated through glancing at your beloved.

Now, what is this that i've read: "There were some unkind critiques made about his romance in Snow Cake... A few "journalists" (his favorite people) mentioned that they found it quite unbelievable that a man of his age could honestly attract all the women in town" I mean if there were unkind critiques they must have been out of jealousy and envy. Alan Rickman is the sexiest man alive. And if they don't believe it, tell them to run a survey!!!! I've just seen Sweeney Todd and I've fallen in love with him all over again. He displays such energy that age is not an issue, on the contrary, he gets better every year. OH! I wish I could go see "Creditors" just because he's the director, but, can't girls, as I live so far far far away.

Now, PLEASE, I beg you, if by any chance you happen to find out that he is coming to Argentina, please, let me know.

Lots of love
Maria Laura <mourom@fibertel.com.arfoo>
Buenos Aires, Capital Federal Argentina - Monday, June 23, 2008 at 01:10:08 AM (EDT)

I'd say it's a long long hit list, with a story-within-the-story that is also about death. As if death were the only thing that could happen? But, yes, it's all fairly tedious stuff when it isn't gruesome! I agree, and others here have made the same point, that some HP fan fic is better than JKR's own texts. Certainly not all. The best HP books are, in my opinion, 3,5 and 6.
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 04:48:26 PM (EDT)

I have read quite a few HP fanfics that I think are as well written as the books (and a few that I think are actually better stories!).

It seemed fairly clear to me that before reading DH JKR read some of the fanfics online, which is flattering and exciting, but I did think it was too coincidental that things that had appeared in fanfics appeared in DH. I guess since we fanfic authors "borrow" nearly all her characters, and a lot of her other ideas, for our stories, it's only fair that she borrow from ours.

But to me DH was quite boring, just padded to fill in enough pages to rank with GoF, OotP, and HBP. If I had to give a brief description of it I'd say it's mostly about 3 teenagers traveling around Britain and living in a tent.
Lee Eft
- Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 12:01:37 PM (EDT)

Vera: No, never, sorry! Georgiana: Thanks for the info. The link worked; a beautiful building! -- I think we have already discussed AR and Creditors a little, in this GB.
pia susanna
- Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 07:31:29 AM (EDT)

Rickman to direct a Strinberg play in September at the Dunmar. See the Playbill article reproduced on the News page, or go to the page directly here.
Georgiana
Seattle - Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 02:50:58 PM (EDT)

PS No, you can't climb up. There are lovely glass elevators, though, that zoom to the top, giving a great view of the city as you ascend.
Georgiana
Seattle (loves Rickman!) - Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 02:45:22 PM (EDT)

The "Space Needle" is the skyline symbol of Seattle. I expect you've seen it, and not known what it was. It can be seen here (hope the link works), and on every opening, in outline form, yes, of "Frasier." It was built in 1962 as the symbol of the World's Fair held in Seattle that year. There is a restaurant on top, that rotates 360 degrees with a great view of Seattle and Puget Sound, and an observation deck above the restaurant.
Georgiana
Seattle - Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 02:42:05 PM (EDT)

The Space Needle is some kind of tower in Seattle. You can climb up, and I think there's a restaurant at the top. Have you never watched "Frasier?" ;-)
Vera
- Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 10:43:49 AM (EDT)

i think allen rickman is a briliant actor ne was really good in robin hood with geraldine mc ewan and in other things too he is remarkable. gaynor
gaynorhayden <gay64@hotmail.co.ukfoo>
saffron walden , uk britain - Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 10:02:52 AM (EDT)

Great news, Georgiana! I read that more than 70,000 ballots were cast this year, for a few (4?) Golden Space Needle Awards. Didn't know AR had received this award before, and for two films! He deserves it all, and I MUST see Bottle Shock. Did you watch the trailer (or is it trailers?) where he beautifully quotes Galilei?

Er, is there such a thing as a space needle? Something like a space probe perhaps??
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 09:02:44 AM (EDT)

Mr. Rickman won the "Golden Space Needle" award for Best Actor for his performance in "Bottle Shock" at this year's Seattle International Film Festival. It is by audience vote. He did not win the year "Dark Harbor" was entered at this festival, but did win Best Actor for "Close My Eyes" and "Truly Madly Deeply" the year those were shown (1991).
Georgiana
Seattle - Monday, June 16, 2008 at 01:59:17 PM (EDT)

Thanks for the all the help Alan!
Huddersfield Student Accommodation <bigjoe1@tenner45.comfoo>
London, England - Friday, June 13, 2008 at 05:11:21 AM (EDT)

But, Dottee, Professor Higgins IS supposed to be much older than Eliza Doolittle. A teacher and a father figure, or very nearly. In Pygmalion, she doesn't marry him. If I remember rightly, Shaw says in his preface that she will marry Freddie, one of the characters -- a young man, about her own age. As for Alex in SC, he attracts (sexually) only one woman, surely? Linda accepts him as a friend but not more. Anyway, he gets rejuvenated as the story unfolds. And do lovers have to be the same age? And shouldn't the producers of a new My Fair Lady consider AR's catnip effect on most females, no matter what their age? But I don't really suppose AR WILL be cast as Higgins. Just wanted to argue the case for doing so. (PS Thanks for the HP texts -- will email you soon about them.)
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 08:56:15 AM (EDT)

I would love to see him in the role, but I don't think he would do it. I just think he would consider it as too great of an age gap. There were some unkind critiques made about his romance in Snow Cake if you remember. A few "journalists" (his favorite people) mentioned that they found it quite unbelievable that a man of his age could honestly attract all the women in town, although he was quite frumped up as Alex Hughes. But if he walked through town as Alan Rickman...oh yes.
Dottee
- Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 11:49:09 PM (EDT)

Oh, and please consider that AR can sing, which he does in ST; also, he can be delightfully sarcastic as a teacher, which he shows in the HP films!
pia susanna
- Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 04:50:51 PM (EDT)

Ali-Pat, how fascinating! I found a few bits about this new My Fair Lady on the net. Co-producer Duncan Kenworthy also did Love Actually, so he has been professionally involved with AR before. But many other names than AR's are juggled in this context. I also saw something about how Eve Shapiro recently (it seems) consulted AR about her directing Pygmalion -- not My Fair Lady, but Pygmalion, on which, of course, the musical is based. Does anybody know anything about Shapiro's project, and whether she has worked with AR?
pia susanna
- Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 08:11:50 AM (EDT)

Say, how's this for a casting idea? I could really see Alan as Henry Higgins. I also like the idea somebody had for casting him as the voice of Smaug in the upcoming Hobbit film.
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH USA - Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 07:32:00 AM (EDT)

Sorry...duh...forgot that I'd neglected to add my email. That Miss Clairol is going to my brain. :)
Dottee <dottee77777@msn.comfoo>
- Wednesday, June 04, 2008 at 09:54:35 PM (EDT)

Dottee: How can I email you?

The only exception to my rule of not writing down my own HP stories is a very short alternative version of Voldy's death. This was posted as a contribution to the HP page here on March 4. It seems to me that SS, compared to HP, has a prior claim to hate and wish to kill Voldemort.
pia susanna
- Wednesday, June 04, 2008 at 08:26:50 AM (EDT)

Of course we knew this already, but it has been scientifically proven that AR's voice is close to perfect... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7426923.stm
Julia
Canada - Monday, June 02, 2008 at 12:58:16 AM (EDT)

Pia Susanna - lol, at being too lazy to write them down. But yes I too have found a few golden nuggets and you can email me and I will link you if you need a good fix. :) And yes, a couple are better IMO than JKR's (gasp...sacrilege!). Hedwig's death was probably harder for me to bear than even dear old Sevies, but that may have had something to do with the unceremonious way that she off'd SS. I would have expected a two kleenex box ending, but only got one good tissue blow out of it. I could only see AR lifting an eyebrow and saying, "What? That's it?"
Dottee
- Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 10:18:48 PM (EDT)

Hi! First time post-er here! There is a new photo of AR in the HBP movie. Here's the link: http://gallery.the-leaky-cauldron.org/picture/213131 Hope that works!
Alicia <atrezise@gmail.comfoo>
Champaign, IL US - Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 07:43:12 PM (EDT)

Thanks, Ali-Pat & Pam. Yes, too good to be true, I suppose. When I read about the innocent Hedwig's death, I knew intuitively I wouldn't like HPDH. And I won't read it again. Have read all the other HP books several times. Dottee: No, Rowling doesn't have to, but sometimes I think it would be nice if she did. There is so much HP fanfic all over the net; hard to find one's way in that jungle. Many of the texts are simply silly. Occasionally I've discovered some nuggets -- something far better than Rowling's own stuff. And of course I've got personal plans, too . . . HP stories (alternative versions) in my head. Am too lazy to write them down. Or perhaps I've got too much else to write.
pia susanna
- Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 09:57:45 AM (EDT)

I'm chuckling here....I don't think JKR has to do any more HP books...there must be at least twenty billion HP fan fics out there to keep readers happy, and some are truly good! The problem is picking through all the bad ones, lol. Talk about a cottage industry (without the revenue to purchase the cottage). But the writers and readers don't really care about that. The downside of course is that none will become films. Oh well...I've found a few favorites that fit into my personal plans for Harry and the gang, so that works for me. :)
Dottee
- Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:59:48 PM (EDT)

Thanks Ali-Pat for the info. I thought it was too good to be true! Pia, I am with you about that last book. I didnt want to read any further after the demise of Hedwig, but I plowed on and finished it even though I didnt quite like it as I did the first books in the series. My son explained to me why she wrote it the way she did! Leave it to the kids to figure it out before us. (LOL)I also have a plus/stuffed animal of Hedwig that I bought when the series first came out and keep her over one of the mirrors in the house. Have a good weekend all. Off to bed soon, Pam
Pam
MA USA - Friday, May 30, 2008 at 09:14:00 PM (EDT)

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but here's the scoop on the HP "prequel".
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH USA - Friday, May 30, 2008 at 01:33:12 PM (EDT)

Pam: How fascinating! And as early as in August! Hope it's better than HPDH, which I hated . . . Yes, that probably means yet another film. Will the prequel be about Severus, Lily, James, do you think? Perhaps other characters, or other characters as well.

Barbara: I read Creditors long ago; was a bit underwhelmed, as you seem to have been. I remember it as static, its dialogue mostly about the past. I think all the three characters are artists, or have I got it wrong? And this was perhaps the only thing that interested me. But the text that AR will use is said to be a new version, and I'm not sure what it means. Simply a new translation? Or has the text been modernized somehow -- made more feminist perhaps?? You couldn't call Strindberg a feminist. :-)
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Friday, May 30, 2008 at 08:08:35 AM (EDT)

Hi all, Have enjoyed all the things you guys have been posting the last few days. Thanks so much. I saw on the news tonight, that JK Rowling is going to publish another Harry Potter book, this time its the prequel and I thought they said something about it being released in August, so assume she is almost finished writing it. It should prove interesting. I hope they eventually make a movie of it, so Alan may have another starring role! (swoons)
Pam
MA USA - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 11:49:04 PM (EDT)

I hope a lot of you in England will be able to see "Creditors". I finished reading it a while ago and found it a bit heavy going. Basically only 3 characters. First act is a conversation between second husband and first husband of the woman - but second husband does not know that the other is first husband. 1st hub manages to undermine confidence in second's husband self and his marriage. next part is second husband and wife, also some undermining, then third part is wife and first husband dissecting each other and marriage. Very crude synopsis, I know. A very static play, little physical movement, just discussing ideas . It will be very interesting to see how AR tackles it.
Barbara
NZ - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 07:16:17 PM (EDT)

Adding to my previous post, it may have been in the special features on the Blow Dry dvd. Since I don't a copy of it, I can't presently verify that.
Dottee
- Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 08:15:29 AM (EDT)

Pollack worked a lot with Minghella and I had heard that AR did a lot of collaboration with Minghella on films that he took no credit for (English Patient has been mentioned in several places). There is either an interview or a vid of Pollack talking about AR...I just can't remember exactly where I saw or read it right at the moment. Maybe someone else can recall it?
Dottee
- Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 07:57:33 PM (EDT)

OMG, how very sad, Dottee! And also Pollack, though older, could well have gone on working for many more years, had he remained well. I Googled for AR and Pollack together, and found that the latter was Executive Producer as well as Producer of Blow Dry; also, Executive Producer of Ang Lee's S&S. Do you know any other projects that involved both AR and Pollack? It must feel a bit awful for AR, with 3 ex-colleagues passing away during one brief spring -- Minghella, Robert Knox, Pollack.
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 06:01:31 PM (EDT)

Sidney Pollack passed away today. He was involved in several films that starred and co-starred Alan, so I assume that they were friends as well. What a loss to the film community; first Minghella and now Pollack.
Dottee
- Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 12:27:36 PM (EDT)

Yes, saw it on another AR site, but couldn't make myself read the details...I have kids that age. Too sad.
Dottee
- Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 11:48:14 AM (EDT)

Have you seen/heard this sad piece of news? A young actor, Robert Knox, who plays a small part (Marcus Belby) in the 6th Harry Potter film, was stabbed to death at a bar just outside London recently. Knox was trying to protect his younger brother.
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 05:00:04 PM (EDT)

http://en.rickman.ru
Rickman
- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 01:25:35 PM (EDT)

Hi all, Got the Sweeney Todd DVD for my Birthday yesterday! I watched it with my hands over my eyes in some parts but all in all enjoyed it immensly, The man was excellent as always. Thanks for everyones info on Alan and the pics etc. Also, a welcome back to Dumpy. Glad to see you. Have a nice Memorial Day weekend to everyone in the US that celebrates. It's that time of year for BBQ's, Flip Flops, and beach attire. Maybe a few Jimmy Buffett CD's thrown in for good measure! Enjoy
Pam
MA USA - Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 08:49:33 AM (EDT)

To Dottee, I am sure the pic of Alan was around the time he was in As You Like It, he played Jacques at Statford and The Barbican.in 1985. I have many pics of Alan and some around that time and they look very simular. hope this helps . I have been a fan since 1982.
pat wright <pat4ar@yahoo.com.aufoo>
sydney, nsw australia - Friday, May 23, 2008 at 08:37:43 PM (EDT)

Er, you don't mean Judy Hofflund, Dumpy (Doris)? Or do you?
pia susanna
- Friday, May 23, 2008 at 03:38:05 PM (EDT)

hey alan! im like one of ur biggest fans!!! i just wanted to say hi, and that ur so hot! lol
cup <cupcom5@live.comfoo>
east chicago, in usa - Friday, May 23, 2008 at 02:29:21 PM (EDT)

Dumpy (Doris)! Welcome back!
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Friday, May 23, 2008 at 07:24:16 AM (EDT)

I think you are a brilliant actor. You first came to my notice in Sense and Sensibility. But I have seen many of your films since. When I was in England 10 years ago staying with my friend Audrey Szabo in Market Harborough, she introduced me to your 2 brothers.
Pearl Hubbins <phubbins@bigpond.net.aufoo>
Melbourne, Vic Australia - Friday, May 23, 2008 at 04:59:51 AM (EDT)

Would be grateful if someone could give a location of the large "mystery woman & AR" photo, and has she been identified? It was discussed a while back here.
Dumpy (Doris)
- Friday, May 23, 2008 at 01:17:12 AM (EDT)

(I apologize for automatic entry of last typed whatever--these programmers have run amok!)
Georgiana
Seattle - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 03:55:58 PM (EDT)

"Bottle Shock" is the closing night film at the Seattle International Film Festival on June 14,6:30 pm at Cinerama in Seattle.
Georgiana (I thought a bit about cutting out the plot rehash in the middle of this, but decided it was all of apiece; sorry)
Seattle - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 03:54:55 PM (EDT)

Excerpt from a review of "My Name is Rachel Corrie"--Beyond the Politics of Hate from the Sydney Morning Herald:

"In performance Belinda Bromilow captures superbly the yearning for a deeper connection with community that Corrie's writings have at their heart. Romilow is so convincing in her portrait of Corrie's unself-conscious sincerity that when the writings come from Gaza in the second half, Corrie's naive bias only serves to emphasise the sadness in her death. With such a passion for expressing her values in non-violent action, one wonders what writings and breadth of understanding may have flowered if Corrie had lived. The director, Shannon Murphy, and Bromilow keep the focus on the personal. In their interpretation Corrie is upset more by her parents' fear than her own, inspired more by Palestinian preservation of family solidarity than active resistance. She is awakened to the reality of a territorial conflict where the goodness of human nature is often obscured and her humanistic challenge is directed to those ignoring the conflict rather than to its participants. Murphy and Bromilow ensure Corrie's plaintive cry that this is not the world we asked for becomes an inspiring voice that includes but transcends the conflict in Gaza."
Renie
Windy Marin, CA - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 04:08:24 PM (EDT)

Welcome back, alicec--the more the merrier!

I watched the Anita Roddick tributelast night (I am an Activist) and was very touched by it. Kudos to the shipping deparment, BTW--it got her mere days after I ordered it. Anyway, Alan's tribute is the first one and he reads some lines from Walt Whitman. Very beautifully done. Since he and Rima were sitting in the front row you see them practically every time the camera pans the audience. I was also thrilled to see Emma Thompson and Dave Stewart participating, along with many luminaries in the activist world. Very nice DVD if you have any interest at all in this force of nature named Anita Roddick.
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH USA - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 09:41:45 AM (EDT)

Thanks, Barbara! Are they American awards?

ailicec: Why are there fewer AR sites -- what do you think? As for London, it's a little cheaper to stay there than it used to be, some years ago. Also, it's cleaner, both the air and the streets. Is AR planning another US trip soon -- do you know?
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 09:17:54 AM (EDT)

so i guess its been a while for me. never had to put in the last name before! as i prowl the internet i have noticed a sad drop off in AR sites. this disturbs me greatly. but i am thrilled that y'all are still here, this is my fav of course. so i was planning a trip to London, and a friend of mine said to me that it would be just my luck, i would get there with my son in tow, as AR's plane to USA passed overhead. dont know if i am going or not, my son wants to go but it costs so dang much money. yeah the kid is 6 but he really loves to travel. so thanks for bein here if y'all member me great if not, still great!! ok bye for now
ailicec <twiggy797wasme@yahoo.comfoo>
az USA - Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 08:37:58 PM (EDT)

Saturn Awards are for best Science Fiction, Horror films of the year.
Barbara
Wellington, - Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 04:39:47 PM (EDT)

Does anybody know what the Saturn Awards are?? I found on another site (called "Alan Rickman Paradise") that AR has been nominated as Best supporting actor for his portrayal of Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd. The ceremony will take place on June 24. No idea where.

Dottee: I read a couple of Cannes articles recently, but found nothing about any film with AR in it. But this is ex silentio -- not everything was mentioned, I'm sure.
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 09:06:36 AM (EDT)

Ali-Pat: thanks for this! Have now seen the glimpses of AR at the African event. Found elsewhere it took place in September last year, at the 20th Century Theatre in Notting Hill. I think it's even in, or close to, Westbourne Grove, where AR used to live. (He doesn't now.) As for the Roddick tribute, do you know how long it takes to download it? It's suitable that AR should be part of this. Roddick was a progressive person, a pioneer in many ways. I must say, though, that I've been quite upset recently, after l'Oréal bought The Body Shop, to find that animal tests are now carried out, not on finished products, but on individual ingredients. This runs counter to Roddick's principles, and I have, myself, after several years as a customer, deserted The Body Shop. I started buying things there because I hate experiments on animals; now, ironically, I've left it for the very same reason.
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 08:27:41 AM (EDT)

Has anyone heard whether he is in Cannes right now for the film festival? I know he has some new films that have not yet been released so there is certainly the possibility...
Dottee
- Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 10:27:56 AM (EDT)

A couple of things I nabbed from Claudia's page (thanks, Sue!)

Alan appears on an Anita Roddick tribute documentary. You can buy the DVD or download it electronically here.

And just for fun, you can see Alan's extremely brief cameo appearance at an art gallery on this YouTube video.
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH USA - Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 09:45:29 AM (EDT)

Update: http://en.rickman.ru - future english version of our site
Ghost
- Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 12:12:35 PM (EDT)

Hi everybody! The biggest Russian Alan's fansite created an english part of the forum. We'll be happy to see you there. And of course we are going to translate all our site into english also. Thank you! Link: http://rickman.ru/forum/viewforum.php?f=18
Ghost
- Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 09:27:33 AM (EDT)

I just found these at Rexfeatures, if anyone can get the bigger ones it would be much appreciated but here you go RexFeatures , there are 3 from when Alan Rickman appeared at the Oxford Union on 6th May.

More pictures here BrunoPress http://www.brunopress.nl/fotoweb/ just enter Alan's name in the search.

Sheena <purple-dragon@sky.comfoo>
Berkshire UK - Friday, May 09, 2008 at 01:57:09 PM (EDT)

Oh, btw, the link below is about yesterday's article on Bottle Shock. They announce that the release date is in August.
Dottee
- Friday, May 09, 2008 at 09:11:59 AM (EDT)

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/dishing/2008/05/more_wine_on_fi_3.html

Ha Ha! Nice photos in the link inside the link L)
Dottee
- Friday, May 09, 2008 at 09:09:17 AM (EDT)

Good day! I'm fond of mr. Alan's films. I really like it. It's marvellous.
Olga <natashasosedka@mail.rufoo>
Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine - Wednesday, May 07, 2008 at 09:21:40 AM (EDT)

"without Alan Rickman" perhaps?
pia susanna
- Wednesday, May 07, 2008 at 07:48:34 AM (EDT)

It maybe true that there is no Hogwarts without Hagrid, but I can tell there would not have been a Harry Potter [series] with Alan Rickman. Your body of work is outstanding! I look forward to seeing allot more of your work. Sincerely...
James King <Finnigann@excite.comfoo>
Coldwater, MI USA - Monday, May 05, 2008 at 01:26:47 PM (EDT)

I read it long ago. I'm still not sure what the new version of the text is like. Is it simply a new translation? Or something else, Strindberg's play updated perhaps to suit contemporary taste?
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 03:20:44 PM (EDT)

Have just got out "The Creditors" from the library which AR is directing. Will let you know what the plot is and what I think about it.
Barbara
NZ - Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 05:09:05 AM (EDT)

Dottee: No, it wasn't easy, and I did it only because I thought it might possibly be helpful to others. Sorry to learn about your husband! It can't be easy for you. I don't believe the real AR (real? what/who is real??)can be abusive, physically or not, to a friend. But, yeah, maybe, as you say, gritty. Of course he can lose his temper, but it seems he is basically very kind and loyal to his friends.
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Friday, May 02, 2008 at 06:17:14 PM (EDT)

Pia Susanna, how sweet of you to share, and that wasn't easy, I imagine. Love is an amazing thing, isn't it? I guess it does take a little while (and some wonderment) to realize that we can actually fall in love with someone we don't even know, and that kind of love can be just as comforting as any other. Since you shared, I'll admit something else was going on in my life when I was depressed: My husband, now in his mid sixties, can be quite abusive. Not physically, and not at all the normal personality he had for the first thirty years of our marriage. Actually, I think he might have symptoms of early senile dementia (seriously; he was a heavy drinker for quite a few years) and that is what makes him combative. During those times, it is very hard for me to be supportive and kind, and it is painful to endure. I guess I sort of turn to Alan in my thoughts, and it is comforting. Probably not Alan at all, because I'm certain he can be as gritty as the next guy, but the Alan I imagine; the kind and gentle and loving guy who helps me cope with these frustrations. Ok, I'll admit it, it's really Alan as Jamie. Love? Well, yeah, I guess so. And thanks for your story because now I don't feel stupid anymore for dealing with my problems in this way.
Dottee
- Friday, May 02, 2008 at 12:39:36 PM (EDT)

The Point

Jonathan Lunn Dance Company
featuring Alan Rickman

Friday 27th June at 7.30pm
Saturday 28th June at 7.30pm

Critically acclaimed international choreographer and director Jonathan Lunn brings his company to The Point for the first time. This inspiring show includes specially commissioned text by the late Anthony Minghella performed by special guest actor Alan Rickman. The Reading Room is a series of scenes focusing on different lives and relationships and examining the connections, disconnections, pacts, secrets and lies of our human interactions. This very special evening brings together an array of artists from the worlds of film, dance, music, literature and opera and features a choreographed section by Hampshire Youth Dance Company. Lunn’s previous credits include opera work in London, Los Angeles, Washington and Paris and for the National Theatre, whose production of Pericles earned him an Olivier nomination for best choreography in theatre.

Duration: 60 minutes approximately
Recommended age: 12 years+

Tickets: £10

Buy tickets
Friday Saturday

“The dancers perform intricate movements with careful delicacy drawing the audience into the tiniest detail. Light humour and tenderness completed this intelligently executed beautifully wrapped package including striking lighting designs. A subtle and compelling work.” DANCE EUROPE

Reeds
Perth, WA Australia - Friday, May 02, 2008 at 08:42:54 AM (EDT)

Dottee, Kit, and others: It's really so cheering to read about AR's benign influence on you, and that it hasn't been "merely" physical. From what I've seen in the GB Archives, and elsewhere on the net, others, too, have had similar life-transforming experiences. I never told anybody about what happened to myself, but, hoping it might help somebody else, I'll set this down.

Rather like you, Dottee, I had reached a very low point, perhaps the lowest ever. I was psychosomatically ill, could barely walk, suffered from aches and cramps, could only sleep for about one hour before I woke, didn't expect to survive for long. I had been depressed for nearly two years. I couldn't write (I'm a poet). I didn't think I had any future at all.

In January 2006, I discovered AR, and fell deeply and most surprisingly in love. Once I had accepted this (which took a little time), my physical and emotional problems vanished overnight, and I became happy again. Since then, I've written very copiously, including some of my best poems ever. There were many other things, too, that improved quite enormously. This was like a miracle, and I can't really explain it. I didn't lose weight, though, because I was quite skinny as it was. Hope nobody finds this a ridiculous story.
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Friday, May 02, 2008 at 08:36:38 AM (EDT)

Hi Dottie, Well, congratulations on your wonderful weightloss. And it is nice to read that Alan was really your inspiration on that. I just started my way in loosing quite some pounds and I hope I can reach my goal. I am "only" 48 now, but I am sure I would not be able to keep up with Alan's speed and hard work. My, he does have a lot of energy, doesn't he? Maybe I will, too, after having lost my extra weight. It would be wonderful. Well, I just go for it. But again, congratulations and good job. By the way, forgive me my grammatical errors, for English is not my native language.
Miriam <mheijdemann@netscape.netfoo>
Almelo, the Netherlands - Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 04:58:04 PM (EDT)

How right you are Kit! We would certainly want to look our best, even for that 30 second experience! However for me it was a little different. I truly doubt that I will ever meet him; it's just that being the exact same age, he inspired me with his fitness and his zest for life when I had reached a low point in mine. He was like my silent mentor and personal trainer. I could even hear him when I first took up yoga and walking (which is now running) saying in my ear, in a Jamie voice, "COME ON! You can do it!" And not just the weight loss, but egging me on to attend things and do things. I guess I just needed that inspiration to keep me at it because it has worked and continues to. Anyway, this isn't a personal chat board so enough of me, but I just wanted to add this because for anyone who needs it, Alan can be powerful inspiration!
Dottee
- Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 10:44:26 AM (EDT)

Dottee, you're not the only one to lose weight for AR! I remember a great deal of those reports when Private Lives was playing in NYC. I lost 30 lbs before seeing it and I know many others did, too. Just for the three minutes of staring at him and speaking to him in the flesh at the stage door. I've gained 15 of it back, so I guess it is time for him to come back to the States and perform so I can re-lose that!
Kit
pa usa - Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 01:41:34 PM (EDT)

[quoted from] The Oxford Union
The Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford.
Event Name Gina Carter
Start Date 6th May 2008 8:30pm
Description
GINA CARTER is one of the UK's foremost producers, having worked with some of the UK's biggest names in film and television from Michael Winterbottom to Stephen Fry and Alan Rickman. Her recent projects include 24 Hour Party People and Bright Young Things.

There will be a screening of GINA’S recent and highly acclaimed film Snow Cake in the Chamber at 4pm and then, Alan Rickman with Gina will be taking questions at 8.45pm about the film, their life and work in general, and what it takes to make it in the industry. Alan has said that Snow Cake contains his finest performance, indeed the only ONE that he enjoys re-watching.

All those present [members only, I think] at the screening will get a free drink in the bar and priority entry to see Alan speak at 8.45
Susan
- Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 03:07:17 AM (EDT)

Constance, glad you had a nice time in behind the Noel Coward Theatre (formerly the Albery--which is what the tube signs still said as of last year when I was there). I believe the restaurant, though, is J. Sheekey's.

Georgiana (I had many a charge slip from there--good seafood!)
Seattle - Monday, April 28, 2008 at 08:33:35 PM (EDT)

Someone on another site stated that he would be debating his career, whatever that means. ?? I'm not that familiar with British terms, so that's new to me. Perhaps it's just a discussion of his career and an answer/question session. But apparently, it is only for students and past students. Perhaps something along the lines of Inside Actor's Studio? But they also mentioned that this has been done there before with other famous people, and it is filmed and shown. But where and when, I have no idea.

Thanks for the comments on my weight loss and new lifestyle. I'm so much happier and more active. For some reason, it really was easy this time around. I know it sounds hokey to say that I was inspired by a celebrity, but it's the truth. Probably because we're the same age and I so admire his work and his discipline.
Dottee
- Monday, April 28, 2008 at 08:21:50 PM (EDT)

Dottee, What exactly will AR debate? Oh, and congrats on the weight loss; it's enormously satisfying when one has dieted successfully and reached one's ideal size. Dry skin can be an unintended by-effect, I know. But it tends to pass. It seems AR has inspired you to live more mindfully, also in physical terms, and you're not the only one who has been helped in this way, I'm sure.
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Monday, April 28, 2008 at 05:10:26 PM (EDT)

For those interested I found this on the Isle Of Wight County Press website last night.

http://www.iwcp.co.uk/
Amelia x
Amelia
UK - Monday, April 28, 2008 at 04:22:36 PM (EDT)

I'm kicking myself about the Anthony Mingellia memorial. I live on the Isle Of Wight! I only found out he came when my Mum told me last night via a friend. I nearly went to Newport on Saturday too! Ahhhh....

Wonder if he's still here. I guess if he is he'd stay with the Mingella family. They live in Ryde, and so do I. Funny if I saw him in town, but if I saw him for real I'd be in shock any way.

What a shame.

Amelia x
Amelia
UK - Monday, April 28, 2008 at 04:20:22 PM (EDT)

Alan will be debating at the Oxford union on Tuesday may 6th!

Trinity Term 2008
Event Name Alan Rickman
Start Date 6th May 2008 8:30pm
End Date
Duration N/A
Description ALAN RICKMAN is not a bad man; he's just very good at playing them. One of Britain's most versatile actors, many of Rickman's most high profile roles have involved playing silver screen villains. The Emmy, BAFTA and Screen Actors' Guild Award-winning actor has played Hans Gruber in Die Hard and the Sherriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood, as well as more recently portraying Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd. His acting career began with a scholarship to RADA before moving onto the RSC, picking up numerous acting prizes and medals in the process. More recently he has starred in the enormously successful Love Actually and was voted one of Empire's 'sexiest stars in film history'.
Dottee
- Monday, April 28, 2008 at 04:06:42 PM (EDT)

About AR's directing Creditors: the text is said to be a new version. Does anybody know what this means? Does it simply mean a new translation? Or has the play (also) been revised, updated somehow? (Which it might need . . . :-). Strindberg is well known for having disapproved of feminism, such as that of Ibsen.)
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Monday, April 28, 2008 at 08:20:02 AM (EDT)

Thanks for the news, Dottee and Ali-Pat. Many people attended the memorial for Anthony Minghella.

From The People UK:

"Actors Jude Law and Alan Rickman joined hundreds of family and friends yesterday at a thanksgiving service for Oscar-winner Anthony Minghella. Law and Rickman both addressed the service at Minster Church of St Thomas in Newport, Isle of Wight. Minghella was born and brought up in nearby Ryde, where his parents Edward and Gloria still live and run an ice cream business.

His brother Dominic told the service: "He was a genius but he was also a person - human, flawed, gorgeous and infuriating."Quoting from his brother's film Truly, Madly Deeply, he said: "Anthony is still with us: Really, truly, madly, deeply, passionately, remarkably."

The BBC will broadcast a series of plays in his honor.

And in the back catalogue of Rickman films, this month, "Die Hard" is Blu-Ray available, and one reviewer says:

" . . . Led by the dignified but deadly Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman), this gang is out to rob the company Holly is employed by for a cool $600 million while the FBI and LAPD, thinking they are dealing with terrorists, fumble about outside. But with his wife’s life at stake, McClane is only more than happy to do the job for the feds and screw with Gruber’s holiday plans."

"But what really set the original Die Hard apart from the rest of the pack for were the performances by Willis and Rickman. Willis gives McClane an everyman type of quality that instantly allows the viewer to connect with the character and buy into his situations without hesitation. He also displays great onscreen chemistry with the entire cast, while delivering his memorably profane one-liners like nobody else. Rickman’s Gruber is a perfect blend of dry humor and menace who dominates any scene he is in without chewing up the scenery. Rickman has had many memorable roles over the past two decades, but this one, the actor’s screen debut, is still far and away my personal favorite."

(Hmm. My personal favorite for entirely different reasons.)
Renie
Ali-Pat, you'd know that nose anywhere? *laughter*, - Monday, April 28, 2008 at 03:27:10 AM (EDT)

How nice that the photographers were respectful today at the memorial service for Anthony Minghella, and that the celebrities were kind as well. I think that they knew that Anthony's fans were also present around the world to pay their respects and anxious to be a small part surrounding the ceremony. I especially liked that they allowed us to see snippets of Alan and Jude Law going into the church, shaking hands with the Chaplain. We weren't allowed inside the church, but it was nice to feel as though we were a bit a part of it before hand.
Dottee
- Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 10:49:25 PM (EDT)

Yes, Ali-Pat, I jumped on that the day it came out! (Besides seeing the film at the cinema, and purchasing the sound track) Loved all the extras especially the press conference...they were all so relaxed and friendly with each other; you just know that it had to be a very good experience for them. Presently sharing it with a friend who isn't flush enough to buy a copy. Just spreading the Alan love!
Dottee
- Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 09:41:01 AM (EDT)

Has anyone seen the Sweeney Todd DVD? I am thrilled with all the extras. There is a good bit of Alan in some of them, including a short interview. My favorite thing though is all the appearances he makes without actually being there. In two of the documentaries, you can see the plaster cast of his head that they used to build prosthetics for the special effects. There is no doubt it is him--I'd know that nose anywhere! In one of the documentaries, the effects guy picks up one of the casts and talks about it for a while. Kind of eerie to see a frozen white version of Alan's head bobbing around on the camera, but I got a laugh out of it.
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH USA - Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 07:44:15 AM (EDT)

Constance, how nice! We might even have met in London. I didn't think about that restaurant which you mention -- I may have heard of it, but didn't know exactly where it is. I never saw AR on stage; it's a great pity. I was glad to learn here, in this GB, that he will go on directing. Mm, and I should have mentioned as well that I visited the Wallace Collection, which I'd never done before. It's close to where Baker Street and Oxford Street meet, and really worth a visit in any case -- a resplendent collection of works of art, silver plate, furniture, and more, from several centuries. But my chief reason for visiting was to find the room where Doris Lessing received her Nobel Prize in January this year. I found it without difficulties -- recognized it from a video I'd seen on the net. The patterned red wallpaper (or perhaps satin, rather than paper?), a large painting showing several ships, and, on its right, the full-length portrait of a man rather darkly dressed were unmistakable. AR and JS were among the guests, and read aloud from Lessing's new novel. They did this just in front of those two paintings, and on a small platform. Oh, and I passed Frontline, a fashionable, deceptively simple-looking restaurant in Norfolk Place. AR has been mentioned as one of its celebrity guests. Quite a new place, it seems. The prices were not as high as I had expected, but I was put off by the fact that there were only two vegetarian dishes, and they didn't seem too attractive.

My second given name is Susanna -- not, please note, Suzanna!
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Monday, April 21, 2008 at 02:55:30 PM (EDT)

Hi Pia Suzanna and fellow Rickmaniacs!

I am back from my short stay in London and just as our Pia reported that she visited the infamous BLUE DOOR.... I did as well. It was so nice to be in that little alley where you all made so much history for me just a few years ago! Even took a peek in Sheekes, where AR reportedly liked to dine after the performance. I have pictures to share but am to "darft" (love that word!) to post them here!

Nice to be back home but I did love London more than I imagined I ever would!

Cheers!

Constance <conpappa@gmail.comfoo>
Cary, NC USA - Monday, April 21, 2008 at 10:03:57 AM (EDT)

Dear fellow maniacs,

Now I'm back after an exciting fortnight in London. I won't bore you with descriptions of the Poetry Library, Kensington Gardens, Trafalgar Square,or anything else that's irrelevant . . . ;-) Suffice it to say that my hotel is in AR land -- the Paddington-Bayswater-Notting Hill area -- and only a couple of blocks from his street. "All at once am I several storeys high, seeing I'm in the street where you live," I sang softly to myself as I was walking the whole length of that street, both ways. No sightings, sorry. But I had a latte almost daily at a coffee bar in a street parallel to his, and next to it. Also, I walked down to have a look at my old campus -- the Kensington Campus of King's College, London University. Those particular buildings have now been sold (which I already knew) to a private developer. But I think this is close to where AR used to live fairly long ago, roughly midway between Holland Park and Kensington Gardens. Am I wrong? Also, I passed next to the Royal Albert Hall, where he appeared last autumn. And close to the rather ugly Albert Memorial, where he once posed in a kilt. Also, I saw the famous blue stage door of the Noel Coward theatre (earlier the Albery; AR starred there in Private Lives, and was present two years ago when the place received its new name). At one point I had coffee and a muffin at the café at the marvellous British Museum, and seemed to remember that AR once was there, discussing what was then the Robin Hood project with the late Peter Barnes. I'm sure some of you know more about this. I think eggs and chips figured. But the café wasn't in the same part of the building, in those years.
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Monday, April 21, 2008 at 09:25:10 AM (EDT)

In this week's Entertainment Weekly, in the letters section a fan wrote: "...enjoying your article about [Sweeney Todd]...stumbled across line "Alan Rickman can't sing a lick. I was completely taken aback. He's a Fantastic singer - not only in Sweeney Todd but also in Truly Madly Deeply. He might not be famous for his [singing] voice, but it's velvety and sexy in that Alan Rickman way."

I was so happy to see this because I too read that article and thought "What is WRONG with that person??"
Dottee
- Monday, April 21, 2008 at 08:16:39 AM (EDT)

Michael Grandage (Artistic Director of the Donmar) is amazing. He was the man behind Branagh's Richard III in Sheffield six years ago. (6 years?! Yipes!)

A reminder: The new season at the Donmar’s Covent Garden home runs simultaneously with the theatre’s year-long West End residency at Wyndham’s Theatre, which runs from September 2008 to August 2009, and comprises: Ivanov, starring Kenneth Branagh; Twelfth Night, with Derek Jacobi as Malvolio; Madame de Sade led by Judi Dench; and Hamlet, starring Jude Law and directed by Kenneth Branagh.

For any of you who have not seen any of the great photos of Kenneth Branagh alongside AR at the Patrick Doyle event, you might enjoy a quick click to the front page of the DT to catch one. Scroll down.
Renie
- Friday, April 18, 2008 at 03:55:37 PM (EDT)

Hey! Alan's directing Strindberg's Creditors in London this September! Read all about it on Playbill.
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH USA - Friday, April 18, 2008 at 01:40:15 PM (EDT)

Does this mean that he might be in Cannes and we might be able to look forward to some new photos??? I for one would really like this Alan Drought to end!!
Dottee
- Friday, April 18, 2008 at 09:41:38 AM (EDT)

Oops sorry Ali-Pat looks like we posted at the same time. Or rather I was still formatting when you posted. ;-)
Sheena <amber64dragon@gmail.comfoo>
- Friday, April 18, 2008 at 08:01:33 AM (EDT)

Freestyle to distribute 'Shock' By Gregg Goldstein

April 17, 2008

NEW YORK -- "Bottle Shock," the true story of a California winery family, will be distributed in North America by Freestyle Releasing.

Randall Miller's feature starring Chris Pine, Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman and Freddy Rodriguez premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival. It revolves around a vineyard owner (Pullman) and his slacker son (Pine) who join forces with a British winemaker (Rickman) to launch the 1976 Paris Tastings, which put the California wine industry on the map.

The film will be released this year in more than 250 theaters nationwide. Odd Lot International will handle foreign sales on the project at next month's Festival de Cannes, part of a two-picture rep deal with Freestyle.

Miller co-wrote the film with Jody Savin and Ross Schwartz. He also produced the film with Savin, J. Todd Harris, Brenda Lhormer, Marc Lhormer and Marc Toberoff.

Freestyle also is distributing Miller's darkly comic thriller "Nobel Son," which also stars Rickman and Pullman.

Source: Hollywood Report

Sheena <amber64dragon@gmail.comfoo>
Berkshire UK - Friday, April 18, 2008 at 07:59:42 AM (EDT)

Both Bottle Shock and Nobel Son have been picked up for distribution by Freestyle. No date given in the article, but it is news to me that Freestyle will distribute NS as well as BS.
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH USA - Friday, April 18, 2008 at 07:20:50 AM (EDT)

Dottee, it isn't different to me either. Go for it!

Having all that hard work pay off is something to celebrate.
Sheffe <shethra77@yahoo.comfoo>
Conestoga, PA - Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 09:01:59 PM (EDT)

Great work, Dottee! I think it's wonderful what you've accomplished. And I agree that straightening your teeth and straightening your nose (or whatever) is pretty much the same thing. Have your work done and feel even more fabulous.
Susan
- Monday, April 14, 2008 at 06:22:07 PM (EDT)

Thanks, Sheffe! It was basically a pound a week...some weeks only ounces, some weeks, more than a pound. But unfortunately, being over sixty, as slow going as it was and as much as I exercised, my skin is still like crepe paper. My intention when I hit goal in twenty more pounds is a little chin lift. I truly doubt that my skin will go back on it's own, and that will be my reward for a couple of years of staying true to my new regime. But case in point, if Alan has had a little "work" good for him. I would love him either way because of his enormous talent and loving heart, but why shouldn't he want to look his best? It's only human nature, especially if one is still active in his occupation and that occupation insists on looking one's best. We straighten our kid's teeth with braces at the age of puberty or even younger...why then is this any different?
Dottee
- Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 10:26:56 PM (EDT)

Good for you, Dottee. That is a hard job losing weight like that. Hooray for looking better!

Loss of weight might be some of it for AR, but partly, to me anyway, the creases in his face don't look as pronounced. I don't know what it is, but will gaze happily anyway.
Sheffe <shethra77@yahoo.comfoo>
Conestoga, PA - Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 08:09:16 PM (EDT)

I'm exactly AR's age and I've lost a lot of weight in the past year and a half (over fifty pounds), and although many people say "You look thinner" I mostly hear the comment, "you look younger"... I wonder if by staying thinner (and AR has had his plumpy moments) he reverts back to a younger look. Either way, for me he looks wonderful. I agree though, not a double. There's only one Rickman.
Dottee
- Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 12:43:50 AM (EDT)

Slow Elliot! How the mojitos are you?

Your theory about how AR is looking better is creative, as always. However, there are a few teeny problems. We have a good many candid photographs of Alan, taken by both professionals and amateurs, in the same places at the same times. You can see the man's pores, for monkey's sake. It's really him.

The easy and obvious answer is that he's had something done. Probably nothing as drastic as surgery, possibly as simple as some lifestyle changes. Don't you think that makes a heckuva lot more sense than resorting to a DOUBLE?

Furthermore, at loads of these places people hear him talk. Nobody doubles body and voice well enough to pass for someone, unless that person has an eerily close identical twin (and often even identical twins' voices are not alike.)

I think we really have to look at the skill of the makeup artists involved, and at the hope that Alan is taking care of himself.

A double. Oy.
Sheffe <shethra77@yahoo.comfoo>
Conestoga, PA - Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 05:04:45 PM (EDT)

Actor Rickman, 4 letters in this morning's newspaper crossword puzzle. I got that one! 62 looks good on AR, but yeah, make up and special lenses do get used in photos and on TV. I prefer mature looking people anyway.
kit
pa usa - Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 01:16:50 PM (EDT)

The truth is, most actors (or studios) employ doubles, and regardless of their approval of the process, they are photoshopped heavily for the purpose of selling seats. There are lens tricks to hide small things, and makeup tricks for a distance, but if you see a 20 year age gap, sorry, it's some other guy.

But ponder, if you're looking for visual whatever does it bother you if the franchise has a new Mickey in the suit while you're going off to mental vacation land? Just pointing out the obvious. The guy is 60. Nobody's cracking on his age, but when you see a forty year old you know it's all part of the show. I think I've done my part now. At least that's gonna have to be it. Ladies!
Elliot
- Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 11:32:14 PM (EDT)

Mm, I don't know. In a recent interview (re Bottle Shock), AR looks very youthful -- hardly a line on his face -- despite the silvered hair. Yes, magnificent hair! As Turpin, he is a bit lined, no? And, by the way, I liked that AR didn't permit the interviewer to dominate the dialogue. I don't think AR suffers fools gladly.
pia susanna
- Saturday, April 05, 2008 at 08:53:41 AM (EDT)

Oops - yes, Georgiana, my mistake - S&S, I have been away too long. I've had a chance to view most of the second DVD in the set now. The best so far from the AR point of view is the Making Of segment. He appears several times as the various actors describe their roles - but the best comment comes from Johnny Depp, who comments on AR's ability to switch moods (I think was the word he used but wouldn't swear to it) from sarcastic to ' those puppy dog eyes'. No, pia susanna - from recent clips and or photos I don't think he is any older as Judge Turpin than in real life except that his hair has been (attractively) silvered. And yes, he has certainly aged gracefully in my eyes since he marched out of the pantechnicon in Die Hard twenty something years ago. Which is more than other actors I could name with their fake tans, coloured hair, and face lifts. His voice is certainly in the baritone range - as to whether he has a singing voice I will have to wait for an opportunity to judge - I did notice this time round that Sacha Baron Cohen certainly has a good singing (tenor) voice.
Gail <gail.rayment@sympatico.cafoo>
Cobourg, Canada - Saturday, April 05, 2008 at 12:18:47 AM (EDT)

Gail: never saw ST; don't care for blood, even on a smaller screen! -- I'm not quite happy about "continues to age very gracefully", because: 1) He's only what's known as middle-aged; 2) Doesn't he look a bit older as Judge Turpin than as AR? (Though I'm glad, from clips I've seen, that AR wears his own hair in ST, except when the Judge is at work, judging.); 3) When does one start ageing? At birth, surely?; & 4) I think I've said this before: we live in a culture that obsesses about time and age. And I don't approve.

Lisa: I have to conceal everything from my SO.

Georgiana: Yes, I agree, of course he's a baritone!

Like Jennifer, I'd like to know what AR is up to at the moment. Am off to London on Sunday -- does anybody know what he will be doing professionally, and where, the next two weeks??
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Friday, April 04, 2008 at 08:58:48 AM (EDT)

Ah, Gail, you've been gone too long--it was S&S, not P&P!

As to his singing, I thought the bits of lines that were in his range were quite lovely. As to the rest, it is why he said in an interview it took him 45 minutes to warm up to do them--clearly too high. I'd like to see him again in a singing role, only next time, in the proper baritone range.

Georgiana
Seattle - Thursday, April 03, 2008 at 05:45:52 PM (EDT)

His voice is so scrummy... Shame my husband dissapproves of my love for Alan.
Lisa Lumley <lisalumley@hotmail.co.ukfoo>
Aldershot, - Thursday, April 03, 2008 at 05:23:17 PM (EDT)

Hi Everyone! And a special "hi" to Ali-Pat, I'm here at last. Does anyone know what Alan is working on right now? Sorry if this has already been discussed. Does anyone know if Bottle Shock will be coming to theatres and/or video? I rather enjoyed Sweeney Todd...the "gore" didn't bother me at all!
Jennifer
calgary, Canada - Thursday, April 03, 2008 at 05:06:43 PM (EDT)

I purposely didn't go to see 'Sweeney Todd' in a movie house because I thought that all the blood, mentioned in just about every review I read when the film opened, would gross me out. And that was probably a wise decision - it was much more tolerable on the smaller screen, although there was not as much as I expected - it mainly came in some very enthusiastic pie-making mid-film. But I did rush off and get the 2 DVD set when they went on sale yesterday, and of course we had to watch the first DVD last night.

It is a beautifully made movie, very stylised. Depp was good, I thought. Bonham Carter somewhat younger than Mrs. Lovetts I have seen on stage. AR continues to age very gracefully and was the perfect Judge Turpin. There were various elements in his performance to please his fans - some great h*nd work reminiscent of P&P (I know who will have enjoyed that!) and, for me, the best acting eyebrows in the business had a good workout - and the eyes. He died too soon, of course. I think that he should avoid singing roles in the future, though. It is not that he can't carry a tune - his pitch is obviously pretty good. Just that the vocal cords, so good at producing the voice that sends shivers down our spines, are not so good for singing.

The other item on the first DVD was the press conference in Nov. 2007. AR only made a couple of short comments. I haven't viewed the other disc yet but I assume it is a backgrounder on Victorian London etc. rather than any more on the actors.

I'd like to say hello to all my old friends - it has been quite a while since I posted. And, for those who enjoy barihunks (Mary Anne - still there?) have you noticed Teddy Tahu Rhodes? This 6ft5 Kiwi from Christchurch stood out in the Peter Grimes from the Met last month. Keep an eye out for him - he may be coming to an opera house near you.
Gail Rayment <gail.rayment@sympatico.cafoo>
Cobourg, Canada - Wednesday, April 02, 2008 at 11:44:27 PM (EDT)

*TMD SPOILER* Amy, Jamie comes back in order to help Nina get on with her life.

He's dead. He can't come back for good. He comes just long enough to help Nina get past her crippling depression.

Remember Jamie says he felt as though he was standing behind a glass wall watching people grieve for him, but not being able to do anything about it, and that he couldn't bear her pain? He comes back to Nina to help soothe her pain.

After the first few happy days, he begins deliberately annoying her so that she will gradually start wishing he'd go away and leave her alone. He deliberately pushes and pushes and pushes her until she begins to focus on life and the future instead of him and the past.

Once Jamie has accomplished what he came back for - helping Nina to let go - he lets go too and is able to go back where he belongs in peace.
Deborah <daalbers@telus.netfoo>
Canada - Wednesday, April 02, 2008 at 08:08:50 PM (EDT)

Has already been quoted at length on the "News, Info and Schedule" page here.
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 07:48:55 AM (EDT)

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23458889-details/Tributes+at+premiere+of+Minghella's+final+film/article.do Tribute to Anthony Minghella with AR and Juliet Stevenson in attendance
Dottee
- Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 08:46:56 PM (EDT)

Love your work. LOVE YOU.
BSolomon Stanley <Slm8364@aol.comfoo>
Darlington, S C U S A - Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 08:33:07 AM (EDT)

Jizel!!-- Oh, goodness, the spatula-dropping! You remember that too! How wonderful. Welcome back (from someone who's been away a long time as well. :)
Lee Eft
- Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 06:18:49 PM (EDT)

Well, actually, Amy, I doubt that you can guess the ending. No, sadly she can't go back to Jamie because he has already gone back to (heaven?)...with his friends. But if you would like to read it, I would happily send it along. Don't expect a masterpiece. email addy is: dottee77777@msn.com . Has anyone heard when the memorial service for AM might be? At first I thought about sending a contribution to the birthday page, but then thought it might be in bad taste, so I thought that once they announced a memorial service, they might announce a charity to donate to as well.
Dottee
- Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 07:39:18 PM (EDT)

That's a wonderful idea, Dottee!!I'm sure I'd much prefer your version (I can guess the ending). Happy Easter to you too! (And of course to everybody else in the forum).
Amy
- Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 03:00:59 PM (EDT)

Ha Ha, Amy, I felt the same way so a while ago I wrote a fan fic sequel to Truly Madly Deeply, with a much more satisfying ending for me. (and purely pg rated as was the original:) Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so I like to think AM would smile at it. And I would just like to say, HAPPY EASTER to all of you!!
Dottee
- Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 10:32:08 AM (EDT)

So sorry about Anthony Minghella. Truly, Madly, Deeply, is indeed a beautiful film. I still don't get why Nina would let Jamie go, though, specially when you compare him with the alternative! Ok, he is alive, but what the h...!
Amy
- Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 07:27:49 AM (EDT)

Article in this week's Entertainment Weekly under Legacy: Anthony Minghella: "Hollywood mourns the unexpected passing of the Oscar-winning director." Mostly focuses on his recent projects, but mentions "1991's touching Alan Rickman dramady, Truly , Madly, Deeply." One full page and includes large picture of AM.
Dottee
- Saturday, March 22, 2008 at 07:07:41 PM (EDT)

Here's a link to the lovely Juliet Stevenson tribute to AM at Times Online.
Georgiana (hope it works...)
Seattle - Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 01:57:08 PM (EDT)

OT: I find that also Paul Scofield has passed away -- at a more mature age, though. Did you see him as a fantastic Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons?
pia susanna
- Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 10:28:09 AM (EDT)

Hi all! I am usually not the one posting the news pieces but I thought this one might be enjoyable to all regarding AM and what Juliet Stevenson said in tribute to him. Given what a great article it was, I am attaching the link address (for our web gurus to have the link work given my inability, I’m sure!): http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/article3584993.ece Hope it works…
Claire2
Fairfax Station, VA USA - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 09:14:41 PM (EDT)

Mr. Minghella also wrote the play “A Little Like Drowning” that I mentioned several posts back. It aired as a BBC Radio Play in 1989 with Peggy Ashcroft, Jane Gurnett, Alan Rickman, and Juliet Stevenson. From what information is on the web, when discussing this play, Anthony Minghella reportedly said, "My grandmother was a real figurehead in my life. She was a tiny peasant woman from Valvori near Monte Cassino in the south of Italy. My grandfather left her after fathering three young girls very quickly so she’d led a difficult and complicated life. She’d run a cafe in the Gorbals in Glasgow so she spoke this coarse Italian/Scottish. She liked paddling on the beach, so most mornings I’d walk with her on the way to school, and listen to her talk in a very superstitious, Catholic way about men and women and how the world worked: men are weak, women are strong; women survive, men are helpless and stupid." Thought I’d share that extra bit of information on such a wonderful writer and director - so very tragic.
Claire2
Fairfax Station, VA USA - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 06:46:23 PM (EDT)

Yesterday at Pier One, I noticed in the sales bin, a solitary little brass figurine of a cello player. It was marked down to $3. I snatched up the precious little thing because I instantly knew it was a sign that AM was aware that I was TMD's greatest fan. Yes, I own three copies (for fear of losing one) and have seen it dozens and dozens of times. I emailed my friend yesterday: "The real Jamie has died." Shedding tears since I heard the news.
Dottee
- Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 02:20:56 PM (EDT)

Excerpt from Slate:

"Because Anthony Minghella died with decades of work still ahead of him, we'll never know whether Minghella would have made another movie with the lasting power of his first one, Truly, Madly, Deeply, a 1990 made-for-television comedy that was successful enough to gain a big-screen release and a BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay. The story of a grief-stricken pianist (Juliet Stevenson) whose cellist lover (Alan Rickman) comes back from the dead to hang around the house they once shared, Truly, Madly, Deeply is on my semisecret list of all-time favorite movies. Semisecret because I don't know that I could entirely defend the choice: It's not as if the film is formally innovative or visually impressive or thematically original. It's just so damn wonderful.

The ghost who comes back to help his or her loved ones mourn is a familiar figure, from Hamlet to Ghost (also released in 1990) to such recent grotesqueries as P.S. I Love You. But Truly, Madly, Deeply manages to make that familiarity feel less like a cliché than a profoundly resonant archetype. The scene in which Rickman's character, Jamie, first appears to Nina (Stevenson) is an example of how Minghella tweaks a formula to evoke the agony of real grief. As the bereft Nina sits playing the piano, the camera revolves to reveal the blurred outline of Jamie sitting behind her, accompanying her on his cello. At first we take this as a familiar bit of cinematic syntax: Jamie isn't really there, we're just seeing a symbol of Nina's memory of him. Any minute now, she'll snap her head around and see only an empty chair. Instead, Jamie puts down his cello and moves out of the frame himself, confirming the viewer's assumption: His presence was just a figment of her imagination. The camera then pans a little to left to reveal the unambiguously real Jamie, and we realize at the same moment Nina does that the man she buried months ago is standing in her living room. What follows is a reunion scene that, even in this decontextualized and blurry clip, should reduce anyone who's ever loved and lost—or even just loved—to a quivering jelly.

Minghella started his career as a stage director, and his touch with actors is palpable in every scene of Truly, Madly, Deeply. Rickman and Stevenson, both extraordinary performers, are given the freedom to improvise in scenes like this one, in which she dances around the living room as they belt out a decidedly amateur version of "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore." The result is an on-screen romance of unusual texture and intimacy. By the time Jamie is ready to rejoin the world of the shades, you sense the true magnitude of what both he and Nina have lost (and if you're me, you've also developed a debilitating, lifelong crush on Alan Rickman).

Over the years, I've discovered that there's a kind of secret cult for Truly, Madly, Deeply. People who have no clue who Anthony Minghella is can passionately quote great chunks of dialogue from this film. The movie's potent appeal isn't surprising; how many psychologically accurate portraits of grief also hold up as romantic comedies that are both funny and madly romantic? I've recommended Truly, Madly, Deeply to friends mourning their own losses as a kind of homeopathic remedy. And I have one friend who watched it with his ailing wife only weeks before she died, both of them laughing and crying as they wondered what kind of ghost she would be.

The British film industry is still stunned by the unexpected and early death of Anthony Minghella, who was an important figure there; he held the title of commander of the British Empire and was, until recently, the chairman of the British Film Institute. Minghella also leaves behind a wife and two children. (His 22-year-old son, Max Minghella, has acted in several films, including Syriana and Art School Confidential.) It might make Minghella happy to know that those still figuring out how to mourn him can turn to his own best movie for advice.
Renie
- Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 01:47:11 PM (EDT)

About Anthony Minghella's TMD, from the NY Daily News. If you haven't seen it yet (you haven't SEEN it yet??) then a SPOILER ALERT of sorts, and for heaven's sake, see the movie, and be prepared to love Bach.

""Truly Madly Deeply" (1990) was his first feature as a writer-director after spending time as a University lecturer and a writer for radio, television and the stage. The story seemed familiar, culled from Hollywood standards like "A Guy Named Joe," "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" and Warren Beatty's "Heaven Can Wait": A woman is visited by the ghost of her lover until she eventually begins a new relationship with a lovable but deserving goof. But Minghella's take on it all was fresh and just slightly askew.

For starters, Juliet Stevenson and Alan Rickman's characters aren't lifelong marrieds, as might be typical, but rather were in the early-middle part of a relationship, when people are just starting to see a future with each other. It's a crucial detail, since when Stevenson's Nina breaks down and bawls a bucketful to her therapist about how she misses Jamie (the first of Rickman's rogueishly charming romantic heroes), the tears are those of someone who misses not just a partner but also of all the promise he embodied. Similarly, Jamie wasn't a typical "Ghost"-like lost ideal: he was a cranky, curmudgeonly, prickly wise-ass who was peeved he died of, essentially, a bad cold. But it's exactly those (very human) qualities that make Nina miss him ... and to reluctantly think she should give Michael Moloney's Mark a chance, which even Jamie sees is the right thing to do."
Renie
- Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 01:22:58 PM (EDT)

The Guardian on-line shows clips from Minghella's films. Alan appears in both TMD and Play. I don't know if I can fix a link, but this was how I found these clips: I went to guardian.co.uk, then to an article called "Director mourned", then to "His greatest clips".
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 09:16:54 AM (EDT)

It's okay, Dottee! I'm not angry. Perhaps I'll call you Potter -- Harriet Potter??
pia susanna
- Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 08:09:45 AM (EDT)

Sorry pia susanna; I was thinking the correct letters and wrote the wrong ones :) Feel free to call me Pottee any time, LOL
Dottee
- Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 09:16:11 PM (EDT)

Ali-Pat: Thanks a lot for the info -- yes, I think it was The English Patient; haven't looked this up yet, there's been too much else. I read Ondaatje's novel some years ago; the movie is based on that, of course. Dottee: I did try the message board for quite long, but in vain. Somebody posting there said that s/he had had some similar problem. I'd really like to see those recent Paris pix. ("susanna", please, rather than "suzanne"!) And Georgiana, Renie, Sheena, many thanks for all your contributions to this sad discussion. One would certainly have expected AM to have had many, many more years and decades in which to create new films.
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 06:06:40 PM (EDT)

Film clips from the work of Anthony Minghella from theGuardian Unlimited Filmblog including "Play". Listen for the hiccup. Do NOT miss this, especially if you've never had a chance to see this before.
Renie
- Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 04:59:32 PM (EDT)

Sorry, typos.

That should read, "a book at midnight, full of dreams, now appear".

On a happier note, an 8th grade student close to my heart received high praise for her workshop/drama festival performance of a monologue from "My Name is Rachel Corrie". She was given 3 minutes. One of workshop organizers "had heard about it" and thanked her for tackling such a piece.
R
- Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 04:40:38 PM (EDT)

Am in shock, after reading the NY Times. .

"Mr. Minghella first began working in theater, both as a writer and a director. Samuel Beckett was a particular fascination; Mr. Minghella organized a star-studded tribute to Beckett in 2006.

After his movie-directing debut in “Truly, Madly, Deeply,” a made-for-television production that was released theatrically in 1990, Mr. Minghella went on to adapt a number of novels for a series of well-reviewed films. In addition to the directing Oscar for “The English Patient,” Mr. Minghella also received an adapted-screenplay nomination for the film; his screenplay for “The Talented Mr. Ripley” was nominated as well."

If you have never read the screenplay for TEP, I recommend it. In it, Minghella does mention, "Numerous people made this screen play better, notably . . . (rest of list deleted) Alan Rickman, Walter Murch and Ralph Fiennes."

TEP is one of my best-loved movies of all-time.

"It is as if people I knew when I was writing a book at midngiht, full of dreams, no appear in a new country in daylight and the wonder is not so much of how they made that magical journey but that I recognize them so well and that I am once again enthralled by them. That was the gift I never expected." (Michael Ondaatje--Toronto, July 1996) From the screenplay.

TMD won the Writer's Guild of Great Britain, and a BAFTA for best screenplay.

Renie
A terrible loss. , - Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 04:20:36 PM (EDT)

What a terrible shock! In addition to directing Mr. Rickman in "Truly Madly Deeply" (which Mr. Minghella wrote as well as directed), he also directed "Play," one of the Beckett plays in the filmed collection, with Rickman, Juliet Stevenson and Kristin Scott Thomas (which I saw him present at the Toronto Int. Film Festival a few years back). Before feature films, he wrote and directed the radio play, "A Little Like Drowning," with Mr. Rickman, Ms. Stevenson and Dame Peggy Ashcroft. which aired on the BBC in 1989. So we've had a great deal for which to be thankful. I had hoped for more. A huge loss.
Georgiana (Thank you, Claire)
Seattle - Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 02:06:22 PM (EDT)

My condolences to all of Anthony Minghella's family and friends. "Truly Madly deeply" was such an important film for me as it was the one which in 1990 captured me as an Alan Rickman fan, I had liked him as Hans Gruber, but it was Jamie who sealed the deal. I don't think Anthony Minghella ever made a bad film I loved them all for different reasons. Especially (after TMD of course) "The English Patient" and "Play" If anyone is interested there are nice obituaries in the following places:
What's On Stage
The Guardian
The Independent
They all give cause of death as being a haemorrhage after surgery on his neck for cancer of the tonsils and neck.
Today is a very sad day, he did so much for the British Film Industry.

Sheena <dragon@amberdragon.freeserve.co.ukfoo>
Berkshire UK - Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 02:06:17 PM (EDT)

Would it be in bad taste to donate something to the RADA donation page in honor of Anthony Minghella? I know it is a birthday donation page for AR, but I feel like I would like to honor his work somehow, and it might be nice to do it through his friend.
Dottee
- Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 12:52:43 PM (EDT)

pia suzanne and Amy: very strange that you can't see the pix. I think they can only be accessed through the message board. Did you try that?? There is a huge photo thread but the Paris pics are on the new photo thread. Anyway, very sad about AM. I have him to thank for Truly Madly Deeply and my Jamie. sniff.
Dottee
- Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 11:07:35 AM (EDT)

I am so sad to hear this news. I had great respect and affection for Minghella's work. He gave us Truly, Madly, Deeply and so much more.

pia susanna, I believe AR spent some time with Anthony Minghella in the editing room giving unspecified assistance on one of the films, The English Patient, I believe. A swift google should turn this up.
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH USA - Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 10:59:25 AM (EDT)

Sad, especially as AM was so young. Didn't AR help him with The English Patient somehow? With the script, or editing it, or editing the film "as such"? Does anybody here know?
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 10:03:25 AM (EDT)

Anthony Minghella has died - his first film was Truly Madly Deeply starring Alan and Juliet Stephenson

Claire
UK - Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 09:52:27 AM (EDT)

Kimberly!!! I have been trying to reach you. Please email me.

Welcome back to all the old familiars who are posting again. Love seeing your posts! Welcome also to our newcomers--the more the merrier :o)
Ali-Pat <ali-pat@earthlink.netfoo>
Dayton, OH USA - Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 07:26:02 AM (EDT)

I meant the Paris pix, not all of them, of course!!!!
Amy
- Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 05:04:36 AM (EDT)

Pia Susanna, you're not alone! I couldn't see the pix either. Maybe someone could post them? They sound yummy!!!
Amy
- Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 05:03:37 AM (EDT)

Sorry pia suzanna that you couldn't get into the site, and once you did there was difficulty seeing the photos. ??? I am totally computer illiterate and for some reason, I haven't had a problem getting over there. Please try again because they actually have an amazing photo thread. And there is another thread (new pics) that has photos of him on vacation in Paris just last month. There was a lot of discussion as to whether these should be shown, but since they were public and quite innocent, they were eventually put on the site. Lovely pics of him walking amongst the pigeons and a violinist playing in the court; and AR staring out from a Cathedral at the fabulous city of Paris. Yes, Martha, that is the pic I was posting about. Thanks for finding it. I don't recognize it from a film or play, but if anyone does, I'd love to hear your response.
Dottee
- Monday, March 17, 2008 at 08:43:06 PM (EDT)

Hey, Jizel, I think I remember you! You reside in England, if I recall correctly. (Lucky you. I live in boring Michigan. haha.) I chatted with you on occasion on LJ. I haven't been here in ages, either, but I have been following Alan's work. Good to see you posting again.
Kimberly
- Monday, March 17, 2008 at 08:13:48 PM (EDT)

Organic bananas? Were they unusual, or what?
pia susanna
- Monday, March 17, 2008 at 05:13:17 PM (EDT)

The photo looks to be circa 1978, Romeo and Juliet.
Keyser
USA - Monday, March 17, 2008 at 02:22:36 PM (EDT)

Dottee - This one?

If so, I don't know where it's from, but someone else may recognize it. I know it's been discussed, I just don't remember.
martha
maine, - Monday, March 17, 2008 at 01:25:12 PM (EDT)

Hey there ladies - anyone remember me? I used to post ages back in 2002. A few names still look familar, Ali-Pat and of course, Suzanne :) I've been out of the loop for a bit, it seems!

I remember back in the day, the spatula-dropping, and Alan's organic bananas, Private Lives.... anyone still around from those days? :)
xx
jizel <thereturnoftheFOOthinwhiteduke@hotmailFOO.comfoo>
- Monday, March 17, 2008 at 12:57:41 PM (EDT)

Dottee: Have tried the Slightly Weird site (love that name), and got as far as the favourite photos page. But I couldn't actually SEE any pix. What did I do wrong? By the way, I found it unusually complicated to get registered there; rather weird, in fact, hehe.
pia susanna
- Monday, March 17, 2008 at 09:33:04 AM (EDT)

Happy St. Patrick's to all here---and to AR as well, since he's part Irish. Have a fun day wearin' the green!

MA
- Monday, March 17, 2008 at 08:23:40 AM (EDT)

sorry - ot:

Constance - have a wonderful time in London, i know, you will. And if you're at it, well, give the old door a hug from me too. :-)
mortianna
- Monday, March 17, 2008 at 06:11:35 AM (EDT)

Hi Martha! This is definitely not a Close My Eyes photo shoot. AR has dark hair and the Die Hard (or Liasons) beard in this picture. The look I like to call A Monstrous Beauty. I have seen all of his films and it is definitely not from a film. In fact, I'd never seen this picture before anywhere. As always, he is a constant puzzle. :)
Dottee
- Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 02:05:07 PM (EDT)

Dottee - In '91 AR did Close My Eyes, in which he wore a wedding band. I know there are a few pics floating around from then, that may be one of them - or a screen cap.
martha
maine, - Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 12:51:59 PM (EDT)

Constance, have a wonderful time! I booked my tix this week with my travel tour group to go in April of 2009 to London and Paris. Wish it was 2008, but I just got back in November. Can't be too greedy :)) Anyway...I just ran into a pic of AR taken maybe sometime during the Die Hard years. It is not a film photo, but does look like a photo shoot pic. Anyway, he is wearing a wedding band, and I am wondering if any of you might have any more info about that pic. My computer won't link the page, but it is on the Slightly Weird Alan Rickman site, in the message board section, under the favorite photo thread, pg. 340.
Dottee
- Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 09:53:47 AM (EDT)

Constance: Yes, he looks great in the BS interview! But why so warmly dressed? Isn't that his (fake?) leather coat (black? dark green?). I like the way he doesn't let the interviewer take over too much, but insists on his own point of view. He has a certain calm authority, our Alan. And sometimes, not really calm.

Lovely, Constance, to go to London! I'm off to that marvellous city myself on 6 April; will stay there a fortnight. Do you know if AR will be there this month and/or next? Any chance of any public appearance of his?

Don't forget to bring your spatula! You may need it!

I know in what street AR lives, hehe, but of course I won't tell anybody. For one thing, Suzanne wouldn't like it. For another, AR wouldn't.
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 09:06:38 AM (EDT)

Can you hear the spatulas dropping? Holy Guacamole Batman!

Alan looks amazing, younger too.... in that Bottle Shock interview. A million, trillion thanks!

Just one last comment on the Spanish accent. The story line in TMD indicates that he is learning Spanish and that his accent is terrible. I am assuming that he does speak it at least a bit and that the bad accent was purposeful. However, I do remember AR saying that it was a Spanish speaking person who taught him to drive, but that they conversed in English (creating some interesting problems for AR). If he was fluent in Spanish he might have communicated with his instructor in that language to avoid those problems. But as always, he only gives enough information to keep us guessing. :)
Dottee
- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 04:37:41 PM (EDT)

Just saw in The Guardian (London), whose source is the LA Times, that the last HP book will be filmed as two separate movies. Clearly, Warner don't really wish to part with their golden calf . . . ;-). The official reason/version is that it would be bad, for artistic reasons, to cut out much of the novel. The first of these two final (?) films is scheduled to be released in November 2010, the second in May 2011. I suppose that AR will appear in both (?).
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 10:09:03 AM (EDT)

Re: Murder, Obliquely. Whether he did or whether he didn't . . . how could I NOT open the door?! ;-)

MA
Rowwwwrrrr, USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 07:49:43 AM (EDT)

Alan Rickman is a really good actor!!! he has such a mysterious voice its so cool!!! I love his movies. my friend thinks he is sexy but hes really just got a nice voice and a strange personality. But he is still cool don't get me wrong. yours truly, Arya Hughes-Lattanza (p.s. my friend is Brigid Anne Shaski she wrote earlier.)
Arya <aria.lattanza@gmail.com.foo>
- Monday, March 10, 2008 at 09:45:19 PM (EDT)

It would have defeated the purpose of that scene if his Spanish had been good, because Nina tells him that it's horrible, doesn't she?
Vera
- Monday, March 10, 2008 at 02:01:39 PM (EDT)

you are absolutely the sexiest man alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ellen welch <ellen3423@gmail.comfoo>
pensacola, fl usa - Monday, March 10, 2008 at 09:23:48 AM (EDT)

Re: Spanish. I'm sure he did as he was told by the director. I only meant he could have sounded much better with very little effort if only he had been told how. Maybe the director didn't speak Spanish either and thought it was ok, I don't know. The truth is that although his English accent makes his Spanish very sexy, there are some inintelligible bits which somehow ruin the dramatic effect of such a poignant poem. A great pity, because this will probably be one of the few occasions we'll have to listen to Neruda's poetry in his lips!
Amy
- Monday, March 10, 2008 at 05:28:18 AM (EDT)

How nice that the King's Head has been saved! Does anybody know what AR did at the gala or galas he took part in?
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Saturday, March 08, 2008 at 04:44:13 PM (EST)

AR helping out as usual King's Head theatre
Glowbox
France - Saturday, March 08, 2008 at 04:13:47 PM (EST)

Something must be going on with the weather.

Can you spell, G.L.O.B.A.L. W.A.R.M.I.N.G.?

Claire2 – "Murder Obliquely" is marvelous! AR is delicious, and the story is shivery and obscure. Did he, or didn't he? Would you open the door? Perfect for a rainy night.

martha
rainy maine, - Saturday, March 08, 2008 at 02:58:21 PM (EST)

Ali-Pat, thanks a million for fixing my link (I am hopeless at these things). Foot of snow! Wow! Here we have had tons of rain and now winds this p.m. up to 50 miles. Something must be going on with the weather. Definitely a day to curl up with some good Alan movies – I’m thinking "Fallen Angels:Murder Obliquely" may be the thing to watch this p.m. Has anyone else seen it by chance?
Claire2
Fairfax Station, VA USA - Saturday, March 08, 2008 at 11:32:49 AM (EST)

Claire2, I fixed your link but there are intermittent problems right now with the britbitsandclips.com site. I agree that it is a treasure trove, however! I urge everyone to visit it and enjoy the recordings and vids from some of AR's more obscure works and guest appearances.

Now, where did I put my snowshoes? (Currently experiencing blizzard conditions and nearly a foot of snow here in SW Ohio--a fine time for an all day Alan Rickman Film Festival if there ever was one!)
Ali-Pat
Snow City, OH USA - Saturday, March 08, 2008 at 10:22:23 AM (EST)

Just to add my two cents, I also heard a delightful Italian accent when he did the BBC audio version of "A Little Like Drowning". I wonder (speaking Spanish and decent Italian)if his butchered Spanish rendition was not a part of the script because Italian and Spanish are intertwined to a point as romance languages go.

If you want to listen to it (or any other gems), britbitsandclips.com is amazing for having a huge collection of his works to enjoy! Just look for the "A Little Like Drowning" part within the Britbitsandclips.com site here.

Claire2
Fairfax Station, V USA - Friday, March 07, 2008 at 06:07:14 PM (EST)

And, of course, some wizarding Latin (or "Latin") as well!
pia susanna
- Friday, March 07, 2008 at 08:21:22 AM (EST)

I saw a vid interview where he said that he had a home in Tuscany. Perhaps it is a home that belongs to a friend (Rima?), which of course would make it like his second home. We've got to tell him to stop speaking in riddles...so frustrating :) In Return of the Native he speaks French beautifully, so I think I assumed that he spoke French from that. And I had heard that he speaks his mother's native Welsh. Yes, his Spanish was awful in TMD, but I assumed that that was written in the script. And yes, thanks, I'd forgotten about the bit of Japanese. Of course there was Rasputin, where he may have tried his hand at Russian. Sigh, it would just be so much easier if he were to just take one hour and come and talk to us. We're much nicer than those nutty journalists who interview him.:))
Dottee
- Thursday, March 06, 2008 at 06:24:45 PM (EST)

In an interview I read recently AR said he often visited a friend's house in Tuscany and that Tuscany was like "his second home." The only reference I've run into about "opening the cottage in France" seemed to be a metaphor. Jamie's Spanish accent is supposed to be terrible...
Susan CA
- Thursday, March 06, 2008 at 01:59:46 PM (EST)

Dottee: Definitely, not Spanish!! Re: Truly, Madly, Deeply, (Neruda's poem, "The Dead Woman")
Amy
- Thursday, March 06, 2008 at 01:08:12 PM (EST)

Dottee: yes, English and at least some French; I didn't know about Welsh. But his mother was Welsh, as you probably know. He mentioned a German teacher in some connection -- the teacher he had at school, presumably. I thought it was in the south of France that he had a cottage? Or perhaps in both places? I think he prefers Italian wine to French (I read this somewhere). Tuscany is lovely, and I shouldn't mind having a place of my own there! There is an interview from Japan; he says a few words of Japanese early on, I think.
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Thursday, March 06, 2008 at 08:47:03 AM (EST)

Would anyone happen to know how many languages AR speaks? English and French and Welsh, that I've heard for certain, and I think Italian since he owns a home in Tuscany. Possibly Spanish as well?
Dottee
- Thursday, March 06, 2008 at 08:19:04 AM (EST)

Thanks for providing a workable link! I have always been more of an ideas person! ;-)
Julia
Canada - Wednesday, March 05, 2008 at 03:37:21 PM (EST)

Great interview Julia, thanks. Link works with this (I hope): Bottle Shock interview
Glowbox
France - Wednesday, March 05, 2008 at 03:23:29 PM (EST)

Well, look at me, Miss Newsbearer this week: Interview with AR re: Bottle Shock on ABC news video: javascript:void(window.open('http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/canada?ch=224106&cl=6664310&lang=','playerWindow','width=793,height=666,scrollbars=no')); (I don't know if this link will work, it's not letting me share it any ther way. Try: http://ca.news.yahoo.com/video/)
Julia
Canada - Wednesday, March 05, 2008 at 12:44:45 PM (EST)

Thank you, Julia, for the quote, and for saving me a few bucks. :) Since AR has had so many intimate scenes in his films, I think he probably feels very comfortable doing these, and of course that would make the lucky lady feel the same way as well. Yes, a shame that she didn't elaborate. Not to worry. As soon as it happens to me, I'll be sure to give you all a ten page written essay on the lips alone. ;)
Dottee,
- Wednesday, March 05, 2008 at 12:23:42 PM (EST)

Sheena, thanks for the pictures -- also a few from the Doris Lessing event in London, I note!

Re CL again: aren't there classical-looking columns, as well as an odd table or desk, a little like an anvil, but apparently more unstable, rather weird? (Haven't checked these things. This is how I remember them.) Do you -- all of you who are interested in CL -- think these things are symbolic? The pillars representing some kind of archetypal situation, perhaps -- interrogator/oppressor/bully and victim? The table showing that the whole situation is weird, almost surreal?? Also, why is the wonderful Elizabeth Barrett Browning sonnet quoted? Isn't it the Interrogator who quotes it? Which must make him seem, at least for a moment, almost moving, almost endearing.

Alan as villain: I understand very well that he dislikes being typecast -- who doesn't, actor or not? But then, off he goes to play Judge Turpin! Snape isn't a villain, though. I agree with you, Susan (I think it was) that he's even better, if possible, in gentler roles. I love both S&S and SC very much indeed, they're among my favourite films today. This isn't only because of AR, but perhaps chiefly because of him.
pia susanna
edinburgh, - Wednesday, March 05, 2008 at 08:24:03 AM (EST)

This month's issue of Chatelaine features an interview with Carrie-Anne Moss, and although the cover boasts of her opening up about " what it's like to kiss Alan Rickman," the inside just features a small still from Snowcake (the scene where they are sitting on the rocks by the lake), and for those of you who don't want to spend the $4.50 for the relevant quote (or their recipe for "Terrific Tofu Pizza"), she says, "It was so effortless to be intimate with him."

Oh, Susan, you're taking away my fun! I LOVE to hear him explain, Yet One More Time, how he infrequently plays villains, and how the interviewer is looking out of the opposite end of the telescope. :) He tries to be so gracious and patient, but you can just kind of feel the hair standing up on the back of his neck, LOL. But yes, of course, his sensitive roles are wonderful, and I think he is a comedic genius; his timing is just spot on.
Dottee
- Tuesday, March 04, 2008 at 07:57:26 PM (EST)

Have you seen any of the films in which AR isn't a villain--Truly, Madly, Deeply or Sense and Sensibility or An Awfully Big Adventure or Snowcake or Galaxy Quest or Mesmer, for example? He's even better.
Susan CA
- Tuesday, March 04, 2008 at 06:18:59 PM (EST)

I love Alan! I think he is a great actor with a great voice. He is perfect if your looking for a good Villon. I particularly like his role as Snape in Harry Potter, he is simply so funny!
Brigid Anne Shaski <chickendom@gmail.comfoo>
- Tuesday, March 04, 2008 at 12:23:13 AM (EST)

Susan – I have to say I disagree with you. I don't know if her resistance has doomed the Interrogator or not, but I think it has, perhaps, cracked his façade. Because I do believe he is a creation of the government, and not a natural-born monster. I think we are supposed to come out with the feeling that the Interrogator is a victim as well, because he is. There are clear indications that the man was not a drooling psychopath in a nice suit, but rather that he was created by the government through brainwashing, torture, and (I think) threats to his loved ones. In other words, in another world, an ordinary man.

Some states have done away with the death penalty because of the damage executions do to the executer. I can't imagine how fragile (or just plain ruined) the soul of a man who goes to work and tortures people must be.

As for whether or not he was her actual abuser, I don't think that is relevant. She believes he is; that's all that matters. Is she "doomed?" Oh, yeah. I didn't think there was any question that this could end well for anyone.

There are several copies of CL for sale on Amazon and eBay, for reasonable prices, if anyone wants a copy.

And I'd really like to know the symbolism of the Interrogator's belt buckle, because it's too elaborate to mean nothing. Thoughts?
martha
maine, - Monday, March 03, 2008 at 11:08:06 AM (EST)

*CL SPOILER*
Amy, I have read the original screenplay of Closet Land and it is very clear that the Interrogator is indeed the same man who molested the writer as a child. It is also very clear in the script that the part was intended for a much older actor than AR was at the time. And I agree with Mr. Ebert (as usual).

(end of spoiler)
BTW, for the sake of those who have not seen the film, could we go back to warning of spoilers as it suggests at the top of the GB?
Ali-Pat
Dayton, OH USA - Monday, March 03, 2008 at 09:02:51 AM (EST)

IMHO Ebert misses the point when he says, referring to the Interrogator that "This very same man assaulted her when she was a child." Apart from other considerations such as the age difference, as Susan rightly points out, I'm pretty sure she would recognize him, or at least his voice (even though she was a little girl when the abuse took place). It is clear from the Interrogator's strategies throughout the film that it is another of their tactics to break her.
Amy
- Monday, March 03, 2008 at 05:22:28 AM (EST)

Sheffe, m'dear, I think here we're seeing a problem with AR's theory that all characters have multiple motives and many aspects. He's right, of course, and it makes him a vastly interesting actor, but I really don't think you're supposed to come out of this film feeling bad for the torturer. It's an argument, not an exploration-- well-intentioned and wrong-headed: she can't possible win no matter how they light her, the child-abuse thread is a complete distraction (we're talking about governments and individuals, not adults and children--and AR much too young to be the man, younger than the character was in the play), and creating sympathy for torturers distracts from the anti-torture theme. Anyway, to get back to Ebert, who in the world is the audience for this film? Great acting,