Ben Whishaw

[Ennis]

Also no feedback from our American friends here about The Hollow Crown?
Has it not aired over there yet?

Yes! Finally, on PBS (public television) (here in North Carolina) - the entire series began late September and finished up recently. I was in a bookstore (Barnes and Noble) yesterday and they had the complete dvd collection. When I get paid Friday, it's mine!

I enjoyed the entire series, but I prefer Kenneth Branagh's Henry V. His "Saint Crispin's Day" speech was more effective, I think. Makes me want to jump through the screen and fight for it - and I'm not even British (although I'm a "wanna-be")!

[Saturn]

Branagh's Henry V is one of the best Shakespeare films ever made, much as I enjoyed the Hollow Crown Henry V, nothing beats the filmic, rousing delivery of Branagh and Patrick Doyle's stunning soundtrack in the background. I admire the fact that they wanted to do that histrionic speech a bit different but for me it will take a hell of a lot to beat Branagh's version.

[Ennis]

Branagh's Henry V is one of the best Shakespeare films ever made, much as I enjoyed the Hollow Crown Henry V, nothing beats the filmic, rousing delivery of Branagh and Patrick Doyle's stunning soundtrack in the background. I admire the fact that they wanted to do that histrionic speech a bit different but for me it will take a hell of a lot to beat Branagh's version.

I agree whole-heartedly! Branagh's just a great actour, period. I remember when Henry V was first released, and I took my younger brother with me to see it. I don't remember how old we were, but it was the first Shakespeare film he'd seen since Franco Zeferelli's (sp?) Romeo and Juliet. John was over-whelmed by the entire experience, and we went back several times to see it. He can still quote that whole "band of brothers" excerpt. It gives me goose-bumps just thinking of it. And the English lesson with Emma Thompson/Catherine! Makes me want to go watch the dvd - but that will have to wait until I enjoy Richard II again (and again!) because today's Friday and I promised myself The Hollow Crown! (Is it too weird to get excited over Shakespeare and fine performances of his works?)

[Saturn]

(Is it too weird to get excited over Shakespeare and fine performances of his works?)

NO! I love all sorts of Shakespeare adaptations - even the Ethan hawk Hamlet!

You can never see enough different interpretations of the Bard, I think so anyway, was very excited about the Hollow Crown, and I've always sought out obscure adaptations of Shakespeare like Richard Burton's broadway filmed Hamlet to Charlton Heston's Antony And Cleopatra.

[Cath]

OK you Ben Whishaw fans, the Indy newspaper is reporting today that he has been confirmed for the Freddie Mercury film (rather nice pic of Ben here btw):

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/ben-whishaw-confirmed-for-freddie-mercury-film-with--dexter-fletcher-to-direct-8995152.html

[Cath]

Also in The Guardian today, too:

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/dec/10/ben-whishaw-freddie-mercury-biopic-dexter-fletcher

[Saturn]

Still not that sure this is a good idea, but if the script is good (and Ben does seem to pick good ones) this could work.

[Cath]

I share your scepticism, Saturn, but BW is nothing if not versatile! I had my doubts about him going from portraying Keats to "Q" in the Bond film, but it worked suprisingly well in the end .

[Raphael]

I don't see him as Freddie Mercury either, but we shall see...

[Ennis]

Check out the trailer for Whishaw's new film, Lilting. Another phenomenal performance for us to experience. I'm sure my British friends are already aware of this, but we Americans won't get to see Ben until the release date in the US, the 26th September. I just think his acting is so hauntingly beautiful; Richard II blows me away every time I watch it.

[Saturn]

All you Ben fans out there might want to check out the new Paddington the bear movie as Ben is the voice of Paddington; fun for all the family.

[Raphael]

There's a new film about Suffragettes- Ben was in it.