To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice, Simon Langton discussed directing the adaptation of Pride and Prejudice initially aired in 1995. The recording was made on 18th April 2013 at Chawton House Library. Listen to the Podcast at podomatic.
Jennifer Ehle was first considered for the Jane Bennet part before being cast as Elizabeth.
In other news, the Old Fires project has been indefinitely delayed.
Showing posts with label Pride and Prejudice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pride and Prejudice. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
While I was Sweeping
Random older stuff found while sweeping the internet
A review of Pride and Prejudice by marisacarpico at Tuna Quest blog from January 24 2010, with some comparison to the 2005 movie version. (Basically, she finds that the 1995 adaptation is ”far more faithful" to the novel.)
More commentary on Pride and Prejudice at JOURNEYS AND DESTINATIONS blog from February 23 2010, (also with some comparison to 2005).
”Ms. Ehle gave life to her character magnificently! She is so charming, beautiful and witty! I really love her face!”
BINGO!
A Mr. and Mrs. Fitch review at Theatre Geekery from March 17 2010, noting that ”Lithgow and Ehle are so funny”
and
”After seeing John Lithgow in his stunning role as the Trinity Killer of this past season of Dexter, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to make the transition back to seeing him in comedy, where I am used to seeing him. It took me a couple minutes of convincing myself that he wasn’t going to kill Jennifer Ehle where she stood, but I managed to talk myself out of it. He was charming and funny, and she was wonderful as well. I am less familiar with her, but I am EXCITED (yes, all capitals) to see her as Cat Tully Stark in the Game of Thrones series by HBO. That aside, I have to say they were perfectly wonderful together. They had good chemistry, a natural rhythm in their banter, and I had no trouble seeing them as a married couple.”
Well, we know the Stark casting was later revised, though even now some news/blogs about the series continue to list her in the role. NewsBots, I guess.
Before the Rains was reviewed at Filmwallas' Blog on June 10 2010, noting:
”The white man is a spineless fellow, the white woman a large hearted up-standing woman”
and, especially that,
”Jennifer Ehle is wonderful in a small role as the woman full of empathy.”
Observations on Possession can be found in three entries at The Jer Blog
Possession Obsession posted on June 24 2010.
”… it does Byatt’s novel justice by focusing on the straight-forward aspects of the literary mystery and the romance. The latter should be an awkward business, with dialog culled from letters and poems, but Ehle and Northam pull it off beautifully.”
(That post includes several good photo stills from the film.)
and
what do you fancy? blogged on July 26 2010 (includes trailer video).
”Jeremy and Jennifer Ehle are wonderfully passionate and charismatic as the Victorians”
and
Prepare to be Possessed published on July 29 2010 (with more lovely pictures).
Less Outdated News: The King’s Speech
From 365 Cinema’s Fall/Holiday 2010 Preview
”THE KING’S SPEECH (Weinstein) chronicles the relationship between speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) and King George VI (Colin Firth), whom Logue must help get past a terrible stammer so that he may lead his nation into World War II after the unexpected abdication of his brother Edward. The impressive cast includes Timothy Spall, Guy Pearce, Derek Jacobi and Michael Gambon.”
[my note: evidently there are no women in this version!]
An article at NJ.com reports that The King’s Speech is under consideration for the Arthouse Film Festival that will run for 12 weeks beginning Sept. 20 at two New Jersey theatres: AMC Loews Mountainside and AMC Loews Monmouth Mall.
New Zealand release date reported in “Coming soon” at flicks co nz.
”OPENING IN CINEMAS: 26th Dec 2010 (NZ)
Starring Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Colin Firth, Michael Gambon, Geoffrey Rush, Timothy Spall, Jennifer Ehle, Derek Jacobi”
All astonishment! A rare actual mention of Ms Ehle in the cast! Very reassuring.
Oscar spec at KipMooney blog.
A list of actors/celebrity guests expected to attend the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), September 9-19 at
Toronto Film Net.
Long, but does not include Hers.
Alex Carlson at Film Misery blog reports on the 25 Most Anticipated Films of the Third Trimester and writes,
“One of the most buzzed about films leading up to the Toronto International Film Festival, The King’s Speech has been predicted all year by awards prognosticators to be one of the major Oscar frontrunners.”
And last but not least
According to this at Shootonline, The King’s Speech is one of seven films to be announced for inclusion at the 32nd annual Aspen Filmfest.
”Aspen, CO, August 31, 2010 | SHOOT Publicity Wire | --- This Labor Day weekend, the 32nd annual Aspen Filmfest, a five-day feast of of film and fall color, is announcing seven films that will be screened during Filmfest 2010, held September 29 - October 3, 2010.
…
Films will be shown at the historic Wheeler Opera House in Aspen and at the Crystal Theatre in Carbondale.”
Granted, it’s no South Park, but good news anyway.
A review of Pride and Prejudice by marisacarpico at Tuna Quest blog from January 24 2010, with some comparison to the 2005 movie version. (Basically, she finds that the 1995 adaptation is ”far more faithful" to the novel.)
More commentary on Pride and Prejudice at JOURNEYS AND DESTINATIONS blog from February 23 2010, (also with some comparison to 2005).
”Ms. Ehle gave life to her character magnificently! She is so charming, beautiful and witty! I really love her face!”
BINGO!
A Mr. and Mrs. Fitch review at Theatre Geekery from March 17 2010, noting that ”Lithgow and Ehle are so funny”
and
”After seeing John Lithgow in his stunning role as the Trinity Killer of this past season of Dexter, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to make the transition back to seeing him in comedy, where I am used to seeing him. It took me a couple minutes of convincing myself that he wasn’t going to kill Jennifer Ehle where she stood, but I managed to talk myself out of it. He was charming and funny, and she was wonderful as well. I am less familiar with her, but I am EXCITED (yes, all capitals) to see her as Cat Tully Stark in the Game of Thrones series by HBO. That aside, I have to say they were perfectly wonderful together. They had good chemistry, a natural rhythm in their banter, and I had no trouble seeing them as a married couple.”
Well, we know the Stark casting was later revised, though even now some news/blogs about the series continue to list her in the role. NewsBots, I guess.
Before the Rains was reviewed at Filmwallas' Blog on June 10 2010, noting:
”The white man is a spineless fellow, the white woman a large hearted up-standing woman”
and, especially that,
”Jennifer Ehle is wonderful in a small role as the woman full of empathy.”
Observations on Possession can be found in three entries at The Jer Blog
Possession Obsession posted on June 24 2010.
”… it does Byatt’s novel justice by focusing on the straight-forward aspects of the literary mystery and the romance. The latter should be an awkward business, with dialog culled from letters and poems, but Ehle and Northam pull it off beautifully.”
(That post includes several good photo stills from the film.)
and
what do you fancy? blogged on July 26 2010 (includes trailer video).
”Jeremy and Jennifer Ehle are wonderfully passionate and charismatic as the Victorians”
and
Prepare to be Possessed published on July 29 2010 (with more lovely pictures).
Less Outdated News: The King’s Speech
From 365 Cinema’s Fall/Holiday 2010 Preview
”THE KING’S SPEECH (Weinstein) chronicles the relationship between speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) and King George VI (Colin Firth), whom Logue must help get past a terrible stammer so that he may lead his nation into World War II after the unexpected abdication of his brother Edward. The impressive cast includes Timothy Spall, Guy Pearce, Derek Jacobi and Michael Gambon.”
[my note: evidently there are no women in this version!]
An article at NJ.com reports that The King’s Speech is under consideration for the Arthouse Film Festival that will run for 12 weeks beginning Sept. 20 at two New Jersey theatres: AMC Loews Mountainside and AMC Loews Monmouth Mall.
New Zealand release date reported in “Coming soon” at flicks co nz.
”OPENING IN CINEMAS: 26th Dec 2010 (NZ)
Starring Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Colin Firth, Michael Gambon, Geoffrey Rush, Timothy Spall, Jennifer Ehle, Derek Jacobi”
All astonishment! A rare actual mention of Ms Ehle in the cast! Very reassuring.
Oscar spec at KipMooney blog.
A list of actors/celebrity guests expected to attend the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), September 9-19 at
Toronto Film Net.
Long, but does not include Hers.
Alex Carlson at Film Misery blog reports on the 25 Most Anticipated Films of the Third Trimester and writes,
“One of the most buzzed about films leading up to the Toronto International Film Festival, The King’s Speech has been predicted all year by awards prognosticators to be one of the major Oscar frontrunners.”
And last but not least
According to this at Shootonline, The King’s Speech is one of seven films to be announced for inclusion at the 32nd annual Aspen Filmfest.
”Aspen, CO, August 31, 2010 | SHOOT Publicity Wire | --- This Labor Day weekend, the 32nd annual Aspen Filmfest, a five-day feast of of film and fall color, is announcing seven films that will be screened during Filmfest 2010, held September 29 - October 3, 2010.
…
Films will be shown at the historic Wheeler Opera House in Aspen and at the Crystal Theatre in Carbondale.”
Granted, it’s no South Park, but good news anyway.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
This Edition Contains No Hazardous Materials
News about The King’s Speech (featuring Jennifer Ehle as Myrtle Logue)
Coverage of the Toronto festival and more:
By Anne Thompson at indiwire with the comment ”TWC’s The King’s Speech, starring Colin Firth, will play Venice, Telluride and Toronto.”
[Note: I haven’t been able to find supporting evidence for Venice or Telluride, but that would be stupendous if true!]
And Joshua Brunsting at Gordon and the Whale, who comments ”The latest film, Tom Hooper’s THE KING’S SPEECH, looks amazing and has already garnered some pre-premiere Oscar love.” and ” Hooper, director of last year’s great film, THE DAMNED UNITED, brought together one hell of a cast for this thing, [...] it will see a release through Miramax, leaving many to believe that this may be their big Oscar baby come later this year.”
And, more bromatically, Shinan Govani, National Post reveals that ’ Tom Hooper, who directed the film -- one that includes a tea-party cast comprised also of Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter -- further tells EW it is, yes, a "bromance." Basically, he goes on, summing it up, "Boy meets therapist, boy loses therapist, boy gets therapist." ‘
Liam Lace in Saturday's Globe and Mail lists some of the films & mentions “The King’s Speech (Dec. 10)” [The Dec date might be the Canadian release perhaps?] and also says ”Very British acting excellence and a credible historic reconstruction, which should make this film (originally a play) like Masterpiece Theatre with a budget.”
And some blogging & Oscar speculation by
Scott Feinberg, Erik Childress, Edward Davis, Jon Lyus, Ashleigh Ryan, Murph, and Ryan Adams
Several of the blogs above include rosters of celebrities scheduled to attend Toronto and while the list is impressive, the name we’d most wish to see is unfortunately not there.
A bit of Pride and Prejudice
Some bits about the Austen Attired exhibit at Peckover House. And isn’t that a wonderful name for a place? In so many ways, including that it could be a Dickens title.
ANNABELLE DICKSON wrote ”An exhibition of costumes, worn in film and television adaptations of the Georgian novelist's books, including Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, has already brought many visitors to Peckover House, in Wisbech.”
Be sure to take a look at jfwakefield’s austenonly blog which not only reports on the exhibit but also includes great pictures of the costumes & venue.
[Austen lovers, check out other entries at this blog, they will not disappoint.]
And, to finish, a fresh in-depth review of P&P95 Posted at The Rush Blog
Coverage of the Toronto festival and more:
By Anne Thompson at indiwire with the comment ”TWC’s The King’s Speech, starring Colin Firth, will play Venice, Telluride and Toronto.”
[Note: I haven’t been able to find supporting evidence for Venice or Telluride, but that would be stupendous if true!]
And Joshua Brunsting at Gordon and the Whale, who comments ”The latest film, Tom Hooper’s THE KING’S SPEECH, looks amazing and has already garnered some pre-premiere Oscar love.” and ” Hooper, director of last year’s great film, THE DAMNED UNITED, brought together one hell of a cast for this thing, [...] it will see a release through Miramax, leaving many to believe that this may be their big Oscar baby come later this year.”
And, more bromatically, Shinan Govani, National Post reveals that ’ Tom Hooper, who directed the film -- one that includes a tea-party cast comprised also of Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter -- further tells EW it is, yes, a "bromance." Basically, he goes on, summing it up, "Boy meets therapist, boy loses therapist, boy gets therapist." ‘
Liam Lace in Saturday's Globe and Mail lists some of the films & mentions “The King’s Speech (Dec. 10)” [The Dec date might be the Canadian release perhaps?] and also says ”Very British acting excellence and a credible historic reconstruction, which should make this film (originally a play) like Masterpiece Theatre with a budget.”
And some blogging & Oscar speculation by
Scott Feinberg, Erik Childress, Edward Davis, Jon Lyus, Ashleigh Ryan, Murph, and Ryan Adams
Several of the blogs above include rosters of celebrities scheduled to attend Toronto and while the list is impressive, the name we’d most wish to see is unfortunately not there.
A bit of Pride and Prejudice
Some bits about the Austen Attired exhibit at Peckover House. And isn’t that a wonderful name for a place? In so many ways, including that it could be a Dickens title.
ANNABELLE DICKSON wrote ”An exhibition of costumes, worn in film and television adaptations of the Georgian novelist's books, including Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, has already brought many visitors to Peckover House, in Wisbech.”
Be sure to take a look at jfwakefield’s austenonly blog which not only reports on the exhibit but also includes great pictures of the costumes & venue.
[Austen lovers, check out other entries at this blog, they will not disappoint.]
And, to finish, a fresh in-depth review of P&P95 Posted at The Rush Blog
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Hearing Voices
Simon & Schuster have a page with all sorts of goodies for the Clockwork Angel audiobook read by Jennifer Ehle.
There’s a video of Cassandra Clare talking about Jennifer Ehle narrating. She’s excited about the ”combination of strength and sweetness” she can bring to the character (well, yeah … ). Clare is a big fan, having watched the BBC Pride and Prejudice “… probably, I don’t know, 300 times, something really embarrassing like that”.
Best of all at this page, you can listen to an excerpt of Jennifer's recording from the audiobook. You’ll get a sample of both American and English accents (Yay!)
Oscar speculation for TKS continues
At Movie City News where David Poland says it’s Time To Start Thinking Oscar Again and writes that perhaps The Weinstein Company’s dark horse for their season is ”The King's Speech, a Brit tale of a stammering king, loaded with faves like Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Guy Pearce, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon, Tim Spall, Derek Jacobi and so on.”
!!! *sigh*, relegated to AndSoOn … Well, she’s still the fave here.
and
at In Contention where Guy Lodge writes ”The King’s Speech? Well, it has corsets and cut-glass British accents a go-go […] But it’s also a small-scale story of one man overcoming a stutter: mightn’t that prove a little slight for voters who like their awards bait capital-I Important?”
and
at Award Contenders where Mark Johnson’s take is that ”There is a good chance he [Firth] returns to the Oscar field in this year’s The King’s Speech, as King George VI. The Academy loves a biopic, and the fact that his character will be working to overcome a nervous stammer leads me to believe their could be one hell of a performance coming from him. Throw in the fact that the film is backed by the Weinstein’s and you may consider Firth a near lock.”
Does the Academy’s love of biopic trump lack of capital-I Important?
Gala in Toronto
Barbara Vancheri at The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette posted about the Toronto fest filling out. ” The Sept. 9-19 event will offer 15 galas and 35 special presentations, with 25 world premieres”. One of the galas is The King’s Speech.
LONDON?
Per an article at TimeOut London the opening film has been announced for the October 2010 London Film Festival. The author goes on to ponder the possible closing film, including ”perhaps the impressive-looking historical drama ‘The King’s Speech’”.
Lizzy’s blue dress
Regency fashions can be seen this month at the Austen Attired exhibition in Wisbech, featuring eight costumes worn by stars from screen adaptations of Jane Austen’s classic stories and including ”… the blue dress worn by Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice”
There’s a video of Cassandra Clare talking about Jennifer Ehle narrating. She’s excited about the ”combination of strength and sweetness” she can bring to the character (well, yeah … ). Clare is a big fan, having watched the BBC Pride and Prejudice “… probably, I don’t know, 300 times, something really embarrassing like that”.
Best of all at this page, you can listen to an excerpt of Jennifer's recording from the audiobook. You’ll get a sample of both American and English accents (Yay!)
Oscar speculation for TKS continues
At Movie City News where David Poland says it’s Time To Start Thinking Oscar Again and writes that perhaps The Weinstein Company’s dark horse for their season is ”The King's Speech, a Brit tale of a stammering king, loaded with faves like Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Guy Pearce, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon, Tim Spall, Derek Jacobi and so on.”
!!! *sigh*, relegated to AndSoOn … Well, she’s still the fave here.
and
at In Contention where Guy Lodge writes ”The King’s Speech? Well, it has corsets and cut-glass British accents a go-go […] But it’s also a small-scale story of one man overcoming a stutter: mightn’t that prove a little slight for voters who like their awards bait capital-I Important?”
and
at Award Contenders where Mark Johnson’s take is that ”There is a good chance he [Firth] returns to the Oscar field in this year’s The King’s Speech, as King George VI. The Academy loves a biopic, and the fact that his character will be working to overcome a nervous stammer leads me to believe their could be one hell of a performance coming from him. Throw in the fact that the film is backed by the Weinstein’s and you may consider Firth a near lock.”
Does the Academy’s love of biopic trump lack of capital-I Important?
Gala in Toronto
Barbara Vancheri at The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette posted about the Toronto fest filling out. ” The Sept. 9-19 event will offer 15 galas and 35 special presentations, with 25 world premieres”. One of the galas is The King’s Speech.
LONDON?
Per an article at TimeOut London the opening film has been announced for the October 2010 London Film Festival. The author goes on to ponder the possible closing film, including ”perhaps the impressive-looking historical drama ‘The King’s Speech’”.
Lizzy’s blue dress
Regency fashions can be seen this month at the Austen Attired exhibition in Wisbech, featuring eight costumes worn by stars from screen adaptations of Jane Austen’s classic stories and including ”… the blue dress worn by Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice”
Monday, April 26, 2010
Revisiting garments
Remember how Jennifer Ehle told her fans in the 2005 interview that her favorite P&P dress was the red one?
Well, as mentioned by the Jane Austen Today Follow Friday post, there is now a website supplying comprehensive informations about gowns in Jane Austen movie adaptations...The Jane Austen (and friends) movie gowns.
Check out the Lizzie section of the website. Will you be able to recognize the "very soft, over-washed, faded cream print one" that Ms Ehle used to call "Lizzie's Levi's" ?
Speaking of which, a Restored Pride & Prejudice DVD Set will be available in 2 days (27 april, 2010) for Zone 1 viewers.
Bonus features mentioned in the site:
- Completely Digitally Remastered for the Ultimate in Picture and Sound Quality
- Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation
- Featurettes "Lasting Impressions", "An Impromptu Walkabout with Adrian Lukis and Lucy Briers", "Turning Point"
- Uncovering the Technical Restoration Process
- The Making-of
- English subtitles
Also at Amazon.com. Let's hope that a Zone 2 restored DVD will follow soon!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Playing mobile...
For absolutely innocent, sheer fun:
And another slightly older one:
Thank you Missfilmnut, we want more !
And another slightly older one:
Thank you Missfilmnut, we want more !
Saturday, April 17, 2010
News with old...
You thought you saw everything about Pride and Prejudice by now?
Here's a funny P&P video you might have missed:
Newest info about The King's speech early screenings, given by Jennifer Ehle herself on Twitter:
Now the wait shall be even harder!
For more infos about chickens, turtles, homeschooling or the meaning of life (yes, yes!), we strongly recommend you follow her and join the fun!
Here's a funny P&P video you might have missed:
Newest info about The King's speech early screenings, given by Jennifer Ehle herself on Twitter:
Heard v early screening of 'Kings Speech' was "incredible".(I assume as in 'gr8' not 'hard 2 believe';) I do know Tom Hooper's amazing...
Now the wait shall be even harder!
For more infos about chickens, turtles, homeschooling or the meaning of life (yes, yes!), we strongly recommend you follow her and join the fun!
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Back to movies
The Greatest is now released in theaters in the United States.
According to the 2 New York Times and LA Times reviews of the film, we won't see much of Jennifer Ehle though:
Colin Firth talks about his role as King George VI in The King's speech :
I finally fall on this very funny article, Postsecret and embarassing Pride and Prejudice confessions, in which the author archly asks : what hidden secrets do we have about Pride and Prejudice? I let you look at the post and meditate on that...
According to the 2 New York Times and LA Times reviews of the film, we won't see much of Jennifer Ehle though:
Math professor Allen's recent affair with a lovely colleague (Jennifer Ehle) provides a potential key to the marital problem between Allen and Grace that clearly predated their son's death. But, like much else here, it goes underexplored. (LA Times)
The film squanders valuable time on several undeveloped subplots. One involves Allen's recent affair with a colleague (Jennifer Ehle), who tries to offer solace. (NY Times)
Colin Firth talks about his role as King George VI in The King's speech :
I finally fall on this very funny article, Postsecret and embarassing Pride and Prejudice confessions, in which the author archly asks : what hidden secrets do we have about Pride and Prejudice? I let you look at the post and meditate on that...
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Music to our Ears
After the little battle html and I had last time I hope to be able to orchestrate some links now without invoking any wayward musical instruments.
It is evident that the following sites will be ones to check frequently for updates and discussion so they have been added to the permanent link list here (available under Links at the right)
George R.R. Martin's Not A Blog
and
Winter-is-Coming blog (rich with comments and has a promised-to-be-frequently- updated FAQ)
and
A Song of Ice and Fire Forum
[Morocco!] From the FAQ mentioned above and noted in our own ShoutBox:
Check Your Bloggage Here
Captain Elias In his Super Powers that Be blog, commented on Jennifer Ehle's casting as Catelyn fearing that, based on her performance as Jane Bennet in "Keira Knightley's Pride and Prejudice" [!!], she was too sweet for the role. After some gentle nudging via comments at his blog, he corrected one misapprehension and switched to Christabel LaMotte to support the "too sweet and romantic" worry.
In the Captain's next Blog anxieties had been laid to rest as he reported "I'm very eager to see Jennifer Ehle as Lady Catelyn".
The Stratovarius Community Forum has a discussion of AGoT casting and favorable comments about JE.
At Chronicles Network , "The UK's largest Science Fiction & Fantasy Forums" there is additional casting commentary including one that notes "What a score the actress who will be Catelyn is!
The treacle mine road blog draupadi writes about the book and the casting.
Ain't it Cool News has a forum thread for HBO's "A Song of Fire and Ice"
The youthink.com site also has A Song of Ice and Fire forum thread, from which this comment caught my eye. "She doesn't look cold enough. I guess it's up to acting." (Oh, you bet it is. I can hardly wait for her to make the doubting jaws drop).
Recent Arrival
Look what just arrived at my house from Amazon! My weekend is now fully scheduled.
Book 1 Book 2 Book 3
Lines on Lizzy
Isabellecs livejournal lists her Twenty Favorite Bad Ass Female Characters. Guess which someone with the initials EB came in at #17.
Alyssa Rosenberg in her blog entry titled How We See Things In Our Heads commented on Jonathan Yardley's article, Pride. Prejudice. Perfection in The Washington Post, which contended that film adaptations of Miss Austen's classic had failed to firmly fix [yep, that's a split infinitive. yep, I'm going to leave it there] actors in the public's (or his at least) mind as the personification of the characters ala Clark Gable/Rhett Butler. Alyssa responded:
"If Yardley somehow managed to miss A&E's 1995 adaptation of the novel, he is deprived. It's perhaps the only cinematic or television adaptation of a work of literature where the faces of the actors deserve to float back into our minds as we read the novels where they originate"
It is evident that the following sites will be ones to check frequently for updates and discussion so they have been added to the permanent link list here (available under Links at the right)
George R.R. Martin's Not A Blog
and
Winter-is-Coming blog (rich with comments and has a promised-to-be-frequently- updated FAQ)
and
A Song of Ice and Fire Forum
[Morocco!] From the FAQ mentioned above and noted in our own ShoutBox:
"The pilot is filming in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Specifically, a large film studio there called the Paint Hall. They will also be doing some remote shoots in Morocco. Filming for the pilot is currently scheduled to start October 12, 2009 and last until November 6, 2009. Although these dates are not set in stone."
Check Your Bloggage Here
Captain Elias In his Super Powers that Be blog, commented on Jennifer Ehle's casting as Catelyn fearing that, based on her performance as Jane Bennet in "Keira Knightley's Pride and Prejudice" [!!], she was too sweet for the role. After some gentle nudging via comments at his blog, he corrected one misapprehension and switched to Christabel LaMotte to support the "too sweet and romantic" worry.
In the Captain's next Blog anxieties had been laid to rest as he reported "I'm very eager to see Jennifer Ehle as Lady Catelyn".
The Stratovarius Community Forum has a discussion of AGoT casting and favorable comments about JE.
At Chronicles Network , "The UK's largest Science Fiction & Fantasy Forums" there is additional casting commentary including one that notes "What a score the actress who will be Catelyn is!
The treacle mine road blog draupadi writes about the book and the casting.
Ain't it Cool News has a forum thread for HBO's "A Song of Fire and Ice"
The youthink.com site also has A Song of Ice and Fire forum thread, from which this comment caught my eye. "She doesn't look cold enough. I guess it's up to acting." (Oh, you bet it is. I can hardly wait for her to make the doubting jaws drop).
Recent Arrival
Look what just arrived at my house from Amazon! My weekend is now fully scheduled.
Lines on Lizzy
Isabellecs livejournal lists her Twenty Favorite Bad Ass Female Characters. Guess which someone with the initials EB came in at #17.
Alyssa Rosenberg in her blog entry titled How We See Things In Our Heads commented on Jonathan Yardley's article, Pride. Prejudice. Perfection in The Washington Post, which contended that film adaptations of Miss Austen's classic had failed to firmly fix [yep, that's a split infinitive. yep, I'm going to leave it there] actors in the public's (or his at least) mind as the personification of the characters ala Clark Gable/Rhett Butler. Alyssa responded:
"If Yardley somehow managed to miss A&E's 1995 adaptation of the novel, he is deprived. It's perhaps the only cinematic or television adaptation of a work of literature where the faces of the actors deserve to float back into our minds as we read the novels where they originate"
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Coming Attractions
Just a quick entry to send along a trio of things.
Rosemary Harris is scheduled to participate in the reading series at the 92Y Poetry Center
Jane Austen presents Jennifer Ehle
Damon Young at The Sydney Morning Herald in a nice article About writing and about Jane Austen revealed that Miss Austen was able to look into the future, anticipate the existence of the mini-series, and provide casting.
We are profoundly grateful, Miss Austen (with thanks also to Sue Birtwistle, Simon Langton, and Andrew Davies for an excellent job of channeling JA).
ALERT!
A treat is due to be served here at the Blog on or about Saturday July 11th.
Mark your calendars; set your timepieces; calibrate your sundials.
[It is still the afternoon of July 10th at my location so I can truthfully present this as a future event no matter what the "date/time posted by" might indicate below]
Rosemary Harris is scheduled to participate in the reading series at the 92Y Poetry Center
"Tony Award-winning actress Rosemary Harris (Spider-Man’s Aunt May) returns to the Poetry Center to read from some of the classics of children’s literature."
Date & Time: Sat, Sep 26, 2009, 11:30am
Location: Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street
"The Poetry Center presents the third year of its children’s reading series. These Saturday programs, targeted toward 8-12-year-olds, feature classic and contemporary literature read by actors and authors."
Jane Austen presents Jennifer Ehle
Damon Young at The Sydney Morning Herald in a nice article About writing and about Jane Austen revealed that Miss Austen was able to look into the future, anticipate the existence of the mini-series, and provide casting.
"[...]Her sales are astronomical, her influence on authors and readers incalculable. She gave us Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, for which many fans are profoundly grateful. [...]"
We are profoundly grateful, Miss Austen (with thanks also to Sue Birtwistle, Simon Langton, and Andrew Davies for an excellent job of channeling JA).
ALERT!
A treat is due to be served here at the Blog on or about Saturday July 11th.
Mark your calendars; set your timepieces; calibrate your sundials.
[It is still the afternoon of July 10th at my location so I can truthfully present this as a future event no matter what the "date/time posted by" might indicate below]
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Hot Summer in the Country
VISUALS
A treasure trove of rare interview footage has been uploaded to YouTube by one of Jennifer Ehle's most stalwart fans. I posted two of them last time but there have been many more added since, so do not miss terrykip's videos.
Although the most brief, I think this is my favorite (despite perhaps the need for a more clued-in interviewer).
Also, many thanks to sharonalee who let us know about the excellent P&P photo gallery she has created and for volunteering to share it.
Bright Sunshine
After watching Sunshine for the first time recently, Antti Alanen in his Film Diary blog reported his very favorable impressions.
Hot Wings
The temperature when I left work yesterday was 100F (37.8C) and will be about the same when I depart today. If the weather has been as unbearably hot where you are as it has been here, keeping animals under your care comfortably cool can be a concern. Let's say, for example, you have chickens. A number of them; maybe seven chickens. If so, Poultryone.com has some valuable tips for you about
Keeping Your Chickens Healthy and Cool in Hot Summer Heat
[...] "Water is essential" [...]"
[picture by T. McCracken via McHumor.com]
Hot Things
The Forsyth County ((Winston-Salem is the county seat) Library site has a fine Biography of John Ehle compiled by Sheryl Monks. Included is a nice photo of him with Joe Pye. It has information not in his Wiki article (so far) and worth a read. Just a sample:
At livejournal two of our favorite ladies made list of Ashmh'sTop Ten Favorite Miniseries. Mom beat daughter in this one.
Suzanna Bowling in the Examiner writes about some upcoming productions, including The Royal Family and its award-laden cast.
The Rosemary Harris film Is Anybody There? earned a favorable review
by John Petrakis at christiancentury.org recently. He wrote, "We are introduced to some of the other Lark Hall residents, who are portrayed by a who's-who of outstanding British and American character actors, including the still-lovely Rosemary Harris as a former dancer."
A short (19 minutes) film, The Monday Before Thanksgiving featuring Rosemary Harris was shown at Worldwide Short Film Festival 2009 . Shannon the Movie Moxie described it as "Adeptly light handling of complex life events and choices"
Party with Liz and Darce
Romance inspired die-cuts are ideal for weddings, St Valentines day, birthdays or just to say 'I love you'.
Meslyncrafts can offer the ULTIMATE in romantic couples 'Miss Elizabeth Bennett and the gorgeous Mr Darcy'.
--------------------------------------
A treasure trove of rare interview footage has been uploaded to YouTube by one of Jennifer Ehle's most stalwart fans. I posted two of them last time but there have been many more added since, so do not miss terrykip's videos.
Although the most brief, I think this is my favorite (despite perhaps the need for a more clued-in interviewer).
Also, many thanks to sharonalee who let us know about the excellent P&P photo gallery she has created and for volunteering to share it.
Bright Sunshine
After watching Sunshine for the first time recently, Antti Alanen in his Film Diary blog reported his very favorable impressions.
"There are gorgeous female roles in the film, and especially the scenes with the bright Jennifer Ehle radiate with intelligence, courage, sensuality and frank sexuality. - Rachel Weisz would have deserved more screen time, but of course the film is long as it is. Rosemary Harris is excellent as the grown-up Valerie. - Although Ralph Fiennes in his triple role portrays the three main characters, finally, Valerie is the soul and heart of the film, the only one who never loses her inner compass. - A film I decided I want to see again even while still watching it."
Hot Wings
The temperature when I left work yesterday was 100F (37.8C) and will be about the same when I depart today. If the weather has been as unbearably hot where you are as it has been here, keeping animals under your care comfortably cool can be a concern. Let's say, for example, you have chickens. A number of them; maybe seven chickens. If so, Poultryone.com has some valuable tips for you about
Keeping Your Chickens Healthy and Cool in Hot Summer Heat
[...] "Water is essential" [...]"
[picture by T. McCracken via McHumor.com]
Hot Things
The Forsyth County ((Winston-Salem is the county seat) Library site has a fine Biography of John Ehle compiled by Sheryl Monks. Included is a nice photo of him with Joe Pye. It has information not in his Wiki article (so far) and worth a read. Just a sample:
[...] Originally released in 1964 by Harper & Row, The Land Breakers is the first book of seven in a sweeping saga detailing the opening up of the North Carolina Appalachian frontier. Rob Neuland of the Asheville Citizen Times has called Ehle’s series, "the greatest epic of our region." [...]
At livejournal two of our favorite ladies made list of Ashmh'sTop Ten Favorite Miniseries. Mom beat daughter in this one.
2. "The Chisholms" (1979) - This excellent three-part miniseries followed the adventures of a Virginian family during their overland trek to California in the mid-1840s. Based upon Evan Hunter's novel, it starred Robert Preston, Rosemary Harris and Ben Murphy.
[and]
7. "Pride and Prejudice" (1995) - Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle co-starred in what I consider to be the best version of Jane Austen's classic 1813 novel.
Suzanna Bowling in the Examiner writes about some upcoming productions, including The Royal Family and its award-laden cast.
MTC is also bringing The Royal Family. This is the classic comedy of theatrical manners, written by two of the theatre's greatest writers, George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber, whose other storied collaborations include Dinner at Eight and Stage Door. This devilishly funny play follows the Cavendishes, the famous family of stage stars, as they go about the drama of the day: choosing scripts, dashing off to a performance, and stealing kisses with handsome beaus. Directed by Tony Award winner Doug Hughes (Doubt) with a fantastic cast that includes Emmy nominee Stephen Collins as Gilbert Marshall,Tony winner John Glover as Herbert Dean,Tony Award winner and Oscar nominee Rosemary Harris as Fanny Cavendish, Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award winner Jan Maxwell as Julie Cavendish,Tony nominee Tony Roberts as Oscar Wolfe,and Drama Desk Award nominee Reg Rogers as Tony Cavendish. Previews start September 15th.
The Rosemary Harris film Is Anybody There? earned a favorable review
by John Petrakis at christiancentury.org recently. He wrote, "We are introduced to some of the other Lark Hall residents, who are portrayed by a who's-who of outstanding British and American character actors, including the still-lovely Rosemary Harris as a former dancer."
A short (19 minutes) film, The Monday Before Thanksgiving featuring Rosemary Harris was shown at Worldwide Short Film Festival 2009 . Shannon the Movie Moxie described it as "Adeptly light handling of complex life events and choices"
Party with Liz and Darce
Romance inspired die-cuts are ideal for weddings, St Valentines day, birthdays or just to say 'I love you'. Meslyncrafts can offer the ULTIMATE in romantic couples 'Miss Elizabeth Bennett and the gorgeous Mr Darcy'.
--------------------------------------
Friday, June 12, 2009
Tube Tops & Shorts
YouTube offerings Top today's blog
1) This is "the making of" from the movie "This years love" (1999) with Douglas Henshall, Ian Hart, Kathy Burke, Jennifer Ehle, Catherine McCormack and Dougray Scott
2) Jennifer Ehle - Tony Awards 2000 - The Real Thing
3) Jennifer Ehle - Tony Award Memory. On the eve of her second Tony Award in 2007, Jennifer Ehle reflects on her first win
2) & 3) are credited via tonyawards.com and were uploaded to YouTube this week by terrykip, definitely a tuber to root for and watch for whose interest appears grounded in the talented object of this blog. Thank you terrykip!
October Quotage Catch-up
This snippet from OK! Magazine's October 23, 2008 article on the Pride And Glory premiere seems to have been overlooked here. We have no problem with playing catch-up though. The article quotes several of the stars, including this from Jennifer Ehle being endearingly modest about being visited by co-stars while commenting on why Colin Farrell might make someone a decent boyfriend.
Shorts
Short films being presented at the 15th annual Palm Springs International ShortFest June 23-29 include The Monday Before Thanksgiving with Rosemary Harris.
Recent articles can be found at The Desert Sun and Hollywood Reporter and indieWiIRE
Is Anybody [down] There"
The Rosemary Harris film Is Anybody There was released in Australia 4 June 2009, giving rise to some more harvestable reviews.
Sandra Hall in The Sydney Morning Herald
Philippa Hawker in The Age - Melbourne,Victoria,Australia "The home's elderly residents are defined by standard sitcom dottiness; actors such as Leslie Phillips, Sylvia Syms, Peter Vaughan and Rosemary Harris deserve better than these sketchily written roles."
Alice Tynan in Trespass Magazine "Rosemary Harris as Elsie does get one wistfully poignant scene, though the rest of the residents are relegated to typical, if compassionately portrayed, stereotypes."
Universal Truths in 140 characters
I once read someone postulating that if Jane Austen had been alive today, she'd be writing scripts for hit sit-coms. That was before Twitter, though. Bind your ribs to prevent cracking before reading this hilarious version of Pride and Prejudice. I'd quote some if it, but it is all so brilliantly funny that I'd have to paste the entire piece.
1) This is "the making of" from the movie "This years love" (1999) with Douglas Henshall, Ian Hart, Kathy Burke, Jennifer Ehle, Catherine McCormack and Dougray Scott
2) Jennifer Ehle - Tony Awards 2000 - The Real Thing
3) Jennifer Ehle - Tony Award Memory. On the eve of her second Tony Award in 2007, Jennifer Ehle reflects on her first win
2) & 3) are credited via tonyawards.com and were uploaded to YouTube this week by terrykip, definitely a tuber to root for and watch for whose interest appears grounded in the talented object of this blog. Thank you terrykip!
October Quotage Catch-up
This snippet from OK! Magazine's October 23, 2008 article on the Pride And Glory premiere seems to have been overlooked here. We have no problem with playing catch-up though. The article quotes several of the stars, including this from Jennifer Ehle being endearingly modest about being visited by co-stars while commenting on why Colin Farrell might make someone a decent boyfriend.
“He’s incredibly warm, incredibly kind, he’s funny, he’s charming in a very honest way. He came to the trailer and welcomed me on my first day, which is something I wouldn’t expect someone in his position to do. He’s very kind. I think kindness is underrated when looking for a partner.”
Shorts
Short films being presented at the 15th annual Palm Springs International ShortFest June 23-29 include The Monday Before Thanksgiving with Rosemary Harris.
Recent articles can be found at The Desert Sun and Hollywood Reporter and indieWiIRE
[...] Four actors will have their directorial debuts featured at the Festival including Demi Moore directing “Streak,” starring Brittany Snow, Rumer Willis and Madeline Zima; Courteney Cox-Arquette directing and starring in “The Monday Before Thanksgiving” along with Laura Dern and Rosemary Harris; Marianne Jean-Baptiste directing “Ink,” and Joseph Gordon-Levitt directing “Sparks” starring Carla Gugino and Eric Stoltz.[...]
Is Anybody [down] There"
The Rosemary Harris film Is Anybody There was released in Australia 4 June 2009, giving rise to some more harvestable reviews.
Sandra Hall in The Sydney Morning Herald
Philippa Hawker in The Age - Melbourne,Victoria,Australia "The home's elderly residents are defined by standard sitcom dottiness; actors such as Leslie Phillips, Sylvia Syms, Peter Vaughan and Rosemary Harris deserve better than these sketchily written roles."
Alice Tynan in Trespass Magazine "Rosemary Harris as Elsie does get one wistfully poignant scene, though the rest of the residents are relegated to typical, if compassionately portrayed, stereotypes."
Universal Truths in 140 characters
I once read someone postulating that if Jane Austen had been alive today, she'd be writing scripts for hit sit-coms. That was before Twitter, though. Bind your ribs to prevent cracking before reading this hilarious version of Pride and Prejudice. I'd quote some if it, but it is all so brilliantly funny that I'd have to paste the entire piece.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Ray-views and more
Rayning P&P
The amazing popularity of the miniseries continues fifteen years on from its filming. Just consider that around this time fifteen years ago 24-year-old Jennifer Ehle was possibly being fitted for a dark-hued wig of curls, or learning the steps to Mr Beveridge's Maggot, or rehearsing "TLMINTWICEBPOTM".
GLENN MCDONALD in the NC Triangle area News & Observer shows excellent observation skills himself when he notes:
(my own underlining added in the above)
Svet Atanasov has an in-depth review at the blu-ray page which is worth reading if only for his almost apologetic disclaimer of writing from an man's point of view. This piece is accompanied by some really lovely and HQ photos which can be seen enlarged by clicking on those provided within the article. He concludes that he can "comfortably state that Pride and Prejudice will become a “poster-child” for the Blu-ray format" and also saying;
Michael Giltz at huffingtonpost agrees with me when he says "this is one of the greatest miniseries of all times [...] Absolutely essential."
Doug Nye of McClatchy-Tribune News Service calls it "The best film adaptation ever of Jane Austen’s 'Pride and Prejudice'" and adds "Particularly impressive are Colin Firth as Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet."
Lex Walker writes a wide-ranging review also worth reading, another self-admitted strictly man's point of view, in which he humorously but gently muses on the Firth-Feenom. He begins by calling it "... the stereotypical woman's holy grail of films". But he ultimately admits to the right way of thinking :"Most of the women out there openly profess their love for this series - and that's fair. It is a well-crafted story (Jane Austen, I mean come on) and the lead performers excel in every way."
It isn't a ray-view nor is it P&P, but this interesting P&G review trickled in recently. It has more to say about Ms Ehle than most coverage of this film. I don't really understand the "metaphorical bird" allusion though, so any illumination from readers who do would be appreciated.
The Doan Scale
Blogger Brian Doan responded to a challenge to "Name 10 film characters that are your favorite and explain why. " He's now my top favorite blogger, I think. But not surprising, right?, with a name like that !
This recaps some of the discussion we've had at the forum about stillness-in-acting and distilled-emotion and I heartily concur with his insights. Is he just brilliant on his own ... or is it everyone with that name?
What a Waste and Missing Limbs
A ton (that's 2000 lbs) of reviews are available for Is Anybody There? which co-stars Rosemary Harris. Most are of the cookie-cutter variety, but a few are original enough and relevant enough to be worth linking here. The overall theme, regarding the subject who is of interest here, seems to be on the lines of, "Too bad her talents are wasted, under-used", A sampler:
Rex Reed in The New York Observer writes, "In fairness, Is Anybody There?, like all British films, boasts a splendid cast of character actors, including Anne-Marie Duff, Leslie Phillips and the sadly wasted, still-radiant Rosemary Harris."
Philip at atomipopcorn said "The supporting cast does some fine work, but I feel for actors like Rosemary Harris; she feels underused."
At Spectator Deborah Ross has a humorous review (and, for whatever reason, semi-vicious digs at Peter O'Toole), maintaining a criminal wasting of top-notch talent.
Kelly Jane Torrance at The Washington Times offers a nice review with very good things to say about the incredible talent of the supporting actors.
Several reviews have hinted at some features of the character Ms Harris plays in the film.
At hollywoodand fine "Rosemary Harris, as a woman with one leg who wants to convince a male resident to dance with her"
James Christopher in The Times mentions pawing and plucking "in a fruitless search for romance"
John Walsh
at The Independent notes "Rosemary Harris, despite her prosthetic leg, tries to appear alluring to the tippling lothario, without success. "
JONATHAN L. FISCHER in Philadelphia's The Bulletin says "[...] the comedy — mostly typical geriatric sight gags — stays in the hands of a retinue of veteran British character actors, like Rosemary Harris [...] "
Listen up!
A Streetcar Named Desire available on audio. "[...]Rosemary Harris embodies Blanche with all the flare, attitude and Southern drawl commonly associated with the cultural icon. [...] This recording captures the cast of the 1973 Broadway revival (which won Harris a Drama Desk award and Farentino a Theatre World award)."
Wanna take me to Lunch on May 15th?
We could chow down at The 75th Annual Drama League Awards Ceremony and Luncheon where, among other things, "[...] nine past recipients of the Distinguished Performance Award -- Norbert Leo Butz, Stockard Channing, Christine Ebersole, Rosemary Harris, Frank Langella, John Lithgow, Mary-Louise Parker, Stephen Rea, and Sam Waterston -- will be honored on this dais for their work this season. "
It would seem we'd have every right to be there since Everyone On Earth Nominated For A Drama League Award
Okay then, How about Carnegie Hall on June 15?
We could go to see Theodore Bikel: The First 85 Years "The 7:30 PM concert in the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage will boast the talents of Alan Alda, Arlo Guthrie, Rosemary Harris, David Amram, Beyond the Pale, Artie Butler, Patricia Conolly, Judy Kaye, David Krakauer, Tom Paxton, Serendipity 4 (Shura Lipovsky, Merima Kljuco, Tamara Brooks and Bikel), Noel Paul Stookey and Peter Yarrow, Susan Werner and Michael Wex. "
Event also announced at broadwayworld
and Sing Out! News Service
Or a Play from Sep 15th on?
The Royal Family Tickets and Information
Canada's Greatest, and it's not Gretzky
Variety reports that "Canuck film distributor E1 Entertainment has inked a deal with Senator Distribution to pick-up Canuck rights to rights to five pics [...] "The Greatest," written and directed by Shana Feste, stars Pierce Brosnan and Susan Sarandon as a couple who learn their son's girlfriend is pregnant after he dies in a car crash. Pic will be released next spring."
Also reported at hollywoodreporter
Down to Earth with Colin Firth
Blogger Nikki shared a firthhand experience worthy of Bridget Jones herself. Enjoy! (evidently he is very very tall).
Terminating Time and Producing Purses
Mark Bostridge reviews Jane's Fame: How Jane Austen Conquered the World By Claire Harman.
" [...] a major factor in Jane Austen's longevity as a novelist must be the apparent timelessness of her work. To a large extent, her books are unattached to specific times and places. 'She stopped the clock', writes Harman, and now is always her time."
Need to open up some bookshelf space, make good use of those extra copies of Pride & Prejudice, and at the same time feed your handbag hankering? Meet Caitlin Phillips who "[...] goes through 500 to 750 books every year. But not because she's a speed reader. Instead, she cuts out all the pages and replaces them with beautiful fabric, to transform old books into stylish purses. [...] The most requested book is Pride and Prejudice — overwhelmingly so, Phillips says. "It's a great book, but I did not realize truly just how popular it was." [...]"
In the category: too late to do you any good at all, but I'll post it anyway
BBC 'Pride and Prejudice' writer to speak at UT
Through my own procrastination, I just missed letting you know of this chance to hear Andrew Davies being grateful to Jane Austen. Though if anyone out there did attend, we'd love to hear about it if you want to share.
____________________________________________________
Today's footnote. Never again will I allow myself to wait this long between blogs under the misapprehension that there is not enough information available. I severely underestimated the sheer human ability to fill a blank panel with words.
(Still mourning the lovely Kate's exit but confident the bear took second place.)
The amazing popularity of the miniseries continues fifteen years on from its filming. Just consider that around this time fifteen years ago 24-year-old Jennifer Ehle was possibly being fitted for a dark-hued wig of curls, or learning the steps to Mr Beveridge's Maggot, or rehearsing "TLMINTWICEBPOTM".
GLENN MCDONALD in the NC Triangle area News & Observer shows excellent observation skills himself when he notes:
[...] The BBC series manages what so many previous (and subsequent) adaptations have not: To effectively balance the period melodrama with Austen's exceedingly subtle wit and feminine (if not quite feminist) point of view. The casting of Ehle and Firth proves critical in this regard. Both are really quite brilliant in their ability to deliver Austen's multivalent dialogue -- communicating volumes with the airiest of bon mots. The highly mannered wordplay is an epic poem of passive-aggressive euphemism, and it takes serious acting chops to convey the depth of emotion underneath. [... ]
(my own underlining added in the above)
Svet Atanasov has an in-depth review at the blu-ray page which is worth reading if only for his almost apologetic disclaimer of writing from an man's point of view. This piece is accompanied by some really lovely and HQ photos which can be seen enlarged by clicking on those provided within the article. He concludes that he can "comfortably state that Pride and Prejudice will become a “poster-child” for the Blu-ray format" and also saying;
[...] I think that one of the key reasons why Pride and Prejudice won the hearts of many Jane Austin fans is the terrific emphasis on detail, which Simon Langdon and his team achieved; and I don’t necessarily mean the excellent decors and costumes. Rather, I believe that it was the ability of the actors to express accurately the complex emotions and feelings Jane Austen’s characters struggle with.[...]
Michael Giltz at huffingtonpost agrees with me when he says "this is one of the greatest miniseries of all times [...] Absolutely essential."
Doug Nye of McClatchy-Tribune News Service calls it "The best film adaptation ever of Jane Austen’s 'Pride and Prejudice'" and adds "Particularly impressive are Colin Firth as Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet."
Lex Walker writes a wide-ranging review also worth reading, another self-admitted strictly man's point of view, in which he humorously but gently muses on the Firth-Feenom. He begins by calling it "... the stereotypical woman's holy grail of films". But he ultimately admits to the right way of thinking :"Most of the women out there openly profess their love for this series - and that's fair. It is a well-crafted story (Jane Austen, I mean come on) and the lead performers excel in every way."
It isn't a ray-view nor is it P&P, but this interesting P&G review trickled in recently. It has more to say about Ms Ehle than most coverage of this film. I don't really understand the "metaphorical bird" allusion though, so any illumination from readers who do would be appreciated.
The Doan Scale
Blogger Brian Doan responded to a challenge to "Name 10 film characters that are your favorite and explain why. " He's now my top favorite blogger, I think. But not surprising, right?, with a name like that !
[...]Everyone talks about Colin Firth (who is excellent) and Andrew Davies' adaptation (ditto), but for me it's Ehle who holds the whole thing together. She is expert at delivering Austen's witticisms, but so much of the film rests on her face and her movements. I don't mean that in prurient way (although she is quite beautiful), but rather want to suggest how hard it is to look right, in period garb, while sometimes doing nothing.
How many actors can't escape modernity and create a feeling of anachronism, or clutter the space with too many tics or gestures? It takes a lot of courage to remain still, and still seem in character. Ehle does this expertly, and it's her responses to things-- the look of warmth or humor or sadness that can flash in her eyes, as her face quickly rearranges itself into a mask of propriety-- that I remember. They give her Lizzie a weight and texture that other performances in the role simply can't match.
[...]
This recaps some of the discussion we've had at the forum about stillness-in-acting and distilled-emotion and I heartily concur with his insights. Is he just brilliant on his own ... or is it everyone with that name?
What a Waste and Missing Limbs
A ton (that's 2000 lbs) of reviews are available for Is Anybody There? which co-stars Rosemary Harris. Most are of the cookie-cutter variety, but a few are original enough and relevant enough to be worth linking here. The overall theme, regarding the subject who is of interest here, seems to be on the lines of, "Too bad her talents are wasted, under-used", A sampler:
Rex Reed in The New York Observer writes, "In fairness, Is Anybody There?, like all British films, boasts a splendid cast of character actors, including Anne-Marie Duff, Leslie Phillips and the sadly wasted, still-radiant Rosemary Harris."
Philip at atomipopcorn said "The supporting cast does some fine work, but I feel for actors like Rosemary Harris; she feels underused."
At Spectator Deborah Ross has a humorous review (and, for whatever reason, semi-vicious digs at Peter O'Toole), maintaining a criminal wasting of top-notch talent.
Kelly Jane Torrance at The Washington Times offers a nice review with very good things to say about the incredible talent of the supporting actors.
Several reviews have hinted at some features of the character Ms Harris plays in the film.
At hollywoodand fine "Rosemary Harris, as a woman with one leg who wants to convince a male resident to dance with her"
James Christopher in The Times mentions pawing and plucking "in a fruitless search for romance"
John Walsh
at The Independent notes "Rosemary Harris, despite her prosthetic leg, tries to appear alluring to the tippling lothario, without success. "
JONATHAN L. FISCHER in Philadelphia's The Bulletin says "[...] the comedy — mostly typical geriatric sight gags — stays in the hands of a retinue of veteran British character actors, like Rosemary Harris [...] "
Listen up!
A Streetcar Named Desire available on audio. "[...]Rosemary Harris embodies Blanche with all the flare, attitude and Southern drawl commonly associated with the cultural icon. [...] This recording captures the cast of the 1973 Broadway revival (which won Harris a Drama Desk award and Farentino a Theatre World award)."
Wanna take me to Lunch on May 15th?
We could chow down at The 75th Annual Drama League Awards Ceremony and Luncheon where, among other things, "[...] nine past recipients of the Distinguished Performance Award -- Norbert Leo Butz, Stockard Channing, Christine Ebersole, Rosemary Harris, Frank Langella, John Lithgow, Mary-Louise Parker, Stephen Rea, and Sam Waterston -- will be honored on this dais for their work this season. "
It would seem we'd have every right to be there since Everyone On Earth Nominated For A Drama League Award
Okay then, How about Carnegie Hall on June 15?
We could go to see Theodore Bikel: The First 85 Years "The 7:30 PM concert in the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage will boast the talents of Alan Alda, Arlo Guthrie, Rosemary Harris, David Amram, Beyond the Pale, Artie Butler, Patricia Conolly, Judy Kaye, David Krakauer, Tom Paxton, Serendipity 4 (Shura Lipovsky, Merima Kljuco, Tamara Brooks and Bikel), Noel Paul Stookey and Peter Yarrow, Susan Werner and Michael Wex. "
Event also announced at broadwayworld
and Sing Out! News Service
Or a Play from Sep 15th on?
The Royal Family Tickets and Information
Canada's Greatest, and it's not Gretzky
Variety reports that "Canuck film distributor E1 Entertainment has inked a deal with Senator Distribution to pick-up Canuck rights to rights to five pics [...] "The Greatest," written and directed by Shana Feste, stars Pierce Brosnan and Susan Sarandon as a couple who learn their son's girlfriend is pregnant after he dies in a car crash. Pic will be released next spring."
Also reported at hollywoodreporter
Down to Earth with Colin Firth
Blogger Nikki shared a firthhand experience worthy of Bridget Jones herself. Enjoy! (evidently he is very very tall).
Terminating Time and Producing Purses
Mark Bostridge reviews Jane's Fame: How Jane Austen Conquered the World By Claire Harman.
" [...] a major factor in Jane Austen's longevity as a novelist must be the apparent timelessness of her work. To a large extent, her books are unattached to specific times and places. 'She stopped the clock', writes Harman, and now is always her time."
Need to open up some bookshelf space, make good use of those extra copies of Pride & Prejudice, and at the same time feed your handbag hankering? Meet Caitlin Phillips who "[...] goes through 500 to 750 books every year. But not because she's a speed reader. Instead, she cuts out all the pages and replaces them with beautiful fabric, to transform old books into stylish purses. [...] The most requested book is Pride and Prejudice — overwhelmingly so, Phillips says. "It's a great book, but I did not realize truly just how popular it was." [...]"
In the category: too late to do you any good at all, but I'll post it anyway
BBC 'Pride and Prejudice' writer to speak at UT
Through my own procrastination, I just missed letting you know of this chance to hear Andrew Davies being grateful to Jane Austen. Though if anyone out there did attend, we'd love to hear about it if you want to share.
____________________________________________________
Today's footnote. Never again will I allow myself to wait this long between blogs under the misapprehension that there is not enough information available. I severely underestimated the sheer human ability to fill a blank panel with words.
(Still mourning the lovely Kate's exit but confident the bear took second place.)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Yes, Somebody's Here
She's Everywhere
Rosemary Harris's film Is Anybody There? will see a limited release April 17th in the USA, following its reported premier in New York on April 7th. (The film premiered at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival under the title Is There Anybody There? The title changed for the current general release, I suppose, in an obvious ploy to save ink). The UK release will follow on May 1st. Trailer and Photos and more are available at the film's Official Site.
I Told You She's Everywhere
Recently Wendy Goodman talked to Jeremy Irons about a significant dressing room and a play whose title is most topical to this blog.
How gratifying to be able to provide a link that not only harks back to an earlier The Real Thing but also includes Ms Harris, The Real Deal.
More Pride
The Blu-ray edition of Pride and Prejudice continues to provide comment and discussion, including.one describing career-defining roles from Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle (For we're all aware that Ms Ehle's full name is "Jennifer Pride-and-Prejudice Ehle" just as Ms Harris's is "Rosemary Spiderman Harris") In a more comprehensive and in-depth review Stuart Galbraith IV observes "But the entire cast is terrific, especially Ehle's spirited Elizabeth"
While having some fun at Youtube, Tez (Thank you! Thank you!, Tez) found this rare footage which includes Jennifer Ehle & Colin Firth speaking about their characters, Lizzy and Darcy. Just a lovely find!
The Signs Were There All Along
Recently while viewing some older archived articles, I read one from April 21, 2000. Although it is archived at the JE fansite, as provided to the side of this blog, and therefore probably familiar to many, I was struck that we had somehow not made the connection foreshadowed by this early evidence of chickenphilia as you will note in the Fruit From the Tree section of the NY Times article .
________________________________________________________________
Footnote. Abi and Kate have not completely disappeared. I have no bodies buried in my back yard (except for Rufus, the best dog that ever lived). I'm sure many have missed them here, but let me assure you that once they have finished blotting chocolate drink spillage from their chins, you will hear from them again.
OT: Sincere thanks to everyone who contacted me here and elsewhere to express sympathy for the loss of my sister. I know there are really no words that can take the pain away, but it is nice to receive them.
Rosemary Harris's film Is Anybody There? will see a limited release April 17th in the USA, following its reported premier in New York on April 7th. (The film premiered at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival under the title Is There Anybody There? The title changed for the current general release, I suppose, in an obvious ploy to save ink). The UK release will follow on May 1st. Trailer and Photos and more are available at the film's Official Site.
I Told You She's Everywhere
Recently Wendy Goodman talked to Jeremy Irons about a significant dressing room and a play whose title is most topical to this blog.
[...]His current backstage alcove is the exact same one he had in 1984 when he starred with Glenn Close in The Real Thing, for which he won a Tony. He spoke with us about the room's paint job (tomato red) and its other previous occupants.[...]
[...]this is the room I had 25 years ago with The Real Thing, and that is the door that I met, I mean everybody. The door would open and there would be Paul Newman, or Bette Davis. My autograph book [takes it out and shows it to us] has all their signatures. There we are — Rosemary Harris, Louis Malle, Candice Bergen, January 5, 1984. There we are.[...]
How gratifying to be able to provide a link that not only harks back to an earlier The Real Thing but also includes Ms Harris, The Real Deal.
More Pride
The Blu-ray edition of Pride and Prejudice continues to provide comment and discussion, including.one describing career-defining roles from Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle (For we're all aware that Ms Ehle's full name is "Jennifer Pride-and-Prejudice Ehle" just as Ms Harris's is "Rosemary Spiderman Harris") In a more comprehensive and in-depth review Stuart Galbraith IV observes "But the entire cast is terrific, especially Ehle's spirited Elizabeth"
While having some fun at Youtube, Tez (Thank you! Thank you!, Tez) found this rare footage which includes Jennifer Ehle & Colin Firth speaking about their characters, Lizzy and Darcy. Just a lovely find!
The Signs Were There All Along
Recently while viewing some older archived articles, I read one from April 21, 2000. Although it is archived at the JE fansite, as provided to the side of this blog, and therefore probably familiar to many, I was struck that we had somehow not made the connection foreshadowed by this early evidence of chickenphilia as you will note in the Fruit From the Tree section of the NY Times article .
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Footnote. Abi and Kate have not completely disappeared. I have no bodies buried in my back yard (except for Rufus, the best dog that ever lived). I'm sure many have missed them here, but let me assure you that once they have finished blotting chocolate drink spillage from their chins, you will hear from them again.
OT: Sincere thanks to everyone who contacted me here and elsewhere to express sympathy for the loss of my sister. I know there are really no words that can take the pain away, but it is nice to receive them.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Royal Highness
Well, who wouldn't feel high at the recent announcement benefiting New York theatergoers! Manhattan Theatre Club's upcoming 2009-2010 theatrical season will include a revival of an award-winning play featuring the matchless (and also award-winning) Rosemary Harris.
MTC
Come September
Details can be found in broadwayworld's announcement:
PATRICK HEALY, NY Times and Dan Bacalzo. theatermania also discuss the upcoming season.
Late summer/early autumn could be just the right time for a trip to the City for some Mom/Grandma support.
A Peek at the Past
As mentioned above, Ms Harris is no stranger to this play, for which she won a Drama Desk award for outstanding actress in a play, albeit in a different role from the upcoming production. Hmmm ... has anyone ever won the same award for the same play but later in a different role? History buffs want to know.
[source: googlebooks]
While waiting for the newest iteration you could enjoy Ms Harris in her former role on DVD.
"Theatre legends Rosemary Harris, Eva LeGallienne, Sam Levene and Ellis Rabb have great fun portraying characters they know all too well from their years on stage."
Teacher, Teacher
Recalling Rosemary Harris, Teacher (at The British American Drama Academy: BADA ), blogger Joan Ranquet has shared a lovely and endearing memory of One of the most amazing actresses ever.
Made me Laugh
There have been scores of mentions/reviews related to Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead on dvd. I'm linking this one today only because Mad Movie Fanatic made me chuckle. The reference to Rosemary Harris could be taken in more than one way, I guess ... I hope it was intended as "under used".
Finally a Jennifer Ehle mention
Just when you thought it would be all RH today, here's some Jennifer Ehle..
Haylee Landford has a thoughtful and interesting comparison of the 1995 and 2005 versions of Pride and Prejudice, saying among other things: "Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, showed a perfect transition of emotions throughout their roles"
There have been many new reviews now that Pride and Prejudice has come out on Blu-ray. I found this one by Jeffrey Kauffman one of the best.
__________________________________________________________________
Footnote and possible non sequitur: since Edna Ferber was mentioned above, I must share my opinion that the name "Yancey Cravat" has to be one of the BEST ever character names in literature; and so Darcyish too, even though the word cravat is entirely missing from Austen's novel)
Also, heartfelt thanks to those who were encouraging about my first attempt at blogging last week.
MTC
Come September
Details can be found in broadwayworld's announcement:
[...] MTC's upcoming season will include a thrilling roster of artists bringing an exciting mixture of modern classics, acclaimed contemporary works, and exciting new plays to audiences.
MTC'S Samuel J. Friedman THEATRE
The Royal Family Written by George S. Kaufman & Edna Ferber
Directed by Doug Hughes
Previews begin: Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Opening Night: Thursday, October 8, 2009
It's half past one in the fabulously cluttered Cavendish duplex in the East Fifties, and anyone who's anyone is still asleep. So begins THE ROYAL FAMILY, the classic comedy of theatrical manners, written by two of the theatre's greatest writers, George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber, ... This devilishly funny play follows the Cavendishes, the famous family of stage stars, as they go about the drama of the day ... This delicious comedy will be directed by Tony Award winner Doug Hughes (Doubt). And the fantastic cast includes Tony winner John Glover as ‘Herbert Dean,' Tony Award winner and Oscar nominee Rosemary Harris as ‘Fanny Cavendish,' Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award winner Jan Maxwell as ‘Julie Cavendish, and Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award nominee Reg Rogers as ‘Tony Cavendish"
This will mark Harris' second time appearing in THE ROYAL FAMILY on Broadway. In the acclaimed 1976 production, she played the role of ‘Julie Cavendish,' the role that will be played by Jan Maxwell in the upcoming Broadway production. [...]
PATRICK HEALY, NY Times and Dan Bacalzo. theatermania also discuss the upcoming season.
Late summer/early autumn could be just the right time for a trip to the City for some Mom/Grandma support.
A Peek at the Past
As mentioned above, Ms Harris is no stranger to this play, for which she won a Drama Desk award for outstanding actress in a play, albeit in a different role from the upcoming production. Hmmm ... has anyone ever won the same award for the same play but later in a different role? History buffs want to know.
[source: googlebooks]While waiting for the newest iteration you could enjoy Ms Harris in her former role on DVD.
"Theatre legends Rosemary Harris, Eva LeGallienne, Sam Levene and Ellis Rabb have great fun portraying characters they know all too well from their years on stage."
Teacher, Teacher
Recalling Rosemary Harris, Teacher (at The British American Drama Academy: BADA ), blogger Joan Ranquet has shared a lovely and endearing memory of One of the most amazing actresses ever.
[...]I was in a Shakespeare program – back in my acting days – a Yale School of drama program at Oxford. My Shakespeare teacher was Rosemary Harris. . . okay for those of you not so stage literate – she was Aunt May in the Spider-man films. One of the most amazing actresses ever – still is. Every morning she greeted us and told us that she learned so much from us – that it was her joy of teaching. Well I can honestly tip my hat off to her and know exactly what she is talking about.To be in her acting light and have her greet us that way was nothing more than a breath of fresh air. And she meant it. I never questioned her, but I have certainly questioned other teachers along the way when they have said that….or perhaps there wasn’t the innocence, the awe, the revelation that Rosemary Harris couldn’t conceal. I certainly learn a lot (okay a ton) when I’m teaching – but lately – I have been astonished. Rosemary Harris hadn’t taught much before so there was a genuine wonder at the experience. [...]
Made me Laugh
There have been scores of mentions/reviews related to Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead on dvd. I'm linking this one today only because Mad Movie Fanatic made me chuckle. The reference to Rosemary Harris could be taken in more than one way, I guess ... I hope it was intended as "under used".
Finally a Jennifer Ehle mention
Just when you thought it would be all RH today, here's some Jennifer Ehle..
Haylee Landford has a thoughtful and interesting comparison of the 1995 and 2005 versions of Pride and Prejudice, saying among other things: "Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, showed a perfect transition of emotions throughout their roles"
There have been many new reviews now that Pride and Prejudice has come out on Blu-ray. I found this one by Jeffrey Kauffman one of the best.
__________________________________________________________________
Footnote and possible non sequitur: since Edna Ferber was mentioned above, I must share my opinion that the name "Yancey Cravat" has to be one of the BEST ever character names in literature; and so Darcyish too, even though the word cravat is entirely missing from Austen's novel)
Also, heartfelt thanks to those who were encouraging about my first attempt at blogging last week.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
... and now for someone completely different
Co-star update:
Judith Woods, in a recent piece in The Daily Mail [link: Judith Woods, Daily Mail ] shared some updates about young actress Talulah Riley who was inspired toward acting by seeing Jennifer Ehle in a performance. She was later rewarded for taking that path by being cast as the teen sister to Ms Ehle's Tracy Lord.
[...]‘As a child I loved story books, and wanted to be in them so desperately and live the stories. Then, when I was about ten, I saw the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth and realised that acting was the way to do that.
'Also, I’m an only child, and I always wanted sisters, so there’s an appealing companionship in running around with girls in petticoats brushing each other’s hair.’
Talulah eventually got her wish, not only appearing as Mary Bennet in the 2005 Pride & Prejudice film with Keira Knightley, but acting alongside both Ehle in The Philadelphia Story at the Old Vic, and Firth in St Trinian’s. [...]
(Not exactly the preferred P&P, but still an Austen connection.)
_____________________________________________________________________
You may be wondering why the Pythonish title heads today's blog. It has nothing to do with the above article, but does have something to do with the "posted by" below. Abi and Kate have convinced me that Tina's sublime creation (i.e. This Blog; which while sublime in its way really owes more to the sublime and awesome talent of its subject) needs an additional foster parent so that they can devote more time to dribbling cocoa and hand-knitting Regency-style wool petticoats. The price I extorted for acquiescing was high and, for the time being, top secret but well within the current blogster hiring guidelines.
In all seriousness, it's a privilege for me to be here in company with Abi and Kate, and to ride the coattails of the hard work and time they (and Tina and Chelsea before them) have continually dedicated to bringing the latest news and happenings here on a regular basis. That they have consistently done so wtih such elegance, grace, and humor secures my admiration forever. If I can bring as much as half the devotion and love they have to this site I'll be more than satisfied.
I'll help tend the fires (or banked coals) here while the Ryan/Ehle family concentrates on family matters and composing chicken piano duets. Even while marking time for a while (alas, fans are greedy and selfish), we can hope, can't we?, that in a year or two there will bee an equivalent to 2005's "The Philadelphia Story at the Old Vic" that will prove too tempting to resist!
Judith Woods, in a recent piece in The Daily Mail [link: Judith Woods, Daily Mail ] shared some updates about young actress Talulah Riley who was inspired toward acting by seeing Jennifer Ehle in a performance. She was later rewarded for taking that path by being cast as the teen sister to Ms Ehle's Tracy Lord.
[...]‘As a child I loved story books, and wanted to be in them so desperately and live the stories. Then, when I was about ten, I saw the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth and realised that acting was the way to do that.
'Also, I’m an only child, and I always wanted sisters, so there’s an appealing companionship in running around with girls in petticoats brushing each other’s hair.’
Talulah eventually got her wish, not only appearing as Mary Bennet in the 2005 Pride & Prejudice film with Keira Knightley, but acting alongside both Ehle in The Philadelphia Story at the Old Vic, and Firth in St Trinian’s. [...]
(Not exactly the preferred P&P, but still an Austen connection.)
_____________________________________________________________________
You may be wondering why the Pythonish title heads today's blog. It has nothing to do with the above article, but does have something to do with the "posted by" below. Abi and Kate have convinced me that Tina's sublime creation (i.e. This Blog; which while sublime in its way really owes more to the sublime and awesome talent of its subject) needs an additional foster parent so that they can devote more time to dribbling cocoa and hand-knitting Regency-style wool petticoats. The price I extorted for acquiescing was high and, for the time being, top secret but well within the current blogster hiring guidelines.
In all seriousness, it's a privilege for me to be here in company with Abi and Kate, and to ride the coattails of the hard work and time they (and Tina and Chelsea before them) have continually dedicated to bringing the latest news and happenings here on a regular basis. That they have consistently done so wtih such elegance, grace, and humor secures my admiration forever. If I can bring as much as half the devotion and love they have to this site I'll be more than satisfied.
I'll help tend the fires (or banked coals) here while the Ryan/Ehle family concentrates on family matters and composing chicken piano duets. Even while marking time for a while (alas, fans are greedy and selfish), we can hope, can't we?, that in a year or two there will bee an equivalent to 2005's "The Philadelphia Story at the Old Vic" that will prove too tempting to resist!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thank you, Senator!
Great news about The Greatest
On Monday it was announced that Senator Distribution has picked up the North American rights to the film, an arrangement which seems to be to everybody's satisfaction. According to IndieWire:
Two little nymphets revisited
This amusing anecdote from the book Peter Ustinov: The Gift of Laughter by John Miller (2003) was posted last time, but apparently not everyone could view it. It’s too cute to miss, so here ’tis in all of its adorableness:
Pride and Prejudice: The Comic Book
?? Yep, you read that correctly. Special Agent Janet discovered that our beloved novel has recently been transformed into a comic book. (Unfortunately, I don't believe Lizzy has acquired any superpowers in P&P's latest incantation.) You can get a sneak peek of the first issue at Marvel.com, where the aims of the series are briefly discussed:
Taking a rather different approach is Kyetxian at Deviant Art, whose rib-breaking "Jane Austen for Noobs" was also unearthed by Janet. I dearly love a laugh!
On Monday it was announced that Senator Distribution has picked up the North American rights to the film, an arrangement which seems to be to everybody's satisfaction. According to IndieWire:
[...] “From the moment we saw ‘The Greatest’ at Sundance, our team pursued it aggressively, and we are thrilled the filmmakers have entrusted us with the project,” said Senator Chairman Weber and President Mark Urman in a statement. “‘The Greatest’ is that rare film that combines extraordinary quality of execution with mass audience appeal. For us, it was one of the true revelations of Sundance and our entire team loved it.”Screen Daily adds:
“Ever since sitting down with Mark and Marco at Sundance I knew instinctively that they were the right distributor,” Feste said in a statement. “Their sensitivity to the themes of the film and their heartfelt emotional response convinced me that they understood the movie on a deeper level than most of the distributors we met with. I am thrilled that we were able to make this exciting partnership come to fruition.”
[...] Kimmel International handles foreign rights and reported strong sales at EFM in February on the back of the Sundance world premiere. Rights have gone to SND in France, Dea Planeta in Spain and Gussi in Mexico, among others.We have yet to hear when the movie is expected to make it to the Big Screen, but at least we now know that we can expect to see it there.
. . .
“Irish Dreamtime is thrilled that Senator Distribution has taken a vested interest in this film,” said Brosnan, whose Irish Dreamtime partner Beau St Clair produced The Greatest with Lynette Howell. “Mark and Marco have worn their hearts on their sleeves and demonstrated real creative understanding of the movie.”
Two little nymphets revisited
This amusing anecdote from the book Peter Ustinov: The Gift of Laughter by John Miller (2003) was posted last time, but apparently not everyone could view it. It’s too cute to miss, so here ’tis in all of its adorableness:
For those who saw [King Lear], it was certainly for the better. [Ustinov’s] former leading lady, Rosemary Harris, thought “it was a wonderful part for him. He had all of the humour in it, and the madness and the tragedy of Lear.” She was staying with her friend Patricia Connolly, who was playing Cordelia, and also Viola in Twelfth Night that season.As Abi noted, this proves that Ms Ehle started her training young, but it's also evidence that she was a born hostess.
Rosemary’s daughter, Jennifer Ehle, was then about eight, and Patricia’s daughter Emily was six. There was a big party after one performance of Twelfth Night, and Peter was invited, with the other members of the company. Because it was his night off, he was the first to arrive at 10 p.m., and the others only turned up at 10:30. The two mothers had left the little girls with instructions that if anybody came early, they were to hold the fort and entertain them until they got home. So they opened the door to Peter in their mothers’ long dresses, wearing make-up. “Being Peter, he wasn’t at all nonplussed. They invited him in, sat him down, and entertained him. What he thought of these two little nymphets, I can’t imagine; but only Peter would sit and be amused, and enjoy it all. He made them feel quite happy and very grown up.”
He so took it in his stride that now he cannot even remember the incident, though the girls and their mothers do. (184-185)
Pride and Prejudice: The Comic Book
?? Yep, you read that correctly. Special Agent Janet discovered that our beloved novel has recently been transformed into a comic book. (Unfortunately, I don't believe Lizzy has acquired any superpowers in P&P's latest incantation.) You can get a sneak peek of the first issue at Marvel.com, where the aims of the series are briefly discussed:
[...] "I've tried to keep the flavor and sly humor of the story, and modernized the language only for better understanding," explains Butler. "Wherever space allowed, I've used Jane Austen's own words. This is your grandmother's PRIDE & PREJUDICE, and your mother's and your own.I suspect something has been lost in the translation...
"David Gabriel, Marvel Senior Vice President of Sales, adds, "Following in the success of THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ, we're presenting these classic stories by staying as close to the originals as possible while still putting that unique Marvel spin on them. I think Jane Austen fans will be thrilled when they sample Nancy's work." [...]
Taking a rather different approach is Kyetxian at Deviant Art, whose rib-breaking "Jane Austen for Noobs" was also unearthed by Janet. I dearly love a laugh!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday 13th + Austen = monster lit, evidently!
Enchanting memorabiliaFirst things first - the delightful spectacle a gauche is (as can probably be spied) a copy of Theatre Arts magazine from January 1959.
The lovely lady is a 31-year-old Rosemary Harris, pictured with Jason Robards for a feature on The Disenchanted.
It is just here for our visual delectation, but should you want to own this piece of theatre history yourself, it is purchasable on eBay for an outrageously low number of roubles.
Review corner
In the Pride and Glory arena this week there is a good thumbs up from another Australian publication, TheVine. After spreading some general lexical positivity - 'gripping', 'well-written', 'emotionally powerful' - it argues the case that the movie is contributing something fresh:
[...] [This] film uses every cop movie cliché in the book but still manages to breathe new life into the genre thanks to a stellar cast. ... [It] is reminiscent of '70s police thrillers like Serpico and The French Connection with their gritty and bleak look at urban living. While incredibly violent and vicious in parts the writer/director Gavin O’Connor spends just as much screen time focusing on the familial dilemmas of the main characters. This grounds the film and allows for a level of emotional investment rarely seen in this kind of movie. ...
Pride and Glory rises above the confines of the police family drama genre and creates a film for those who complain that they don’t make [them] like they used to. Uniformly excellent cast...highly recommended. [...]
On the flip side, Celluloid Tongue were not quite so fervent. The lone Before the Rains critic this week, Louise Keller at Urban CineFile, came to a mixed conclusion, feeling 'dissatisfied' by the way the affair 'comes to its sticky end' despite 'excellent performances by the whole cast'.
P & P....& Z
Now, if you thought that all possible Austen variants had been exhausted of late with the likes of Lost in Austen, Miss Austen Regrets, Becoming Jane and The Jane Austen Book Club, think again. Far from being a strange dream (or nightmare) Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a real entity which is about to come on the scene, courtesy of author Seth Grahame-Smith. (See Amazon). It is also set to enter the world of film. The Times (no less) provide the lowdown:
[...] [This] forthcoming novel is the first mainstream 'mash-up' of Austen and horror, two of the most popular film genres of the past decade. It has been made possible only because Austen is out of copyright. ... It quickly became obvious that Jane [Austen] had laid down the blueprint for a zombie novel,” said Grahame-Smith, a television comedy writer. ...
Hollywood studios are bidding to turn [this] radical reworking of Austen’s most popular book...to be published in April, into a blockbuster movie. Desperate for new ideas, studio chiefs hope 'P&P&Z' will mark the...birth of a feral offspring of classic British literature: 'monster-lit'. [...]The book - which will be available in the States from May 13 and the UK from June 1 - is even being backed by a bestselling Austen biographer:
[...] Claire Tomalin, author of Jane Austen: A Life...suspects the novelist would have appreciated the latest zombie twist. 'Many of her early stories written for her brothers were very violent,' said Tomalin. 'She did have a strong sense of humour and also knew what publishers liked. As with Shakespeare or Mozart, you can mishmash what you like but the original remains. I am looking forward to reading this one.' [...]
A.O.B
Immune to any Friday 13th luck meanwhile is ex-Utopian Amanda Leigh Cobb, who is currently playing the lead in the stage version of Dirty Dancing. In the Boston Herald this week she tells the coincidental story of when she learned she had won the part:
[...] 'I was in complete shock . . . I walked to the subway and I was looking down. Then the subway doors open, and it’s Ethan Hawke sitting in the subway car all by himself,' she said. 'I know Ethan because he had been in ‘The Coast of Utopia’ with me the year before. I was like ‘Hi’ and he’s like, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ and I’m like, ‘I just got the role of Baby in 'Dirty Dancing!' He burst out laughing and he said, ‘You’re kidding me.’ I hadn’t even called my mom yet,” she said. [...]If you would like to see Ms Cobb in action, click here for the Boston, Toronto and Los Angeles dates for Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage scheduled between now and June.
Last but not least, one literary listener was delighted to discover Jennifer Ehle narrated the audiobook for Witch Child, even if that fact did cause her attention to be somewhat diverted:
[...] The whole time, all I could see in my mind was Eliza Bennet...and although totally distracting on the I-have-seen-that-mini-series-too-many-times-not-to-envision the-narrator’s-every-expression level, Ms Ehle did a commendable job. [...]If you fancy being equally distracted, Witch Child is available from various sellers on Amazon. Where mentioned in the reviews, Ms Ehle's reading is praised alongside the book itself. One listener said:
[...] This compelling...story is given an indelible reading by actress Jennifer Ehle. ... Ms Ehle's expressive voice adds dramatic resonance to an already commanding narrative. [...]Yum.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
A little something for everyone
Something Old
- The Independent's review of The Real Thing from June 1999 popped up in my inbox (courtesy of Google alerts) the other day, so I thought I would re-post here it for your nostalgic pleasure.
Something(s) New
- The nominations for MOSAEC's second annual MAE Awards were announced on Jan 12, and Before the Rains garnered four of them, including Best Film (Drama): Before the Rains, Best Actress (Film): Nandita Das, Best Director (Film): Santosh Sivan, and Best Foreign Film: Before the Rains. According to PRWEB:
[...] the MAE Awards were created to spotlight some of the best in arts and entertainment. Awards are given in two categories - Artistic and Entertaining - with the former category being similar to traditional "best of" honors. MOSAEC's Entertaining awards vary from year-to-year. 2009 marks the first time that readers will have their say in whom and what walk away with honors as the majority of the awards will be determined by the public with the remaining determined by a jury. [...]
Go to MOSAEC's website to vote for your favorites (ahem Rains) on or before Jan 26. The winners will be announced on the 31st. - If you've been paying attention, you'll know that Oscar and the Pink Lady, starring Rosemary Harris, opened at the Florence Gould Hall in NYC on Friday night. (See BroadwayWorld or Playbill for the details.) The play will run through Feb 1, so be sure to see it while you can. If you do have a chance to go, fan reviews are beyond welcome!
- Speaking of Rosemary Harris, The Winston-Salem Journal reports that US President-elect Barack Obama is featured in the latest edition of The Amazing Spider-Man comic book, and Aunt May herself has reserved a copy:
Bret Parks figured the latest issue of the comic Amazing Spider-Man would draw lots of fans because it features an appearance by Barack Obama.
That was never more evident than when actress Rosemary Harris, who lives in Winston-Salem, popped into Ssalefish Comics, the store Parks manages, to reserve a copy. Harris has played Aunt May in all three Spider-Man movies.
When Harris came in, Parks said, "I was automatically reduced to a mumbling fanboy. That's probably the coolest thing that has happened so far." [...]
Something Borrowed
- Want to have a Pride and Prejudice-themed wedding? Then you are in luck because apparently you can rent some of the costumes from our beloved BBC movie. According to Stockport Express:
[...] Newlyweds Denise and Stuart Vaughan dressed for their big day in the original costumes from the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice which starred Colin Firth as Mr Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet. [...]
The couple were married on Dec 29 (coincidence??) and later couldn't resist posing for pictures at Lyme Park. Metro reports the same story.
Something Blue (er Blu)
- As far as I know, we haven't yet announced that Pride and Prejudice has gone blue; that is, it became available in Blu-ray format (region 2) in Oct 2008, and the region 1 version will supposedly be released in March of this year. The reviewers at Amazon.com/co.uk and IMDb are quite enthusiastic, claiming that the color has been restored to its original splendor. From an Aussie fan at Amazon.co.uk, for example:
After two dreadful DVD releases (the first and the 10th anniversary edition) in which all of the warmth had been drained from the glorious original 16mm print as seen on TV and on VHS, the BBC and 2 Entertain have finally repented and this, one of television's most beloved series has been restored to its former beauty. In 2005 I foolishly bought the 10th Anniversary Edition as the cover art-work suggested that the problems with the original transfer had been corrected. Upon viewing it, I wrote to the head of BBC in Australia with the challenge that if she could find any of the colours on the packaging actually on the DVD, I would happily walk naked down a Melbourne street at peak hour. Luckily for the locals, none could be found, and the offending item was returned. Now I am delighted to say that the original warmth has been lovingly restored in the Blu-Ray edition. Yes, as previous reviewers have stated, it was not shot in HD, nor even in 35mm - just humble 16mm, and at times some of the long-shots are not entirely distinct - yet it is a small quibble, and this is well worth the purchase to be able to once again see this iconic series in the rich tapestry of colours in which it was originally made. Thank you BBC/2 Entertain for restoring a true gem.
If you have a Blu-ray player, it sounds like this is worth the rubles.
P.S.
In case you're interested, the major reviews of the Bridge Project's production of Tom Stoppard's adaptation of Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard (starring three former Utopians) have been conveniently compiled by a blogger over at Critic-O-Meter.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
TIFF Countdown
The Toronto festivities officially began on Thursday, and only two days remain until Pride and Glory makes its eagerly-anticipated world premiere! If anyone is able to attend, please please please share your (preferably Jennifer Ehle-oriented) thoughts with us. We are not above begging, as you can see!In the meantime, an early review from Popjournalism extols the "terrific" leading actors (placing particular emphasis on Norton's "top-notch" performance) and concludes that Pride and Glory is "definitely a film worth checking out." So far so good. [Edit: Oops, this was posted last time. . . apologies.]
Telly-vision
- "Lost in Austen, what's the verdict?" The Austen Blog is in the midst of an engaging discussion regarding the new UK mini-series that Abi mentioned in the previous post. Stop by their blog to find out what Austen fans are saying about the first episode.
- "Once more out of the breeches!" According to DigiGuide, our beloved Pride and Prejudice is going to be on UKTV GOLD beginning September 13. (Click here to see the schedule.) Don't miss watching it "live" if you can help it.
You are what you eat, err write
- There is a fantastic interview with Tom Stoppard at The Guardian, which is (not surprisingly!) full of delicious quotage including this little gem: "You can't help being what you write and writing what you are." He discusses just about everything, and The Coast of Utopia and (sigh) Ivanov are no exceptions. Read on!
- More Stoppard-ness can be found at The San Francisco Chronicle, and be sure to pop by our Chat Extension to read about a fan's extended experience with Utopia's Natalie Herzen.
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