An Evening With Ciarán Hinds
Report by Jen K.
We have met Captain Wentworth…and he was, by all accounts, a most charming and agreeable gentleman.
I was feeling a bit sleepy on the train down to Brooklyn College so I resolved to pick up a coffee on my way to the campus. A Starbucks was in my path. I popped in. Oh, look who’s standing at the counter, with his coffee and his cell phone, it’s Ciarán Hinds, just like a normal person. I placed my order and went over to the pick-up area (about a foot and a half to the left of where he was standing) - he very nearly brushed by me on his way out.
I got my coffee, left, and spotted out the campus gate. I noticed CH was walking up the middle path and thought, “okay, he knows where he’s going, I’m going to follow him at an extremely respectful distance.”
While recognizing one of the people he was walking with as a co-JASNA-NY chair I was accosted by some other JASNA people who had come early to help with the party. We all catch up with each other as CH is meeting the film professor who helped create this event. Then it’s “here are the Jane Austen people” and then howdoyado, nice to meet you, howdoyado. Thank goodness I was wearing my gloves while shaking his hand. At least I hadn’t started literally shaking at that point. That came later.
How lovely it was to see P2 on a big screen! Even if the print was showing its age and the sound level threatened to deafen the young, it was still possible in a way not possible on my TV to see many details I had never seen before. Why did I never notice that bizarre paint job in the dining parlor at Bath? How garishly opulent that whole place was? There was more - ladies? What a nice reminder of how much I admire Persuasion as a film. While sometimes it felt rote, having seen it so many times, I really enjoyed the theater experience. This was the first time I heard the Captain blurt out “I regret” and actually believed I knew what he meant. Not, ‘I regret being an ass recently’, but ‘I regret not getting in touch with you sooner’. Conjecture, maybe, but isn’t it nice to get something new from something I know so well?
The Q&A was with a Jane Austen scholar, Captain Wentworth i.e. Ciarán Hinds, and a film professor at the school. It was an interesting discussion - Austen scholarship augmenting the actor’s experience with the work, augmented by the film professor’s take on the cinematic choices. CH had not viewed the film in about 10 years and had nothing but nice things to say about Amanda Root, especially, and all the other actors on the film. The director came from a theatre background and chose actors with RSC/classical experience specifically. Apparently he had said he meant to “trash the hotel room of costume drama” with this new adaptation. The film professor said he felt the movie had something to prove but admired the actors’ subtle performances. The Austen scholar provided color commentary regarding themes of the work and how they played out in the film and CH was very interested and attentive. He called the Elliots ‘ghastly’ and joked about the amount of time they spent in mud. Also praising the realistic effect of having the women wear no makeup (as opposed to the samey 80s versions) but claimed all the ‘boys’ were wearing it. If I think of anything more, I’ll add it, but really, this post is long enough!
In addition to being funny and informative about acting and filmmaking, CH was kind enough to stay for everyone who wanted a photo or an autograph. Chatty and personable and totally understanding. What I understand now is why anyone would like him very, very much.
February 7th, 2008 at 11:18 am
I’m so sorry I missed it. Brooklyn College was just too far of a schlep for me. I’ll have to have my Ciaran Hinds fix seeing him on Broadway.
February 7th, 2008 at 11:45 am
I had a “New York moment” with Mr. Hinds a few years back, when he was on Broadway in “Closer” (he had the role that Clive Owen played in the movie). I am the first to admit that he’s not conventionally handsome, but he will always be *my* Captain Wentworth. And he does have a whole helluva lot of je ne sais quoi. So much in fact that I needed some time to to compose myself after our “moment.” This is not usual for me. I live and work in Manhattan and see famous people quite often, and seeing Hinds affected me more than other star-sightings have.
I wish I could have been in Brooklyn on Monday, but I simply could not take off work that day.
February 7th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Oh, dear Jane, how I wish I could have been there. I was incredibly tempted to take off work as well but a hectic schedule prevented me. Thank you so much for letting us know what happened!
And since we’re sharing our Ciarán Hinds moments, here’s mine: CH is currently appearing on Broadway in “The Seafarer” (which is excellent) and after the performance I waited at the stage door. I usually do this after every show I see, but this was the first time I was the only one waiting. (Although, last night my friends and I were the only ones waiting for Rufus Sewell to come out after “Rock ‘n’ Roll” so perhaps it’s a play thing. Or an obscure British actor thing. By the way, Rufus Sewell? Swoon. But I digress.)
After waiting a few minutes, CH came out. I called after him, hoping to goodness I was pronouncing his name correctly. He was very gracious, despite the freezing cold, and signed by Playbill. I told him that “Persuasion” was my favorite film and asked if he would sign my DVD. From his reaction, I can only assume it’s not a request he gets very often. As he signed, he said something along the lines of “Amanda’s lovely in this, isn’t she?” to which I whole-heartedly agreed. I thanked him very much and watched as he walked away.
Of course the moment he was gone I thought of everything I wished I had said or asked, but I was honestly overwhelmed in his presence. He was so kind and so soft spoken, and it was just one of the best stage door experiences I’ve ever had.
I have an image of the signed DVD here: http://austengeek.blogspot.com/. Oh, Captain Wentworth!
February 7th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
How long is this play going to be around? I just might have to pop by to get my DVD signed!
February 7th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
It’s limited engagement so it’s closing March 30th. Definitely worth seeing. I’m hoping CH will get nominated for a Tony.
February 7th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Schlep??? CH had to take three trains to get there! (The directions he was given were misleading. Plus, the Asp had been broken up for scrap
February 7th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
What? They didn’t send a car service for him??
February 7th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I must confess I am utterly charmed with the idea of running into Captain Wentworth on the A train.
February 7th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Can you imagine???
February 7th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
But the Starbucks you find unamusing? I found it quite a shock.
Someone from JASNA-NY offered to pick him up but he politely declined.
February 7th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Oh what a wonderful read. Thanks for the post - I could have happily kept reading. he will always be my Captain W, too. And he is my favourite Austen hero, hands down. Lovely.
February 7th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Marybeth - I know what you mean. I think it’s an obscure British actor thing. When I saw Closer nine years ago CH and Rupert Graves just bolted out the door and down the street and I had to call out his name to make him stop. Same with both Jennifer Ehle and Stephen Dillane at The Real Thing on two separate occasions. But with Ralph Fiennes at Faith Healer? They had to set up barricades for people to gather behind so he could go around and sign autographs and take pictures without getting mobbed. (Tho’ I just hate the word obscure)
In London, after Rock’n'Roll, I was still outside when Rufus came out because a) I was dazzled by the whole experience b) jet lagged c) desperately trying to text a friend who had just arrived before my phone went dead. Rufus came out after the crowds had dispersed but was very nice to the (we assume) American girls who were waiting for him. (Drifts off into Brit-actor reverie…)
February 7th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Mags, your mentioning seeing Captain Wentworth on the A train made me imagine it. Then I remembered part of the panel was discussing period work or costumes or something (maybe being in Bath?), and CH joked that the last thing you want, or what you might want to avoid if you can, is wearing one of those pointy captain’s hats. Something about getting them whacked into door frames once or twice
February 7th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Oh, to be in New York City….
February 7th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
OMG, be still my heart. I had to watch my dvd after watching the recent PBS version. I couldn’t help myself I just had to see CH. He will always be Captain Wentworth to moi. Just reading this posting made my heart go pitter pat. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. Sigh.
February 7th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Yes, the directions were unfortunate. Thank G-d I had my students with me to tell me that the 5 train does not run on the local line when it’s not rush hour. Of course, we were already at Union Square when I learned this. My students gently guided me (they LOVE it when they know more than I do) onto a 4 and then a 2.
We got to Brooklyn College and I enjoyed seeing some head swivel (admit it — you looked) when my colleague and I marched in with a bunch of teenagers. Teens are a rare breed at JASNA events, but I would like to change that! I fell in love with Jane when I was a teen and think all teens (well, those who want to pass my class, that is!) should, too.
Those few students who hadn’t enjoyed Persuasion (yes, they still passed)when I showed it in class decided that CH had street cred after they read that he had acted in Tomb Raider. I know, but hey — whatever works.
Just before the movie began, it occurred to me that I should get a picture of CH with my class. After all, I doubt he takes many pictures with classes of Brooklyn teenagers. I asked Nili, who agreed it was a good idea. CH graciously agreed to pose for a picture with my class. He was utterly friendly and down-to-earth –and I had my newly acquired Verizon Voyager with me, so I was set!
CH immediately started signing autographs after the movie and panel discussion were over. My students were stunned to see such a big star literally on his knees, interacting with people and signing autographs. I pointed out to them that they were witnessing true good manners in action.
CH then posed for pictures with my students — many pictures. His good nature never flagged. I can’t say enough wonderful things about him, and I haven’t even started discussing his beauty (not conventionally handsome? I beg to disagree!)
The whole event was delightful! I was thrilled to have the opportunity to share everything with my students. Thanks to everyone who organized and took part in it, and special thanks to CH, for being so warm and considerate — and so talented and handsome!
February 8th, 2008 at 5:14 am
I think that P2 is the mother of all the best Austen revivals. Most director recognise Persuasion as the inspiration of the more realistic, humanly focused apadtations. It is also wonderfully and originally casts. Phoebe Nicolls as a spoilt child Elizabeth, and other unconventional castings like roly poly Charles Musgrave and Bening (whom we all conventionally imagine as a slight build person) and the glory of leading ladies Susan Fleetwood and Fiona Shaw in small roles. Give me CH any day instead of conventionally good looking bland RPJ.
February 8th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Dear Julia P. (and others who fear JASNA-NY doesn’t know how to run an event), as is evident from the postings of those who have interacted with CH — he is an a man without affectation. OF COURSE WE OFFERED HIM CAR SERVICE! He declined! I had been driven there by a friend (I’m one of those “JASNA people who arrived early to help with the party and ‘accosted’ Jen K.”). During the “howdoyado, nice to meet you, howdoyado’s” we learned of his three train journey and offered then to drive him back. He declined. At the event’s conclusion, after all the autograph signing and smiling we again offered to drive him back into NYC. He again declined. One must repsect his wishes.
As for the “three train adventure”: we got our travel directions from the Bklyn College website — there was no warning about a “certain train” only running during rush hours. [Sigh] Wish we HAD known about it!
It was a day well spent — approx 500 JA-enthusiasts attended — he was grand.
February 8th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Jane, it is wonderful to read your description of you evening! Also, the image of meeting up with CH at Starbucks definitely brightend up this snowy morning at work. Your description reminded me of a scene from Ms. Austen’s works. Do you know if there is a trascript of the discussion available?
February 8th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Kerri, I know enough about you, Nili, Jerry and JASNA-NY to know that you most certainly *do* know how to put on an event. I was just surprised that he would take the subway, that’s all. And, to be honest, very pleased. Captain Wentworth is not a delicate little flower - the New York City subway is a piece of cake compared with the Napoleonic Wars.
February 8th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
How lucky to have met him! He is a fine actor, well apart from Jane Eyre, but we will forget about that one.
Been a big fan of his for a while now.
February 8th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Wow, that’s so awesome! I’m envious! I’m too much in the boonies of Canada to ever experience any big JA or JASNA events without expense I can’t afford as a student.
Do you really wait outside the stage doors for actors? That’s not intruding on their privacy? Meeting Rufus Sewell–how cool is that!?!
February 8th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
For the record - the comments on this post are as entertaining as the post! Thanks for making me smile and laugh this morning.
February 8th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Jen, thanks for sharing your adventure with us.
Mags, thanks for posting it here in full, instead of just linking to … somewhere else.
February 8th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Kerri - you know I meant ‘accosted’ in the friendly, hail-fellow-type Shakespearean sense, don’t you? (I don’t think it was transcribed by BC, do you?)
Miss Macdonald - ’tis why I live in New York, dear.
Deb R. - don’t be a hatah. I was happy to share.
February 10th, 2008 at 1:08 am
Wow, that sounds incredible! I wish I was home now — alas, I’m in Maryland for school — so I could have gone to the program!
February 12th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Jen K — Oh honey, I’m a luvah, not a hatah! But as I slip into middle-age crankiness, I’ve grown much more discriminating in my surfing destinations. Yes, I know that websites and blogs “belong” to their editors and they can do/say/censor/rebuke/ridicule their visitors as they damn well please. And I choose to only patronize sites that actually practice courtesy and civility. For the record, please note that I have not named names here. Read into this what you want.
My original comment was to thank this blog’s editor for including your report HERE, since it was being discussed HERE. Mags, I salute you. Again.
February 13th, 2008 at 6:20 am
Courtesy and civility?
*hides Cluebat of Janeite Righteousness behind back*
*whistles innocently*
February 13th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Kisses to both Julie P. (just wanted people to know we “really did try to take care of Captain Wentworth”) and Jen K. (”accosted” you I did; I was so relieved to see you — I’d STILL be wandering around Bklyn College if we didn’t run into one another!).