Renate:
Hostages has too serious, sad and realistic a subject for drooling. It is a true story and a serious film and good enough to draw you into the story of several men whose lives were shattered. There's no explicit torture, except that the whole situation is a torture in itself. In fact they even resisted making the kidnappers all black and succeeded in showing their point of view, thus making the whole scenario still more realistic. 

Jana:
This is one of my all time-favorite Colin films. In fact it was the one that turned me from a Darcy fan to an over-the-top, obsessed, must-have-every-video Colin fan. It is not droolable in the conventional sense, and our DB does have a few scenes where he is somewhat challenged in the dental hygiene department. But the acting and his relationship with the Ciaran Hinds character are fabulous. Love this film! And there is one brief flash of nudity to drool over. 

Nan:
But was he naked? I don't really remember that. 

Arami:
Early in the film they quickly strip him naked—Nan, you probably blinked and missed it—and he stands there, poor little darling, scared and trembling, and still ever so mindful of the captors' (read: viewers') sensitivities. Is it a natural gesture for a man in this situation? He may be facing death and there are only men around, yet he still takes great care to cover himself very thoroughly. 

Karen:
This is a must. Despite the subject matter, Colin is droolable in this film. First off, we get a delectable view of his backside. But, for the vast majority of the time, he is only clad in gym shorts which ride dangerously low on his slim hips. 

There isn't any torture in the movie, except possibly one instance of mental torture when a prisoner is told he is going home and waits all day only to be returned to the cell. No one realistically looks the way the real hostages would have after all those years. Even Ciaran Hinds, who should have done some serious time on a Stairmaster, didn't lose a pound. Yes, they got a little hairy, but, if Colin has to have facial hair, I prefer a beard to a cheesy mustache any day. Then, Colin has some great lines.

(Nan) But was he naked?
Yes'm! How could you forget. Near the beginning. Right after he's abducted, they strip him down and throw him into that dark room where he cwies. :'-( 

Arami:
(Karen) they strip him down and throw him into that dark room where he cwies :'-(
whilst peeing in a bottle :-/ 

Renate:
Does anyone have a kind of timeline when the events took place? It is easier for me when I can connect it to a time in my own life, but I cannot remember when it was. 

Wanda:
I think John McCarthy, Colin's character, was abducted in April '86. Brian Keenan was taken a month or two before McCarthy, and Terry Anderson was taken about a year before that. John McCarthy was released in August '91, Brian Keenan 3-6 months earlier, and Terry Anderson in December '91. I'm going from memory, so these dates might be slightly off but they're close.

[Dates of Captivity: Terry Anderson: March 16, 1985-December 4, 1991. Tom Sutherland: June 9, 1985-November 18, 1991. Brian Keenan: April 11, 1986-August 24, 1990. John McCarthy: April 16, 1986-August 8, 1991. Frank Reed: September 9, 1986-April 30, 1990.]

Bethan:
Colin gave an interview about Hostages when it was screened, but I've never read it. There was a reference to it in a more recent interview with the same journalist.

The last time I interviewed CF [about Hostages]...he struck me as thoughtful, wholesome and unglamorous, and a Colin, for heaven's sake—although I should have heard alarm bells when the press officer (female) wondered if he could be persuaded to sit on her lap for the interview. He told me that McCarthy's incarceration in Beirut had a metaphorical meaning for him. "When you dig a bit" he told me "people compare their experiences to being a hostage: the traps imposed on us by our own fears of daring, change, of losing people, our careers, our security...I'm constantly going through life wondering what my traps are, both in my career and personal life." 

Arami:
Oh, you poor dear, could it be that you're deprived of the scene in which Colin sobs and pees in a bottle? And he handles it so beautifully. 

Renate:
Jana, it is at the beginning after he is kidnapped. But you don't really see him doing it; it is more suggested. Surely there was no reason to edit that scene out. 

Wanda:
(Jana) I taped off the History Channel and suspect it is a cut version.
I believe that scene was cut as well as where he was freaked by the cockroaches in his cell. I remembered that scene, so I went out and rented the uncut version after watching the HC version. There are several scenes that were cut that help to get a feel for the relationships that developed between the characters and what they went through. 

Heide:
One thing I notice about a lot of Colin's movies is the affecting relationships portrayed between his character and the other male characters: AMITC, FP, FF, AC, even Tumbledown. Hostages is no different—only this time the relationships were required for survival. McCarthy's darkest moments were when he was alone (e.g., the cockroach scene). When together, each man was able to support the other: Brian trying to comfort Terry who is lamenting the fact he's never seen his younger child or Brian receiving comfort when he's returned to the cell after being told he was going home. This is a difficult movie to drool over, but it is a powerful film and one I'm glad we're discussing. 

Though it is also sad, it seems that John's survival tactic was flippancy. This shows his type of humor too. In the beginning, he is so civilized—trying to reason with his captors—and apologetic. "I'm not anybody important. I've only been here four weeks." He calls his captors "gentlemen." Thinks they'll treat him reasonably: "Perhaps you can make a phone call on my behalf. Say that there are problems, I've been delayed." Then we watch despair and then resignation sets in. 

When it's Ramadan and the hostages realize they won't get fed during daylight hours, John's only concern is getting a cigarette. He asks one of the captors, "Are you in a terrorist union?" He mocks Terry's political correctness. "Sorry, sir, freedom fighters, sir." When they're given "Action Force" to watch on the TV, he asks, "Please, sir, can we take our blindfolds off to watch it?" And of course, the "flower derangement." 

Other Lines I Like:

1. "Sod me, Ben Gunn" on seeing bearded Brian for the first time. 
2. "For God's sake, Terry, what have you done? That's Oxford Street" when playing Monopoly. 
3. "We've been in a queue now for four bloody years," differing with Brian who's reflecting that the experience might have value. 
4. Sutherland talking about "the firth of Forth." Just to hear "firth." 
5. "Doesn't anyone ever kidnap any women around here?"

Jana:
(Heide) "Maybe his luck's changed and they're going to shoot him." Grin. Yikes, I know I shouldn't, but he looks jumpable.
He does look pretty darn cute in that scene. Even the dirt and scraggly hair can't hide that beautiful face! 

I also love the scenes when he cuddles up with his aging, tattered picture of Jill. 

(Heide) it seems that John's survival tactic was flippancy. This shows his type of humor too.
The History Channel adds historical perspective with quotes, interviews, etc. One of the contextual items they provided for Hostages was a quote from Terry Anderson's book. "I think John, with his urbanity and wit and ability to get along, has been Brian's buffer. In return, Brian's steely integrity and toughness has [sic] helped John in those times we all have, when we question ourselves." (p.247) 

It seems like CF nailed the part of John, doesn't it? (As he does with all his parts!) 

Wanda:
(Heide) it seems that John's survival tactic was flippancy. This shows his type of humor too. 
(Terry Anderson) "I think John, with his urbanity and wit and ability to get along, has been Brian's buffer. In return, Brian's steely integrity and toughness has [sic] helped John..."
I've read both Brian Keenan's and Terry Anderson's books and both men commented that John was the most easygoing and likeable of all the men. Each felt that his humor and easy manner were invaluable to the group. The movie makes him appear a bit flip, but he doesn't come off that way in either book. John and Brian were held together during most of their captivity and became extremely close. The Americans were a little jealous of their relationship when they first met them. Anderson said there was a lot more bickering among the Americans than was shown in the movie, and John and Brian distanced themselves from that. After Brian's release, Terry and John grew closer, and Anderson credits John with being a stabilizing force for the rest. Sounds like DB got to portray a truly admirable man, not that they all weren't, but both Keenan and Anderson wrote of John with great fondness. Just thought it might provide a little insight into the character. 

Renate
Very interesting background info, and I am getting curious. This is now the second time (after Tumbledown/ Falkland war) that a CF film got me really interested in a topic I did not give much thought about and I find myself actually concerned about the well-being of Robert Lawrence and John McCarthy and the other hostages. Any tips on what else to read? 

Karen
Before I can seriously discuss this film, I hope you can bear with me as I must get past the silly and drooly stages. 

Favorite Lines:

1. "Doesn't anyone ever kidnap any women around here?" He looks up, surveys the situation, says the line; they laugh at him and he flops back unto his mattress. 
2. "And I shall be wearing a copy of The Times. Notice how he lowers his voice when he says this suggestive line to Jill. Hmmm, whatever could be on his mind? 
3. "Is this really necessary?" as the terrorists are undressing him. This line cries out for a group showing of the movie, where we would all yell back at the screen: "Yes!"

Favorite Outfit: Tough category since there weren't many. I didn't like any of his short-sleeved shirt/chino pants outfits. So I will have to go with the shorts, especially when they are riding very, very low on his slim hips! 

Second Favorite Bod Shot: I think everyone knows what the first one had to be, but in terms of *jumpability* it doesn't get any better than the way he looks during the Monopoly game. He is shirtless and propped up on his elbows. It looks as if he isn't wearing any shorts (but of course he is). With the lovely curve of his back and the deep valley of his waist, it looks like a ski-jumping venue par excellence! Couldn't you just see it? Down from the shoulders to the waist and then you take off. Wheeee!

Favorite Choreography/Musical Number: Ciaran's "Dance of the Seventy Candles."

Bethan:
In some shots Colin looks remarkably similar to John McCarthy in real life. There's an excellent book written by John McCarthy and Jill Morrell about their experiences. Sadly, their relationship ended a couple of years after their reunion. 

Arami:
John McCarthy didn't approve of this film. I don't know the reasons, but he refused to cooperate. 

Heide:
Interesting that McCarthy didn't cooperate with the film. Perhaps reading the story from his perspective would show significant differences from the portrayals on film. 

I think, starting from the scene where John and Brian are squishing cockroaches, I realized it was okay for me to drool again. It almost becomes a cozy, little domestic scene. 

(Karen) With the lovely curve of his back and the deep valley of his waist, it looks like a ski-jumping venue par excellence!
What a vision! Curves and valleys indeed. Sounds almost feminine but then we get the push-up scene. Love that one. Okay the technique isn't great, but John is doing a better job than Brian. And those holes in that T-shirt are getting ever larger. 

(Terry Anderson) "I think John, with his urbanity and wit and ability to get along, has been Brian's buffer. In return, Brian's steely integrity and toughness have [sic] helped John."
Very interesting. I think some of the most touching scenes in this film are between John and Brian, particularly when Brian is taken away and you see John sitting there looking very worried. Also when Brian is finally released and he doesn't want to go and leave John behind. 

Probably my favorite touching scene though is when they are sitting together shivering, sharing their blankets, and John is teaching his Danish phrase to Brian. "I am the King of Denmark and I like strawberries." 

Evelyn:
(Bethan) There's an excellent book written by John McCarthy and Jill Morrell about their experiences. Sadly, their relationship ended a couple of years after their reunion.
I'm crushed. Did they ever marry? 

Perhaps the reason John McCarthy did not cooperate with the filming was because recalling the experience was too painful. Many POWs have this feeling. 

Wanda:
(Renate) Any tips on what else to read?
IMO Keenan's book was better, but I found them both very informative and moving. Sounds like we both need to read the book by John McCarthy and Jill Morrell. 

Bethan:
The John McCarthy/Jill Morrell book is called Some Other Rainbow. I think that everyone felt very sorry that John and Jill's relationship didn't survive. They just issued a very discrete and dignified statement. I always thought that they were an exemplary couple. As far as I know, neither married. 

I think Hostages is a highly thought-provoking and often moving piece of filmmaking, with excellent performances from all the cast. On a slightly baser note, I noticed in the undressing scene that his underwear is blue! 

Lucie:
It seemed to me that, when he arrived in England after being released, the person John was happiest to see was Brian, even more so than Jill. 

The scene where he wakes up and finds the cockroaches was masterfully done. It made my flesh crawl. I thought his reaction was about what mine would have been. 

Wanda:
Did anyone notice the similarity in attitude and delivery of these two lines from two very different movies?

"If someone spent an afternoon showing me the basic fundamentals, I would have been the best damn soccer player in this room." [said by Frank Reed when Tom is recalling his childhood and talking about his family]

"There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true enjoyment in music than myself, or better taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a true proficient. [Lady Catherine de Bourgh, the piano scene at Rosings]

I also thought the way they used the cockroaches to show how John had resigned himself to the inhumane conditions which they were forced to endure was well done. In the beginning he was disgusted and appalled. By the time Brian was released, he was simply matter-of-fact, as he flicked the roach from his chest while waiting for Brian to return to the cell.

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