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daisiesonafield-blog · 2 years

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Venice anon here! I was at the premiere just for the beginning and the end and it was, in my colleague’s opinion, “the most awkward one we’ve ever worked”, and we probably worked more than 200 between the two of us. The cast walked in without much fanfare while guests were still being seated, which is unusual. There was an award being given to the costume designer and the side of the gallery where crew was seated was louder for that than for the film. The costume designer gave a very nice thank you speech to Olivia and it seemed like things were going to go well for her but by the time we came back the vibe in the room was very different. It was one of the shortest applause we’ve ever seen, with the fact that Florence just started to walk away about 2 minutes in being the complete kiss of death. I am flabbergasted that a room full of fans and crew was so cold when it came to the end, like that is THE most forgiving room you’ll ever screen your film for. I guess they were picking up on the awkwardness of the cast vibes which was palpable. My colleague called it the “cringe mist”.

As far as Holivia interactions go, the one where they briefly whisper behind Chris’ back was literally the only one before and after the film. I was standing where I could see her directly and my girl was trying but Harry was literally saying hello to anyone who would look his way rather than locking eyes with her. I saw them standing before the screening and they were in separate groups, I’m sure they must have interacted but it definitely was not date night lol. Some of the Italian girls working as ushers there were saying “we should try, he’s obviously single” or something like that.

Re the Nick kiss, they did that because in the opening scene the characters joke kiss in the same way. We all know he would have picked Chris, cmon. Who, btw, was high as a fucking kite.

In general, this film is the talk of the town but the old motto of Olivia’s namesake about all press being good press doesn’t really apply here. She made such a spectacle of this and the film doesn’t nearly hold up, and all everyone’s talking about is how insane this rollout have been. Her and Harry are the ones that are coming out of this worse, and I’m so happy he has My Policeman coming out soon because otherwise I fear his acting career might not have the longevity we all hoped.

Dear Venice anon,

Thanks for coming back! I love your details!

Trust me, the “cringe mist” was felt all the way over here. I was dying of second hand embarrassment for H. I think everyone with eyes and a working brain could see and feel the awkward and cringe vibes. And everyone ignoring Olivia, especially Florence and Harry, was abundantly obvious!

I just hope that whatever they're doing, this marks the start of the "are they still together?" press that inevitably ends in breakup articles everywhere when the movie drops.

Olivia's got what was coming for her. She greedily lapped up every single ounce of Harry Styles' fame for herself for the past two years, and inserted herself in every single tabloid and narrative to sell this movie. Her team must SUCK, because evidently they're a bunch of yes-people, bc no way a good team would have advised her to do this knowing full well her movie doesn't hold up. Heck, the entire fandom has been saying this for years - so that's evidence enough.

I kind of love that Harry kissed Nick after the movie was shown. Everyone in attendance obviously knew his joke - but to literally the rest of the world who hasn't seen the movie yet, to them and the press, it's Harry Styles excitedly kissing his male co-star after ignoring his alleged girlfriend during her own movie premiere. THAT speaks volumes tbh.

I agree, I am SO GLAD that H has My Policeman coming bc all the press he's gotten from DWD and his interviews, paired with the film's terrible reviews would have meant certain death to his acting career otherwise. "Just another singer who thinks they can act". I'm VERY hopeful that his name and acting career are redeemed thru My Policeman. The film, and Harry's Tom, have gotten nothing but praise so far. And the fact that the whole cast has already won an award is so telling.

I knewwwww Chris was high as kite kauhgdkasjhd he looked it. Damn he had a lot on his shoulders: promoting a movie he doesn't want to be associated with, with a director he doesn't like, for a film he knows is shit, AND he was the designated Holivia buffer all day, having to sit and stand between them or next to Olivia all day long so that H could be as far from her as possible. GOD - I too would like to not be sober for that.

I'm sad for Harry that Olivia's greed, unprofessionalism and lack of directing talent affected his performance in this movie so terribly. he got no time to rehearse, as he jumped on the project merely a few weeks before filming. Had no time to work thru things with a dialect coach, flesh out scenes or receive good direction for the final takes.

Glad your friend realizes his queerness. Sad it had to be this way tho. It does remind me of when we got those god awful holivia yacht kissing pap pics - and everyone was like "ewwww Harry Styles must be terrible in bed! He has no sex appeal or knows how to touch that woman!".......which....well....self explanatory. I hope Harry gets to redeem his acting skills in a new movie where he can show that with a proper director, professional environment and adequate time for rehearsals he too can convey sexual chemistry and passion with a woman on screen. Real life tho....better step away from the stunts for a while.

#venice anon #venice film festival 2022 #venice film festival #dwd premiere #dwd red carpet #dwd reviews #chris pine #florence pugh #nick kroll #olivia wilde #olivia wilde is a narcissistic asshole #don't worry darling #dwd #sept 6 2022 #sept 2022 #holivia september 2022 #holivia

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goongiveusnothing · 1 year

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I don’t think he knows how to not act like a child or a like a sleazy children’s show host. He still walks around like he’s the youngest person in the room. It was charming and worked for him when he was 16, but dudes 30 now. That’s 30 years done and like pretty soon he’s going to start his fourth decade of life.

It’s bizarre that him and his fans have this pathological need to baby him, like literally treat him like he’s younger than they are. This baby harry act is super effin weird and creepy, especially when he’s old enough to be the dad to some of his tween and younger fans. I don’t think he’s going to stop. He’ll probably act like he’s still 16 when he’s 65, but looks 80, and is wearing his wig from 2019.

He still walks around like he’s the youngest person in the room.

he really does. he really is still that child with his family on holiday running around trying to impress the other adult guests. he's perpetually inside his own head a cute lil adorable baby.

like how are y'all babying this grown ass 45 year old looking man?

and it works in his concerts, because all his fans see him as one. but when he's outside of that like with his movies or at award shows, it becomes deeply uncomfortable. i cannot express how fucking bizarre it was to sit through harry's venice PR tour and then his cringey little embarrassing holding up of emma corrin's train at the MP premiere. remember him fucking up the entire promo and poor olivia is trying to wield off all the really intense awkward questions, then he starts giggling like a toddler at olivia's PR person? an absolute man child. someone with the emotional maturity of a toddler being let loose for the first time. shit that would've worked with a 1D PR conference, not with grown adults over something serious.

i also agree. i think he's trapped with it. i don't think he knows how not to be like this. the children's show host asking the people of thailand if they like mangos or coconuts better after they've spent $$$$ on tickets because that's all he knows of their culture. imagine taylor swift on tour in rome asking the italians to show hands who likes pizza or pasta best. and that's the extent of her banter or interaction. you'd feel like you were at a show for toddlers. he's 30 and he thinks it's acceptable and cute. i feel like he's almost fundamentally flawed at this point. there's no point of return for him. maybe when he's actually 45 he'll be able to act like an adult, but i feel he really is just stuck like this.

#i saw him following the chicken shop girl #but i think that was just because of the shania twain thing #as i cannot imagine him giving her an interview #he'd have to reveal some personal stuff about his romantic #or dating life #and have to be witty and charming #we'd get the little boy routine #and him laughing at his dumb jokes #and trying to laugh and be over the top cringey #to flirt or seem cutesy #and it would just looking awkward #so i cannot imagine his PR team letting him do that #princess cupcake baby child harry styles

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astranva · 2 years

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girl fuck florence 😭 putting her problems with olivia asside she completely ruined that for the rest of the cast and crew. shes been unprofessional all day

Florence only showed up to Venice because she was contractually obligated to. Olivia was an unprofessional Director from the very beginning. She didn’t care about Florence, didn’t care about things that she was comfortable with, put everyone in a very awkward position when she started an affair with her main actor and spread lies about Florence. Talked about her in a disgusting and condescending way and continued the issues that they had. Florence was as professional as she could have been. If it was me I would’ve done everything I could to show people that we weren’t cool and made the situation 10 times worse. Her protecting her peace and leaving a situation that she wasn’t comfortable in is what she did. From the beginning Florence has praise the crew and everyone who worked on the film and everybody who deserved praise. Olivia is not one of those people. I just found out that my Director was talking shit about me and being extremely unprofessional and I had proof of that I would be upset too. If she had gone to the press conference it would have been very telling that there was issues between her and Olivia, a lot of things would have been brought up, the affair, the firing of Shia, the video that was just exposed. Her not going to the press conference was the best thing for everyone. Her going to the Premier and doing her job and showing up and watching the film she did everything that she was supposed to do. Why in the world would I continue to stand there around someone who I don’t like, make pretend if I don’t have to. The unprofessional thing would have been her talking. She just left. She did what she was supposed to do and now she’s going home. There was nothing unprofessional about her leaving. And it’s not a slap in the face or anything to the cast and crew because she has praise them since the beginning. Remember that all of the issues that Olivia and Florence have is because of Olivia. If you’re so upset about something be upset with that disgusting unprofessional Director who didn’t know how to keep her set in control and had no idea what the hell she was doing which resulted into a terrible fucking movie

#ate

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fallingsunflower · 10 months

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Honestly, seeing how enthusiastic Florence has been for the last two films of hers that have come out is very interesting. For the people who don’t understand why she was so unenthusiastic about. Don’t worry, darling and why she didn’t wanna promote it. It’s because of Olivia. And for the Olivia fans who are upset about her for that Florence wasn’t the only person that didn’t promote that film. None of the cast did anything, except for Venice, which they had to do and a premier that’s it. Nick Kroll was the only person that did an interview and he didn’t even talk about the film that much he was talking about mostly other things. When you sign onto a film, you are contractually obligated to do price for that movie. All of the other actors knew that this movie was coming out they knew that they had to do press. They knew that they have to make themselves available and they proceeded not to. The only person that we have to blame for don’t worry, darling failing, and the cast not being happy about this movie is Olivia herself. Watching Florence promote a good person and Oppenheimer is very telling to me about how the filming processes were during this movie. She was in a relationship with the Director of the movie of a good person and her ex-boyfriend. Zach Bragg and she had a great time promoting this movie, and it wasn’t awkward at all, but her and Olivia did not interact once during Venice that to me, says everything that he needs to

Yeah but we already knew.

Also A Good Person was SOOO good 10/10 recommend and I'm looking forward to Oppenheimer. I think I'm going to do a double feature of that and Barbie LMAOO

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wellthatwasaletdown · 2 years

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Hear me out.

The next DWD premier in NY on the 19th? (Well next week) will go a lot smoother than Venice.

For one no Florence drama as we know she isn’t there and there is no Chris so no tabloids about them speaking after spit gate will happen. Honestly the cast that are attending are the ones that seem on good terms with each other, including Olivia.

Two, the cast that is attending is more comedic heavy than Venice. Asif Ali is going and he is very funny and seems like he will lighten the mood especially if he mixes with Harry and nick who messed around at Venice. They will definitely play into jokes more this time around. This will likely make the carpet and interviews less intense.

Three, I can see him and Olivia being less uptight with each other but I still don’t see them being very warm or affectionate. However I do think they will interact or talk a little more this time around. Still no red carpet couple PR but definitely less awkward. (Remember, Broken up or not they seemed on ok terms at Venice they just kept away from each other where the paps where around).

Four, I think this might be the time that we get more group photos of the cast.

Finally five, I have a feeling the interviews will go smoother. I think they will be able to vet the questions more and other cast members will get a chance to answer them. It’s a different set up than Venice and I think it’s going to be more similar to how MP’s went. Again with the cast that are attending most of them joke around, unprofessional or not that’s how it’s going to go I feel. This is a chance for them to show the whole drama isn’t all over the cast but more specific to Florence. I still stand and say the reason there was so much tension was become they were all walking on egg shells making sure it went smooth and they knew it was going to be awkward anyway.

Ps- from a TikTok of the before party for the Venice premier they were all there including Florence and in one picture Chris is hanging with Olivia and others but you can’t see their faces. I do think the issues were with Florence and Olivia and Harry and the rest of the cast were just trying to do their job around the mess of it all. Who really knows what Florence’s issues are anymore but we won’t know and it definitely didn’t start with Shia I know that for a fact!

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lhrry · 2 years

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I don’t like to get my hopes up just to be disappointed but these articles lately painting her badly and saying they’ve ‘split’, her not being seen with him since the ‘controversy’ the only exception being at Venice and we all know how awkward they were there. I am hoping the seeds are being planted and this is the beginning of the end. Just please. I don’t think many of Harry’s fans can stand this woman, so it really is for the best. so whether the contract is up, or his team just decided to end this early due to all the drama I don’t know, but please get her gone 🙏🙏

I think it’s just a matter of time at this point and a question of how they want to deal with this in regard to the other DWD premieres! My guess is they’ll keep it up to keep people watching and guessing whether they interacted and how they did so etc. but will have them distanced as in Venice, and then just say they were broken up or on the verge of it and just keeping it together for the movie and for promo to be civil or sth

#talk time with agnes #ho

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reddye23 · 2 years

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Not sure if points were actually made on that article. I was indifferent when she was made director. I actually never even saw booksmart so I truly had no opinion on her. I was excited, sure, to see Harry on another project but my opinion of her did not change in January 2021. She was just another older woman he’s been connected to in my mind. I have been neutral and tried to stay out of it until I started to have this relationship and the drama surrounding this film shoved down my throat against my will. I wanted to ignore a lot of it because it’s sooooo easy to blame jealous Harry fans and of course, there are fans reacting this way purely out of jealous spite. But to blanket the entire fandom and their negative reaction to her and the film down to jealousy and internal misogyny is such a lame cop out. Olivia says the film is about female pleasure and wow of course that is intriguing given how little (or really lot?) we have seen of this film. But now seeing all of these leaks about the film, I have to wonder if female pleasure is actually what this film is about when so much of the content we’ve seen tells us otherwise. You have to agree that the premiere in Venice was incredibly awkward and telling. Not a single picture of the director with her leads on the red carpet together? Not a moment of interaction? Timothy Chalamet is the star of Dune and he was around for the entire kit and caboodle at Venice. Every other film premiere there lived on the opposite side of the spectrum when it came to ensemble interaction. You can’t tell me that wasn’t weird or some sort of gigantic red flag alarm that something has gone amiss. Some of the harries are putting blame on florence instead of Olivia. Is that not misogyny at work as well? Make it make sense. Anyway, I think it’s weird, all of it honestly. They haven’t been seen together since and we will literally never know the truth of whether it was PR or real (though given it all, I lean now slightly towards PR). Don’t worry darling will get an audience because ticket sales are being shoved down our throats too now from hshq. I just want all of this discourse to end because it’s super lame on both sides of the aisle when we just wanna enjoy Harry and his endeavors. One last thing, I’m seeing a lot of harries say that if this was a male director this would be fine so they’re giving Olivia a pass for that reason alone. That’s just perpetuating a never ending cycle of both male and female directors being shitheads and nothing will ever change. So let’s all be better and throw those rotten tomatoes at both men and women directors if they being actual shitheads and stop giving them your damn money. People are hating on this film and still going to watch it. Your money is your power people. Also, I just want to say that I have been on Twitter and seeing some of the discourse about there needing to be more warnings about the SA aspects of this film because it’s not actually showing female pleasure and out of curiosity poked through the profiles of these people if they were public. A lot of the profiles I dug through were not harries(went pretty far back on tweets to make sure these were not recently made profiles) but the actual general public saying these things so that was an interesting find. Just needed to get this off my chest thank you.

Firstly, thanks for interacting. I, like you, didn’t really have an opinion on Olivia prior to the announcement that she was directing Harry. I still don’t tbh. She seems smart and articulate. I’m also glad to hear that your opinion didn’t change after they started dating. I too have had this drama shoved down my throat against my will.

Ok, but if it’s not jealousy and internal misogyny then what is it?! Because no one had issues UNTIL THEY WERE PAPPED TOGETHER HOLDING HANDS. Also, she never said that DWD was ABOUT female pleasure. She said that the movie showcased female hunger that we don’t often see on film. And you’re right, Venice was awkward. It was awkward because the focus of the questions was more about the “drama” than about the actual movie! I think there is an issue there with O and Flo and I think Flo’s refusal to really promote this film made things even more awkward. I didn’t expect H and O to walk the red carpet together or interact prior to the drama, but after everything that went down, why would they do that?! It’d make the movie more about their relationship than the movie! I’m not blaming Florence for the drama - that started right here within the fandom - but she certainly didn’t help it by refusing to promote the film. I don’t know her reasons so I can’t blame that on misogyny.

If H and O are in a PR relationship, it’s literally the worst one ever created. They’ve literally done nothing together to promote this movie other than be papped together and living their lives. That’s not PR. If it were PR it’d look like Ben Affleck and J Lo talking about each other all the time and being obnoxious.

I’m tired of the drama too. I’m mad that the fandom has made something that should’ve been a lot of fun, a bad experience. I don’t think anyone should give O a pass bc she’s not a male director but I DO think that we wouldn’t be having this conversation if she were. That’s the point of the article and I agree.

This movie is Rated R and has a twist ending that may be disturbing. If that’s triggering for anyone, I strongly advise that they stay away. I hope that this movie does make a bunch of money bc it’s the least good thing that can happen after all of this. Everyone that has spoken out has had nothing but positive things to say about the atmosphere on set and that says a lot about the job she did. It’s a shame that this drama has overshadowed what should’ve been a really good time.

Thanks again for interacting. I hope all is well with and for you. I hope if you see DWD that you love it and have a great time. ❤️- m

#anon #answered #thank you for asking!

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pa-anonoverflow · 2 years

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I feel like the q&a and premiere will be a Venice repeat- with the ignoring, awkwardness, terrible interviews. I can’t believe how blatantly they marketed the q&a as HARRY STYLES (and cast). A they better get those questions beforehand lmao

I cannot believe they marketed using his demented abusive character as some kind of romance novel figure writing fans letters. If that’s not some kind of deep dive into Olivia’s psyche…my god the woman is without a shred of sanity.

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nbmsports · 10 months

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Strike Prevents Actors From Promoting Films at Premieres or Festivals

It has already been a difficult year for movie theaters, with the North American box office down roughly 20 percent from last year. And that was when actors could promote their films.With SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union, on strike as of Friday, its 160,000 members are officially barred not only from acting in projects involving the major Hollywood studios but also from engaging in any publicity efforts for films and TV shows that have already been completed.That means no appearances, either online or in person, including at the Comic-Con International next week in San Diego, many of the fall film festivals, and any movie premieres or television promotional events. SAG-AFTRA officials convened conference calls with Hollywood’s top agencies and publicists this week to explain the strike rules for both the production and the promotion of coming projects. And on Thursday, after announcing the strike, the union released its rules for its membership.“It’s going to be expensive, because the only other way to compensate for the lack of publicity is to buy more noise,” Terry Press, a top Hollywood marketer, said. “When you don’t have any form of publicity, which is free to a certain extent, you have to try to make up that noise.“Ultimately, that’s expensive,” he continued, “especially in the summer, where there’s very little advertising that you can actually buy that’s going to capture large groups of people.”It’s also going to be awkward. That was apparent even before the actors’ union announced on Thursday that it had approved a strike. A few hours earlier, the director Christopher Nolan’s starry “Oppenheimer” was premiering in London.“Oppenheimer” is one of the summer’s most anticipated films, a movie that theater owners have been pointing to — along with Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” and the latest “Mission: Impossible” chapter with Tom Cruise — as one that could pump some life into a struggling business.But at the premiere at the Odeon Theater in Leicester Square, it was clear that the strike would have an impact. First the event was moved up an hour, so that the cast full of boldface names — including Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh and Cillian Murphy — would be able to walk the red carpet. Then they all left before the screening started, in solidarity with the union.“They are off to write their picket signs,” Mr. Nolan quipped to the crowd of 800 people.Universal Pictures said that it would still hold its New York premiere of “Oppenheimer” on Monday but that none of the actors would attend.The lack of buzzy premieres and the usual round of publicity for films is troubling for a movie theater industry that has been hoping business would increase in the second half of the year.The strike is also concerning for the fall film festival circuit, which counts on actors appearing in person to promote their prestige films geared toward the awards season. “The whole festival circuit, those movies are nothing but publicity driven,” Ms. Press said.Normally actors on the hunt for Oscar gold make the pilgrimage to Italy for the Venice International Film Festival at the end of August, then head to Colorado for the Telluride Film Festival and then Canada for the Toronto International Film Festival — the three early stops on the campaign trail.“The grammar of releasing those movies requires the festival circuit,” Ms. Press said. “That is when, I think, you’re going to start to run into serious repercussions.”Television is also affected. Despite the Emmy nominations announced on Wednesday, none of the actors nominated will be able to promote their work. When asked how the awards show — which is scheduled for September but likely to be postponed if the walkout is prolonged — will be affected by the strike, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the union’s chief negotiator, said: “Our strike rules will not allow any form of promotion for television series, or streaming series that have been produced under these contracts. My expectation is that it will bring any actor participation in Emmy campaigning to a close.” Source link Read the full article

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pinerhot · 2 years

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Canoodle bendy in nightmare run

#Canoodle bendy in nightmare run how to#

'I've gone up two dress sizes and don't have time to exercise': New mum Lucy Mecklenburgh candidly discusses her post-pregnancy bodyĪmy Willerton reveals she moved to Ibiza to start a new life with her daughter Demelza ALONE after going through a tough time earlier in the year Ioan Gruffudd and Alice Evans fail to reach an agreement in their bitter custody battle - weeks after actor filed a restraining order against his ex wife The REAL reason your multivitamin isn't working - THIS game-changing vitamin brand could be the key to wellness from within Jodie Turner-Smith wears a DENIM gown while Timothée Chalamet dons a shimmering jumpsuit as they join Chloe Sevigny at the Bones and All premiere in Venice 'This may never stop!' Britney Spears' estranged son Jayden, 16, claims her sexually-charged social media posts are 'something to get attention' 'That's bats*** insane!' Vogue Williams divides opinion after revealing she lost her virginity age 18 to a 27-year old in candid podcast chat

#Canoodle bendy in nightmare run how to#

Kelly Rowland shows off her sculpted bikini body in a black two-piece as she enjoys a vacation with pals in MiamiĬost of living on your mind? Here's how to take control of your money and make it work for you Melanie Sykes, 52, splits from her gondolier lover, 25, following holiday romance because 'travelling back and forth wasn't sustainable' Meghan IS a diva! Mariah Carey breaks silence after 'awkward moment' she called Duchess of Sussex the name on Archetypes podcast Victoria Beckham is left 'heartbroken' over feud with daughter-in-law Nicola Peltz and has barely seen Brooklyn since he got marriedīurnt out after Burning Man: Cara Delevingne's erratic appearance in parking lot comes after she 'spent a few days at festival in the desert'

#Canoodle bendy in nightmare run

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only-johnny-deppp · 3 years

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“THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MY EMPLOYERS” ~ Johnny Depp’s ultimate respect for his fans. 💖

Whenever Johnny gives an interview he always thanks for the support given. And sometimes he addresses his love and appreciation straight to us. Some examples:

> During his latest interview, for the The Times UK, on August 14, 2021, Johnny said:

“They are all our employers. They buy tickets, merchandise. They made all of those studios rich, but they forgot that a long time ago. I certainly haven’t. I’m proud of these people, because of what they are trying to say, which is the truth. The truth they’re trying to get out since it doesn’t in more mainstream publications. It’s a long road that sometimes gets clunky. Sometimes just plain stupid. But they stayed on the ride with me and it’s for them I will fight. Always, to the end. Whatever it may be.”

> 6 years ago, during the 2015 Disney’s D23 Expo, on August 15, Johnny gave a speech especially to thank his “employes”, as he said the word “fan” was never a thing he really liked:

it implies that someone is above and someone is beneath in a weird way”

> 2 years ago, on September 6, 2019 during the Venice Film Festival, while hundreds of fans attended festival even under the rain, Johnny stopped for a minute and said:

“All of these people have kept me alive for a long, long, time. They’ve been my soldiers and I adore them.”

One day earlier, On September 5, 2019, while recording the first episode of the 23rd Season of the Italian TV show “C'è Posta Per Te” (which was aired 4 months ago, on January 10, 2020), Johnny had first said that he was very lucky for having people who was in his life supporting him and that when he feels weak or down he also knew that there’s an army behind him.

> Last year, during the Berlin International Film Festival, on February 21, 2020, Johnny thanked the power of his fans and those who are supporting him.

“You know when you’re as long in the tooth as I am and you’ve been around this sort of thing as I have for a number of years, you don’t get used to it. And I think if you do I think you should worry. You know, I’ve never been a great attention hog but the fact that these people come here re-insures the fact that I’ve always believed which is that it’s not the billionaires involved, it ain’t the studios involved, it ain’t all that. The power, the real power is with these people. They’re the ones that keep you afloat. And they have kept me afloat for a long, long time. I’m just hoping I’m going to have enough time to ask them all why?"

> And later, on September 10, 2020 Johnny wrote by hand a special message and shared on a video, on his Instagram on the next day:

“Hello all! I just wanted to thank you all once again for your constant and loyal support throughout many long and interesting episodes of my life…I am only here because of you — and I’m only here for you!!! All thanks and love to you for all,— JD”

And that’s why we f*cking love this man.

He IS NOT in this business to be the most recognizable, or the one with a huge fan base and millions of followers on his social media, or for the money, fame and indications for an award. He IS NOT that type of actor who goes for a premiere thinking in how the tabloids will talk about him or how much the fans will scream his name, buy his products or raise his fame to be called for the next blockbuster movie. He IS NOT there for his own image, he is there for the human touch, to spread happiness, to make somebody’s life a little better just by a handshake or an eye contact, NO MATTER who you are, your sexuality, your gender, your old, if you’re a hater or not.

We all know how he still feels a little awkward with all this attention over him. Even with more than 30 years of career he still not used to it, but he does his best for his fans. And we can see by his behavior; his shyness, the way he touch his lips with his fingers as he tries to hide a shy smile, and the way he nods to his fans with his head followed by placing his hand on his heart…

The respect he has to give attention to EACH ONE who were there for hours, just to take a second taking photos, selfies, signing, until attend the last fan who wants a simple touch, even while he’s being pushed by his bodyguards to prevent him to be late (Our beloved Jerry Judge knows about it)... It’s something amazing, and something REALLY hard to see with the current actors.

THIS is why I,and ALL of his fans, are we him for all these years.

That’s why we are, who KNOWS THE TRUTH, always will be, with you Johnny Depp.

ALL MY RESPECT FOR THIS AMAZING HUMAN BEING!

#JUSTICEFORJOHNNYDEPP #IBELIEVEHIM #JOHNNYDEPPISINNOCENT

#Johnny Depp #Justice For Johnny Depp #I Believe Him #Lovely Moments #Johnny Depp is Innocent #Meeting Fans #Depp Fans #Attending Fans #DeppHeads #Depp Army #Depp Employers #TBT #Best Human Ever

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wolfpawn · 4 years

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I Hate You, I Love You. Chapter 151

Chapter Summary - Danielle has a day that literally just keeps going bad to worse and it all culminates with Tom telling her something.

Previous Chapter

Rating - Mature (some chapters contain smut)

Triggers - references to Tom Hiddleston’s work with the #MeToo Movement. That chapter will be tagged accordingly.

authors Note - I have been working on this for the last 3 years, it is currently 180+ chapters long. This will be updated daily, so long as I can get time to do so, obviously.

tags: @sweetkingdomstarlight-blog @jessibelle-nerdy-mum @nonsensicalobsessions @damalseer @hiddlesbitch1 @winterisakiller @fairlightswiftly @salempoe @wolfsmom1 @black-ninja-blade

Tom poured the water into the kettle and turned around again. “And what dates are they?”

“The seventh of September,” Luke responded, looking at the diary in front of him. “Does that work for you?” Tom nodded. “And Danielle?” Tom winced and cursed. “No?”

“It's two days before her Ironman.” He thought for a moment. “Can I get back in time?”

“I guess?” Luke looked at the dates, making note of her sports events in case it became more relevant in the future. “Didn't you say she has a few more beforehand?”

“Yes, sort of warm-ups,” Tom explained. “I can't miss that one though.”

“You'll need to talk to her.” Luke acknowledged. “Speaking of her, where is she?”

“At Emma's. She is doing a few things for her today.”

“Such as?”

“Cleaning, laundry, cooking. Letting my sister get a shower unmolested by Lucy.”

“So she is okay with babies?”

“She was a medic.” Tom chuckled. “No, she loves children.”

“Children and small babies are different though.”

“Danielle is great with them, she's one of those people that can interact well with children.” He smiled. “She's the same with Ben and Sophie's boys.”

“So I take it if you ever have the sense to ask her and she has the lack of sense to say yes to marrying you, kids would someday be a subject up for discussion?”

Tom gave him a bemused glance knowing that Luke was teasing regarding if he would ask such a question. “If such ever comes to pass, then yes, children are indeed on the cards.”

“Tom Hiddleston, talking about settling down and having kids, did I ever think I would ever see the day” Luke goaded. “And with a no-nonsense woman like Elle. No actually, the only woman that would endure you is Danielle Hughes.”

“Good thing she's the only one I would want anyway.” Tom chuckled. As soon as he ceased speaking, he noticed the dogs looking curiously at the door. He turned and put on the kettle again and took out Danielle's favourite mug.

It was a minute or two before she came into the room, when she saw Luke and Tom, Danielle gave a tired smile. “Gentlemen.”

“Everything alright?” Tom asked worriedly.

“Just one of those days.” Was all she commented.

“How was your training?”

“There was an issue with the pool so it was closed and a spin class used all of the bikes, so that was something of a washout.” Danielle laughed. “That can happen though.” She shrugged.

“And Emma?”

“Emma had to go to the doctor because Lucy has gunk in her eye, so rather than help her with her home, we spent the afternoon in the doctors. And I got a call from work, there was an issue I need to look at that apparently was faxed through, but the fact you have not mentioned it to me would suggest that it hasn't.” She put down the items she had brought home with her. “So what is new here? Luke, how was Venice? I haven't seen you since before you left, you got some colour anyway.”

“Yes, some much-needed sun and wonderful Italian food, of course. It was good, thank you.”

Danielle smiled, pleased to hear he had a pleasant time. When she looked at Tom, she frowned. “What?”

“Are you okay?”

Danielle laughed at him. “Do you ever get that day that it just never stops going wrong, I mean it just is one thing piled on top of another? That is my day and I can get angry and upset and negative which seems to only ensure further negativity, or I can accept that it is what it is and continue on and make what I can of it all and I choose the latter. I assisted Emma, I helped her bring Lucy to the doctor, we also got some shopping and I will cook and clean hers tomorrow instead and if work is really having a shit fest, we have a department for that now so I don't fucking care and I am going to cook my dinner and not stress myself about it.” She explained.

“Good plan.” Luke commended.

“After tea though, I really need a cup right now.” Tom moved, revealing to her that her mug was ready by the steaming kettle. Danielle smiled at him but quickly noticed the manner in which he was not really looking back at her. Then she looked at Luke who also looked slightly awkward. “One moment.” She put a tea bag and hot water into the cup for her tea before turning around, folding her arms and leaning back against the countertop. “Right, what is it?” Both men said nothing. “Look, there is clearly something to be said and with the way today went, I know it will stay true to form and be something negative so just come out with it and tell me now.”

Tom looked at Luke for a moment who had an expression on his face that showed how greatly he felt his earlier comment regarding Danielle as Tom's partner was made apparent by her current actions. Tom decided to just be honest. “I have been asked to attend the Ralph Lauren fiftieth anniversary show in New York in September.”

Danielle processed his words for a moment. “What dates?”

“It's on the seventh.”

“Right.” She sighed.

“I am going to be home in time, I promise.”

“Tom, don't promise something like that, please.” She stated. “I know you will do everything to try to get home.”

“You're annoyed though?”

“See it from my point of view, Tom. Your big premiere and I miss it for a fashion show, how would that feel to you?” She pointed out. “I better check the fax machine, excuse me.”

Tom and Luke said nothing as she left.

“If you are not in Wales on the 9th of September, you may lose her.” Like declared. “If you need to get a private jet, you better be back.”

“Just keep that small block free,” Tom ordered, which caused Luke to nod.

Tom walked upstairs and listened to the sound of paper whirring through the fax machine. He walked to the office room and looked at Danielle. He swallowed as he looked at her.

Her hair was tied up and she wore an open cardigan and comfortable tracksuit pants. If the papers saw her, they would ridicule her immediately, but he liked seeing her like this, this was Elle, who only cared about getting work done and being comfy doing it, not Danielle, who worked tediously and had to uphold a certain professionalism. She was wearing her glasses and chewing on one of the small snack meals her dietitian had planned for her. When she looked up, she noticed him there and waited for him to speak.

“How much in the dog house am I?”

“At present, you're on a rehoming advert for Dog's Trust after being surrendered to them.” She stated, picking up the papers and putting them in a file.

Tom walked into the room. “I will be there, Elle, I promise.”

“I know that. You have thirty-six hours, even with delays I know you would make it. It doesn't make it any less of a slap in the face though, does it?” She pointed out.

Tom was going to argue that they had cut it close on a few events before but stopped himself and reminded himself that she was being honest and communicating with him and that her opinions and feelings on the matter were valid too. “No, it doesn't. I am sorry. I am going to cancel.”

“You can't, you have a contract with them and you did sign in that you would do a few of these. I don't blame you, you know, I blame whatever power in the universe that has caused this day to occur.”

“So you're not sending me to Dog's Trust?”

“Tempting, but no.”

“Is the idea of getting a new boyfriend that daunting?” He joked.

“Oh if this goes belly up, I am joining the fucking nuns or something, I genuinely couldn't go again, it's exhausting.” She laughed.

Tom chuckled, walked over and pulled her against him. “I'm sorry you had a bad day.”

“We all get them.”

“How is Lucy, I forgot to ask. Is her eye sore?”

“Probably just irritated more than anything but she seems to just be herself. She is good, she seems to have a strict routine. I never met a baby to stick so rigidly to a natural schedule. Two weeks she has been like it every day. It's not perfect or easy, but it's consistent so they can plan around it.” She smiled. The machine continued to whir next to her as more paper began to come through. “Dear Jesus, this will take half a forest.” She growled.

“What happened?”

“Some bollox to do with apparently falsified paperwork by one of the guys. I know his work, he's not someone to do that, I am getting a copy to see what happened, the internal affairs department is checking over it, but I want to see if there is something dodgy in my office, but I really doubt it.” She explained.

“You really are having an odd day.” Tom acknowledged. “What about your training, you didn't get much if it done?”

“I will have to check this then go for a cycle. Tomorrow is supposed to be an easy say so I am going for a five k then.” She looked at Tom who looked around at her. “Care to join me?”

“Would you mind?”

“Not at all.” She beamed. “We should get you cycling too.”

“I would look like the crazy frog.” Danielle erupted in laughter at the image. “I'm sorry, Elle.”

“Don’t, we can't help some of your work stuff, the same with mine. We will sometimes miss things. I mean, I have not seen Nacelle in six weeks because of conflicting work schedules.”

“When is she around again?”

“In a fortnight.”

“While you're in LA?”

“Yep.”

“That's a pain.”

“And most of the summer I am going to be by the sea and she will be home. But we talk most days so that's something.”

“Poor Becky.”

“They are used to it at this stage, they have always juggled it.” She smiled.

“Will that be us?”

“Not as drastically, I think, but we have those times too. I fear your next major movie. Up to three months or more without my handsome, kind and loving Tom.”

“Yours?”

“Mine.” She reiterated with a cheeky smile, leaning up and kissing him.

#i hate you i love you #chapter 151 #wolfpawn #tom hiddleston #tom hiddleston fic

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thosequeenboys · 5 years

Text

Every Road Leads Back to You (Ben Hardy x Joe Mazzello)

Summary: Joe is on holiday in Europe, visiting the BoRhap boys. His visit to Ben, who is on set in Belfast filming Pixie, brings up many emotions in each of them, and helps them gain some clarity.

A/N: The IG and Tumblr postings of these two have worn me down! In this angsty story Ben and Joe, are dealing with their own personal and professional struggles. In my professional life, I coach people to help them succeed in their jobs and work situations. This story made me think about the strains of an acting career. The title is from the Bette Midler song, “Every Road Leads Back to you” from the enjoyable, emotional movie, “For the Boys.” Song lyrics in the story, which came to me as I wrote, are bolded and referenced at the end.

Thank you!: I’d like to thank all the great FanFic writers and Fandom members who entertain and inspire me. Special shout outs to @deakysgurl for beta reading this for me; @jessahmewren, my first Tumblr author, encourager and connection; and @m0etenchandon, @freddie-mercurial, @dayoneliveaid @brownhardyho @brianmay-be @deacytits @deacysfabottomedgirl @its-our-paris @queenismykween

Warnings: Angst, Love, loss of a parent, some longing. Figuring out life, love and work stuff!!

Joe was on holiday! Following the golf tournament with Gwilym, Joe arrived in Venice and joined Rami, Lucy, and other friends on a luxurious boat ride. They realized they were being followed by a slew of paparazzi. They indulged them for a while and finally shut it down by turning their backs and flipping them the bird, successfully causing them to scatter.

As their boat docked, Joe’s attention turned to the last leg of his trip-seeing his best buddy of them all in Belfast, where he was filming. A smile spread across his face and he took a deep breath, anticipating their reunion. It had been a long time.

He paused on the dock and texted Ben: “Hey, wrapping in Venice and looking forward to heading to your neck of the woods tomorrow. Got a Noon plane-should get to you around 6:00. Please send your address.”

He eyed his phone for a few minutes as Rami spoke, awaiting a response.

“We’re heading to dinner, want to join us, Joe?” Rami asked.

“Thanks, but I’m gonna head back to the hotel,” Joe said. “I have some things to catch up on before I head out tomorrow.”

“Oh, right,” Rami smiled. “You’re going to visit Ben. I’m sure he could use a break. Please send him our love. I’m so glad we had this time together. Love you, dude.” Joe hugged Rami and Lucy good-bye.

He glanced at his phone as he walked toward a cab. No response.

Joe retreated to his hotel room. He changed, worked out, got dinner, and left a message for his agent, eager to hear if he solidified an audition for him for a Netflix mini-series and a movie role. He became agitated at the uncertainty-both about career plans-and his imminent travel. He checked his phone again hoping for a text, still no response. His agitation grew.

That night, Joe lay in bed. His future held a number of uncertainties-will he need to move to LA again or go on location if he gets these roles? Are these the best he can get? What about his family, who were still adjusting to the new normal? It was overwhelming to think about. Eager to calm and distract himself, he laid back and let his mind flash to warm and wonderful images of BoRhrap: filming over long days; grabbing late night meals; sharing endless jokes; working together so easily. Suddenly, his breath hitched as he thought about the suffering that intruded into those happy times. His eyes watered, remembering how he unraveled in slow motion when answered his ringing phone to his sister’s teary voice. Even now, it was hard to believe his dad was gone. His knees had buckled after hanging up with her. The boys raised him up, physically and emotionally, encircling him as his tears flowed. He remembered glancing at Ben, whose green eyes burrowed into him, visibly tearing up himself, as he squeezed Joe’s shoulder in their huddled group embrace.

Returning to his present restless night, he didn’t grant those emotions permission to invade him, and he switched his inner screen to the next reel of happier times: the movie premiere and the interviews, as the film rocked the world; the whirlwind of Awards nominations; the Oscars; and their playful Instagram posts, featuring Hardzello and Cardy-B.

Over time, the hype and glow of the movie faded, and the boys parted to pursue other endeavors. Ben travelled extensively, working on multiple projects. Calls were strained and rushed. “I gotta go, buddy…I’m sorry….I hope we can see each other -- next month, maybe, yeah?”

“Yeah, I know. Let me know, and I’ll get a ticket…” Joe had responded before he heard Ben carrying on another conversation as the call disconnected.

He missed his dear friend and the times they shared, on and off the set - and the love. Joe had not allowed himself to dig deeply into what that love meant. He just knew the magic of those 12 months were like nothing he ever experienced, and he wanted to have Ben in his life. “When I look and I find…I still love you. (1). And without him, there was an emptiness.

Suddenly, his phone pinged. “Hi, here’s the address….”

That was it. Not “Can’t wait to see you!” He felt a little dismissed. Was Ben fitting him in as a favor?

‘Great, see you soon!” he responded. Relieved to have the details set, he fell asleep, rising early to head to the airport. He ran to the gate after security dragged for over an hour. Settling into his seat, he welcomed the stillness.

Joe ordered a drink, downed it quickly and then fell asleep as the plane took off. The sleep became restless as he pictured the visit, fueled by Ben’s less-than-enthusiastic text. He pictured arriving at Ben’s modern flat with floor to ceiling windows that looked out high over the city. He envisioned Ben’s co-stars there-mingling, snacking and drinking, easy laughter flowing. He saw Ben in his element, giving hugs, cracking private jokes, looking vibrant, fit and elegant, his new friends fawning over him. Though Ben would try to fill Joe in on the jokes, Joe pictured himself feeling awkward - and replaced. Joe’s eyes flew open as the plane landed; his heart pounding and tears welled in his eyes, those images of Ben’s new friendships stinging him. It was a mistake to come here, he thought. His stomach tightened as he pictured himself cast in the role as outsider.

“Landed” Joe texted to Ben as he grabbed a cab. The cab dropped him off and he ambled up the path to the non-descript apartment complex. He knocked on Ben’s door softly.

The door was opened by a solemn Ben. “You made it. Come in.” Ben said with a tense grin. Joe took a deep breath to brace himself and walked through the door tentatively. He stopped and breathed a sigh of relief. Ben was alone. There was no party. No laughter. No new friends. The furnished apartment was dreary; the living room was lit by one standing lamp with a heavy shade that emitted a dim light, next to the worn couch. There were empty take out containers on the coffee table and free weights strewn about the floor, along with a pile of newspapers and other assorted items. This wasn’t like Ben, Joe thought, knowing that he was pretty meticulous and organized about his surroundings and himself.

Joe put his bag down and looked up at Ben. Their eyes locked. “Hey Buddy,” Joe said as he leaned in to hug him. Ben hugged him back tentatively and broke the hug quickly. “You want a beer?” Ben asked, as he headed through the small living room toward the back of the small apartment to the tiny windowless kitchen, situated between the living room and bedroom. “Sure,” Joe replied as he followed Ben.

Ben swung the refrigerator door open to get the beers and Joe peered in behind him. “Dude, you got things growing and dying in there. What’s up???” Joe asked with a smirk, feigning outrage. Ben chuckled. It felt good to laugh. He had to admit, some things just sounded better with an American accent. Ben grabbed two beers and as he went to close the frig, Joe held the door open. “Ok, this needs to be addressed. Like. Now.” Joe started quickly removing items from the fridge to the small counter and gathered a handful of rotten food, motioning to the garbage can, which Ben brought over. “You travelled all this way to clean out my fridge?” Ben asked with crooked grin and a raised eyebrow.

“Aha!” Joe said. “Takeout rice and chicken, salvageable veggies.” I can make us a stir-fry!! And organize your fridge. You get two for the price of the one. Are you hungry?”

“Uh yeah, that would be great. Thanks.” Actually, Ben wasn’t sure if he was hungry. He should be. He had toast in the morning and snacks during brief breaks at the catering tent. His stomach was in knots most of the time, the stress he felt taking up residence there and throwing off his natural patterns. Ben liked that Joe took charge-to help bring some order into his world, feeling his own tenuous grip – and he was moved that Joe took steps to care for him.

“Great. I’ll get this together in a few minutes. You look tired? Why don’t you sit down and rest?”

“Actually”, Ben said,” I think I’ll take a shower-if that’s ok.” He put the beers on the kitchen table.

“Sure, sure.” Ben headed to the bathroom off the bedroom in the back of the flat. Joe got to work, chopping veggies, heating up the rice and chicken, and creating a sauce. He always felt comfortable in the kitchen and loved to cook. And there was nothing he’d rather do at this moment then take care of Ben, who was out of sorts. His eyes didn’t have their usual sparkle and he seemed tense, down and distracted, listless almost. Clearly something was plaguing Ben and he needed to figure it out. As dinner cooked, Joe finished cleaning and organizing the fridge.

Ben came into the kitchen fresh from the shower, running a towel through his glossy hair. He was wearing fresh jeans and a sweatshirt. Joe couldn’t stop his eyes from lingering on Ben, who literally took Joe’s breath away. Joe turned his body away from the blonde to shift his focus. “Perfect timing. Dinner is served,” he said in a British accent, pleased that he remembered how to breath after that brief arousal-and how to slip into a British accent. He hastily set the table and served the meal.

Ben chuckled at Joe’s mock service. “This was nice of you. Thanks,” he said, sitting down and throwing the towel on the table. He rolled the food over his plate gracefully with the fork, taking a few bites to his mouth. Eager to distract the conversation away from himself, he peppered Joe with questions.

““I saw the pap pictures. Nice ending there,” he smiled. “How are Rami and Lucy?” he asked.

“Oh, you know, nauseatingly happy and cute, can’t keep their hands off each other for a second. And that Rami…has a million projects lined up-he sets the world on fire, he can burn brighter than the sun.” (2) Ben nodded and raised other topics to steer the conversation: The World Cup, Brian and Roger touring with Adam-and how happy they looked.

Ben worked hard to get a few forkfuls in his mouth between the strained discussion. The food was nourishing and tasty, lovingly prepared by Joe. He wished he was able to appreciate it.

Joe noticed Ben’s hesitation and stared at him. “You don’t like it? I mean, I know we’re not at the Oscars After-Party…”

“I do, I do, I’m just…” Ben let his voice trail. He could feel he was close to the floodgates opening. It took every ounce of concentration to hold his emotions inside and project a light demeanor, his best acting of the day. He desperately wanted to show his appreciation to Joe for visiting and taking care of him. He just wanted things to be normal. “I’m good,” Ben blurted out, “Really. Just done in by today’s taping. His folded-up demeanor and dark eyes belied his sentiment.

Joe saw right through it. “Well, don’t take this the wrong way, but you don’t look good. I mean, you look sad…distraught really. And look at this place. It’s a hell hole. It’s not like you to live like this. Something’s troubling you. Please tell me what’s going on.” Joe urged.

Ben looked down and placed his fork on the plate. Tears gathered in his eyes. “It’s been so horrible. The script is a mess, constant rewrites. The director is an asshole. He keeps changing his mind and asking for retakes. He gets frustrated when we can’t get things right immediately. How can we? The lines keep changing!! Everyone is so frustrated and tense. I like the cast ok, but we’ve all actually been bickering. I hate it. I wish I never signed on. It’s so unlike BoRhap. I …I”

His voice cut off and the tears started to flow down his cheeks. Joe stood and helped Ben up. “Come on, let’s sit on the couch,” he said, as he escorted the younger man a few steps into the living room and eased him onto the couch, sitting beside him. Ben started to heave, his body shaking, as the last two months of pent up frustration, sadness and stress spilled out of him.

“Oh, Ben, oh, Buddy,” Joe leaned into him and hugged him, feeling Ben’s body tense up and shake with emotion finally being let loose. Joe’s mind raced. He felt totally ill-equipped to soothe Ben. He recalled his jealous feelings of earlier in the day and felt guilty. While he didn’t want to be replaced, he certainly didn’t want his friend to be miserable. He felt so selfish-not thinking of what was going on with Ben that led him to be distant.

Joe felt panicked about how to be in the moment with Ben. He took a deep breath and rubbed Ben’s back. He faced him and looked into his eyes, ran his fingers though his hair and then put both of his arms on the younger man’s shoulders. “Hey. Listen to me. I know you’re overwrought. But you can do this. You’re a great actor. You can’t take all the crap personally. Whatever they expect-It’s inside of you-you’ll tap into it. Then you’ll get to the other side of it.” He brought him in for a close hug, as Ben whimpered. “It’s ok. You’ll be ok,” Joe soothed. Ben stayed in Joe’s arms, letting his friend take on his emotions.

“I feel so badly you have been suffering. I should have reached out more…” Joe mumbled.

“I didn’t either. I couldn’t.” Ben said. “I felt like a failure. I guess I wanted you to think I was in control. That I was a professional and could handle anything.”

“You are - and you can.” Joe replied without missing a beat.

“I wanted to keep the image going. That I’m this leading actor who has it all together. When in fact, it is all so close to falling apart-and has been for awhile.” Ben added.

“You don’t have to keep up an image with me. Look, I know you can do this-you are so talented and you have such a broad bandwidth. This is not an easy career, we’ve chosen. People see the photo shoots and the bloopers, the interviews and the red carpet. It looks so easy when they’re in the theater stuffing their faces with popcorn. We know it requires the constant firing of every synapse in our bodies through grueling days, weaving so much detail together on the spot, and adjusting to constant changes-set, wardrobe, spacing, lines. Plus, we have to tap into the deepest emotional parts of ourselves and our characters constantly. Remember: We had challenges on BoRhap. Sure now, we remember the glory and the fun – but there were tough times and we got through them.” Joe said.

Joe stopped talking. Ben nodded into his neck. He felt Ben heard him. His crying softened. Joe held him tightly and Ben leaned into Joe between his legs, wrapping his arms around Joe. And with that embrace, the rest of the world fell away for Joe-the trip, his agent, his family, his next projects, his home. All of it just faded out of focus. None of it mattered. Only Ben mattered.

Ben pulled away, taking a deep breath that coiled through his body. “I’m sorry. I know this isn’t what you signed up for when you thought ‘Great, let me visit Ben in Belfast as part of my European holiday.’ You didn’t think you’d find a blubbering, wrecked mess.” He wiped his nose on his sleeve.

Joe gazed at him. “I just wanted to be with you.” Ben’s swallowed deeply. Joe continued, “I feel like I’m always planning, trying to map out every part of my life. I’m always on my way to something new. But it doesn't matter, cause no matter where I go, every road just seems to lead me back to you. You’re the one I still want beside me.” (3)

They’re eyes locked, as they held each other’s arms.

Suddenly, Ben’s phone pinged and he broke from Joe to grab it off the kitchen table. “I have to be on set tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.”

“Good,” Said Joe. “You can sleep in.” Joe stood up “It’s late. We should hit the hay. I can just set up camp here.” He said, as he moved a tattered throw pillow to the arm of the couch.

“No,” Ben said, “Share the bed with me. Come on, you did it with Cardy B. Don’t make me jealous.”

They both laughed and moved to the back of the flat.

Joe cleaned up in the kitchen while Ben did his evening ablutions and got into bed. Joe grabbed his bag from the living room, prepared for bed and joined him soon after.

“Goodnight, Ben. Sleep well.” Joe said, as he settled into the soft bed and pillow.

Ben turned to look at Joe. “Goodnight, Joe. And thanks. Thanks for listening and calming me down. And for helping me focus. You have no idea how much it helped. I’m going to remember what you said. I feel like I might finally get a real night’s sleep. Finally.”

Joe smiled. “Of course. Glad I could help.” He thought about the advice he gave to Ben and realized it could apply to him too. He has it in him to deal with whatever happens-and he’ll get to the other side of it too.

They drifted off to sleep. Joe awoke in the middle of night, aware of movement beside him. Ben was rolling a bit and mumbling to himself. “Get to the other side….”

“You ok, Ben?” Joe asked him softy.

Ben didn’t respond, clearly asleep. Suddenly he rolled toward Joe and put his arm around him and spooned into him. “I love you.” Ben mumbled.

Joe leaned back against him. “And I.love.you.back.” he whispered.

SONG NOTES

(1) Days of Our Lives, Queen

(2) We are Young, Janelle Monáe

(3) Every Road Leads Back to You, Bette Midler

#borhap #bohemian rhapsody #ben hardy #ben hardy x joe mazzello #joe mazzello #borhap fandom #borhap boys #queen fanfiction #queen band #borhap fanfic #hardzello #borhap fan fiction

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adigressivedullard · 6 years

Text

Trapped (Christoph Waltz x OC)

Synopsis: Of all the times Anna had been trapped in an elevator, this was certainly not the worst. (word count: 1,012)

Notes: Completely SFW and drabble-worthy but may turn into a long NSFW fic if I can find the time! I apologise if this is atrocious but I haven’t written a fic like this in a while and have never dared to with the gorgeous Christoph before!)

Anna rushed across the grand mahogany floor at the Excelsior Hotel in Venice as she saw the elevator doors about to close. Whilst this may be one of the best hotels in Venice, the elevators still took far too long between trips and she wanted out of these damn high heels. Those damn high heels that echoed through the foyer.

She thought she’d missed it when she saw a silver haired gentleman prop himself firmly between the lift doors. With arms and legs spread, he held the door for her. His eyes exploring her body as she ran towards him. She didn’t realise that the smile that graced his lips was one of appreciation and not simply friendliness. She didn’t know the effect that her decadent dress and rouge hair was having on him.

“Thank you,” she offered as she jumped past him gracelessly into the elevator.

“No bother,” he replied with his infamous lopsided grin. An infamous lopsided grin which belonged to none other than Christoph Waltz. Anna felt ready to choke. Sharing an elevator with Christoph Waltz, she mused, well bugger me. “Which floor?”

“Fifth, thanks.”

Now, Anna had always been a big believer in friendly conversation and eye contact in awkward and almost intimate moments. Moments such as sharing a table at a crowded coffee shop, or walking up stair cases side by side. The one she considered most important were those rare moments in life where you find yourself in an elevator with one, or more, total strangers. Yet, in this moment, she couldn’t bring herself to look beyond his extravagant brown loafers and navy trousers. She couldn’t bring herself to look into the gorgeous eyes of a man she has fantasised about. A man that inspired the operatic director of her latest successful writing venture.

It was perhaps for the best then, that she didn’t look up. Waltz’ gaze has settled upon her from the moment, he’d leant his form back against the elevator wall. There was something utterly beguiling about her undeniably innocent beauty. He adored the way she crossed her ivory legs as she leant back. He appreciated the way the dress fell around and accentuated her small waist and hips. He admired the flutter of her eye lids as she looked away from him. He could only hope that she would look up before they reached her floor.

Certainly, she did look up.

She looked up at the sudden halting of the elevator and the flickering of the amber light surrounding them. The language of her consciousness at the point was not suitable for delicate ears but was certainly animated. Then, as if forgetting who he was, she chanced a panicked gaze his way. He seemed to be muttering something under his breath.

“Typical,” Anna gently barked, “forgive me but I have to take these shoes off.” With a huff, she unclasped her heels and allowed her feet to tentatively collapse onto the carpet. Ah, sweet release.

“I assure you, there is nothing to forgive.” They shared a gentle smile and tentative gaze before looking way. Silence lulled around them. Christoph began to search around the panel on the wall, pushing random buttons in the hope of communication or help. “It appears we are stuck here and there is no one to talk to about it. I am sure they will be along shortly.”

“Well, better to be trapped at the end of the premiere than at the start I suppose.”

“I suppose I should have assumed from that magnificent dress that you were a participant in the festival.” Magnificent? Anna had always disliked the formality of these events. Monkey suits and duck dresses, as her mother called them. Still, this get up is definitely worth it if it draws the attention of this handsome man,she mused.

“Magnificent?” No harm in poking at him a little.

“Most certainly magnificent.” His flirtatious intent dripped down the green torso of her dress. The heat of the intent flooded to her cheeks. Damn.

“Well, thank you.” Silence echoed around them once more. She tried desperately to think of something normal to say to him. She struggled in vein until, finally, he spoke “so, which of the excellent films are you in?”

“In? Goodness no.” She realised how insulting that could sound and so bumbled an explanation, “I am much better suited to behind the scenes work. I wrote the script for Orchestral,but I am most certainly not in it.” He chuckled deeply at her as her face became almost unbearably hot.

“Forgive me,” he inclined his head as he slowly moved closer to her elevator corner, “I just assumed you would be the star. Beautiful women are often the stars of these films of course.” Beautiful? Bloody hell. She was most certainly flustered now and her petite frame was almost certainly and entirely on fire now. As if he could tell, he pushed forward, “beautiful, intelligent and talented. I shall be on my guard around you.” The last he confessed in an almost whisper, testing her ivory skin. Christoph was enjoying the contrast of flustered red on her pale skin. Beautiful, most definitely. Anna had no idea what to do, or say, or feel. Such sweet words from such a man.

“I have just come from the screening, just as you have.” He said, when he realised she had no reply. She bumbled an ‘I know,’ so quickly that Christoph could not help but chuckle. “A truly magnificent film, fitting for a woman such as you.”

As soon as Anna mustered her thanks, the creaking of a functioning elevator began once again. Too soon, she thought. Christoph stood up tall and grasped her hand beside her. Her skin was enticingly warm and he hoped he knew well. “Alas, we are soon to be parted. So, for now, auf wiedersehen, meine Liebling.”

As the ding marked her departure, Anna found herself so flustered by his gaze and her own desire that she wandered bare foot out the escalator. Her heels left in the care of Christoph Waltz.

#Christoph waltz #christoph waltz x reader #christoph waltz x oc

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dweemeister · 6 years

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The Coward (1965, India)

With the Apu trilogy (1955-1959), Satyajit Ray became a darling of cinema academics and critics with his portrayal of one young man’s coming-of-age. By the mid-1960s after Charulata (1964), international attention to Ray’s films waned. Not that his movies declined in quality, but Ray appeared to be moving away from characters, settings, and narratives that might be considered “exotic” by Westerners. The situations, as in any film by Satyajit Ray, remain timeless. The Coward – also known by its original Bengali title, Kapurush – features a suffering artist character often found in 1950s and ‘60s Ray films. But in an interesting development, the artist’s creative soul is not what propels The Coward – instead, it is a litany of decisions rooted in the past, the temptations of the present.

Amitabha Roy’s (Soumitra Chatterjee) car has broken down somewhere in the Indian countryside, in or around Darjeeling. Amitabha, a screenwriter has been traveling across the country to gather material for a developing screenplay. Also at the mechanic’s garage is a tea plantation owner, Bimal Gupta (Haradhan Bandopadhyay), who offers a room to Amitabha for a night. The two men arrive at the estate, where Bimal introduces his wife, Karuna (Madhabi Mukherjee), to his visitor. Amitabha is stunned into silence – the woman only a few feet away from him is his ex-girlfriend. Introductions are warranted, pleasantries are exchanged, a meal is offered. During this time, Amitabha and Karuna’s respective body language suppose they are in an old lover’s daze – he has never resolved his feelings for Karuna; Karuna’s feelings are best not spoiled – yet they never tip Bimal off to their prior history. She was willing to disrespect her parents’ wishes to be with him; familial pressure and fear of commitment resulted in the breakup. When together, Bimal and Karuna seem bored, as if having little new or anything of interest to say to each other.

As usual, Ray is also the film’s writer, adapting The Coward from author Premendra Mitra’s story Janaiko Kapuruser Kahini. “The coward” of this film is Amitabha; the act of cowardice informing the film’s title is Amitabha’s inability to surrender to his heart’s desire when he and Karuna were lovers, rather than run from the familial, material, and social consequences that might have occurred by marrying her – so the conventional thinking goes. That act of cowardice – some readers might think the film’s title and that designation to be harsh on Amitabha, but opinions have varied wildly – underlines all of the conflict appearing here. Perhaps it is a character trait in Amitabha’s behavior over the time they have been together; there simply is not enough information or a conclusive flashback to confirm all of this speculation.

Will Amitabha and Karuna rekindle their feelings for each other after a few or several years? When he has the chance to speak to her individually, is Amitabha being inappropriate and is she even caring to listen to him? Is Bimal – written by Ray as bored, boring, and fond of alcohol – going to eavesdrop or arrive at the worst possible time, setting up the most awkward situation imaginable?

The answers to all of these questions might surprise first-time viewers, as Karuna displays a peculiar aloofness the moment she is alone with Amitabha for the first time. Those who have not finished the film should skip this paragraph, the quote in between, and the paragraph after that. More questions – this time asked by Amitabha himself – perhaps inspire that distance. He asks if she is happy, if she still has feelings for him. Coming from Amitabha, these inquiry reveals his insecurity and willingness to start again. Karuna does respond about whether or not she is happy many hours after that first encounter – in broad daylight, with Amitabha listening on the opposite side of a dirt road where a convoy of trucks is about to pass. She warns him about judging a person after only knowing them for less than a day. Absolutely. She claims to have changed over time. No complaints there.

Perhaps I didn’t want to be happy.

What? Is Karuna deflecting Amitabha’s question to the cacophony of the incoming trucks? Or is she referencing Amitabha’s conception of happiness between the two of them, having long rejected his definition, and has pursued a “happiness” that is hers and no one else’s? Of all of her responses, this is the one that has been bedeviling me since completing The Coward (consider: Karuna’s stated dependence on sleeping pills and her reason for her presence in the film’s closing seconds). Either way – or if I have missed the point of that moment completely – Karuna has pursued happiness for herself and not to be confined by her family or Amitabha. Though her reasons are written too abstrusely for my tastes (or maybe this is because my experience with love is not sufficient to understand this film), this is a progressive female character for cinema – something transcending when this film was released and where it comes from.

With all this talk of cowardice, it might be enlightening to read Ray’s own words about The Coward. The film, he writes, glimpses into, “a certain type of cowardice and a certain selfishness, which seem to be concomitants of modern middle-class sophistication. The stress of modern living, and the uncertainty of getting a foothold and retaining it, are important causes of these complexes.“ Amitabha, a screenwriter, probably lives on a deadline-heavy schedule – forcing him to interpret large amounts of information and human interaction and translating those experiences on paper. Successes are temporary in show business, with another deadline and more bills to pay always on the horizon. It makes me wonder how Ray felt about the character of Amitabha – did he identify with him or pity him? The Coward, to me, does not feel like a condemnation but I’m not discounting the fact that someone could articulate a compelling case for that interpretation.

Regarding Karuna, she is the final character in an unofficial Satyajit Ray trilogy featuring women staking their own claims of self-assertion despite the disapproval of traditional families and other men. That trilogy includes: The Big City (1963), Charulata (1964), and The Coward (1965). Madhabi Mukherjee is the actress playing all of the female leads in that unofficial trilogy. More emotionally distant than the eponymous Charulata (as of the writing of this piece, I have not seen The Big City), Mukherjee’s Karuna is more understated than that previous role but – for reasons having to do with the maddeningly loose ends that Ray leaves this film with – her subtle expressions sometimes seem to be contradicting the tone of voice she or someone else is using. Also starring opposite her from Charulata is co-star Soumitra Chatterjee who – like Mukherjee – can modulate the film’s tone with the slightest change in facial language and bodily posture. This film does not contain his best performance either. These are two damned talented actors, but outside of the flashback scenes, I did not feel for either until the closing minutes of the film’s brief seventy-four-minute runtime.

Cinematographer Soumendu Roy (an assistant cameraperson to cinematographer Subrata Mitra on 1955′s Pather Panchali; Roy became Satyajit Ray’s go-to cinematographer after Mitra developed eye problems in the early-mid 1960s) has a fascinating opening tracking shot, but little else of interest afterwards outside of the scenes where Amitabha, Karuna, and Bimal are taking a break from driving a car into the countryside. The Coward, from a compositional standpoint, is more pedestrian in its imagery than most Ray works.

Outside of its debut at the 1965 Venice International Film Festival (nominated for the Golden Lion), The Coward never registered anywhere else. It does not appear to have been given a North American theatrical release (distribution rights appear to be with Janus Films/the Criterion Collection, but the film has never been released on home media in the region); two European theatrical releases are listed on IMDb (France in 1994, Portugal in 2014). In India, The Coward represented the first half of a double bill with Ray’s comedy The Holy Man (1965). Legal prints – let alone illegal versions with subtitles – might be difficult to come by (The Coward made its North American television premiere on Turner Classic Movies in the early hours of September 11, 2017).

As part of its initiative to help restore Satyajit Ray films for future generations, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) and the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) have collaborated to preserve films like The Coward – itself restored in 2005. Ray’s remaining unrestored films are housed at UCSC and will they will be re-presented to cinephiles when those prints are ready. I myself am just getting started on Ray’s filmography, having also seen his Apu trilogy, The Music Room (1958), Charulata, and Nayak (1966). If The Coward is any indication, the wisdom and humanity found in Ray’s direction and writing matters not on the setting or the specificity of his characters’ lives before we are introduced to them. Instead, it is his willingness to explore human emptiness and an individual’s desire to evaluate and rectify the past.

My rating: 7/10

^ Based on my personal imdb rating. My interpretation of that ratings system can be found here.

#The Coward #Kapurush #Satyajit Ray #Soumitra Chatterjee #Madhabi Mukherjee #Haradhan Bandopadhyay #Premendra Mitra #Soumendu Roy #TCM #My Movie Odyssey

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