The Belsize Park Belle – 15th November, 2011

By thebelsizeparkbelle

It was hard to escape The Rum Diary and Johnny Depp in London last week as it seemed no matter where you turned there were posters, red carpet pics, reviews, etc… Who doesn’t love a little Johnny anyway? Especially in a costume period piece. (Speaking of which, does he do anything else these days?)

Well, I haven’t seen The Rum Diary yet, but it was directed by Bruce Robinson who brought us comedic genius in Withnail & I. Where does all of this boozeyness lead us, you may ask? To a countdown that I can’t resist, my favourite Richard E. Grant moments! Sadly, he is not in The Rum Diary, but he has a number of films currently in the works! (Disappointingly, none of them are a Warlock sequel.)

Gird up your loins, grab a cocktail, and enjoy! (Don’t forget to post your favourites in the comments.)

“How can it be so cold in here? It’s like Greenland in here. We’ve got to get some booze. It’s the only solution to this intense cold.”

HUDSON HAWK

Some of you may have never even heard of this film, others who have may recoil in disgust. I, on the other hand, absolutely adore the crazy and zany film for the following reasons.

1. Bruce Willis sings! (and not as Bruno thank goodness!)

2. Richard E. Grant and Sandra Bernhard as maniacally evil supervillains.

3. David Caruso as a CIA secret agent named Kit Kat who doesn’t speak once during the entire film! (anyone who has seen CSI Miami knows what a wonderful thing that can be)

4. CIA secret agents all named after candy bars and headed up by James Coburn! Yup, it is that awesome.

5. Andie McDowell is in this and she plays a nun and is the Bruce Willis love interest. Too fantastic!

THE PLAYER

A very dark and cheeky peek behind the Hollywood curtain. Can Richard E. Grant pitch my movie, pretty please?

WARLOCK

There are so many things wrong, that frankly, make this movie so right. Richard E. Grant and Lori Singer fighting Julian Sands’ evil warlock?! The cast coupled with pre-CG special effects make this one of my personal faves. Oh yeah, the warlock is eventually defeated by salt. Man, they don’t make movies like this anymore!

THE AGE OF INNOCENCE

On a more serious note, this film is one of my most beloved Scorsese films of all time. Richard E. Grant has a minor role, but his performance, as always, is stellar as Larry Lefferts.

WITHNAIL & I

I demand to have some booze!

Ciao!