FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Hannibal," Hollywood's long-awaited sequel to the 1990s classic "Silence of the Lambs," has been premiering amidst ever-growing publicity. The New York Post reported Wednesday that a theater full of celebrities "squirmed and groaned" their way through the production.

Julianne Moore, who stars alongside the ever-present Anthony Hopkins as Clarice Starling, was quoted as defending the work of director Ridley Scott: "There's a fantasy element to it; you are never going to mistake this film for a documentary." The same day, however, The New York Daily News reported that the film had driven her to a bit batty. She was quoted as telling Vanity Fair that Hopkins’ role as Hannibal explores the dark side in everyone. "We are socialized and civilized, but in our fantasy lives we explore those themes," she said. "That's okay, but it's a fine line I feel uncomfortable with. [But] I don't want to sound as if I am sitting here rationalizing violence."

The role of Clarice is reported to have earned Moore a mere $3 million, a feeble comparison to the $20 million that it is rumored Jodie Foster would have earned, had she not considered the book too gruesome.

The movie itself seems set to continue to gain attention, and can certainly be expected to rate among the year’s biggest hits.

CRUISING APART

LOS ANGELES – After 11 years of marriage, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman said Monday that they are separating because their work is keeping them apart.

Pat Kingsley, a spokeswoman for the actors, said the decision was made regretfully.

"Citing the difficulties inherent in divergent careers, which constantly keep them apart, they concluded that an amicable separation seems best for both of them at this time," Kingsley said.

The couple have two adopted children, Connor and Isabella. It wasn't known whether custody would be shared. Kingsley denied further comment.

Cruise, 38, has starred in "Born on the Fourth of July," "A Few Good Men," "Jerry Maguire," "Mission: Impossible," "Rain Man," "Top Gun" and "Magnolia."

Kidman, 33, spent three months in Spain last fall to film "The Others," with Cruise as one of the executive producers. Her movie credits include "Batman Forever," "Malice" and "To Die For."

The couple starred together in the films "Far and Away" and "Days of Thunder."

Kidman discussed her marriage in a 1998 interview: "It's been nine years and I'm past the seven-year itch. When you're loved for your flaws, that's when you really feel safe."

The following year, the couple starred together in Stanley Kubrick's final film, "Eyes Wide Shut," which included an erotic sex scene between the couple. (AP)

SPANISH FILM AWARDS

MADRID – Young director Achero Manas won the Spanish Goya cinema award for Best Film with his debut production "El Bola" (The Ball).

A low-budget film which tells the story of the friendship of two children against a backdrop of domestic violence, El Bola also bagged the awards Best New Director, Best Screenplay and Best New Actor in the overnight prize presentation gala Feb. 4.

The award for Best Director went to Jose Luis Borau for his film "Leo," while veteran Spanish actress Carmen Maura received a Goya for Best Actress for her role in "La Comunidad" (The Community). Juan Luis Galiardo was selected as Best Actor for his part in "Adios Con El Corazon" (Goodbye From The Heart).

Argentina's Marcelo Pineyro's "Plata Quemada" (Burnt Money) was awarded the Best Spanish-Language foreign film. Best European Film went to the Danish-Swedish movie "Dancing in the Dark."

Organized by the Spanish Cinema Academy and modeled on the Oscar awards, the Goya film prizes take their name from the 18th-century Spanish painter Francisco Goya and were first celebrated in 1987 with the aim of bringing prestige to Spanish cinema. The prizes presented are bronze busts of the artist. (AP)

A SENSE OF SWEDISH DISCIPLINE

LONDON – England soccer coach Sven-Goran Eriksson won't tolerate his players drinking alcohol – not even with meals – while they're training for upcoming exhibition and World Cup games.

"If you play for England you don't need to drink wine or beer with your meals," Eriksson said. "We are together to play football, not for anything else.

"I am a Swede, so I am used to alcohol myself. But if you are a professional footballer you have to behave like a professional footballer, especially if you want to play for England."

Eriksson took over as coach three weeks ago. He will have a tough job getting his team to the World Cup after its poor start under predecessor Kevin Keegan. The English need victories this spring over Finland, Albania and Greece if they hope to qualify for the 2002 World Cup. (AP)

JODIE FOSTERS A DREAM

PARIS – Oscar-winner Jodie Foster has backed out of an agreement to head the jury at the 54th Cannes film festival in May because she was offered a leading movie role, festival officials said Feb. 4.

Foster was asked to replace Nicole Kidman in David Fincher's "The Panic Room" after Kidman dropped out with a knee injury, said Gilles Jacob, the event's president.

Foster said work on the movie would conflict with the May 9-20 festival, Jacob said in a statement.

Foster said she hoped she would be asked to preside over the jury again. "I've dreamed since my childhood of having the honor of being president of the Cannes jury," Foster was quoted as saying last month.

She has received two Oscars, for "The Accused" (1988) and "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991). (AP)

PAVAROTTI, OUT TO PLEASE

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey – Opera star Luciano Pavarotti kept his promise to fans who were disappointed by an earlier performance.

The legendary tenor returned to the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort on Saturday, performing a concert to make amends for the Nov. 11 show he struggled through while suffering from a cold.

All previous ticket holders were allowed to return for free.

A healthier Pavarotti, 65, joined by soprano Cynthia Lawrence, performed for nearly 90 minutes, including four encores. The crowd of 5,000 responded with five standing ovations. (AP)