MovieChat Forums > The Secret Laughter of Women (1999) Discussion > Colin Firth

Colin Firth

posted 19 years ago by lovinglife
12 replies | jump to latest

Why do you think that Colin Firth agreed to play Matthew Field in this movie?

Not that I'm complaining. But I have the dvd of Pride and Prejudice and on the "special features" part where the actors and directors and so forth speak on it, the director stated that she had wanted Colin Firth from the beginning to play Mr.Darcy in P&P movie, and he flat out told her "no" at first. And she had to keep asking him before he agreed. Which thank goodness that he did, because that's when I first noticed him.

He's such a fine actor, and he doesn't get the acknowledgement that he should, so that is why I was wondering why he chose this movie to play that role. He is such a diverse actor. And he has a way of staring at you that makes you feel like you the prettiest woman in the world.

[–] Reverie3 19 years ago

I truly believe it's because of his upbringing. I recalled reading in one of his bios that he spent some of his youth in Nigeria. I believe his parents were missionaries or something to that effect (if I'm wrong someone please correct me). He said he recalled a little Nigerian boy as one of his playmates. I also recall him saying that his family associated with people from many ethnic backgrounds. I believe he agreed to do this movie because it struck a chord with him due to his background and his associations in his life.

[–] lovinglife 19 years ago

I've never read his bio. He played this part naturally. Either the part was written very well, or he felt awfully comfortable. His character never showed prejudice which I think made this movie so lovely at least to me anyway. He only played a snob the first segment when he was introduced to Sammy. I was just wondering, because a lot of "white" men, at least I don't think, would have taken the part. Maybe thinking that it would hurt their career.

If you get a chance, try and see Colin Firth in the "Importance of being Earnest". He is very funny along with his co-star Rupert (who is also a handsome man).

[–] Skd62 19 years ago

I think Reverie is probably right, but ya never know why actors pick and choose parts. I think it's funny that some of those almost rejections, turns out to be break out roles, such as Mr. Firth almost not wanting to do P&P, then upon doing it becomes a household name!
Not to change the subject but, the other thing I thought strange about TSLOW was the lack of promotion and interviews. I know it was an independant release and funds were limited, but I have searched extensively on the net for any and all interviews concerning the film and have only found one and Nia Long was quoted in it, but no Firth. Even in interviews with mags and Firth, there is never any reference to TSLOW. I think that's odd.
Susan

[–] Reverie3 19 years ago

I think it's the interracial aspect. I've noticed even how some sites I've visited regarding Colin don't even mention the movie in his career timeline. Sad because this movie IMHO is not first and foremost about race. It plays a part but humanity is at its core. SLOW is about love, the hopes and dreams of a little boy for his mother, releasing fear and self-loathing, self-acceptance, accepting others for who they are, and not settling for enough at times but going for MORE.

Regarding Colin's other movies, I watched TIOBE a couple of weeks ago and as I said Colin is a good comedic actor. Rupert Everett is a cutie and I enjoyed him more in 'An Ideal Husband' and the other movie he did with Julia ???? I can't recall the movie title or her last name right now. But I was hoping so much Rupert wasn't gay in this movie and that they would hook up after the wedding. Rupert is gay in real life I believe.

[–] Skd62 19 years ago

Hmmmm, the interacial aspect of the movie never even occured to me! It all seemed so natural, it just felt right in the film. I thought the main idea was more a question of honor and duty and doing ones duty, VS love and respect and doing what feels right.
And yes Mr. Firth has impecable comedic timing! I really enjoyed What A Girl Wants and thought CF was hillarious in it! Especially the leather pant bit!
Toooooooo funny!
Susan

[–] Reverie3 19 years ago

Colin in leather pants! Now that definitely puts a smile on my face!

[–] KharmaheartsColin 19 years ago

Hi, I am a huge Colin Firth and Nia Long fan. So imagine my surprise when I ran across a movie of them together. I've searched everywhere possible for this movie in the U.S but no-one seems to have it listed. What I'd like to know is, Is there anyone who can tell me where I can possibly purchase this dvd Please I really would like to see it. Thanks so much

Kharma

[–] lovinglife 19 years ago

Kharma, it can only be purchased on VHS on ebay. That's how we all got a copy. It isn't on dvd.

[–] PaigeTurner 18 years ago

You have to order it through eBay. That's what I did.

[–] lcarey1 18 years ago

You can get a DVD copy on Ebay, but just know that it is a homemade version and may not play on all players.

[–] Reverie3 19 years ago

Couldn't think of Julia's last name...Julia Roberts. Loved Rupert in 'My Best Friends Wedding.' I also think Julia Roberts would've been a better choice for the Heather Graham character in Hope Springs. Heather Graham was miscast in that role to me. She wasn't as bad as I had heard, but I didn't see the connection between her and Colin. Now Julia can give you ditziness with intelligence and her acting would have placed HS in a better light.

[–] Sagewhoknowsheronions 19 years ago

It was Colin's grandparents who were missionaries to answer an earlier point. His parents were university lecturers/teachers.
I kept sympathisizing with Vera in HS.

The right to free speech stops short of shouting "Fire!" in a crowded theatre. Mark Twain