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December, 31, 2011
DEAR FRIENDS OF DAVID AND WENHAMANIA!!! Completely lost in the bustle and the promises, our team has decided to send this news page in the archive, in order to step into the New Year as into the new life from scratch! We heartily wish all of you'll have a really good and funny holiday! And we hope to see you very soon in our warm circle of friends!))))
"What can be said in New Year rhymes,
That's not been said a thousand times?
The new years come, the old years go,
We know we dream, we dream we know.
We rise up laughing with the light,
We lie down weeping with the night.
We hug the world until it stings,
We curse it then and sigh for wings.
We live, we love, we woo, we wed,
We wreathe our prides, we sheet our dead.
We laugh, we weep, we hope, we fear,
And that's the burden of a year."
by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
December, 12, 2011
Wenhamania’s mood:fighting!
We should begin with the deepest apologies to all our residents and guests for such a long and impolite silence. The Administration of Wenhamania has a reasonable excuse.))) Russia is running a fever, as well, it often happens at the beginning of the century. At this time we are trying again to figure out whether or not our country has a chance for its own SeaChange or The Ring of Power will get back to its Lord.
David, who is known for his active civic position, will not be offended learning that for a while our active civic position has pushed our love for him and his work aside. Say more! His bright image inspires other overly-active civic heads in the midst of political storms. So, for example!
David supported Labor Party candidate Maxine McKew. (December, 2007)
Now we have got a breathing-space and with a joyful horror found out that the accumulated amount of news is threatening to exceed the limit of the year. David is not wasting his time! He is again at the peak of public attention: he is shot, advertised, nominated, analyzed, praised by the critics, journalists and viewers, he attends the cultural events, gives the interviews and, in short, shines in the rays of a well-deserved fame and universal love.
We need more time to put things in order here! )) Wenhamania is ready to prepare a detailed report on all month news in the next few days! Forgive us, David, it's just a Russian Winter ...)) And it looks like it has just begun.
Look for a new update this week.
November, 4, 2011
Wenhamania’s mood:CHOCOLATE AND UMMMM … ....
LET'S DRIP IN CHOCOLATE ....
Not in vain some depressed fans nibbled chocolate to cheer themselves up, sitting in front of the monitors. Thoughts materialize. Sometimes they materialize in a most peculiar way.
Revolutionary impulses of the fans have reached David! Last time the desperate residents of the Russian Wenhamania shook their imaginary banners: "Da-vid! Da-vid! Let-us-know, pleeeeeease!" And David, finally, did it as always modestly. See 4.25 minute of this wonderful video! )))
David on the Australian TV Weekend Sunrise, October 29, 2011.
For those who have problems with patience or knowledge of the language we are reporting (rather - repeating) news, which already exhilarated all David's fanbase. A couple of weeks ago in Sydney David finally has stepped on the set of a new British-Australian TV telemovie for BBC Worldwide Australia. The new project of David has
a) the tastiest title - "Dripping in Chocolate" ... mmm ...
c) the legendary for Russian fans director - Mark Joffe, creator of our beloved "Cosi" and immigrant from the former Soviet Union! ... ohhhh …
…!!!.... ... Well, we`re just overwhelmed with emotions.))) ... .. !!!!! ....
So, sometimes our anticipation tells us the truth. David (this time his name is Bennett O'Mara) has a part of an honest (although "the damaged and detoxing " but still) detective. And though he doesn't try to confront worldwide evil, but he again takes up the cudgels for poor women - investigates the murder of the innocent girl and protects the lovely, mysterious lady from psychopaths, murderers and unscrupulous bureaucrats.
And here he is in all his police glory:
The first photo from the set. David and his screen partners: Rick Donald (Carl Dukes) and Chelsie Preston Crayford (Rebecca Riley)
The creators promise the release in Australia and New Zealand no later than April of next year, and describes his creation as "a delicious mix of love and mystery."
Wonderful bonus of the project: a Mysterious Lady is embodied by British actress Louise Lombard, moreover, she is also the owner of a chocolate shop. So we can already imagine how the chocolate will flow from the screen like a sweet river!
Well, do you know, what it means? Hmmm... Drrr..... oh...David in Chocolate!... Now and forever - in every bar, in every cup! No depression and insecurity! A dull drabness of autumn doesn't affect us now. In addition, we have no reason to suffer from a lack of information now: for want of opportunity to talk about a new project, we will talk about chocolate in all its confectionery, music and romantic forms. ... For example... Well … It's impossible to watch this clip without the bar of chocolate in the hand.....
OK, let's return to David's project. )))
The hints at a film noir and a juicy detective thriller in style of Agatha Christie, a tragic plot complication and contradictory development of the story, which we find in the press release of the project, draw rather gloomy picture in the viewer's imagination. But David has an unexpectedly playful mood.
"The major reason I'm doing it is that I thought it would be a fun project. It's enjoyable. I'm not going to have an emotional breakdown from the role." ("Chocolate mystery unfolds in Sydney", Kylie Williams)
A very simple desire of an actor, whose latest project cost him a serious overstretching. )))
''It's been a really interesting ride but, to be honest, I'll just stumble over the line. I'm physically and mentally exhausted,''- he sighed heavily in the final week of the shoot last year. (“Fame, flaws and the fall” Debi Enker)
Well ...
LET'S, FINALLY, KILL TIME!
It is done!! "Killing Time" on the Australian screens! To understand the scale of the luxuries you can visit the blog of TV- series on the official website of the channel ... ohhhh ... whew .. eeeehhh ... STOP! STOP! PLEASE, DON'T SAY ALL TOGETHER!!!! JUST IN TURN!
THE AUDIENCE
- the first reaction on Twitter, under hashtag #killingtime:
toddvh3284 Todd H: Watching #KillingTime on #TV1 and it's gooood.
KylieSmith: #killingtime @TV1Australia watching now on IQ, have been so excited for this series, David Wenham brilliant Australian actor, my favorite.
Annanotherthing: David Wenham is such a versatile actor. Last saw him in The Seagull at Belvoir St #KillingTime @TV1Australia.
LannieChops: Omg!! David Wenham is such a hottie! #Justsaying #killingtime … When they do a biopic of my life, I don't mind if David Wenham plays me.
pottymouthmama: David Wenham always a sterling performance #killingtime.
MonAndersch: David Wenham is just wonderful in this depressing look at Australian life.
emilybwebb: #killingtime amazing. Much better than Underbelly. David Wenham in role of his career, for sure.
"David Wenham, who plays Fraser, and who's in so many scenes, pulls out a reliably strong performance. I don't think anyone expects anything else from Wenham now." (Dianne Butler, news.com.au.)
"Wenham has veered between wildly different roles in TV and film projects, often blurring the boundaries between hero and villain. No surprise he could not resist tackling a character as complex as Fraser." (“Wenham goes in for kill”, Darren Devlyn, perthnow.com.au, )
"Wenham's skill as a performer is evident from the way he has so perfectly brought to life characters as diverse as SeaChange's Diver Dan and the psychopathic Brett Sprague in The Boy, and he brings that skill to show both the charisma and self-destructive streak of Andrew Fraser." (Guy Davis, TVplus)
"Wenham is perfect out front - another nod to why he is one of this country's best." (“Wenham shines”, news.com.au)
"Fraser is not a nice man but Wenham keeps us watching and gives us a real sense of both the moral vacuum and the rat cunning that allowed him to prosper in his chosen field, along with the charm - peculiar to narcissists - that had him effortlessly pulling the ladies." (Melinda Houston, theage.com.au.)
"David Wenham turns in a sly performance as Fraser, a man who had a perfect wife and family, and descended from wealthy stock. Fraser cheats on his wife, exploits every legal loophole, and mixes with hardened crims by day and respectability by night. He is as hollow as those he represents." (David Knox, tvtonight.com.au)
"Then, of course, there's the fact the lead role of Fraser is filled by David Wenham, who is characteristically assured, understated and magnetic (and who, you imagine, could play anyone from Tony Soprano to Joan of Arc with equal aplomb)." (Brad Newsome, smh.com.au)
"Fraser might just be a little disappointed by the result of the tumble dry he receives, but probably as fascinated by the result. Tough writing holds little back: David Wenham, who plays the former hot-shot lawyer, is convincing, his acting unvarnished by hagiography, and Peter Andrikidis's direction is as incisive as always. I know Fraser has probably already seen it but it's always different when the world is watching.” (“Dirty business exposed in crime series Killing Time”, Graeme Blundell, The Australian)
'We're very lucky that someone of David's stature would come on to a television series of this intensity. Usually in a TV series, there are half-a-dozen characters to take the load and even those productions are tough. But to have one man go through all the story milieux required on this, it's insane. David, in SeaChange mode, can play honest and likeable but if you look at The Boys or his eccentricities in Gettin' Square, you know he can be mad…. Andrew Fraser couldn't be one-note through this or it'd be boring. There are so many aspects to him: he can be very good in court; he can be appallingly boorish and offensive when he's drunk. David can play all those notes.'' (“Fame, flaws and the fall”, Debi Enker)
"To me, what's interesting about the whole series is that it would be a predictable route for a film or television series to chart the rise of a character but on this particular occasion that occurs relatively early on - we see the heights the character reaches, both professionally and personally - and then the fascinating part is watching this man basically self-destruct. Based on the kind of clients he represented, I'm sure there was some element of danger and thrill that he actually enjoyed. I'm sure fore people who take up criminal law, that aspect plays a part. Without a doubt." (“Wrong side of the law”, Tim Martain)
"The audience will have as strong and differing opinions about the character up on screen as people within the community now have about Andrew Fraser. It will split people. To me, that makes a great drama.'' (“Fame, flaws and the fall”, Debi Enker)
"He's very fascinating, extremely charismatic and a really smart guy. But he can also be very, very abrasive. He was extremely good at this job, but the great tragedy was he was tempted by a few things. He fell into temptation and suddenly his whole life became undone. It was a hideous thing for Andrew but great for us in terms that it makes for incredibly compelling drama." (“Lead me not into temptation”, Seanna Cronin)
Ummm... .. It seems someone suffers a crisis of overproduction of hormones of happiness. We should stop doing one of two things: either eating chocolate, or typing in search engines "David Wenham Killing Time." We must have a break ... and breathe .. ... slowly ... calmly ... deeply...
Today, when the rebellious whirlwinds rush over the Earth from New York to Sydney and further along the circumference of the planet and 99% of the population is up in arms against 1% of simon-o'reillies, someone would come in handy with his dangerous ideas in Robin Hood's style about bloodthirsty sharks of the World Financial Business. Who knows may be irrepressible Rob Connolly plots a new script for a sequel of his legendary film?
Anyway, Wenhamania, driven into desperate expectation of the new projects` announcements, actively nurtures such an idea... The World yearns for a new hero on the field of struggle for social justice. And it would be good if he had the clean hands and charismatic commitment of Mark Waldman ("Answered by Fire - 2"?), the warm kind heart of Eddie Harnovey ("Three dollar-2"?) and the cold and ruthless intellectual genius of Jim Doyle ("The Bank-2 "?) .... Oh, what a pity that noble Count Gerold was killed in an unequal battle with the vile mercenaries.
By the way, here he is, yet alive and healthy. A great pic found in the depth of the internet captures the valiant Count at the critical moment of his life.
The Award for the best comment to the photo as always was won by our witty Kenga-ru!
"I would like to have a farewell talk with Johanna," - mortally wounded Count Gerold thought . - "And where I could drop my cell phone?"
But if you have suddenly lost of David, look for him where good deeds are being done. He must be somewhere close by.))
"MEASURING UP", OR ALL THE BEST TO THE CHILDREN
A Cautionary Tail - an animated project about a girl with an emotional tail continues to gain weight. It has recently become known that brilliant Cate Blanchett joins the cast which already includes David and Barry Otto.
David so loves the part of the Narrator in the films for children so much that he is now ready to do this job for free! Last week there was a presentation of short films in support of the new not-for-profit creative writing centre for children - The Sydney Story Factory.
Measuring Up is the three-minute story about a boy named Tom, who is endowed with an amazing imagination, but does not have sufficient skills to express himself. The Sydney Story Factory can be a place where Tom and the children like him will find help so as to uncover their talents, but the organization needs funds to purchase a new building. A noble project has united the political, social, and cultural leaders of Australia, which began from donating their time, so the film cost nothing.
David and his co-star - Daniel ''DJ'' Mundine who's played Tom.
Narrator's voice is mesmerizing and strengthened by heavy artillery - the spectacular appearance of the owner of the voice at the end of the clip. Can there be any doubts that money will appear really soon?
The film is launched on American movie screens. It's accompanied by moderate, but positive promotion: some interviews with the actors ...
.... some nice reviews from highly respected critics ....
"... But the movie belongs to Hugo Weaving and David Wenham, both playing what one newspaper dubs "the lost children of the Empire," men broken by the appalling conditions that met them in their new homeland." (Sam Adams)
"Watson's empathetic performance is matched by her costars, especially David Wenham as a bluff Aussie whose off-putting personality obscures the deep wounds of his childhood, and Hugo Weaving as his polar opposite, a fragile shell of a man who has never recovered from the ordeal, especially the absence of a mother in his life.. " (Leonard Maltin)
"And David Wenham adds a calm reserve of strength as a cynical, rugged Australian alpha male who finds his mother still alive, then overcomes his childhood pain to rebuild the wasted years." (Rex Reed)
"Watson is a marvelous actress, and David Wenham plays Len, a fascinating and truly original character - a victim who refuses to remain victimized, and has put the horrors firmly behind him. Their scenes together are full of drama and surprises. " (Stephen Whitty)
Best Feature Film
Best Script
Best Music
Best Sound
Best Editing
Best Production Design
Best Actress
And most importantly - ta-da! - Best Actor !!!!!
DAVID IS NOMINATED FOR IF AWARDS FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER TRIUMPH OF JOHNNY SPITIERI ("Gettin' Square") IN 2003! WELL, IT'S ALMOST A REVOLUTIONARY EVENT!
And although our hero is forced to confront pretty epic competition - this year nominees are covered by the shadow of impressive Oscar-winning Geoffrey Rush ("The Eye of the Storm"), David's fans have good reason to celebrate a small victory and congratulate their favorite!
OUR CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR MUCH DESERVED NOMINATION, DAVID!
(We often congratulate David now. It's a very good sign!)
"The wait is over." It's impossible to say better. David's fans gently pinch themselves and spread like a puddle of melted ice cream in front of their monitors. Try to save yourself in the solid state, looking at this.
Happy Australians have a bonus from the official website of TV-1 channel: a couple of clips with David's interview, and a great three-minute trailer, in addition to a detailed show schedule, which now inescapablely will be launched on November 2.
Less fortunate fans look at this hungrily and continue to tread a path to a more hospitable YouTube, where some kind soul has posted a brand new trailer and a couple of teasers. And, of course, we are happy to listen to these lavish praises:
Critics:
.... "David Wenham's harrowing performance as Fraser» (Time Out, Sydney)
.... "We follow Andrew's rise and fall through a phenomenal performance by David Wenham, whose acting craftsmanship is sheer perfection." (tv1.com.au)
.... "The reviews are coming in and there is no doubt the Australian audience will find themselves in a love-hate relationship with David Wenham as Andrew Fraser. We'll sympathise, crave and claim defeat, feel jealousy, pain and victory on a rollercoaster of emotions." (tv1.com.au)
Producer of the project, John Wild:
"I think it's one of David Wenham's best performances - he threw himself into this so professionally. He had to walk a line from rather a fresh-faced lawyer to a drug-addled prison inmate - that's a huge journey for an actor and I think he's pulled it off."(Controversial TV1 series Killing Time to screen in November, Sam Dallas)
"I think [Wenham] has done a terrific job, and I'm glad he's played it very much warts and all - he certainly doesn't pay me too many accolades along the way!"
The promised Killing Time launch party had taken place in Melbourne on October, 13. We can read about the event here and watch some episode here. The ceremony was attended by the leading actors of the show - Diana Glenn, Colin Friels and Richard Cawthorne.
On those day David's fans got two pieces of news - one good and one bad.
Bad news: in spite of promises there was no David on the red carpet, instead he has sent the video greeting to the audience ... Oh, no ...
Good news: in spite of promises there was no David on the red carpet, instead he has sent the video greeting to the audience... Oh, yes ... The official version of this is "he was unable to attend due to rehearsals".
The pessimists and the optimists immediately crossed spears about "the hidden message" of this circumstance.
"He didn't want to do it!" - "He couldn't do it!"
You should agree that those are completely different matters!
But if someone is interested in Wenhamania's opinion, the only thing Wenhamania's interested in is: what will it, eventually, end up in? “Answered by Fire – 2”, “Three Dollar -2”, “The Bank-2”???.... David, come on, let us know, please!!!
September, 21, 2011
Wenhamania’s mood:very festive ....
Our today's update will be brief and hearty.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVID!
Wenhamania's team sends you the warmest congratulations and wishes of new creative height and personal happiness!
Of course, you will not be bored today without Wenhamania, but we just want to give you something from all our big heart.
We have long thought and have decided that we should not present to you your own pic surrounded by beautiful flowers and inscriptions.
We want our gift to be unusual, soulful, and belonged only to you.
And if you call in here, at least sometimes, in brief moments of rest, take this modest greeting from the most bizarre of all of your fans from the ancient, beautiful, and drenched by the autumn rains country, far to the north, where you' ve never been ....
But Russian Wenhamania bravely fights against the spleen, until David helps us from his far Australia: the awards, the releases, the promise of new project and other nice bonus - actor's full set to cheer up his fans ... Autumn of Wenhamania should not be sad, until our thoughts soar in a place where there is a spring now.)))
FESTIVALS AND AWARDS
A wonderful CinefestOZ Film Festival in Busselton was completed with the unexpected burst of pics. In those rare moments when David gives himself at the mercy of photographers, it seems, the sun itself is coming out of the clouds to look at it. Pics, pics, pics!
Just David:
David in the company of the respectable cinematographers, the guests of CinefestOZ:
From left to right: directors Craig Lahiff, Michael Rymer, Fred Schepisi and his daughter Alexandra Schepisi, David Wenham, producer Helen Leake and actor Dean Daley-Jones. Picture credit: Alf Sorbello.
David with the festival superiors:
With David Barton (left) and Brendan Grylls.
David with the charming actresses:
With Natalie Eleftheriadis (left) and Ra Chapman.
And with the numerous guests of the festival:
With Margaret Buswell and talented photographer Tim Swallow:
Residents of Busselton will remember the modest and charming star. And the star will clearly repay them in kind. Leaving Busselton David had in his luggage another honorary award - Australian Screen Legend Awards. It is a pity, though, that we have not managed to figure out what the prize looks like.
The Legend? It sounds a bit loudly, a little sadly, romanticly enough and very honoraryly!
OUR WARMEST CONGRATULATIONS TO DAVID!
We hope, the title of "Legend" won't lead him to the terrible thought that the time to rest on his laurels has come!
South Korea, Italy, UK, Greece, the Netherlands, the USA - "Oranges and Sunshine" is wandering around Russia and can't find its way to it.
Maybe a couple of pounds of prizes can make a dent in the stone hearts of our distributors. It looks like "Oranges and Sunshine" begins to acquire its own "heavy artillery". ))))
PREMIERES AND RELEASES
Forthcoming October will be productive. David's fans enjoy the long-awaited announcements. The most recent projects are in readiness for the new starts.
On October 5, Australians will get their own versions (1-2) of DVD edition of "Oranges and Sunshine", which is now listed as one of the contenders for the AACTA Awards. In the best traditions of "the national DVD release" these versions look much more appetizing and tempting.
And from October 21, the film finally will be screened in select theaters in the USA. The American audience has already passed a moral training in order to appreciate the subtle direction and the moving performances: the solid rating among the serious film critics and the new, dramatic trailer convince the viewers who like to chew popcorn to give their places to the sensitive souls with the packs of tissues.
This is a truly milestone event for Wenhamania and we are ready to empty the whole box of champagne, joining at a distance to the promised premiere lunch!
Little by little, the white spots in the film career of David disappear.
While his fans loudly discussed the current projects, some unidentified object called "Trunk" has emerged from the depths of the Internet. After studing it turned out to be previously unknown Australian short film released in 1996 with the participation of young David.
Black humor of the story is eclipsed by black humor of David's fleeting part in it. It is so fleeting, that you'll hardly be able to see it using slow scrolling. Not surprisingly, if David does not remember about this piece. However, the film has found its niche in the filmography of our hero, surpassing Hollywood blockbuster "No Escape" in the nomination "The Most Elusive David's Appearance On the Screen."
WHAT'S NEXT?
Of course, this is the most painful question, which every our resident has in the mind. Choosy in selecting roles David still "muses on the contract." And we muse on the misty prospects of next year. The only new project, of which David is ready to talk incessantly - his directorial debut - the screen adaptation of Tim Winton anthology of short stories "The Turning". As he said, it will be launched in the near future not far from Perth. Thank God, now we know exactly which part of an anthology will be David's work. The story is called "Commission", it takes a magic 13th place in the list of 17 stories, united by a common character - Vic Lang, and with some difficulty can be read here. Very simple, but touching story about the power of blood ties and the reunification of father and son after lifetime of absurd separation. David has admitted that he wrote the script, he will be directing the story. To happiness of his fans, he should admit now that he will play in it. Alas ...
Wenhamania’s mood:bronze suntan and the suitcase full of the seashells ... sorry, full of news.
After returning from vacation Wenhamania is about to go into panic... sorry, into a creative crisis. Can you try to force into a short update text: a megastar of the Australian cinema -Geoffrey Rush and the Sydney Mater Hospital, stories about a girl with a tail and director Paul Cox, a new theater at the Wayside Chapel and the festival in Broome, as well as the rolled red carpet and almost all the latest projects in David's list? Hmmm... our hero doesn't loiter away his time. Maybe, Wenhamania needs to be updated more often... )))
Still, let's try to set this mess to rights.
THE MOST EPOCHAL NEWS
Historical news comes from Australia. It looks like the legendary Australian Film Institute (AFI) will nevermore give David its famous awards - faceted glass prisms, which, as we know, he has accumulated three pieces. But don't worry, this is good news.
We believe that the corypheus of the Australian screen in their tireless search for the ways to increase significance of the national cinema and television have reached a new level of self-consciousness and decided to raise their "professors" of the industry to the rank of "academics". Sounds promising.
A few days ago the Australian Film Institute (AFI) was officially reorganized in an organisation with more respectable name - The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (now - AACTA). The Academy already has a new website, a new president - unequalled Geoffrey Rush, a new date for the ceremony - January, 2012 and, oh, God, a new prize - a gold statuette of man, in the shape of which, according to the authors, an experienced eye immediately catches the favorite constellation of Australia - the Southern Cross. The less experienced eye will be able to find in it the funny resemblance to the world famous guy named Oscar.
"Oscar's flamboyant brother waving ''hi''", as Australians themselves rated their new television@ film major Award.
"Oscar doing his physical drill", our insightful Kenga-ru pointedly noted.
Physical drill, that's good. Physical drill, it's very useful. It reinforces the strength and health.
We only wish that these global changes will lead to the same global results. And, of course, we wish that the number of "Oscars doing his physical drill " on David's shelf, at least, will be equal to the number of faceted glass prisms. For symmetry, so to speak. ))) Anyway, he already has the first chance.
THE JUICIEST AND SOLAR NEWS
"Oranges and Sunshine" - the current project of David continues to march across Europe and Australia. Now we have got the pleasant hint that the film can compete for the new AACTA Award. We add to this the messages about festivals on both sides of the globe. For example, Dinard British Film Festival, France (October 6-10), it would not be bad. But even better - CinefestOZ Film Festival in the seaside town Busselton, near Perth (August, 24-28), as well as traveling through the small Australian towns Big Screen Film Festival, which knocks at the theaters of Broome, Western Australia (September, 2). Both events are notable for fans of David due to his participation as one of the main stars and the promise of long-awaited meetings with the audience at the screenings of the film.
Residents of Busselton have waited their gala day. From many their messages coming these days, it's clear that they will remember this festival for a long time. The town is under great impression of " the down-to-earth" star, who not only "has charmed everyone at this year's CinefestOZ with his warmth, wit and intelligence", but to everyone's delight has demonstrated his well-known simplicity, rolling up the red carpet after the ceremony.
"People do want to talk about the work and when they have the film makers actually there it's a really fulfilling experience. But also from the other side, from my perspective and for directors who come to the festival it's a really wonderful opportunity to hear feedback. It's very very satisfying. The welcome here has not just been warm it's going towards hot I think. The hospitality here has been absolutely tremendous."
David at CinefestOZ Film Festival, Busselton, WA, August 26, 2011.
David and director Fred Schepisi at Aravina Estate. August 27, 2011 Picture: Tim Swallow
Great and most recent interview with David from Busselton is here. Reporter: Simon Miraudo.
For lack of opportunities to go to Basselton, let's watch video footage from there.
And the great video interview with David and other filmmakers right here and now.
This nomination definitely goes to the video that has flown all over the Internet and represents David in the recording booth of the short animated film A Cautionary Tail. Poetic story about a girl with an expressive tail acquires the most expressive voice of the Narrator, which the authors and the audience only could dream of. However, holding the creators of the Tale with the Tail in the deepest respect, let's face it: "David Wenham in the recording studio" - this is a very special and incredible project that deserves a separate release. Judge for yourself.
THE MOST UNEXPECTED AND ADULT NEWS
By pure chance, as it happens quite often on Wenhamania, our "online archaeologists" have found David in another Australian television novelty - in a documentary film by David Bradbury On Borrowed Time, which was released at the beginning of this month.
David Wenham as David Wenham, the actor and friend of Paul Cox in a circle of well-known persons tells about one of the most notable filmmakers of Australian cinema. Hard to say about the film as a whole, but oddly enough that the Holy Father Damien ("Molokai: The Story of Father Damien"), who forever has linked actor Wenham and director Cox with the unbreakable friendship, has no place in an impressive four-minute trailer. However, there is also the thinking that the Holy Father would feel very uncomfortable in so big company of naked ladies and gentlemen.
THE MOST CHIC AND CURIOUS NEWS
In Russia it would be called "the peculiarities of national release of DVD". Looking at this luxurious DVD edition of "Pope Joan" it's difficult to imagine a frequenter of Wenhamania, who couldn't surmise the country of the release. Diver Dan will always remain number one in Down Under, even if he will disguise himself with the long hair and an armor looking like the fish scales. An uninitiated person, of course, may be puzzled by the mysterious discrepancy between a title and a picture. But anyone who has ever watched the movie, would not blame the distributors for this naive move. And even if the film itself, rather like its script, doesn't pay tribute to the wonderful Count Gerold, in the end it can always be done by the DVD cover.
THE MOST WELCOMED AND ENCOURAGING NEWS
It's almost impossible to believe, but it seems like a forbidden project of channel TV1 will come to the light soon. The Australian press once again announces the imminent premiere of the TV-series "Killing Time". The date, however, is not indicated, and they promise the release only the first episodes so far, but Andrew Fraser still has a small chance to catch AACTA Award ceremony. ))
But in his best traditions, David continues to heap praise on everybody from Andrew, who provided the storyline, to the leadership of the channel, he don't forget anyone among his screen partners:
“It has been said that the life of Andrew Fraser is like a John Grisham novel. Only real! Killing Time was an opportunity for me to work with some of my favourite actors: Colin Friels, Kris McQuade, Terry Norris, Diana Glenn, Kerry Walker, John Brumpton and some actors that I hadn’t previously worked with: Kate Jenkinson, Malcolm Kennard and Richard Cawthorne among others.
“The performances of all these actors are terrific and working with them was the highlight of the series for me. I congratulate TV1 for having a genuine interest in and supporting quality Australian drama.”
Dear cast and crew of "Killing Time", if any of you has not found himself in the list above, you can be sure that the journalists simply cut your name out in order to save space. If David had this possibility, he would give you all prizes and awards of the world. Still he will keep his main prize - love of his loyal fans, which is directly proportional to his big heart.
THE MOST EMOTIONAL NEWS
That's really kind of news that flowed in abundance last month.
David at the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the opening of the hospital’s maternity unit at the Mater Hospital, North Sydney, August 21, 2011. (Left to right - Mater Hospital chief Robert Cusack, actress Sarah Murdoch, radio host Jackie O, Mater maternity manager Katy Farleyr, TV host Karl Stefanovic)
We see that David now loves doing the charity things more than doing the movies.
But nevertheless, we firmly believe that little Australian Oscar will wave 'hi' to him sooner or later.
Photo by Steven Siewert.
August , 3, 2011
Wenhamania’s mood:a little bit of SeaChange. )))
Short summer happiness is flooded with almost the autumn rain. Russian Wenhamania is attacked by slush and spleen and in the unequal battle with them it has used its best weapon - packing its bags and moving closer to the sea. A short vacation on the coast. The carroty and bearded divers and the seagulls. Don't be bored, dear residents and guests, it's only a couple of weeks. )))
We celebrate the departure with some pieces of news. Of course, they are not too youthful, but Wenhamania so likes to comb their long curly beards.
DAVID HAS A GREAT AND GOOD HEART
Yes, we know it. And last week David among Australian A-list stars attended a fundraising dinner - "Hope for the Japanese orphans." Organizers hoped to raise $30,000 for Japanese orphans living in the Iwate prefecture following the Japan earthquake and tsunami. The result is a modest figure $85,000. Is anybody surprised? ))
Richard Roxburgh, Sam Neill, Alethea Gold, Hugo Weaving and David Wenham at the "Hope for the Japanese orphans" fundraising dinner on July 26, 2011 in Sydney, Australia.
DAVID HAS A GREAT AND SENSITIVE SOUL
Yes, we know it too. A few days ago we got to know about his participation in the next short animated project for kids and adults - A Cautionary Tail. The sad and wise tale written by Erica Harrison, tells the story about a little girl born with a tail that expresses her emotions. As Screen NSW says, it is - "a beautifully tuned parable about embracing your uniquenes". Aside from David the cast includes great Barry Otto ("Cosi", "Australia", "Legends of the Guardians"). If Wenhamania had such a tail, it now would take the form of an exclamation point.
DAVID HAS A GREAT AND VERSATILE TALENT
Yes, we know it particularly well. And now, thanks to the British release of DVD, we are able, finally, to appreciate Jim Loach's "Oranges and Sunshine", insight of the critics and one wonderful truth - there is no limit to perfection.
As a nice bonus - let's watch Jim Loach's panel at a special screening of the movie for the Australian TV program The Fabulous Picture Show. The audience questiones the director about the most enigmatic character of his film.
David's fans relish another wonderful discovery. They found that their favorite besides acting talent has also remarkable vocal abilities. And if only Wenhamania could sing, it would vociferate Wild World of Cat Stevens. But it's even more interesting to sing along! Let's start?
DAVID HAS A GREAT AND VERY EMOTIONAL FANBASE
Yes, and how well we know it! )))
For example, today we are pleased to welcome the refill among our rows - the new Italian fan-club of David, and its wonderful fan-site.
And though it looks like the real Andrew Fraser determines to do everything so as the bitter truth about his past could not got at the Australian screens (the indefatigable lawyer is back on the path of the judicial wars in his usual guise, that is in the mantle and the wig) we continue to firmly believe that justice will prevail, and the awards for this part will decorate David from head to foot, like Christmas ornaments on a Christmas Tree, even if it happened under the Christmas Tree and not necessarily under the proximate one. If it only happened!
Hmmm... Only Russian fans can recollect the Christmas Tree packing the bikinis in their suitcases.
July, 20, 2011
Wenhamania’s mood:melancholy ....
SADNESS ...
Before David's fans could gasp when they saw his new magnificent photo made for the heading “Men of the moment” of "The Australian Women's Weekly" ladies' magazine, the sad news flashed in his brief interview at once dispelled the romantic mood. It turns out that David recently lost his mother, "an extraordinary woman," whom he "most admires." While here Wenhamania was practising the jokes, wondering where David was, he experienced a personal grief. It's really, really sad. Our belated but the most sincere condolences to David and his family.
"... Sadness and loss is only a part of all our lives," - one of the reviews of "Oranges and Sunshine" says. The wise and encouraging thought.
THE CURTAIN FALLS ...
Belvoir's "The Seagull" goes into the history of the Sydney Theatre and Wenhamania. The season has ended, and with it we have fleeted the torturing temptation to sell everything and buy a ticket to Australia, and, alas, we have fleeted hope that the Internet would delight us with new pictures or video from the production. Only the reviews and comments of the eyewitnesses continue to trouble the souls. It is amazing and wonderful, how the opinions of people who look at the same thing are different sometimes. But in this wonderful manifestation of versatility of human perception there are occasionally just phenomenal paradoxical examples, not amenable to any interpretation. Here is one such pattern, which has intrigued Wenhamania's residents.
"David Wenham, alas, just seemed like David Wenham, or rather like many of the other characters he's inhabited." (Fractal logic)
Wow. Now we are here, on the other side of the world, trying to unriddle what this reviewer has in the mind and to whom, after all, Trigorin was like at the stage of Belvoir. Diver Dan? Brett Sprague? Josh? Doug? Jim Doyle? Faramir? Luke? Carl? Johnny Spitieri? Cyrano de Bergerac? Neil Fletcher? Mark Waldman? Murray Whelan? Jerry Springer? It can not be that he looked like Audrey?!
Well, let's leave the smart critics alone and listen what the very ordinary viewers said.
"Andrew's and his clever cast including David Wenham, Judy Davis and Emily Barclay ensure a memorable journey." (This is Icon)
"It was flawlessly performed, especially and as expected by Davis and Wenham.... wonderful acting - particularly a memorably comic scene between Davis and Wenham which both actors are clearly enjoying ... " (missclaraklemski)
"At Belvoir watching The Seagull .. Judy Davis, David Wenham.. AMAZING!" (Skip91)
"The Seagull features Judy Davis and David Wenham - outstanding so far." (iggypintado)
"Just saw The Seagull at Belvoir St. David Wenham had some great moments and was handled well by director B Andrews." (MatthewRT)
"David Wenham can crack me up just walking across the stage. Saw The Seagull. Loved it. It's my year for miserable Russian plays." (mockturtle06)
"Loved the seagull and its official:david wenham is as good looking in person as he is on the screen.aahh." (Jessbealie)
"Oh and today's production of The Seagull was absolutely amazing! Can not believe we were in the same room as David Wenham...ahhh." (Joystaa)
"It was heaven, yeah Wenham is dreamy." (kylieminge)
"David Wenham has waved his wand; I'm under his spell."(KnottMatthew)
On this magic note the curtain of Belvoir's "The Seagull" falls for good. Let's keep the very tender memories of this small theatrical miracle, which gave David an opportunity to make sure that Russia is a country not only of the silly and frivolous ladies and the unscrupulous thieves and drug dealers with whom he previously encountered on the screen ("Russian doll", "The Brush-Off","Killing Time"). On this occasion Wenhamania is opening its own section of this production. Welcome to the pages About production,Gallery and Publications!
THE SPEECHES ...
The projects come and go away. But there is something that never changes.
Last weeks David has been discussed by people who are fortunate enough to know him personally:
Pastor Graham, CEO of The Wayside Chapel, on his website under the heading News @ Views:
"I saw David last night at the Belvoir playing in "The Seagull". A clever cast including Judy Davis perform a powerful but rather dark story. At the end I was tempted to stay behind to check that all the actors were OK. I love David, he is such a humble, gentle kind of man and yet he is most accomplished in his craft. When I see him play the part of a villain, I just can't believe it; knowing him wrecks good films for me. Last night he had to give a young woman a long passionate kiss and I had to sit on my hands and restrain myself from yelling, "Don't do it, think about your wife and kids". I'm not a very cultured man. "
LB: To me, the most interesting was the David Wenham character (he plays one of the survivors). It felt like his character's spirit couldn't be broken because it was smashed up and rebuilt many years beforehand. Does that make sense?
JL: I think that character is absolutely fantastic and David just completely nailed it. It was a complete joy to see him bring that character to life. He has won a lot of hearts with his portrayal, so I'm really chuffed. What I love about David is that he has an incredible complexity going on underneath but he doesn't like to play it every moment. He has a great sense of fun and joy and spirit about him, which I really, really love, and underneath that you can see a lot of complexity in terms of emotions and dilemmas and so on.
There is some delicate strangeness in the way such comments, though varied in form, but traditional in content, can strengthen the shaky emotional health of David's fans no worse than a couple of glamorous photo and reports on a new project. Talk about David, talk more about David, ladies and gentlemen! He deserves it! We all deserve it!)))
ON THE EVE OF ...
The TV-series "Killing Time" makes its painful way toward the viewers through the obstacles of the Australian judicial system, which prohibits the airing of the film reflecting the events which are at the heart of the current trial. Instead of exploding like a bomb at home, it quietly moved to Europe and started on the Spanish TV. And although it is almost impossible to believe, but on Russian Wenhamania there is already the first "victims" affected by the shock wave of this terrific project. The eyewitnesses, who have experienced this delightful "cataclysm", promise to everyone, who still waits for this happiness: it will be really great show. The stylish, disturbing, intelligent, ruthless, intriguing film, the strong, realistic script, the solid directing, the great cast. And magnificent, fantastic, stunning David in the most ambitious, complex, charismatic and tragic part in the history of his career. It's worth waiting!
July, 1, 2011
Wenhamania’s mood:analytical ....
It's just July 1, and purely hypothetical every fan of David still have a chance to get rich quickly and buy a ticket to Sydney, where "Oranges and Sunshine" is screened in the movie theaters, and "The Seagull" proudly soars above the stage of Belvoir. But practically we all, of course, should better rely on our imagination and talents of the critics. Though, " to watch" a play or a film with other people's eyes, it's hopeless occupation, but, you see, it's a little better than to watch nothing at all. Thanks God, long time ago very smart people came up with the reviews ...
CRITICS AND "THE SEAGULL"
"Five tons of love" - so pointedly Anton Chekhov described the plot of his masterpiece. It is not known whether he meant it deliberately or it had happened accidentally, but all of this five tons hang on the shoulders of poor man Trigorin, it doesn't matter if he is Boris or Aleksei. This is particularly well illustrated by the simplest theatrical formula derived by analysts of Wenhamania, after long and painful attempts to go into the profound meaning of story conflict.
There is no doubt that for the realization of such a key character Benedict Andrews was in need of a key actor - a convincing, strong, intelligent, charismatic, mysterious, dramatic, brutal actor, so that the women with bated breath could catch not only a word, gesture, look but the smell and the men find safety in the jokes.
For example:
"I have been a Wenham tragic since Sea Change days, and I thought he was an esoteric acquired taste, but it turns out all women of whatever age ("And all nations, "- Russian Wenhamania adds) are secretly in love with him, not just me. He was nearly sitting in my lap during the performance, I could smell him, that's how close he was...Oh, and the play was really good! " (Full comment is here)
Or this:
"And David Wenham is Aleksei Trigorin, a perfect match for Irina, insofar as his oblivious self-absorption. Wenham can be a bit of a mumbler, but he lifted his game as went along. He never quite does it for me, though, as I'm constantly aware of his charismatic, woman's man Wenhamhood." (Lloyd Bradford Syke)
"Famous writer Trigorin (craggily handsome David Wenham), exemplifying typical caddish male behavoiur, is also used as a mouthpiece to analyze the whys and wherefores of creativity and writing and what 'being famous' entails .Lots of thought provoking ideas and issues are raised by him. " (ArtsHub)
"Still, there are great moments, such as thesp David Wenham's delivery of Trigorin's speech on the nature of creation, in which his previously distant scribe passionately likens the urge to write to a disease." (Paul Chai, Variety)
But someone, we want to believe, the most insightful, grasps essential trigorinocentrism of the production:
"Suitably for the the audience Belvoir speaks to, this production for me was very much centred around Trigorin (David Wenham). We watch as he suffers the tyrannical emotional, roller coaster of Arkadina, his fascination with the ever tumultuous Masha, his lust for Nina, we hear of his compulsive writerly observations, there's an empathy for him - more so than for Kostantin whom previously I had regarded as the focus of the play. " (Augusta Supple)
What is it if not the correct reading of the script, combined with the inexhaustible potential of mature acting power? Sleep quietly, dear Anton Pavlovich and Constantin Sergeyevich, your favorite character is in safe hands! )))
From the owls to the seagulls: a series of ornithological projects will soon make David a true professional in this scientific field.
CRITICS AND "ORANGES AND SUNSHINE "
That's where we do not want to joke.
Especially after this heart-breaking publication, which sheds light on the most terrible historical facts underlying the movie: 'I can still hear the kids' screams'
Let's just read the reviews.
"Wenham, as Len, is in fresher waters, masterfully straddling an awkwardly fine line between the tough-exterior male and the deeply wounded lost soul with nowhere left to go. His 'coming out' as he takes Humphreys to the scene of the childhood torture is a revelation, in every sense. "(Ed Gibbs)
"David Wenham plays Len, a tough guy. Sucessful, in financial terms, one who came out of the famous (or notorious) Boys Town at Bindoon, in Western Australia, where he had learned that you have to knock down, or be knocked down.
It's when he takes Margaret Humphreys back to Bindoon, and we see Watson with her fair Celtic skin, and those wildflower blue British eyes glaring into a vicious sun, and reflecting vistas of red dirt, that the film really grabs.
Here Len unfolds his story, and his ultimate revenge on the adults who used and cheated so many children. It was here I began to understand another kind of emotional damage. When the going gets tough, the tough don't necessarily survive intact. " (Julie Rigg)
"We're told that Margaret's empathy allows her to feel the pain they've repressed; this stress on her suffering-by-proxy could seem dangerously close to condescension, or a kind of emotional imperialism. But thanks to the talents of Watson and Wenham, Margaret's bond with Len is the film's most charged element, an exchange where both sides have something to offer. There's the hint of a sexual challenge to his all-Aussie insolence, though Margaret (like the film) chooses to disregard this, looking past his swagger to the scared little boy beneath." (Jake Wilson)
"The film is immensely helped by the character of Len (David Wenham), a chipper, larrikinish optimist who refuses to allow himself to be a victim even though he suffered at the hands of the Christian Brothers in Bindoon, the remote former orphanage which has become a byword for the sins of the Catholic Church in Australia.
Played with just the right balance of swagger and sensitivity by the wonderful Wenham, who builds a lovely rapport with the more serious-minded Margaret, Len is one of those classic characters whose spirit infuses an entire movie, making what might have been a bit of a drudge into a celebration of survival in the face of unthinkable abuse.
When Len and Margaret, motoring along in the Aussie businessman's four-wheel-drive, start singing along to Cat Stevens' Wild World it's totally unexpected yet entirely appropriate, a burst of sunshine amidst the gloom but one that acknowledges that sadness and loss is a part of all our lives. " (Rockere)
As well as belief and a hope. Belief that these touching and strong lines are not written for effect. The hope that this film will find the way to all David's fans in whatever corner of the planet they live in. In the meantime, we can rejoice in the success of the film in Australian box office (second place at the local box office in 2011 ) and enjoy its wonderful official site. See a new trailer and gallery, read interviews of the leading actors.
P.S.
Still, we would like to conclude this update with a powerful and promising coda. And we have it. Be ready, reviewers! We rely on you! Knockouting promo photo for the long-awaited project "Killing Time" from the master of her craft, Australian photographer Gina Milicia, is here on her official website: "Celebrity portraits", number 34.
Warning: The effect of viewing can be quite unexpected for women with sensitive psyche, please, take the preliminary precaution to avoid possible injury from fainting.)))
June, 14, 2011
Wenhamania’s mood: Oooooh ....
Well, it's hard to pick a more accurate word to describe this mental state. Look, we are sitting here in hot Russia desperately waiting for the premieres of David's movies, but at this time across the distant lands and seas in Australia winter snow is falling and Belvoir St Theater has a so modest, quiet event, a sort of small party - the staging of the Russian "The Seagull" with David Wenham as Trigorin, Judy Davis as Arkadina and Maeve Dermody as Nina (Well, sorry, in the previous update we have made a mistake regarding Kostya Treplev. It turned out Dylan Young plays this part and we didn't guess the characters of John Gaden (Sorin) and Bille Brown (Dorn), but it was a difficult task!). And not to mention the premiere of "Oranges and Sunshine" and others fan's small pleasures ... Definitely in this world something goes wrong. Especially when you start to think about it.
DAVID AND THE SEAGULL or BREAK A LEG!
The show has started and we only can wish its crew and cast a great theatrical success! Though ...
Ohhh ... Fans of David Wenham come to the conclusion that the administration of Belvoir either doesn't notice that David plays in this production, or simply doesn't know that he has thousands of fans around the world, and they hunger for a new photo or mention. We can only weep over gallery on the official site and over an official wall of Belvoir St Theatre on Facebook .... And if not for the media, we would never have an idea what sort of show is this hot one.
- A funny article about the production and an interview with director Benedict Andrews and actor Gareth Davies (Medvedenko) ("Pecking order", Elissa Blake, smh.com.)
Short promo -video from Australian news (huge thanks to ABC):
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: Gareth Davies of the play "The Seagull": "It's totally exciting. Everyone is watching each other in rehearsals. No one is doing a crossword or hanging out in the tearoom.''
Probably Belvoir should sell the tickets to the rehearsal, as the tickets to the performance were sold out))
Well, of course, it's not a most important thing. That's a most important thing, of course:
Maeve Dermody and David Wenham during rehearsals for the production 'The Seagull' at the Belvoir Street Theatre.
That is Trigorin's famous conciseness and clarity of the image - and we immediately understand that we face a clever and talented writer, who writes a lot and loves nature! )))
But the undoubted favorite of press and Wenhamania is this one:
Arkadina to Trigorin: "If you'll not be mine, nobody get you!" (Sorry, it's from another Russian play!)))
Oooooh ... Trigorin kneels before Arkadina? But in the end, we can live with it. Especially after we have accepted the fact that Trigorin's name is Alexey, the action takes place nowadays, the characters live in an Australian holiday shack, and Nina performs the Kostya's unsuccessful play, sitting in a glass cube. Sorry, Anton Pavlovich, you asked for "new forms". Sign the receipt. ))
As we know, critics are utterly not indifferent to "new forms": some of them are annoyed, others are admired. But the cast of this production is a point of convergence between the views!
"Judy Davis's Arkadina, John Gaden's Sorin, David Wenham's Trigorin, Bille Brown's Dorn: this is a superb collection of great actors who capture every moment and every nuance.» (John McCallum “Real life reduced to dust and ashes”, The Australian,).
And here's another:
"Davis portrays the neurotic and insecure Irina with verve, particularly as she shows her manipulative capability while pleading for Trigorin to stay with her when he declares his love for Nina. Wenham's studious Trigorin, who talks of his intense love of nature, is composed and slightly mysterious until he tells Nina of his loathsome life never writing what he means." (Gary Smith “Review The Seagull at Belvoir Street Theatre”, The Daily Telegraph,)
We wonder whether we can hope for the new pictures from this production (we don't even dream about the video(((!)? Or they will be found only in 30 years, on the pages of another book, released to the anniversary of the Belvoir like "25 Belvoir Street".
David Wenham and Bille Brown at the presentation of book 25 Belvoir Street, May 2011.
DAVID, ORANGES AND SUNSHINE, or THE AUSTRALIAN WINTER
Ohhh ... the filmmakers of the project "Oranges and Sunshine" compensate for the months of suffering of uncertainty when the fans of David could not even find out the name of his character. Now, everyone says a lot about David and his part and even David himself does.
Margaret Humphreys: "David and Hugo have really got into their characters so well that when I saw the film I could recognise the people I knew. They're terrific performances that convey a whole range of things about the experience of child migrants." ("Sunshine and shadows of lost children", Andrew Fenton)
Jim Loach: ""I really wanted David to play that part. Len is based on one former child migrant we met who never wanted any sympathy and had a great sense of humour, which became appealing because it's the reverse of what we expected." (Interview with Jim Loach, Time out)
Critics:
"Standing in for the thousands of horror stories of loss, abuse and deprivation are Hugo Weaving and David Wenham as Jack and Len. A broken, but not quite defeated man, Jack tells of being coaxed onto the boat with promises of Australian oranges and sunshine, while Len bridles with years of seething rage and tears he no longer knows how to shed. They are two beautiful performances, which bring great honesty and depth of feeling to some of the screenplay's more laboured moments. If there's too much telling and not enough showing in Oranges & Sunshine, then you're at least happy to have the likes of Watson, Weaving and Wenham handling the exposition. " (Alice Tynan)
"Hugo Weaving is heartbreaking as the damaged Jack, who is reunited with his sister but wants most of all to discover his mother and David Wenham expands his already exceptionally diverse repertoire of characters as Len and burns himself into our psyche as another lost soul. " (Andrew L. Urban)
"Emily Watson as Margaret is a commanding presence, but it is David Wenham as a curious case - Len, a self made man, victim of horrible abuse by the Christian Brothers of Bindoon, who really stood out for me. I am usually very aware of his nuanced- ticky performances but in this film he is understated and heartbreaking." (Babs Blabs)
David Wenham:"When I first read the script I couldn't quite wrap my head around the character because he doesn't react in the way one would expect. I sort of understand it now, the way he's chosen to cope with it. There's a line towards the end of the film where he talks about how he learnt not to cry at an early age, and I think that's very telling. He wouldn't describe himself as a victim." ("Sunshine and shadows of lost children", Andrew Fenton)
Journalists relish the opportunity to remind the viewers of milestones of actor's career and attack him with original questions that David is forced to answer no less original. (An excellent interview with David in Time Out).
Wenhamania is sweating, hardly managing to translate the hottest publications for Russian fans. Ohhh ... If this cornucopia has never faded away!
DAVID WENHAM: A MAN AND FESTIVAL or PLEASE, LET IT CONTINUE!
Today, David is a very busy public man! By day he is in the jury of the Sydney Film Festival (8-16 June) in a section of short films, in the evening he plays in "The Seagull", and in the break he manages to be interviewed, photographed and dreams about the director's future project. And he does all this without haste, with the walking step, with the same beaming smile on his face. Wenhamania bathes in the streams of this unprecedented generosity of information. Only one thing continues to darken our thoughts: this premieres will be over, the festival's screens will fade, and David will again disappear from our radar for many months ... Ohhhh ...
Let there be the months of waiting the new premieres! ...
May, 26, 2011
Wenhamania’s mood: It can't be May 26 already!
Lost in its garden beds and the pre-holiday's reports Wenhamania finally steps on a path of improvement. We apologize to all our faithful residents and guests for such long silence.
Especially taking into account the fact that David has made serious efforts and given us some work! ))) Again he rehearses, poses for his photos, and speaks a lot. Well, there is a cascade of the great Australian Premieres and little fan joys ahead.
ABOUT DAVID IN FULL GROWTH.
Now glossy issue The Age tells about "Wenham's way " (by Philippa Hawker).
David Wenham ... Photos: Marco Del Grande
This phenomenon is welcome, pleasant to the mind and eyes and stimulates, though very controversial, but all the same brain activity.
Thought №1: Oh, God, it's David on the cover of a magazine! Oh, yeah!
Thought №2: Oh, God, he again talks about directing .... Oh, no!
Thought №3: Oh, God, he still promises that he will not hide behind the camera forever! Oh, yeah!
Thought №4: Oh, God, he again said nothing about his acting plans ... Oh, no!
Thought №5: Oh, God, it's David on the cover of a magazine! ... Stop! It seems we already thought this? Well: Oh, God, what a blessing that he is so happy, talking about his works!
And so on…
There is a good omen: if David speaks a lot and enthusiastically about his role - you can wait for another one amazing movie! ))) And so ...
ABOUT DAVID AND MOVIE.... SO FAR HE IS IN FRONT OF CAMERA ...
"Oranges and Sunshine" has quietly launched in Australia. A modest Sydney premiere, a modest red carpet, a modest press coverage, the modest guys - Hugo Weaving and David Wenham as the hosts of the event and modest Margaret Humphreys as one of the guests of honor... Modesty has its very unique taste.
Little bit of pics:
Hugo Weaving, Jim Loach, Margaret Humphreys and David Wenham at the Australian Premiere of "Oranges and Sunshine" in Sydney, May 23, 2011. Photos by Eva Rinaldi. More here.
A brilliant article - "Tracing footsteps" by Mary Colbert - weaves together the dramatic description of the plot and the characters with the thoughts of the director, screenwriter and leading actors about the project and its social mission.
A critically acclaimed director, Jim Loach, surprises us again with his unusual characteristics.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Jim Loach: "We hugely admired David's sense of anarchy and the way he brings his own kind of rebellion and undermines situations in a very positive way."
Hmmm... Did humble David become an anarchist on set? Perhaps, after all, the time for directing really has come. ) But thanks God, we have much more definite topic for discussion...
ABOUT DAVID AND THEATER... SO FAR THE STANDING ROOM TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE.
Well, we have Chekhov's "The Seagull" and David Wenham as Trigorin this summer from June 4 to July 17 on stage of Belvoir St Theatre, Sydney ...
All tickets are sold out, including extra rows, and if you're lucky enough, you still have a chance to get standing room tickets, which will be only available from the Box Office at 9.30am on the day and are limited to two per customer. Hmmm ... Are there hanging room tickets?
And all this buzz is on a background of such a laconic promotion ("Wenham waits for flight of Seagull"), that the Russian fans of David really began to worry that he'll never say a word about Russian culture. So far, we can only solve the mysterious hieroglyphics, written in chalk on a dirty board:
David again... Photo: Simon Alekna
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Kenga-ru: "I think "the puzzle " can be read like this: a board was hung for the audience. The administration asks you not to take the seats, marked with the crosses, as these are the places for the actors (well, in extreme cases, Arkadina, of course, can stand). The seat on the right, marked with a big fat cross, is intended for Glenn Owen Dodds himself. In case this seat will be taken, the arrow shows the direction in which David should run away from the fans. "
Do you have another interpretation?))
However, we are already enjoying the fact that David does not consider the Russian play as too simple material.
''I tried to come into rehearsal on day one for the first reading pretty much with a blank slate. I didn't read terribly much beforehand. I didn't want to come in with too many preconceptions. Sometimes you can be completely elated that you've found the key, and then you try it and you fall completely flat, and it's terribly embarrassing.''
It looks like David has another, quite traditional confidence crises. And it seems there is someone who can understand him quite easily. )))
Something like that:
BORIS TRIGORIN: Day and night I am held in the grip of one besetting thought, to write, write, write! Hardly have I finished one book than something urges me to write another, and then a third, and then a fourth--I write ceaselessly. I am, as it were, on a treadmill. I hurry for ever from one story to another, and can't help myself.
DAVID WENHAM: You just try to ride the wave, and if it gets to the shore, you just hop back on your board and paddle back out as hard as you can to try and catch another wave…
BORIS TRIGORIN: My eye falls on that cloud there, which has the shape of a grand piano; I instantly make a mental note that I must remember to mention in my story a cloud floating by that looked like a grand piano. I smell heliotrope; I mutter to myself: a sickly smell, the colour worn by widows; I must remember that in writing my next description of a summer evening. I catch an idea in every sentence of yours or of my own, and hasten to lock all these treasures in my literary store-room, thinking that some day they may be useful to me.
DAVID WENHAM: I walk and think. I imagine the character. I see him, hear him and look for where he might be… I live near the Cross so it's not too far to walk up there and I did spend quite a bit of time just sitting there and watching and observing such wonderful behaviour. It's something I enjoy doing. It's not a task. I like watching people…
BORIS TRIGORIN: The best years of my youth were made one continual agony for me by my writing. A young author, especially if at first he does not make a success, feels clumsy, ill-at-ease, and superfluous in the world. His nerves are all on edge and stretched to the point of breaking; he is irresistibly attracted to literary and artistic people, and hovers about them unknown and unnoticed, fearing to look them bravely in the eye, like a man with a passion for gambling, whose money is all gone.
DAVID WENHAM: It was an interesting time, coming out of a drama school in the backblocks of the western suburbs that nobody had heard of. So it was a matter of beating your head against a brick wall for long enough, getting a lot of headaches along the way, but eventually there's a bit of movement.
BORIS TRIGORIN: Writing is a pleasure to me, and so is reading the proofs, but no sooner does a book leave the press than it becomes odious to me; it is not what I meant it to be; I made a mistake to write it at all; I am provoked and discouraged… I have never pleased myself; as a writer, I do not like myself at all.
DAVID WENHAM: After I finish a play or film, I honestly believe that I wouldn't be able to do an-other play or film. I just think, `I'm no good at this'. I go through confidence crises. After each job. But in a way I suppose it helps as well. As long as you sweat and care about it and worry about it; the minute, I think I become complacent and it be-comes too easy, maybe then I should give up. Each time it becomes more daunting. I go through stuff that makes me feel like a nervous wreck every time I approach another job.
This two will get on very well! )))
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: KENGA-RU: "Oh, it seems to me that he was not looking for this character "as far away from himself as possible". In my opinion, a gentleman who is really talented, but constantly worried about his work - it is David himself."
May, 5, 2011
Wenhamania’s mood: botanical!
It's spring! The flower-beds have thawed! And everyone is so busy: someone is planting flowers in the garden, someone is preparing for the premiere so as to get this flowers.
Belvoir's "The Seagull" flies at the unachievable height above the patient fans of redheaded talent from Sydney. The premiere is coming next month, promotion is ascetic - in the best traditions of most David's projects. Poor information. Laconic gallery.
The cast of Belvoir's "The Seagull": (clockwise) Maeve Dermody, Judy Davis, Anita Hegh, David Wenham, Gareth Davies. April 2011.
Belvoir St. Theatre, of course, knows nothing about the suffering fans, who haven`t received news about David's new roles for ages. Belvoir St. Theatre uses its own method to keep its potential audience's attention: it prefers intrigue.
From an official Wall of Belvoir St Theatre on Facebook:
Question: Who's playing who?!
Belvoir St. Theatre: Why don't you try and guess and we'll tell you if you're right!
For someone it's just a game. For someone it's another torture of uncertainty.
However, Wenhamania willingly accepts the challenge. This time the torment will not work - we know. We just know. Because now you're playing on our field, ladies and gentlemen.)) Because it is a great Russian writer Anton Chekhov, whom Wenhamania can cite by heart.
Here is our own answer to "Who's playing who?!":
"The Seagull" Anton Chekhov, Belvoir St. Theatre, Sydney, director Benedict Andrews
CHARACTERS AND CAST
Irina Arkadina, Actress - Judy Davis Peter Sorin, her brother - Bille Brown Konstantine Treplieff, her son - Gareth Davies Nina Zarietchnaya, a young girl, the daughter of a rich landowner - Maeve Dermody Ilya Shamraeff, the manager of Sorin estate - Terry Serio Paulina, his wife - Anita Hegh Masha, his daughter - Emily Barclay Boris Trigorin, an author - David Wenham Eugene Dorn, a doctor - John Gaden Simon Medviedenko, a teacher - Dylan Young
Wenhamania loves Chekhov. Now it has another reason to love him even more. )))
What else? Hmmm .... It's a complicated question. The world premiere of "Killing Time" quietly runs in New Zealand. Now poor fans have the opportunity to follow the development of the plot, reading synopses and seeing the screenshots of weekly released series on Australian Television website .
British critics continue to praise David's job in "Oranges and Sunshine" and the wide range of his expressive means:
“David Wenham pulls off an impressive performance as former child migrant ‘Len’ in Oranges and Sunshine. Initially portraying the character as somewhat juvenile in manner and lacking appropriate communicative skills, Wenham subsequently and deftly introduces other deeper facets of Len’s personality through the expert use of body language”. (Joanne Mc Entee)
Again David’s News can only be seen under a microscope. He is too busy with his new projects. Perhaps it would be better for Wenhamania to take up its garden. We need a lot of flowers. )))
April, 19, 2011
Wenhamania’s mood: very slow to recover from the culture shock.
"All men and beasts, lions, eagles, and quails, horned stags, geese, spiders, silent fish that inhabit the waves, starfish from the sea, and creatures invisible to the eye -in one word, life-all, all life" of Russian Wenhamania is fulfilled with fan's delight. It's too cruel to be a joke and too good to be truth: David rehearses on stage of Sydney's Belvoir undying classic Russian play. And it is no less than Chekhov's "The Seagull". And it is no less than Judy Davis in the part of Arkadina. And if there is common sense in this world, it is no less than David Wenham as Trigorin...??
No grain of information. No hint of promotion. Not a shadow of hope of the video. And even if the poor Russian fans of David decide to sell all their possessions, they won't have enough money for a ticket to Belvoir.
Not to mention that dear Anton Pavlovich with some reproach scowls through his pince-nez at modern theatrical experiments on his brainchild. Why do you feel so happy, poor fans? On their Russian website Russian fans are rejoicing at the thought that their favorite non-Russian actor is going to play a Russian man in the greatest masterpiece of Russian drama ... Who will understand this mysterious Russian souls?)))
In the shadow of this amazing news got lost even the long-awaited premieres of the past weeks.
The promise of a release the film in the USA is a light in the window for the David's world fanbase. Meanwhile, a talkative director of the project, Jim Loach, spoke a lot and didn't miss any case to tell the audience about David's hard work at his part.
“There were two people in particular, one guy that David Wenham went to meet in Perth, they spent a weekend in each other’s company. This guy drove David up to Bindoon which is where the climax of the film is and I think he had a very big impression of this man, he was the guy that was a big inspiration for David’s character. They also go completely pissed for the entire weekend and when David came back he had a massive hangover…” (Laura Bushell The Oranges and Sunshine director talks about the joys and challenges of co-producing a film between countries on opposite sides of the globe.)
The same is here,
here and here ... Oh, God, it looks like someone has an obsession.:)
Comment of the month. Kenga-ru from Russian Wenhamania Forum:
"After all these Englishmen and Australians are very strange people! Well, one man has led another to a pub to celebrate meeting, well, both got drank. And what's matter? It's very usual thing. But they go on: "a very complex character, a very complex character ..."
Hmmm ... hard to argue with this. )))
Critics continue to praise the throes of creation of
"unsettling, excellent" David and the team of the project.
“David Wenham is equally brilliant as the prickly, distrusting Len, whose trust in Margaret has to be earned. He provides some desperately needed humour, pathos and personality.” (Becky Reed)
“… an interesting on screen relationship between Watson's Margaret and the brilliantly brash Len (David Wenham) manages to provide a humorous contrast to many a tearjerking moment.” (kultureflash.net)
“It's a very strong performance from David Wenham whose constant aggressiveness wouldn't be out of place in the sinister Australian crime drama Animal Kingdom released earlier this year.” ( Jez Sands)
“David Wenham gives a performance (to my mind) better than the nominal star Emily Watson - he is at once a "typical Australian male", a damaged victim of abuse, and a collaborator who doesn't feel the need to upstage Margaret while constantly offering assistance” ( IMDb)
There is never too much praise!
The second premiere: “Killing Time” miniseries had its world premiere in New Zealand on April 12. So, thank God, we live to see promotions: the publications warm our souls, the stills break the hearts.
And the Third and perhaps the most important Premiere: "Love over Hate" - the TV commercial of the Wayside Chapel. The Sydney's mission tells about itself with the most trusted and beautiful of its voices. Because for everyone who writes or acts there is something far more important than the honour and glory. Are we right, Anton Pavlovich?
March, 31, 2011
Wenhamania, of course, is not too serious community, but anyway it's enough a serious one. It was found out in the course of our meetings every night on the pages of Wenhamania forum, which blooms with talents as a garden in May. In the heat of the creative battles, at the height of passionate brainstorming the idea materialized, and it gave us much joy, and hopefully, any visitor of our site will feel the same. (Oh, David, if only you could appreciate it !))))
Today's update is marked by a solemn historical confirmation of WENHAMANIA’S EMBLEM!
This is the quintessence of a truly Russian fanbase: a bit of time, the same number of fantasy, moderately of madness, a little more humor, a lot of enthusiasm and lots of love. For those of you who wish to understand the intricate symbolism of our coat of arms we offer an Explanatory Note. May be it's not less intricate and excentric, but it is written from the tricolor heart. )))
Well, for those who have mastered this life-affirming opus we prepared some more news.
David and cameras.
We all know that David does not like being photographed.
We all know that we love very much, when David is photographed.
This is a profound psychological and philosophical conflict is unsolvable. ((
Sorry, David. If it'll make you happy, we say that we feel very uncomfortable with the fact that we are very comfortable with the fact that you are very uncomfortable .... (WOW!)
David at The One80Project Festival, March 20, Sydney. (Thanks again, Gonerill)
Unfortunately Australian Release of "Oranges and Sunshine" is also delayed (9 June!). However, the movie is in full readiness at the start line in Britain. Distributors is going to wave a flag on April 1. We wish the project a great success among the public, the same one which accompanies it on the pages of reviews. And in this context it will be natural to talk
About David and Critics.
Let's read the new reviews.
"David Wenham plays Len, now a successful Australian businessman who says the tough life he endured at Bindoon has made him the man he is; he is initially suspicious of Humphreys’ motives - is she just a colonial do-gooder here to rake up long-buried feelings and then bugger off, or is she for real? He ends up being her staunchest ally…” (Veronica Lee: Film: Oranges and Sunshine)
”Emily Watson plays Margaret Humphreys, the woman who sacrifices family happiness to fight the cause across two countries and reunite estranged sons and daughters with their parents. It's two Australian men she forms the strongest bond with, Hugo Weaving's Jack (a world away from his Matrix baddie Mr. Smith), a man emotionally buttoned up and grappling with the fact he never knew his mother - he speaks solemnly of it causing a gaping hole in his life. David Wenham's Len, meanwhile, leads her to discover the isolated Bindoon Boys Town, an institution run by abusive members of the Christian Brothers order.” (Simon Reynolds: Oranges And Sunshine)
"Co-stars Hugo Weaving and David Wenham give heartfelt and understated performances revealing their characters' emotional pain in a way that is both poetic and moving.” (Beth Glanvill: Oranges And Sunshine)
”And David Wenham's portrait of Len, the brutalised boy turned wealthy man, who hides his hurt under humour and obnoxiousness, is superb.”
(Suzi Feay: Oranges And Sunshine)
"David Wenham delivers one of the most satisfying character arcs in recent memory, from obnoxious alpha male to sensitive and trusted everyman." (Tom Fordy: Oranges And Sunshine)
”The lead performances are of extraordinary subtlety, especially David Wenham's as Len, a strapping former child migrant who has done well in business in Australia yet who desperately needs to meet his English mother—whatever her reasons may have been for letting him go as a boy. Len's sparring but trusting relationship with the buttoned-up Margaret gives the film both grit and grace.” (Andrew Robinson: Lost childhoods)
Well, we are able to read it endlessly....)))
And finally, a bit of unexpected, but pleasant news.
About David and Russia.
9th annual Australian Film Festival in Russia traditionally took place in Moscow and St. Petersburg. To pleasant surprise of Russian fans the program has traditionally included the film of David's. At this time the Russian public has found out - neither more nor less - what could be "Better Than Sex." Our friend Audrey testifies that the audience gathered on March 27 in Dom Kino (St. Petersburg) has greeted the film with great applause (praise, so rare these days). Oh, if Russian distributors could hear this applause! Who knows, may be it would lead them to the good thoughts about the film's release on DVD in Russia. "Keep dreaming", Russian fans, keep dreaming....
March, 21, 2011
Today's update, alas, begins with a sad note. "This world is too small, so there is no unfamiliar pain in it," - one of the Russian publications said. We can only accede to these words.
Wenhamania's team expresses our deepest condolences and support to the people of Japan, which is experiencing one of the worst crises in the history of their country. We also grieve for the victims and hope for the miracle of salvation!
And yet, it seems that our prayers sometimes reach its destination. Sure, it occurs with no particular periodicity and precision, but judge for yourself.
Wenhamania is intrigued by the reports of new shows, which announce the participation of David.
In quite the usual role - the leading actor:
We have mysterious project "Three Dog Night" with the synopses of good thriller and the promise of a very close start of filming (May!).
And, oh, God and Dream (alas, not of fans): David in quite an unusual role of director:
Promising project "The Turning" is adaptation of an anthology of short stories of very respected Australian writer Tim Winton ("That Eye the Sky"). An impressive team of 17 directors, in addition to David, is adorned by the names of Robert Connolly, Cate Blanchett, Mia Wasikowska and Rachel Ward. (Mark Naglazas "Winton stories for big screen")
Persuasive company and appealing stuff. For a complete and mutual happiness of David and his fanbase it's just enough to mention him among the cast. Whatever you say, David is mentally ready to directing, and he dreamed of it so many years. Whatever you say, but his fans are still mentally not ready to see David in the credits and not to see him in the frame.
Other projects news.
"Pope Joan" was aired in the mini-series format on Spanish TV. It looks like, there is no hope for development of heroic red-haired knight's image… ((( But we have managed to catch a few extra grams of beauty. (Thanks, Gonerill)
An underrated by the film community worldwide, but the Silver medalist of the Russian Wenhamania's poll, frenetic "Dust" is now shown in classrooms. Director Milcho Manchevski attended the screening of the film at the University of Western Ontario (Canada). (Zoran Maric "Maric: Dust brings Balkans, West into focus")
Finally, the most anticipated premiere of coming days - "Oranges and Sunshine" is covered with the new publications.
Modest contribution to the modest promotion of the modest movie:
“Emily Watson, Hugo Weaving and David Wenham deliver solid performances in this social drama.
The ever-dependable Watson is a rock here – and the best scenes are between her and the two male leads, Hugo Weaving and David Wenham, cast as men who’ve had very different emotional reactions to being victims of this shameful scandal.” (Jim Loach's Oranges and Sunshine a worthy follower in dad Ken's footsteps, James Mottram)
David's performance is perfect ... To be honest, it's very old news. But how nice to know that every day more and more people notice it. ))
March, 8, 2011
Our mood: .... What can we say? IT'S SPRING!!!
It's the sun, the sky, streams, International Day of Ladies the Beautiful and the Wise, OK, it's our day, dear guests and residents of Wenhamania ... We are Beautiful because of Love and our Wisdom is a matter of Patience. And we had a taste of them both in recent months! And, apparently, our Beauty and Wisdom have far-reaching perspectives!
OUR CONGRATULATIONS, LADIES!
The deepest snow drifts must melt and the most beautiful flowers must blossom!
And there are the first snowdrops!
David's fans are inspired by the results of informal poll of Brisbane Times: it's visitors decided the fate of the title "Greatest Australian actor in Hollywood."
And the audience agreed as follows:
Geoffrey Rush -49%
Cate Blanchett -13%
David Wenham -10%
Errol Flynn -7%
Hugh Jackman -5%
Russell Crowe, Heath Ledger -4%
Judy Davis -3%
Guy Pearce, Toni Collette -2%
Eric Bana-1%
Is it the honorable third place behind the distinguished Oscar winners? Oh, no! It's the dizzying third place ahead of the celebrated Oscar winners! Now do it! Ask this one obvious and indisputable question! Right! It goes like this: WHEN WILL MR DAVID WENHAM, FINALLY, GET HIS OWN OSCAR? Eventually, the cosmic harmony must be restored!
David Wenham and Gia Carides attend the Australians In Film Pre-Oscar Party honoring Australian Oscar nominees held at the home of the consul-General of Australia on February 25, 2011 in Brentwood, California.
David? Well, let's say, his name has recently been found in the list of "advocates" of the Festival of Contemporary Painting - Art Month, which has started in Sydney on 1 March. The program of festival delights connoisseurs of art: the exhibitions and the events will last a month! What does it mean to be "advocates" at this celebration? It seems that this is not the same thing as making the movies ...
And yet, Love and Patience, ladies, - this is the way to the Beauty and Wisdom! )))
February, 23, 2011
Wenamania's mood: bravura!
You know, it`s Defender of the Fatherland Day and heart of Lady Wenhamania is fulfilled with impressive range of Defenders, marching throughout the filmography of our hero. The Celebration program includes:
Ceremonial formation of the heroic images:
And choral performance of the new
Anthem of David's Russian fanbase (alas, so far in Russian) under the authorship of witty and talented kenga-ru.
"We always had David Wenham in mind because of what he did with his character in Getting Square. Everyone was excited to work with such a big actor. For me, I was a bit intimidated. I mean, his last film was with (Public Enemies director) Michael Mann. But he's such a professional, he makes your job really easy." (Read more: Alexander Fynes-Clinton “Awards pour in for offbeat comedy” (The Courier-Mail , February 21, 2011))
“David Wenham is very good as the prickly and emotionally closed off Len, still managing to convey the anger and hurt beneath the surface.” ( by Kevin Knapman)
And even more:
“David Wenham is compelling as Len, a child migrant who has grown up to become wealthy and successful, and whose charm and self-assured exterior rarely betrays the horrors and abuse he was exposed to as a child.” ( by Goncalo Sousa)
It sounds very manly, anyway. )))
WE SEND THE HOTTEST CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR DEAR DEFENDERS IN KHAKI, IN ARMOR, IN FEATHERS, IN THE BUFF, AND SIMPLY TO VERY GOOD AND NICE GUYS YOU CAN RELY ON!
February, 14, 2011
Wenamania's mood: love.
It`s St.Valentine`s Day today and heart is fulfilled with wonderful desire to love everyone!.. Especially distributors.
To love the British distributors of "Oranges and Sunshine" for the rare opportunity to watch David in his new role, at least in the short glimpses of trailer.
To love the Dutch distributors of "Pope Joan" for the stunning design of DVD and Blu-Ray editions. (Thanks, Nenya)
To love the Russian distributors of "Legend of the Guardians" for the release of DVD with original sound track and extras, including a short film with the participation of our feathered treasure - "True Guardians of the Earth"
Oh, if only this list was forever endless... Oh, David, believe us, Wenamania's heart is overflowing with love and it's enough for all distributors of the World!
Just give them a chance ... ))
A little bit of poetry on the theme:
Sweet love, renew thy force; be it not said
Thy edge should blunter be than appetite,
Which but to-day by feeding is allayed,
To-morrow sharpened in his former might:
So, love, be thou, although to-day thou fill
Thy hungry eyes, even till they wink with fulness,
To-morrow see again, and do not kill
The spirit of love, with a perpetual dulness.
Let this sad interim like the ocean be
Which parts the shore, where two contracted new
Come daily to the banks, that when they see
Return of love, more blest may be the view;
As call it winter, which being full of care,
Makes summer's welcome, thrice more wished, more rare.
William Shakespeare. Sonnet LVI
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
February, 8, 2011
If there were no clouds, we should not enjoy the sun.
Wenamania's mood: the waiting. Waiting of the new project announcements, releases, change, spring ... ..
Wenhamania is just one of many fan sites and its residents can only puzzle over the possible causes of this surprising lull:
1) David is tired and he needs a long rest in the family circle, or
2) David does not get any decent offers from the theatrical, television and film companies, or – oh, God, if only this!.. -
3) David is preparing a surprise for us all.
At the moment it looks like the most probable choice is option 4: David is occupied by some important things that distract him from what seems important to us, fans of his acting talent.
Our news is more reminiscent of gossip column:
“A Government Minister and local dignitaries along with celebrities, stars and a huge crowd packed in with us at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art for the opening night of the Annie Leibovitz photographic exhibition.
David Wenham delivered a heartfelt speech he proclaimed he had made up after viewing the exhibition as his previously written speech had not done the exhibition the justice he now felt it deserved.”
(Read November report from the ceremony and see some new pics which are valuable in the literal and figurative sense of word.)
“Optus and MTV Networks Australia are pleased to welcome internationally acclaimed, award winning actor, David Wenham to the judging panel for the OPTUS ONE80PROJECT’s fifth year of competition. After much deliberation, the Top 10 entries for this year’s project have also been announced with finalists hailing from the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
“I am really excited to be a part of this year’s OPTUS ONE80PROJECT. Initiatives like the OPTUS ONE80PROJECT are so important to the development of the Australian film and television industries. There is an abundance of untapped talent out there that needs to be discovered,” Wenham commented.”
(Read more here.)
Maybe David becomes too VIP-ish? Well, still it won`t save him from our love!
And you know, at least, spring is exactly not far off!
January, 23, 2011
So, the last Russian Christmas tree is finally removed till better times. But David's fans still haven`t got any information about his upcoming projects. At this point in time to indulge in fantasy dance. International fancasting is in full swing, and if it was the will of fans, David would have a great choice among the possible roles: from Julian Assange to Prince Arthas.
Wenhamania willy-nilly has joined the game. Russian fans have a lot of remarkable characters whose guise would fit the red-headed wonder-Australian. Winners of the contest are: Alexander Nevsky, and Anatoly Chubais.
But the Grand Prix of Wenhamania goes to the most fantastic and charming version, which was offered by kenga-ru.
Ok, jokes aside! It turns out that this couple has much more common features than you might think at first.
They both
a) have large round ears and large round eyes;
b) are the natives of warm countries, and love the oranges and sunshine;
c) are friends with the crocodile;
g) are the symbols of ... let's not go into details;
e) fight against evil;
and finally e) We love them both very much!
Forgive us, David, it's just a prank, but in any case, the last item was a real truth!
And now, quite seriously. Sometimes.
Wenhamania enjoys David's first official photos of this year. David was one of the presenters at the 2010 Sydney Theatre Awards, January 17, and he with obvious pleasure reunited for this mission with Pippa Grandison - his longtime screen partner (Twisted Tales).
David and Pippa Grandison at the 2010 Sydney Theatre Awards, January 17, 2011
American fans of "Pope Joan" received welcome news on the possible release of the film in the USA. In the message to visitors of her site Donna Cross reports on upcoming screening and lists the film's wins, including Best Feature Film Award at the Moondance Film Festivall, Colorado.
"Oranges and Sunshine" once again will come to light. The film participates in the Glasgow Film Festival next month. Alas, we must acknowledge that Wenhamania is not enough popular site so that the creators of the movie know about us. Otherwise the anguished cry of fans would have been heard by them for a long time: "TRAILER! WE WANT TO SEE THE TRAILER! PLEEEEEASE!!!"((
Finally, another little clip from the creators of "Legend of the Guardians": fragments of an interview with Anthony LaPaglia and David Wenham and episodes involving the inimitable and charming Digger. Hmmm ... Would you agree, however, that Cheburashka is not such a bad idea! And it is much closer to the truth! )))
January, 12, 2011
Is Russia a too hard-working, or a too cheerful country? Hard to say. Anyway, while the Western Santa Claus with a sense of accomplishment goes home to the North Pole, his Russian colleague - Grandfather Frost takes his bag with the gifts and works a second shift. Well, actually, it's very convenient to celebrate the holidays twice. You never know what could happen: someone could be unwell, someone has overslept, someone has overrated one's strength, someone has worked, someone at the wrong time has quarreled with the friends, and someone just doesn't know what to do with a pan of Salade Olivier and an aspic (the kind Russian tradition - to cook a lot!) and, please, all of us here have The Second Celebration Attempt !
HAPPY BELATED ORTHODOX CHRISTMAS AND UPCOMING OLD NEW YEAR, DEAR FRIENDS!
But now Twelve Days of Christmas has come at Wenhamania: it's time for Christmas carols and divination! Every day the residents of Wenhamania go online and sing in the search engines the same song titled "David Wenham" in the hope of a generous news meal. And then they divine using all means they have- the tea leaves, the wax, the rings: what has happened, what else will happen, and what can calm the heart?
But the search engines keep silent and tea leaves keep silent too. There is no news about the current and new projects of David, except for one so charming, red-haired, a little project (thank you, paparazzi, for your existance!)
Therefore, Wenhamania makes gifts to itself! Updates in the Filmography Section: we have opened five new pages with synopsises of David's documentaries: "In the mind of architect", "The Beach", "The Silent Flood", "Policing the Pacific" and … yes - yes! the notorious "Deadliest Warrior", David wants it or not, but he already can not escape from it now. We hope, that someone will expand the knowledge about creativity of our idol, and someone just will smile. In absence of news, we are saved only by humour.
January, 4, 2011
Russian New Year's holidays is a severe test , but Wenhamania firmly overcomes it together with all country. Between the feasts hardly concentrating our strength we make the first update of this year.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, OUR DEAR RESIDENTS AND GUESTS!
Take the hottest congratulations and wishes from Wenhamania!
It was extraordinary exciting and busy year. As always it was full of the expectations and the events: the premieres, DVD releases, a lot of festivals, the new projects ... Now Wenhamania's New Year Tree looks more than ever worthy:
And today Santa put under our tree the first gifts of the year:
And just a little bit of light of hope: a new still from the upcoming David's TV- mega-project "Killing time".
Poor old Andrew Fraser is at the peak of his fall …
But in the end each of us has a chance to start a new life. Especially in the beginning of the New Year ...
Another year, another chance
To start our lives anew;
This time we’ll leap old barriers
To have a real breakthrough.
We’ll take one little step
And then we’ll take one more,
Our unlimited potential
We’ll totally explore.
We’ll show off all our talents
Everyone will be inspired;
(Whew! While I’m writing this,
I’m getting very tired.)
We’ll give up all bad habits;
We’ll read and learn a lot,
All our goals will be accomplished,
Sigh...or maybe not.
Oh well, Happy New Year anyway!
By Joanna Fuchs.
David's fans have frozen in anticipation of the announcements and the premieres.
Annanotherthing: David Wenham is such a versatile actor. Last saw him in The Seagull at Belvoir St #KillingTime @TV1Australia.
"Wenham is perfect out front - another nod to why he is one of this country's best." (
"The audience will have as strong and differing opinions about the character up on screen as people within the community now have about Andrew Fraser. It will split people. To me, that makes a great drama.'' (
The film is launched on American movie screens. It's accompanied by moderate, but positive promotion: some interviews with the actors ...
Of course, this is the most painful question, which every our resident has in the mind. Choosy in selecting roles David still "muses on the contract." And we muse on the misty prospects of next year. The only new project, of which David is ready to talk incessantly - his directorial debut - the screen adaptation of Tim Winton anthology of short stories "The Turning". As he said, it will be launched in the near future not far from Perth. Thank God, now we know exactly which part of an anthology will be David's work. The story is called "Commission", it takes a magic 13th place in the list of 17 stories, united by a common character - Vic Lang, and with some difficulty can be read 
Historical news comes from Australia. It looks like the legendary Australian Film Institute (AFI) will nevermore give David its famous awards - faceted glass prisms, which, as we know, he has accumulated three pieces. But don't worry, this is good news.
"Oscar's flamboyant brother waving ''hi''", as Australians themselves rated their new television@ film major Award.
In Russia it would be called "the peculiarities of national release of DVD". Looking at 
Short summer happiness is flooded with almost the autumn rain. Russian Wenhamania is attacked by slush and spleen and in the unequal battle with them it has used its best weapon - packing its bags and moving closer to the sea. A short vacation on the coast. The carroty and bearded divers and the seagulls. Don't be bored, dear residents and guests, it's only a couple of weeks. )))
Before David's fans could gasp when they saw his new magnificent photo made for the heading 
"David Wenham can crack me up just walking across the stage. Saw The Seagull. Loved it. It's my year for miserable Russian plays." (
Jim Loach (director, 
Let's just read the reviews.
"The film is immensely helped by the character of Len (David Wenham), a chipper, larrikinish optimist who refuses to allow himself to be a victim even though he suffered at the hands of the Christian Brothers in Bindoon, the remote former orphanage which has become a byword for the sins of the Catholic Church in Australia.
Played with just the right balance of swagger and sensitivity by the wonderful Wenham, who builds a lovely rapport with the more serious-minded Margaret, Len is one of those classic characters whose spirit infuses an entire movie, making what might have been a bit of a drudge into a celebration of survival in the face of unthinkable abuse.
When Len and Margaret, motoring along in the Aussie businessman's four-wheel-drive, start singing along to Cat Stevens' Wild World it's totally unexpected yet entirely appropriate, a burst of sunshine amidst the gloom but one that acknowledges that sadness and loss is a part of all our lives. " (
As well as belief and a hope. Belief that these touching and strong lines are not written for effect. The hope that this film will find the way to all David's fans in whatever corner of the planet they live in. In the meantime, we can rejoice in the success of the film in Australian box office (
Ohhh ... the filmmakers of the project 
The film 
A critically acclaimed director, Jim Loach, surprises us again with his unusual characteristics.
What else? Hmmm .... It's a complicated question. The world premiere of 
British critics continue to praise David's job in 
Again David’s News can only be seen under a microscope. He is too busy with his new projects. Perhaps it would be better for Wenhamania to take up its garden. We need a lot of flowers. )))
"All men and beasts, lions, eagles, and quails, horned stags, geese, spiders, silent fish that inhabit the waves, starfish from the sea, and creatures invisible to the eye -in one word, life-all, all life" of Russian Wenhamania is fulfilled with fan's delight. It's too cruel to be a joke and too good to be truth: David rehearses on stage of 
No grain of information. No hint of promotion. Not a shadow of hope of the video. And even if the poor Russian fans of David decide to sell all their possessions, they won't have enough money for a ticket to Belvoir.
Not to mention that dear Anton Pavlovich with some reproach scowls through his pince-nez at modern theatrical experiments on his brainchild. Why do you feel so happy, poor fans? On their Russian website Russian fans are rejoicing at the thought that their favorite non-Russian actor is going to play a Russian man in the greatest masterpiece of Russian drama ... Who will understand this mysterious Russian souls?)))
The First Premiere: 
Let's read:
Today's update is marked by a solemn historical confirmation of WENHAMANIA’S EMBLEM!
Finally we got the news of the missing project 
Let's read the new reviews.
Finally, the most anticipated premiere of coming days - 
“Emily Watson, Hugo Weaving and David Wenham deliver solid performances in this social drama.
The ever-dependable Watson is a rock here – and the best scenes are between her and the two male leads, Hugo Weaving and David Wenham, cast as men who’ve had very different emotional reactions to being victims of this shameful scandal.” (
David? Well, let's say, his name has recently been found in the list of "advocates" of the Festival of Contemporary Painting - 
Victorious reports from 
The new poster for the most anticipated movie premiere of this year – 
To love the Russian distributors of 
“A Government Minister and local dignitaries along with celebrities, stars and a huge crowd packed in with us at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art for the opening night of the Annie Leibovitz photographic exhibition.
“Optus and MTV Networks Australia are pleased to welcome internationally acclaimed, award winning actor, David Wenham to the judging panel for the 
American fans of 
Finally, another little clip from the creators of 
Is Russia a too hard-working, or a too cheerful country? Hard to say. Anyway, while the Western Santa Claus with a sense of accomplishment goes home to the North Pole, his Russian colleague - Grandfather Frost takes his bag with the gifts and works a second shift. Well, actually, it's very convenient to celebrate the holidays twice. You never know what could happen: someone could be unwell, someone has overslept, someone has overrated one's strength, someone has worked, someone at the wrong time has quarreled with the friends, and someone just doesn't know what to do with a pan of Salade Olivier and an aspic (the kind Russian tradition - to cook a lot!) and, please, all of us here have The Second Celebration Attempt !
, but Wenhamania firmly overcomes it together with all country. Between the feasts hardly concentrating our strength we make the first update of this year.
