Many who suggest the idea of Rickman as a sex symbol will point to his dark mystique and commitment in Harry Potter, or the charismatic swagger of his villains in Die Hard and Robin Hood, but if you're looking for a reason to fall dizzyingly in love with the actor, it should be his Brandon. Playing another complex, layered character, Rickman should have picked up an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his turn as the lovelorn colonel. That his name didn't come as part of the film's glittery haul of nominations is something of a scandal that seems to get forgotten in the larger issue of Ang Lee's Best Director snub despite twelve other nominations. The film is heart-warming and gloriously romantic, and is easily the best screen adaptation of Jane Austen's works (yes, including the adored Pride & prejudice series), with Rickman's measured, nuanced performance as Brandon blowing any fantasies of Mr Darcy back into his pond. How far that warmly performed role is from his villainous turns, and how utterly convincing despite that.
