Colin Firth looking sartorially resplendent at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards
His Royal Firthness won a much-earned Golden Globe for his spectacular performance in The King's Speech. If you are a fan of good films and great acting, this movie is a must-see. I actually paid twice (unheard of, really) to see Colin Firth in one of the best roles in his life (it is hard to choose between this role and A Single Man.)
Colin's tribute to his wife Livia was touching
The evening was tarnished for me almost at the start, however, since Geoffrey Rush did not win for his role as Lionel Logue. Giving the Golden Globe to Colin Firth only was like giving one bookend as a gift. You need two bookends, everyone knows that, and The King's Speech REQUIRED Geoffrey Rush's remarkable portayal of the speech therapist for the story to work. Geoffrey'r role was ESSENTIAL. His performance equalled Colin's - they were like bookends - each needing each other, and bouncing off each other for the story to make sense.
Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue
So how could the Golden Globes have passed Geoffrey over? I am all puzzlement.
Below, Colin speaks about seeing Jennifer Ehle, his costar in Pride and Prejudice at about 3:17 in the video clip below (which is rather boring, actually, except for his comment about her and about Geoffrey Rush afterwards).
Today is Easter, a time for celebration and family, and wearing hats and bonnets. Which bonnet is your favorite? I chose the three that have always caught my eye.
Front view (above), Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet at Rosings. And (below) back view.
Kate Winslet as Marianne, Sense and Sensibility, 1996
Carey Mulligan, Isabella Thorpe in Northanger Abbey 2007. Front view (top) and side view (bottom).
This image, drawn by Jane Odiwe, was used without permission on the YouTube video I had featured, and so I removed the video. (I did not create the YouTube video.)
Had the creator contacted Jane and asked for permission to use the image ahead of time, she would have said yes. I have always received a polite, "Please use it" (for Jane is always gracious), and then credited Jane for the artwork. In the years that I have been blogging, I have received only two no's and several silences when I sought permission. Usually people are quite glad to have their artwork used by others, since this is free publicity.
Jane's image of Elizabeth and Jane Bennet is much nicer than the mashed image we saw on the video. To view it and to read her take on the situation, please go to her site,Jane Austen's Sequels.
Today I ask you to decide between Lizzie Bennet and Elizabeth Bennet, or Keira and Jennifer. Which actress's wardrobe best AUTHENTICALLY portrayed our favorite Austen heroine? The votes for Mrs. Bennet were hot and heavy and it wasn't until the 5th day that the tide began to sway towards Brenda Blethyn's side. This week I ask you: Whose wardrobe do you like best?
Jennifer Ehle or Keira Knightley dressed as Elizabeth Bennet?
Gentle Readers: On February 22, Jennifer Ehle (Elizabeth Bennet 1995) and John Lithgow are slated to star in the off Broadway production of Mr. & Mrs. Fitch, The Second Stage Theater, New York. The play, which is penned by Beane (The Little Dog Laughed, Xanadu), centers on two gossip columnists. A press release grandly announces: "When the social circuit no longer provides any scandalous news, they find that great celebrity can appear out of thin air." According to Playbill, the new comedy promises "a scathing look at who is in, who is out and who may not even exist at all."
John Lithgow's Tweets describe the rehearsals, which he says are going well. He has nothing but praise for Jennifer:
Questions about my play: MR & MRS FITCH by Douglas Carter Beane at 2nd Stage in NY, 1/26 to 3/21, with Jennifer Ehle. She and it are tops. - Jan 14
Just realized our first preview is in 13 days. Lines! Lines! - Jan 13
Rehearsals with Jennifer Ehle going great, and Richard Eyre's CARMEN at Met last night just tremendous, good NY dayz. - Jan 9
I"m such a sucker for CRANFORD on PBS, and I don't care who knows it. Haven't shed such tears since TERMS OF ENDEARMENT. - Jan 3
MR & MRS FITCH, that is. A new play at 2nd Stage Theatre in NY, starting on January 26. The entire cast is Jennifer Ehle and I. - Jan 3
1/3 of FITCH staged in a 5 hour rehearsal. Jennifer E. is fast, smart, and fabulous, Scott Ellis terrific. This is going to be some fun. - Jan 3
Saw pals Fey, Armison, S.Martin, J.Gleason, P.Wilson, C.Nixon, D.H.Hwang, F.Oz, et al in last 48 hrs. NY rules! (w. apologies for namedrops) - Jan 1
In NY, 3rd day of M/M Fitch (great!) Last night a great B'klyn: Vinegar Hill House followed by BRIEF ENCOUNTER at St. Anne's Warehouse. - Dec 31 Purchase the tickets at this site: Click here.
As this week's throwdown attests, Jennifer Ehle's characterization of Elizabeth Bennet is as popular as ever. The exciting news is that shooting on the new film, The King's Speech, will reunite Jennifer with Colin Firth. Yes they are to star in the same film, but will be married to different partners. Jennifer has just finished production on A Game of Thrones, and has signed to appear in Mr. & Mrs. Fitch, will will begin shooting in January.
Between her appearances onstage and becoming a new mother, Jennifer has been a busy actress indeed. One suspects she will have a long career, for she seems to choose her parts wisely.
