Tipping the Velvet Tagged Articles at Cinematical

The rumors were so absurd, they had to be false. But there was a tiny something inside all of us that was secretly hoping it was true. Beautiful actresses baring it all, diving into a historical epic that was rumored to be Sofia Coppola's next project. I mean, c'mon -- that sucker has Oscar written all over it. And such a move wouldn't be all too surprising, seeing as Eva Longoria is desperate to work her way up the big-screen ladder and Beyoncé Knowles would probably love a role that displays her acting chops, and not that fabulous singing voice.

However, in a rare move for an actor (or actress), Longoria herself has gone on record saying rumors of her involvement in a big screen adaptation of Tipping the Velvet are false. With words that made it sound as if everyone from Tony Parker to the mailman had been questioning her about this, she said, "Stop the madness. Believe me, I would love to work with Beyoncé one day. She's so talented. But this is definitely not something we are doing together. It's completely and absolutely not true." A spokesperson for Knowles (see, this is the way it's usually done) also denied rumors, insisting they've never heard of the film. And what about Coppola? Well, Cinematical's own Ryan Stewart recently spoke to her, and the director told him she was taking some time off to have her baby, and had no plans to direct anything in the near future. Yep, looks like we can chalk this one up as some lonely reporter's after-school fantasy and not an actual fact. Go figure.

Oh, you knew there was a reason for staying in on a Friday night and surfing around Cinematical. And you'll want to read this story because -- trust me here, folks -- it's definitely a doozy. Apparently, Beyonce Knowles and Eva Longoria have been offered roles in Tipping the Velvet, an adaptation of the Sarah Waters novel. Though nothing is official yet, it appears this will be Sofia Coppola's next film, and both actresses have confirmed their possible involvement. Says Longoria, "Yes, it's true, we're talking about doing that. It's such a wonderful novel, a beautiful love story."

While I've never read it (sorry, but 472-page lesbian stories set in the 1890s aren't exactly my cup of tea), according to the amazon description, this one seems delicious. Here, this should get you started: "With a title that's a euphemism for cunnilingus and a plot awash with graphic lesbian sex, this lush tale fearlessly and feverishly exposes the political, social and sexual subversions of Victorian-era gender-benders: sapphists, libertines and passing women." Great, I'll take that with a side of sweeet! For those of you interested in learning a bit more about Tipping the Velvet (like I really have to ask), the book was already adapted into a BBC television drama serial back in 2002. And it's on DVD. And now you have something to do this weekend. You're welcome.

In addition to being a dame (which I think means we have to avert our eyes when she passes by), Emma Peel, and TV Guide's "sexiest TV star ever", Diana Rigg also holds the distinction of playing the only chick James Bond ever married in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Keeping that in mind, there's a certain pleasing logic to the fact that her daughter Rachael Stirling is the latest name being associated with the role of Vesper Lynd, Casino Royale's Bond Girl. Stirling, whose lone starring role was in Tipping The Velvet (which, not surprisingly, the kids at IMDB love - mmm...hot lesbians) for the BBC, has reportedly screen tested opposite Daniel Craig for the part.

Whether this latest report is true or not is anyone's guess, but the fact is that casting really is kicking into high gear: the film is scheduled to start shooting at the end of this month.