'In Bruges' Golden Globe noms a suprise

Though "In Bruges" was released in February - an eternity away from the fall premieres of most awards-seeking films - the Colin Farrell film emerged as an unlikely contender at the Golden Globes.

"In Bruges" scored three nominations from the Globes yesterday, including best picture for a musical or comedy and dueling best actor in a musical or comedy nominations for Farrell and his co-star Brendan Gleeson - a first for each.

Written and directed by playwright Martin McDonagh, the film received good but mixed reviews, and grossed less than $8 million at the U.S. box office. In it, Farrell and Gleeson play hit men laid up in the picturesque and quaint town of Bruges, Belgium.

Speaking by phone yesterday from London, Gleeson - recognized by many as Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody from the "Harry Potter" films - said he was surprised at his nomination and the attention to "In Bruges."

"It's a matter of total mystery to me how all of this happens," said Gleeson. "But it's absolutely fantastic that the film has a life and people are able to access it now. " *