EW Preview Magazine: ''Max is an animal in banking,'' Crowe says. ''To take him out of that world, where he's insulated and protected, and have him be seduced by what he considers the antithesis of who he is — that's a very interesting journey. It's sort of like reincarnation.'' Perhaps as much as anything, though, it was the prospect of another chance to collaborate with Scott that appealed to Crowe. Indeed, the two have just begun work on yet another, very different project together, the crime drama American Gangster. ''We have a kind of shorthand now,'' says Crowe. ''It's just a matter of, like, 'Right, let's jump into the pool full of cow s---.''' Or in this case, the vat of wine. Images from the set My trip to France	Updated February 3, 2013 ______________________________________ Opens USA November 10, 2006 Max Skinner - Russell Crowe Henry - Albert Finney Fanny - Marion Cotillard Roussell - Didier Bourdon Charlie - Tom Hollander Christie - Abbie Cornish Max as child - Freddie Highmore Archie Panjabi Nathalie - Valeria Bruni Tedeschi Ludivine - DuflotIsabelle Candelier Directed by Ridley Scott Director of Photography - Philippe Le Sourd NEWS below Crowe would be playing the lead, Max Skinner, a London investment banker who is made redundant by his company and left with a sudden hole in his life. As fate would have it, he has recently been left an 18th century chateau and vineyard in the south of France by his deceased uncle. He moves out to take possession of the estate, where he used to spend his summers as a child, but discovers that his wine leaves much to be desired, that his long-lost American cousin wants a share of the action, and that some of the villagers are less than thrilled to see him. "...The only time I do a film is when I read something that touches my heart and that's one of the major thematics of the movie I'm working on now--that people never die as long as you keep them in your heart. For me that's a cool place to be telling a story from, and the fact that Ridley and I would get together again and do a low budget comedy instead of what people would expect-some $150million bloodfest - I'm enjoying that part of it as well." -
N E W S Toronto Film Festival: "...Today's announcements include eight Gala Presentations, including the world premiere of Michael Apted's AMAZING GRACE, starring Ioan Gruffudd, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rufus Sewell, Youssou N'Dour, Ciaran Hinds, Romola Garai, Michael Gambon, and Albert Finney, as the Closing Night Film; Ridley Scott's A GOOD YEAR, a world premiere starring Russell Crowe, Albert Finney, and Abbie Cornish " (Saturday September 9) - Thanks, to all, for this same story at various sources - Here is Variety's Article Russell attending.... CP - The Toronto Film Festival: "...Pitt's film Babel made a splash at Cannes earlier this year but the star wasn't able to attend due to the birth of his daughter Shiloh with Angelina Jolie. But organizers announced this morning that he's coming to the Toronto event, along with a laundry list of other celebs, including Russell Crowe, Jude Law, Reese Witherspoon, Dustin Hoffman, Pierce Brosnan and Sharon Stone. - Thanks, Allison With thanks to AnneCB at the Mostly Russ board, the preview of AGY at EW You can watch A Good Year trailer HERE - [It's grand!] Thanks, Steph AGY is now on the Fox Movies page (Coming Soon - left column) - Thanks, Maria From Cindy: These are the kinds of surprises I LOVE when I'm at a show. Went to see Lady in the Water. Trailers come on, and there before my eyes was wanker banker Max in a office in London with those weird Bluetooth type phones. What a shock when I saw him, and what a thrill. It wasn't just a teaser trailer, either, it was at least two minutes long and it REALLY looks good. It has humor and poignancy. There is skin...at least one love scene...in a bed. It does look like they made it much more meaningful than the lightweight book it came from. The look is absolutely gorgeous as you can imagine from Ridley. It starts off with Max in London, of course, being all business, all about money, but shows he realizes he's missing something after he gets a letter about his Uncle Henry dying and he thinks back to time spent in Provence with him. Shows the scene where he falls into the muck in the pool and scenes with Fanny. There is a love scene where he starts out in a wifebeater/singlet/tank top, then in bed shirtless. Shows one part of a scene with Christie railing to Max about how could he think to sell La Canorgue if he truly loved his uncle. The photography and colors in Provence are everything you would think, gorgeously shot, beautiful but soft colors, has a warm and friendly feel. The part in London was shorter but I'm sure the colors there will be cooler to illustrate the differences. I think I was so surprised to see the trailer I kinda went 'dumb' there for half a minute or so." At cinema-france.com: A new picture of Max and Fanny (AGY) - Thanks, Steph From Steph: Just give a look at the pic attached to this article from the french magazine Studio - January 2006 ( thanks to Caco for the scan ) 11/3/05 - Max in London - Thanks, Cindy The NY TImes: Eat Drink Make Movie: Hollywood's Next Course - By STEVE CHAGOLLAN (Image that goes with the article HERE) - Thanks, Steph, Allison 10/30 - Telegraph India: Prime time - "Archie Panjabi, to my mind the best Indian actress in Britain, is currently filming in A Good Year, which is an appropriate title because she has had a pretty good year. The film, directed by Ridley Scott and based on a book by Peter Mayle, is about an investment banker (played by Russell Crowe) who swaps London life for a vineyard in France." - Thanks, Steph, Ivani A Good Year - "After the ball is over..." The chateau set after the filming had finished - Thanks to Sophie 10/6 - From Steph: According to Kikou on the Allocine message board, the shooting for the scenes involving the property of Roussell (Didier Bourdon) take place at "Le Jas des Eydin" 10/5/05 - My trip to Paris and Bonnieux 9/21/05 - From Anne S: "Just a quick note about the small interview of Branko Lustig posted on the French site; this is only a small extract of the text according to the poster. Lustig mentioned that the team is about 140 - 160 people strong spread in various hotels and housing facilities all over the region. He said Russell stayed with his family in the countryside. Asked how long they were going to stay, he said until Nov. 5" 9/21/05 - Interview in Venice from Urban Cinefile. "...The only time I do a film is when I read something that touches my heart and that's one of the major thematics of the movie I'm working on now--that people never die as long as you keep them in your heart. For me that's a cool place to be telling a story from, and the fact that Ridley and I would get together again and do a low budget comedy instead of what people would expect-some $150million bloodfest - I'm enjoying that part of it as well." - Thanks to Isis 9/21/05 - From Steph: Thanks to Alexquad on the Allocine message board -- This pic (of Ridley Scott and Branko Lustig) was apparently attached to an interview given to the local newspaper of Bonnieux. I will post it as soon as I'll have more info. Today they shoot in Avignon and they plan to shoot in the village of Gordes in the next days. 9/16/05 - At the Allocine message board someone (Kikou) took shots of a Good Year set in Bonnieux. No Russell, but full of local color. He also made three quick videos driving by the set. He calls his films "Provencal making of of the movie." The one of a guy with a camera is from "The Making of" crew, and he is shooting the photographer.- Thanks, Anne S 9/3/05 - The Sunday Telegraph au via newstext: "The year of living famously ----- Abbie Cornish is about to break into Hollywood big-time after winning a leading role in the new Russell Crowe movie being filmed by hot-shot director Ridley Scott in France. The 23-year-old actress from the Hunter Valley began filming A Good Year, in which she plays a young American girl, on Monday. Cornish has been hailed as one of Australia's rising stars after winning the best actress award for her performance in Somersault at the Australian Film Industry's love-in last year. She also received a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival when Somersault was screened last May. "She has a nice role on this gig,'' Crowe told me in an e-mail from France. "She'll do great; working with Ridley Scott is a perfect way to start her international career.'' Crowe should know. He won his best actor Oscar for Gladiator under Scott's directorship. Cornish auditioned for the role, according to her agent, Belinda Maxwell, putting paid to scuttlebutt last year that she pulled out of the lead role opposite Crowe in Eucalyptus because she refused to do a screen test. She is also about to be seen in Irresistible with Susan Sarandon, and in Candy with another Oscar winner, Geoffrey Rush, and orange-peeler Heath Ledger." Thanks, Maria 8/29/05 - Thanks to Lyden ... "According to this French message board, filming for AGY is taking place in Apt and Bonnieux, in the Vauclause region of Provence, near the Luberon area." ... And from barbiecat: "A local winery, named Chateau La Canorgue is mentioned in the set information on the message board. Many wineries in France call themselves chateau this or that if they incorporate an old building or two." 8/24/05: The Hollywood Reporter: More casting news for A Good Year. - Marion Cotillard has signed to star opposite Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott's "A Good Year," based on the novel by Peter Mayle. Tom Hollander also will join the cast, which includes Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart and Didier Bourdon. - Thanks, Cindy 8/32/05 - A Good Year news from Steph: An article published today in the french newspaper Le Parisien (p 27) tells that Rusty, Dani and Charlie have arrived in France, the shooting would begin on the 29th of August for 8 weeks. It would take place in the Luberon, and after Albert Finney, another actor from Erin Brokovitch has joined the cast, Aaron Eckhart (he played Julia 's boyfriend if I am not mistaken). Marion Cotillard ("Big Fish" with Albert Finney, world is small!) would play the female lead and Roussell would be played by Didier Bourdon, a french actor well-known in France for his participation in humoristic sketches with "Les Inconnus" (Very funny actor). 8/17/05 - The Hollywood Reporter: By Tatiana Siegel - Finney right vintage for Scott's 'Year' -- "Fox 2000 has grape expectations for Albert Finney. The actor has signed on to join Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott's "A Good Year" for the studio. Based on the novel by Peter Mayle, "A Good Year" centers on Max Skinner (Crowe), a London financier who quits the rat race after inheriting a vineyard in the south of France. Finney will play Henry Skinner, Crowe's uncle and one-time owner of the property. The female lead, who will play Finney's long-lost daughter, has yet to be cast. Marc Klein is penning the screenplay, while Scott is producing through his Scott Free Prods. Fox 2000 president Elizabeth Gabler and vp production Rodney Ferrell are overseeing for the studio. Shooting is set to begin next month in Paris. Finney, a five-time Academy Award nominee who most recently received a mention for his supporting turn in "Erin Brockovich," lends his voice to Tim Burton's upcoming "Corpse Bride." - Thanks to all who sent this in. The Wines of Provence - Thanks, moviegirl Random House's page on A Good Year - Thanks, Rita If you want to read the book fast, it is available as a downloadable e reader book from Powells Read an excerpt from Barnes and Noble - Thanks, Ivani Information on Provence ---- France Beyond The Australian: Crowe aims for French role in Scott's new film Dark Horizons: Adapted from a Peter Mayle novel by Marc Klein ("Serendipity"), "Good Year" follows a London investment banker who moves to Provence after losing his job and inheriting a vineyard from his just-deceased uncle. But when he arrives, he meets a California woman who claims that she owns the place and is his cousin. Scott is producing through his Scott Free Prods. The film has a tentative September start date in Paris. Scott is understood to be already scouting locations. ************************************************************************ The Hollywood Reporter -- Crowe toasting 'Good Year'** By Borys Kit and Sheigh CrabtreeThu Jul 28, 3:26 AM ET Russell Crowe is going from the boxing ring to the vineyards of France. The actor is in discussions to reunite with his "Gladiator" director Sir Ridley Scott in "A Good Year," a project based on the breezy 2004 novel by Peter Mayle. The story revolves around a London banker who moves to Provence after inheriting a vineyard. But when he arrives, he meets a California woman who claims that she owns the place. The Fox film has a tentative September start date in Paris. Crowe was last in theaters with the boxing drama "Cinderella Man," which bombed at the box office, not helped by his concurrent arrest for allegedly throwing a telephone at a hotel clerk. Scott last directed "Kingdom of Heaven," which also did poorly domestically but considerably better overseas. Scott's sword-and-sandal epic "Gladiator" netted Crowe a best actor Oscar in 2001 and also won best picture. Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Publishers Weekly: "Mayle's breezy, uncomplicated fifth novel (Chasing Cezanne, etc.) and ninth book follows 30-something Max Skinner from a sabotaged financial career in London to his adoption of the Proven al lifestyle on an inherited vineyard in France. Max spent holidays at his Uncle Henry's vineyard as a child, so when he inherits the place, the prospect of returning is tempting; a generous "bridging loan" from ex-brother-in-law Charlie seals the deal. The estate, Le Griffon, is in a dire state of disrepair and the wine cellar is filled with bottles of a dreadful-tasting swill, but it's nothing that vineyard caretaker Claude Roussel and prim housekeeper Madame Passepartout can't resolve. Max settles into his new life easily thanks to the attentions of local notary Nathalie Auzet and busty cafe owner Fanny. The arrival of young Californian "wine brat" Christie Roberts, Uncle Henry's long-lost daughter, complicates matters for Max, but her surprise offer and Charlie's arrival lessen the impact of a vicious vineyard scandal involving a delicious, high-priced, discreetly produced wine called Le Coin Perdu. Mayle's simple story provides lighthearted if unadventurous reading and a fond endorsement of the pleasures of viniculture. Agent, William Morris. (June 3) Forecast: Mayle's soft-touch Proven al scene-setting is once again likely to translate into big bucks, with Ridley Scott signed up to direct the film version and a 175,000 first printing planned. BOMC selection; 8-city author tour. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information." From The Washington Post's Book World/washingtonpost.com: Even a hyperactive terrier will sometimes melt to the floor, paws in the air and tongue alop, when he's approached by someone he trusts. But will he get a soul-satisfying belly rub this time or just a quick pat and tickle? The expectant pooch never knows. So it is for fans of Peter Mayle, who became the adoptive bard of Provence with his phenomenally successful A Year in Provence. Will admirers open the ex-advertising man's ninth book and find the Mayle whose eye for detail and ear for language make for satisfying wallows in the south of France (the original Year, Hotel Pastis, Anything Considered) or the Mayle who sometimes slices the saucisson a bit thin in an effort to perpetuate his franchise (Toujours Provence, Encore Provence)? The short answer is that A Good Year, Mayle's latest fictional confection, winds up slightly in the latter category. Once again we have the beleaguered Brit at an unhappy crossroad. In Hotel Pastis it was Simon Shaw being stripped bare by his newly minted ex-wife; in Anything Considered it was Bennett, the Brit on his uppers trying to score by flushing toilets in closed-up manor houses to keep an invented strain of dung beetles from invading the plumbing lines (that actually was funny). And once again the sunny south comes to the rescue, with the potential for making a living without losing one's soul, with a rasher of busty, leggy women and, of course, with good food and drink. But, as the creators of television's "Law and Order" understand, why tamper with a winning formula? And thus are we launched into the marginal life of Max Skinner, a London investment banker suddenly deal-less and jobless on the streets of the City, where the day's weather forecast is for "scattered showers, followed by outbreaks of heavier rain, with a chance of hail." And all this is followed, in Peter Mayle's classic caper formula, by timely good luck (inheritance, on the very day he loses his job, of a beloved uncle's big old house and vineyard in the hilly Luberon region of Provence), more good luck (dishy village maidens and a languid new lifestyle to explore), a halfway-engaging intrigue (an unknown American rival for the estate and the mysterious interest in vines that seem to produce nothing but pipi de chat -- you know, cat pee) and then more good luck (they all drink happily every after). Coming soon to a movie theater near you, thanks to filmmaker Ridley Scott, whose "nose for a good story" got Mayle started on the rather thin plot and who already has "A Good Year" in production. Are we just being cranky? Maybe. There really is a comfort factor that assures long, profitable lives to characters -- fictional detectives, for instance -- whose next formula book readers learn to anticipate. But when the formula is presented practically bare-bones, with only cursory attempts at embellishment, heretofore faithful readers may walk away feeling they've been snookered. Mayle's deftness with detail -- grace notes rather than entire imagery-laden passages -- has been thoroughly catalogued. But there's detail that moves you right along: "He turned off the N7 toward Rognes and followed the narrow road that twisted through groves of pine and oak, warm air coming through the open window, the sound of Patrick Bruel whispering 'Parlez-moi d'amour' trickling like honey from the radio." (Okay, moves you along with a little huffing and puffing.) And then there's detail that stops you cold: " 'Air France to Marseille?' The girl at the desk didn't even bother to consult her computer. 'Out of luck there, sir. Air France doesn't fly direct to Marseille from London anymore. I could try British Airways.' " Yes, by all means, please do. The caper in A Good Year revolves around a mysterious small-batch cult wine that never makes it to the wine store and trades as an investment. But given that the bulk of Mayle's faithful are presumed Francophiles and therefore at least marginally interested in viticulture, the false note on page 90 is perplexing. As Max inspects his vineyard for the first time he finds a piece of his land that "sloped away gently down to the east. . . . the surface appeared to consist entirely of jagged limestone pebbles, blinding white in the sun, warm to the touch, an immense natural radiator. It seemed unlikely that even the most undemanding of weeds could find sufficient nourishment to grow here. And yet the vines appeared to be healthy." Perhaps Max has never read descriptions of the poor, gravelly soil in many of the finest districts of Bordeaux, source of some of the priciest wines in the world. But those who have done so are doomed to spend the next 197 pages wondering why Mayle would give the game away so early. Kindly interpretation: We're meant to read on, smiling slightly, feeling superior to poor Max. Or, darker thought: Mayle thinks we're clueless enough to fall for this. Even as venerable a novelist as Graham Greene recognized that lighter fare -- Our Man in Havana, Stamboul Train -- had a role to play in his life as a writer and ours as readers. He nonetheless flinched slightly, labeling these works "entertainments." As entertaining as Peter Mayle can be, he might aim a bit higher -- if not for his own entertainment, then for ours. Wafer-thin saucisson, oui. Pipi de chat on the rocks? Non! Copyright 2004, The Washington Post Co. All Rights Reserved.--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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N E W S

Toronto Film Festival: "...Today's announcements include eight Gala Presentations, including the world premiere of Michael Apted's AMAZING GRACE, starring Ioan Gruffudd, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rufus Sewell, Youssou N'Dour, Ciaran Hinds, Romola Garai, Michael Gambon, and Albert Finney, as the Closing Night Film; Ridley Scott's A GOOD YEAR, a world premiere starring Russell Crowe, Albert Finney, and Abbie Cornish " (Saturday September 9) - Thanks, to all, for this same story at various sources - Here is Variety's Article

Russell attending.... CP - The Toronto Film Festival: "...Pitt's film Babel made a splash at Cannes earlier this year but the star wasn't able to attend due to the birth of his daughter Shiloh with Angelina Jolie. But organizers announced this morning that he's coming to the Toronto event, along with a laundry list of other celebs, including Russell Crowe, Jude Law, Reese Witherspoon, Dustin Hoffman, Pierce Brosnan and Sharon Stone. - Thanks, Allison

With thanks to AnneCB at the Mostly Russ board, the preview of AGY at EW

You can watch A Good Year trailer HERE - [It's grand!] Thanks, Steph

AGY is now on the Fox Movies page (Coming Soon - left column) - Thanks, Maria

From Cindy: These are the kinds of surprises I LOVE when I'm at a show. Went to see Lady in the Water. Trailers come on, and there before my eyes was wanker banker Max in a office in London with those weird Bluetooth type phones. What a shock when I saw him, and what a thrill. It wasn't just a teaser trailer, either, it was at least two minutes long and it REALLY looks good. It has humor and poignancy. There is skin...at least one love scene...in a bed. It does look like they made it much more meaningful than the lightweight book it came from. The look is absolutely gorgeous as you can imagine from Ridley. It starts off with Max in London, of course, being all business, all about money, but shows he realizes he's missing something after he gets a letter about his Uncle Henry dying and he thinks back to time spent in Provence with him. Shows the scene where he falls into the muck in the pool and scenes with Fanny. There is a love scene where he starts out in a wifebeater/singlet/tank top, then in bed shirtless. Shows one part of a scene with Christie railing to Max about how could he think to sell La Canorgue if he truly loved his uncle. The photography and colors in Provence are everything you would think, gorgeously shot, beautiful but soft colors, has a warm and friendly feel. The part in London was shorter but I'm sure the colors there will be cooler to illustrate the differences. I think I was so surprised to see the trailer I kinda went 'dumb' there for half a minute or so."

At cinema-france.com: A new picture of Max and Fanny (AGY) - Thanks, Steph

From Steph: Just give a look at the pic attached to this article from the french magazine Studio - January 2006 ( thanks to Caco for the scan )

11/3/05 - Max in London - Thanks, Cindy

The NY TImes: Eat Drink Make Movie: Hollywood's Next Course - By STEVE CHAGOLLAN (Image that goes with the article HERE) - Thanks, Steph, Allison

10/30 - Telegraph India: Prime time - "Archie Panjabi, to my mind the best Indian actress in Britain, is currently filming in A Good Year, which is an appropriate title because she has had a pretty good year. The film, directed by Ridley Scott and based on a book by Peter Mayle, is about an investment banker (played by Russell Crowe) who swaps London life for a vineyard in France." - Thanks, Steph, Ivani

A Good Year - "After the ball is over..." The chateau set after the filming had finished - Thanks to Sophie

10/6 - From Steph: According to Kikou on the Allocine message board, the shooting for the scenes involving the property of Roussell (Didier Bourdon) take place at "Le Jas des Eydin"

10/5/05 - My trip to Paris and Bonnieux

9/21/05 - From Anne S: "Just a quick note about the small interview of Branko Lustig posted on the French site; this is only a small extract of the text according to the poster. Lustig mentioned that the team is about 140 - 160 people strong spread in various hotels and housing facilities all over the region. He said Russell stayed with his family in the countryside. Asked how long they were going to stay, he said until Nov. 5"

9/21/05 - Interview in Venice from Urban Cinefile. "...The only time I do a film is when I read something that touches my heart and that's one of the major thematics of the movie I'm working on now--that people never die as long as you keep them in your heart. For me that's a cool place to be telling a story from, and the fact that Ridley and I would get together again and do a low budget comedy instead of what people would expect-some $150million bloodfest - I'm enjoying that part of it as well." - Thanks to Isis

9/21/05 - From Steph: Thanks to Alexquad on the Allocine message board -- This pic (of Ridley Scott and Branko Lustig) was apparently attached to an interview given to the local newspaper of Bonnieux. I will post it as soon as I'll have more info. Today they shoot in Avignon and they plan to shoot in the village of Gordes in the next days.

9/16/05 - At the Allocine message board someone (Kikou) took shots of a Good Year set in Bonnieux. No Russell, but full of local color. He also made three quick videos driving by the set. He calls his films "Provencal making of of the movie." The one of a guy with a camera is from "The Making of" crew, and he is shooting the photographer.- Thanks, Anne S

9/3/05 - The Sunday Telegraph au via newstext: "The year of living famously ----- Abbie Cornish is about to break into Hollywood big-time after winning a leading role in the new Russell Crowe movie being filmed by hot-shot director Ridley Scott in France. The 23-year-old actress from the Hunter Valley began filming A Good Year, in which she plays a young American girl, on Monday. Cornish has been hailed as one of Australia's rising stars after winning the best actress award for her performance in Somersault at the Australian Film Industry's love-in last year. She also received a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival when Somersault was screened last May. "She has a nice role on this gig,'' Crowe told me in an e-mail from France. "She'll do great; working with Ridley Scott is a perfect way to start her international career.'' Crowe should know. He won his best actor Oscar for Gladiator under Scott's directorship. Cornish auditioned for the role, according to her agent, Belinda Maxwell, putting paid to scuttlebutt last year that she pulled out of the lead role opposite Crowe in Eucalyptus because she refused to do a screen test. She is also about to be seen in Irresistible with Susan Sarandon, and in Candy with another Oscar winner, Geoffrey Rush, and orange-peeler Heath Ledger." Thanks, Maria

8/29/05 - Thanks to Lyden ... "According to this French message board, filming for AGY is taking place in Apt and Bonnieux, in the Vauclause region of Provence, near the Luberon area." ... And from barbiecat: "A local winery, named Chateau La Canorgue is mentioned in the set information on the message board. Many wineries in France call themselves chateau this or that if they incorporate an old building or two."

8/24/05: The Hollywood Reporter: More casting news for A Good Year. - Marion Cotillard has signed to star opposite Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott's "A Good Year," based on the novel by Peter Mayle. Tom Hollander also will join the cast, which includes Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart and Didier Bourdon. - Thanks, Cindy

8/32/05 - A Good Year news from Steph: An article published today in the french newspaper Le Parisien (p 27) tells that Rusty, Dani and Charlie have arrived in France, the shooting would begin on the 29th of August for 8 weeks. It would take place in the Luberon, and after Albert Finney, another actor from Erin Brokovitch has joined the cast, Aaron Eckhart (he played Julia 's boyfriend if I am not mistaken). Marion Cotillard ("Big Fish" with Albert Finney, world is small!) would play the female lead and Roussell would be played by Didier Bourdon, a french actor well-known in France for his participation in humoristic sketches with "Les Inconnus" (Very funny actor).

8/17/05 - The Hollywood Reporter: By Tatiana Siegel - Finney right vintage for Scott's 'Year' -- "Fox 2000 has grape expectations for Albert Finney. The actor has signed on to join Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott's "A Good Year" for the studio. Based on the novel by Peter Mayle, "A Good Year" centers on Max Skinner (Crowe), a London financier who quits the rat race after inheriting a vineyard in the south of France. Finney will play Henry Skinner, Crowe's uncle and one-time owner of the property. The female lead, who will play Finney's long-lost daughter, has yet to be cast. Marc Klein is penning the screenplay, while Scott is producing through his Scott Free Prods. Fox 2000 president Elizabeth Gabler and vp production Rodney Ferrell are overseeing for the studio. Shooting is set to begin next month in Paris. Finney, a five-time Academy Award nominee who most recently received a mention for his supporting turn in "Erin Brockovich," lends his voice to Tim Burton's upcoming "Corpse Bride." - Thanks to all who sent this in.

The Wines of Provence - Thanks, moviegirl

Random House's page on A Good Year - Thanks, Rita

If you want to read the book fast, it is available as a downloadable e reader book from Powells

Read an excerpt from Barnes and Noble - Thanks, Ivani

Information on Provence ---- France Beyond

The Australian: Crowe aims for French role in Scott's new film

Dark Horizons: Adapted from a Peter Mayle novel by Marc Klein ("Serendipity"), "Good Year" follows a London investment banker who moves to Provence after losing his job and inheriting a vineyard from his just-deceased uncle. But when he arrives, he meets a California woman who claims that she owns the place and is his cousin.

Scott is producing through his Scott Free Prods. The film has a tentative September start date in Paris. Scott is understood to be already scouting locations.

**************************************************************************

The Hollywood Reporter -- Crowe toasting 'Good Year'

By Borys Kit and Sheigh CrabtreeThu Jul 28, 3:26 AM ET

Russell Crowe is going from the boxing ring to the vineyards of France.

The actor is in discussions to reunite with his "Gladiator" director Sir Ridley Scott in "A Good Year," a project based on the breezy 2004 novel by Peter Mayle.

The story revolves around a London banker who moves to Provence after inheriting a vineyard. But when he arrives, he meets a California woman who claims that she owns the place.

The Fox film has a tentative September start date in Paris.

Crowe was last in theaters with the boxing drama "Cinderella Man," which bombed at the box office, not helped by his concurrent arrest for allegedly throwing a telephone at a hotel clerk. Scott last directed "Kingdom of Heaven," which also did poorly domestically but considerably better overseas. Scott's sword-and-sandal epic "Gladiator" netted Crowe a best actor Oscar in 2001 and also won best picture.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Thanks to a fan

Publishers Weekly: "Mayle's breezy, uncomplicated fifth novel (Chasing Cezanne, etc.) and ninth book follows 30-something Max Skinner from a sabotaged financial career in London to his adoption of the Proven al lifestyle on an inherited vineyard in France. Max spent holidays at his Uncle Henry's vineyard as a child, so when he inherits the place, the prospect of returning is tempting; a generous "bridging loan" from ex-brother-in-law Charlie seals the deal. The estate, Le Griffon, is in a dire state of disrepair and the wine cellar is filled with bottles of a dreadful-tasting swill, but it's nothing that vineyard caretaker Claude Roussel and prim housekeeper Madame Passepartout can't resolve. Max settles into his new life easily thanks to the attentions of local notary Nathalie Auzet and busty cafe owner Fanny. The arrival of young Californian "wine brat" Christie Roberts, Uncle Henry's long-lost daughter, complicates matters for Max, but her surprise offer and Charlie's arrival lessen the impact of a vicious vineyard scandal involving a delicious, high-priced, discreetly produced wine called Le Coin Perdu. Mayle's simple story provides lighthearted if unadventurous reading and a fond endorsement of the pleasures of viniculture. Agent, William Morris. (June 3) Forecast: Mayle's soft-touch Proven al scene-setting is once again likely to translate into big bucks, with Ridley Scott signed up to direct the film version and a 175,000 first printing planned. BOMC selection; 8-city author tour. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information."

From The Washington Post's Book World/washingtonpost.com:

Even a hyperactive terrier will sometimes melt to the floor, paws in the air and tongue alop, when he's approached by someone he trusts. But will he get a soul-satisfying belly rub this time or just a quick pat and tickle? The expectant pooch never knows.

So it is for fans of Peter Mayle, who became the adoptive bard of Provence with his phenomenally successful A Year in Provence. Will admirers open the ex-advertising man's ninth book and find the Mayle whose eye for detail and ear for language make for satisfying wallows in the south of France (the original Year, Hotel Pastis, Anything Considered) or the Mayle who sometimes slices the saucisson a bit thin in an effort to perpetuate his franchise (Toujours Provence, Encore Provence)?

The short answer is that A Good Year, Mayle's latest fictional confection, winds up slightly in the latter category. Once again we have the beleaguered Brit at an unhappy crossroad. In Hotel Pastis it was Simon Shaw being stripped bare by his newly minted ex-wife; in Anything Considered it was Bennett, the Brit on his uppers trying to score by flushing toilets in closed-up manor houses to keep an invented strain of dung beetles from invading the plumbing lines (that actually was funny). And once again the sunny south comes to the rescue, with the potential for making a living without losing one's soul, with a rasher of busty, leggy women and, of course, with good food and drink.

But, as the creators of television's "Law and Order" understand, why tamper with a winning formula? And thus are we launched into the marginal life of Max Skinner, a London investment banker suddenly deal-less and jobless on the streets of the City, where the day's weather forecast is for "scattered showers, followed by outbreaks of heavier rain, with a chance of hail."

And all this is followed, in Peter Mayle's classic caper formula, by timely good luck (inheritance, on the very day he loses his job, of a beloved uncle's big old house and vineyard in the hilly Luberon region of Provence), more good luck (dishy village maidens and a languid new lifestyle to explore), a halfway-engaging intrigue (an unknown American rival for the estate and the mysterious interest in vines that seem to produce nothing but pipi de chat -- you know, cat pee) and then more good luck (they all drink happily every after). Coming soon to a movie theater near you, thanks to filmmaker Ridley Scott, whose "nose for a good story" got Mayle started on the rather thin plot and who already has "A Good Year" in production.

Are we just being cranky? Maybe. There really is a comfort factor that assures long, profitable lives to characters -- fictional detectives, for instance -- whose next formula book readers learn to anticipate. But when the formula is presented practically bare-bones, with only cursory attempts at embellishment, heretofore faithful readers may walk away feeling they've been snookered.

Mayle's deftness with detail -- grace notes rather than entire imagery-laden passages -- has been thoroughly catalogued. But there's detail that moves you right along: "He turned off the N7 toward Rognes and followed the narrow road that twisted through groves of pine and oak, warm air coming through the open window, the sound of Patrick Bruel whispering 'Parlez-moi d'amour' trickling like honey from the radio." (Okay, moves you along with a little huffing and puffing.) And then there's detail that stops you cold: " 'Air France to Marseille?' The girl at the desk didn't even bother to consult her computer. 'Out of luck there, sir. Air France doesn't fly direct to Marseille from London anymore. I could try British Airways.' "

Yes, by all means, please do.

The caper in A Good Year revolves around a mysterious small-batch cult wine that never makes it to the wine store and trades as an investment. But given that the bulk of Mayle's faithful are presumed Francophiles and therefore at least marginally interested in viticulture, the false note on page 90 is perplexing. As Max inspects his vineyard for the first time he finds a piece of his land that "sloped away gently down to the east. . . . the surface appeared to consist entirely of jagged limestone pebbles, blinding white in the sun, warm to the touch, an immense natural radiator. It seemed unlikely that even the most undemanding of weeds could find sufficient nourishment to grow here. And yet the vines appeared to be healthy."

Perhaps Max has never read descriptions of the poor, gravelly soil in many of the finest districts of Bordeaux, source of some of the priciest wines in the world. But those who have done so are doomed to spend the next 197 pages wondering why Mayle would give the game away so early. Kindly interpretation: We're meant to read on, smiling slightly, feeling superior to poor Max. Or, darker thought: Mayle thinks we're clueless enough to fall for this.

Even as venerable a novelist as Graham Greene recognized that lighter fare -- Our Man in Havana, Stamboul Train -- had a role to play in his life as a writer and ours as readers. He nonetheless flinched slightly, labeling these works "entertainments." As entertaining as Peter Mayle can be, he might aim a bit higher -- if not for his own entertainment, then for ours.

Wafer-thin saucisson, oui. Pipi de chat on the rocks? Non!