O'Toole retreats

I've been writing Miramax pallies about some long-awaited Peter O'Toole face-time when he finally arrives in Los Angeles, following his smashing success on the New York talk-show circuit. (And getting no reply.) The Envelope's Tom O'Neil has been interested in same, but he reported early this morning that a Miramax rep has told Gold Derby, "Unfortunately, O'Toole flew back to London [last] Saturday. He was exhausted after his crazy press schedule in New York and didn't have it in him to come here. If we get the Oscar nom, he will come." Good heavens...he was supposed to fly to L.A. and settle in and chill and take it as it comes. I don't believe "exhaustion" was the all of it.

Posted by Jeffrey Wells on January 16, 2007 at 11:39 AM

comment #1

Craptastic Author Profile Page says ...

How can you NOT believe it? LOOK AT HIM! The guy was funny on Letterman but you could plainly see that he was having a hard time just getting to the damn stage. His brain and wit are there but the body just seemed frail/brittle.

Christ, look at that print ad pic they're got running for the film. One of the scariest things I've seen in ages.

Posted by Craptastic Author Profile Page at January 16, 2007 12:13 PM

comment #2

bellepoitrine Author Profile Page says ...

He parses his time rather carefully now. He hadn't courted the 85 wine stewards and valet parkers in the HFPA, so he knew he wasn't going to win. Why fly out here to lose? Plus, the Oscar nomination ballots are already in, so there's nothing to be done until those are announced. Then it will be time for a full-court press.

Posted by bellepoitrine Author Profile Page at January 16, 2007 1:39 PM

comment #3

ThermosDay Author Profile Page says ...

Smart move by O'Toole to pace himself. He does need to 'settle in' in LA after the nominations, though, to get the award that's within grasp. It will be down to the wire between O'Toole and Whitaker, with sentiment favoring Peter.

Posted by ThermosDay Author Profile Page at January 16, 2007 1:43 PM

comment #4

christian Author Profile Page says ...

geez, jeff. o'toole is lucky he's alive and after seeing his frail tobe visits, you deny he's exhausted? what is he then, scared?

Posted by christian Author Profile Page at January 16, 2007 3:38 PM

comment #5

christian Author Profile Page says ...

i mean, TUBE not tobe. or not tobe.

Posted by christian Author Profile Page at January 16, 2007 3:39 PM

comment #6

dobbsy Author Profile Page says ...

Hell with sentiment! I'd rate O'Toole's performance ahead of Whitaker's and the rest, which are not chopped liver. There are some outstanding performances this year. But none with the combination of rawness, wit, vulnerability, fear, arrogance etc that add up to a great great O'Toole performance.

Posted by dobbsy Author Profile Page at January 16, 2007 3:41 PM

comment #7

Michelle Author Profile Page says ...

O'Toole's PR people blew it...they should've flown him straight to LA and had him do Leno. Once the Oscar noms come out, O'Toole will be back, hopefully, for the SAGS. And besides, Whitaker's speech last night was a mess and not exactly endearing.... Everyone knows the Globes are a dress rehearsal for the Oscars and he blew it.

Posted by Michelle Author Profile Page at January 16, 2007 3:58 PM

comment #8

jjgittes Author Profile Page says ...

Where are all the "Will Smith's got it in the bag" people who were posting on here a few weeks ago when I was giving the O'Toole winning scenario?

Yeah, I shouldn't say stuff like that but I'm a petty pettty man, ok?

This also applies to "The Departed" is going to win best Picture people - but I digress.

Posted by jjgittes Author Profile Page at January 16, 2007 5:36 PM

comment #9

christian Author Profile Page says ...

the thought of peter o'toole having to banter with jay leno and burbank audience is too horrid to imagine:

tonight's guests are peter o'toole, lacey chabert and ludacris!

Posted by christian Author Profile Page at January 16, 2007 6:43 PM

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