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Holy Crap! Quint interviews Natalie Portman about V FOR VENDETTA!!!
Ahoy, squirts. Quint here... there are some days when it is good to be a geekly internet loser and last Friday was one of those days. Somehow, Warner Bros decided they would let me sit down with Natalie Portman for 10 minutes and leave us two all by our lonesomes for a chat about V FOR VENDETTA. I don't know why they trusted me to be alone with one of the most beautiful girls in the world, but God bless 'em for it.
I've had a crush on Portman since I was about 13 years old and I saw THE PROFESSIONAL for the first time. Throughout the next decade my crush hadn't abated... through BEAUTIFUL GIRLS and up to GARDEN STATE she has a vulnerability and beauty that is unique to her. Shit, they shaved her head for V and she still looks adorable. I know if they shaved my head I'd look like a penis after getting caught in a mousetrap.
Portman was sweet, beautiful, kind and a very giving interviewee. My only regret is that due to them running late with the interviews I was cut off by about 3 minutes without a warning, so I couldn't ask her what her favorite dirty joke was.
So, enough with the jibber-jabber as they say. Let's get on with the interview! I present Ms. Natalie Portman!
QUINT: We better get started with this... you got about 20,000 angry, yet loving press waiting to talk to you.
NATALIE PORTMAN: (laughs) Why angry?
QUINT: Just because they're still waiting to talk to you. I'm really excited that you're doing this project. I'm a huge Alan Moore fan, but I hadn't picked up V before this Con. I've just started reading it and one of the things that immediately jumped out at me about it is that it's very politically explosive... not just in this day and age, but for this exact moment in time, considering the recent attacks on London. I was wondering if the political themes had any specific part in drawing you to this project.
NATALIE PORTMAN: Absolutely. Well, 'cause I think it's complicated trying to tell anyone how to think. You know, the hero is a hero in many ways, but is deeply flawed and homicidal in other ways and I think that complication really makes you think about a lot of ways we define violence. I think that's really positive and interesting in a world where we're constantly creating categories for what is good violence and what is bad violence. The truth is that all violence is horrible and whether it's good or not, obviously, has to do with your perspective and it's very, very subjective.
So, I think this shows that because you relate to different sides at different times and it's complicated, it's ambiguous. It's respectful of an audience that can think.
QUINT: What excited you the most about the character of Evey? What did you see in her that made you want to play her?
NATALIE PORTMAN: Well, she's someone who develops a political consciousness, which is really interesting because she's someone, in the movie, whose parents are... were... political activists who were murdered by the government. Because of that, she's sort of developed an aversion to being political because she's only seen it lead to bad things.
Also, there is an aspect to political life when it endangers your life that can be selfish if you have kids and family because you're putting your ideals before your kids... but on the other hand, maybe your kids wouldn't look up to you if you didn't stand up for your ideals, but I mean... putting your ideals first means you don't get to watch your kids grow up and they don't get to have a mom or dad or whatever. That's a big deal.
So, I thought it was interesting that someone would be a-politicized out of fear and out of that experience, then something could turn them around and make them, sort of, reenter a world of political conscience.
QUINT: What was your favorite and/or most difficult scene to shoot?
NATALIE PORTMAN: My favorite stuff was actually the light stuff, I think because, I think, most of my scenes with V that are not you know... that are not... (laughs), you know... traumatic are really sort of light and sweet and romantic.
I mean, there are scenes where he's cooking for me and where we dance together that I just love. It's people who are really intellectually engaged with each other and fighting each other and there's just so many layers to their relationship.
The most challenging... um... A lot of it was challenging. I think... there's a scene that I don't want to give away, but there's sort of a surprise twist in the middle where she learns something that is completely unexpected for her and that was a big, big scene to do because it's a transition very quickly.
QUINT: Cool. Was Hugo Weaving behind the mask the whole time?
NATALIE PORTMAN: Yeah, well... you know James Purefoy started out and after some weeks of shooting they brought in Hugo because they didn't feel it was working out. We didn't reshoot most of the stuff, they're re-voicing. They're both really, really wonderful actors and really nice people, so...
QUINT: But you always had somebody in the get-up to act with.
NATALIE PORTMAN: But there was always a great actor there! (laughs) I mean, that is hard. I don't think it has ever been done before where you have a full mask that you talk through a lot. 'Cause V talks a lllllot. Like, he has speeches that are pages long. He really is a talker and it's through a mask, which they don't do. It's either a half-mask or they take off the mask.
QUINT: Well, Hugo sounds absolutely perfect in the trailer they showed. It actually sounds like it is drawn in the book, that kind of shaky dialogue bubble.
NATALIE PORTMAN: Oh, yeah!
QUINT: And even more important, it doesn't sound like anything he's done before. I met him on RETURN OF THE KING and he was a very nice guy.
NATALIE PORTMAN: Hugo's amazing. He's one of the, if not the, nicest person I've ever met. Everyone was so in love with him. He's really, a fine, fine human being.
QUINT: You said on the panel that you didn't read the graphic novel until after you decided to be in the movie. I take it you read it before you shot...
NATALIE PORTMAN: Yeah.
QUINT: Did that influence anything that might not have been in the script?
NATALIE PORTMAN: Absolutely. A lot of the references... I got from the book. For instance, you know how all the chapter titles are different V words that relate to the character and also how they act... like all the theatricality of it I think you got more from the book than the script. Like all the vaudeville... all of those ideas of how they behaved.
Also, some of the references, some of the Shakespeare references.... There are Shakespeare references in the movie as well, but reading up on the history of the Shakespeare plays and stuff like that was really helpful.
And that's that, the end of the line. Didn't she sound sweet? Wasn't that Shakespeare talk just BEGGING to be followed up by a filthy, disgusting, hilarious joke? I think so. Oh well. Maybe next time? I'll start preparing by working out and making myself into a fine specimen of manhood so that I may sweep her off her feet and elope in the rolling hills of New Zealand. A bloke can dream, can't he?
Hope you enjoyed the little chat. That's one of six people I interviewed at the Con (yet only the first 3 beautiful actresses I interviewed... and I even got one of these other beauties to tell a dirty joke!), so keep your eyes out for more. 'Til then this is Quint bidding you all a fond farewell and adieu.
-Quint
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+ Expand All
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That is all
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Anyway, the interview actually has me sort of interested in V. Obviously, Natalie Portman's a smart and savvy lady and obviously, it's her job to make the movie sound good, but some of the stuff about how people define violence is genuinely interesting. I wonder if the movie gets any more specific than that.
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'V for Vendetta,' that is to say.
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Score!!!!!!!!!!!
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and name one Natalie and the other Sinead.
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Kidding, Ms. Portman, KIDDING!!!
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I'd like to give her a Roman helmet.
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Jul 21, 2005 1:58:16 AM CDT
Looks like the same table where AICN interviewed Bai Ling last y
by frankdrebin
Probably has a drain on the ground underneath it, to catch all the fanboy fluids (drool, etc.).
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Jul 21, 2005 2:07:20 AM CDT
I only recently realized it was Hugo Weaving in the very cool PR
by frankdrebin
He played a blind guy who's trying to figure out who in his life he can trust. He settles on this hot gal, who turns out to be a stalker. Strange movie--it's a drama, a comedy, a thriller & a fable.
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I hate you Quint. I really fucking goddamn hate you.
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and too far away.
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... in that someone whose face you never see clearly and often in disguise ends up not working out. It is possible I guess but it's not as easy to wrap around as like when Michael J Fox replaced Eric Stoltz in BTTF ...
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anyone else feel genuinely troubled when natalie cries in movies?like in episode 3 i felt really sad...and then garden state was on cable today and when she cried i was like "awww."...and when she's knocking on leon's door for the first time??!?!it must be the ninja turtle mouth expressions...but she's a good crier...you know?
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I'm likin' it. She can roll around with me any time.
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And those chubby troll hands on the other side of the table. What with his lucasesque poetry on the greatness of natalie ("she has a vulnerability and beauty that is unique to her, unlike sand which is coarse etc.") and his detailed description of female genitalia in the richard kelly/kevin smith report, I think it's safe to declare that quint has finally reached puberty!
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Jul 21, 2005 5:48:06 AM CDT
Wow Quint. You scored an interview with a stunning actress
by thirteen 13
How the hell did you pull that off. Well then again you got the insider info and look on the Kong vs. T-rex fight so maybe thats a stupid question. Good job bro.
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Nats is undeniably attractive, but if you geeks find that look attractive you must have a thing for 14yr old, undernourished, Ukranian boys. Do you look at pictures of the women in the german concentration camps and find them sexy too? Weird geeks!
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Jul 21, 2005 6:22:18 AM CDT
Weaving was up for the part of Wolverine at one point.
by trevor goodchild
As was Russel Crowe
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Who is more undeserving of their success? Both are truly grating, on-screen.
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because, as annoying as julia roberts is, her movies actually make some dough. (Star Wars movies don't count because it didn't matter who played Portman's role)
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because, as annoying as julia roberts is, her movies actually make some dough. (Star Wars movies don't count because it didn't matter who played Portman's role)
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That 14yr old, undernourished, Ukranian boy thing has done it for me since I was about 13 years old.
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Talk about an inconsiderate interview location. Portman is baking in the sun, with it on the back of her neck (so almost worthless for photography) while the interviewer sits comfortably in the shade. Classy work dude. --No wonder the interview was short.
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Natilie Portman has been known to have an aversion to Star Wars publicity. Christien Hayden, on the other hand, shows up to cons occasionally.
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a true gentleman wold have offered her the shady side of the table that you were comfortably sitting in. for shame!
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No, I think Maggie McOmie in THX1138 still holds that title for me. As has been pointed out, the otherwise gorgeous Miss Portman is a bit skinny and boyish to pull it off. Sinead O'Connor's all right, but I can't picture her face without it turning into that of an ex-girlfriend who looked abit like her. She looked good with short hair. But anyway, vaguely on-topic: I think I'll have to look up this here 'V for Vendetta' thingie. Never head of it before, but Hugo Weaving is the man and it sounds interesting.
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Jul 21, 2005 9:21:53 AM CDT
I'm a huge Alan Moore fan, but I hadn't picked up V befo
by harker-writes
Yeah and I'm a huge Orson Welles fan but I never saw Citizen Kane!
Sounds like Quint more of a creep than a fan.
This movie is scheduled for a November 5th opening. But any movie celebrating the destruction of Parliament might find itself unwelcome given current events in London. I bet that release date is postponed.
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Jul 21, 2005 9:49:03 AM CDT
As more TERRORISTS kick-off in LONDON today - and get their resp
by rhett butler
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Just had to get that off my chest.
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Genevieve Bujold from Star Trek The Motion Picture, now that was a hot bald chick. But Natalie Portman is a goddess, she was incredible in Closer, you know she's hot when I barely notice Julia Roberts in the same scene.
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Jul 21, 2005 10:13:07 AM CDT
...and Who'd Have Thought Banging Uncle Fester Could Feel So
by hipcheck13
...Ms. Portman and Ms. Biel put off enough heat to warm our planet for 1,000 years. Nice job Quint.
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Jul 21, 2005 10:15:18 AM CDT
Portman better get on her game and make a sequel to The Professi
by mr. profit
Im sure a Professional sequel starring Portman as a cleaner would do well at the Box Office.
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Jul 21, 2005 10:16:01 AM CDT
Portman better get on her game and make a sequel to The Professi
by mr. profit
Im sure a Professional sequel starring Portman as a cleaner would do well at the Box Office.
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Jul 21, 2005 10:16:30 AM CDT
Portman better get on her game and make a sequel to The Professi
by mr. profit
Im sure a Professional sequel starring Portman as a cleaner would do well at the Box Office.
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And I'm glad that The Wachowski's second unit director is doing what people should do in Hollywood. Come up through the ranks after paying dues. Too often Music Video directors are handed big time directorial jobs. And only a few are good.
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Actually, it was Persis Khambata in Star Trek: The Motion Picture, but I agree...that was one damn hot bald chica.
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She's one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen, but she doesn't turn me on that much. I'm sure in person, she'd be sexier, but she has this ethereal beauty that seems above lowly, dirty, copulation.
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Nice that all the perves have a little girl fawn over that is actually legal.
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"If Merril Streep's skeleton walked around and smiled all day"
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"If Merril Streep's skeleton walked around and smiled all day"
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Sorry, it's been a long time, just remembered it was sort of an exotic sounding name. Oh, the Animal House ripoff H.O.T.S. had a hot bald chick at the end when the 'bitch' in the movie is revealed to be bald, although it was obviously a skull cap.
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I dunno, that just seems so wrong, and then I picture him with the sideburns and the evil grimace and I go "yeah, that could've worked." And then I think to myself Elf to Wolverine and figure there ain't enough sammiches in the world to make him look right from the neck down. They'd have to use CGI to put enough weight on him to make him look convincing.
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or maybe it's goor interviewee. It's hard to tell sometimes, but she certainly had some interesting answers to your questions.
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off topic, but somebody mentioned it. seriously, what a brilliantly subversive film! there is no way in hell they could get something like that made today. i even heard that the Republikan / Khristian Reich has tagged both the book and the film as "dangerous" and that people who buy it get flagged as potential subversives. too bad i bought both the book and DVD on my credit card. boy, V FOR VENDETTA could either be another brilliantly subversive film, or a disaster. i'm hoping for the former.
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Those photos look like the beginning of an amateur porn shoot.
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I was in King's Cross when the shit hit the fan, lucky for more though I'd caught a train just five minutes before the actual explosions. Weird, just I hadn't slept for two days and some guy asked me the when the train to Brighton was due... I said I had no idea. I got no way of knowing, but he could be just another dead dude. And at least some of those people I stared at lining around the platforms bit the bullet too. On another note, as far as Fight Club's concerned, have you ever tried reciting the rules of Fight Club but every time the word Fight comes up swapping it for wank. "Only two men for a wank at one time"...it works.
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I should check what I post- scratch the "just" in that first sentence.
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and swap the more for me. fucking hell I must be going senile or something.
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and all you monkeys know it.
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Jul 21, 2005 2:16:35 PM CDT
Here's some head to toe HIRES photos of Natalie from Comic-c
by orionsangels
frankly I liked her wearing the pink top, without it the dress looks like a potato sack...http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/roleplayer59/natalieportmancomicon1.jpg --- http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/roleplayer59/natalieportmancomicon2.jpg
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Does anyone here know what Quint's real name is? Having found out that Moriarty's real name is Drew McWeeny, I'm just curious as to the real names of everyone else (Quint, Capone, Herc) on the AICN staff.
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I found out their real names. Eric Vespe...that's pretty cool.
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Could be a really cool flick if they stick to the book. I've read two script treatments, and both take liberties I did not like. I understand the need to condense and tighten, but I don't like them changing the ending--and the Guy Fawkes bits they are re-enacting seem like a distraction. V wore the mask, and, yeah, maybe American audiences won't be all the familiar with Guy Fawkes--but you could handle that with a little dialogue exposition. They didn't need to tag on an entire prologue featuring Guy Fawkes. I hope the film respects the mystery of V. Of all the comic book movies, this one has the most potential to be fully realized on the big screen because of the nature of the material. Not heavy CGI, no origin backstory to muddle through, etc. I'm hoping it turns out well.
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I'm guessing you have not read the book, but if you had you'd know that the "undernourished...women in the german concentration camps" look is exactly right for the Evey character in V for Vendetta in certain parts of the book. Since it required the head shear and weight loss--and since I'm assuming they shot out of sequence--they probably saved those scenes for the end of the filming, since, once the head is shaved it can't be unshaved.
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Because 12 year old Ukranian boy or not, I want to bang her skinny bald ass all night long and nut in her Sgt. Rock hairdo. She's one hot little piece, and was the only thing that made Closer bearable.
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http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a20/FilePhotos/Nat9.jpg
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I think the Hollywood weight syndrome has hit her since she looks like a little girl (boy) in those pics. I still love her though. Get healthier Nat, don't want to see you like that has-been Flynn-Boyle. ___KNEEL___
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she's only like 5"2. her face doesn't seem as nice as when she was 19 though
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A major Sci-Fi epic opens up in a week and nobody's chimed in with a screening review yet? It must be the giant steaming corn-shit that some people have been hinting it's gonna be
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...to appreciate Natalie on a physical level. She looks almost exactly like my 17-year-old sister, and my brain just automatically shuts off my libido any time I look at her. It's really for the best. She was a damn fine actress as a child, though. Worlds better than Julia Roberts as an adult. All grown up, the only thing Natalie's done that I truly enjoyed was Garden State.
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Come here, Natalie!!!
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I dunno. Officially she's hot but she just doesn't do it for me, don't know why (knees too pointy?). Also she went from being a very good actress as a child to being a mediocre/bad actress as an adult, somehow. Her scene in Phantom Menace where she begs the Gungans for help is excruciatingly bad.
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"knees too pointy"? jesus. you're right about her as a kid though. she came into my dorm at college and did body shots. so doesn't that make me a little bit better than everyone else here? I think it has to, really.
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but seriously everyone look at the size of Johanssen's tits on the top right of the page.
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Is your sister single ? Just kidding. Not really.
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Her good looks seemed to peak around age 20, and now for the last few years she's been losing it. ANd those pictures of her in this article should be banned!
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You gave her V a Vendetta, didn't you? ok that didn't make much sense, but what does in this topsy turvy world of today?
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..like you did in the professional...but ill guess its not help you will receive. Im so sick sometimes.
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Too many times I read these interviews where a geek like us gets a shot at interviewing a hot actress, and makes a complete douche out of himself. You can just imagine him drooling all over himself as he says stupid line after stupid line. But you stayed on topic and asked smart questions, so kudos. You get her number?
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Jul 22, 2005 12:41:19 PM CDT
Quint, You Fucked Up! - You Forgot to Ask Her About The Next Sta
by www.valiens.com
Oh wait, there are none. Shit. Who's left to rape my childhood now?
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Quint seems to be a nice guy as far as anybody can tell but his interviews are too much about him. Like, "I'm a huge Alan Moore fan, but I hadn't picked up V before this Con"....First, if you haven't read V of Vendetta, you aren't a big Alan Moore fan. Just like I am a big fan of Pete Jackson but I haven't seen those Rings movies yet. Then he tells her, "Yea, I met Hugo Weaving." So Quint, kudos to you for scoring the interview. Try to never mention yourself, at all, ever, even once, in a ten minute interview. Just advice, brother-to-brother.
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actually her looks peaked in Beautiful Girls, clitkins. she's still fucking sassy though
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