Topic 44 of 73: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Thu, Mar 1, 2001 (00:40) |
Karen (KarenR)
1325 responses total.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 1 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Thu, Mar 1, 2001 (06:20) * 1 lines
ON looking through this month's Total Film magazine, the best bit is towards the back advertising "Next Month Coming Soon.." It looks as if RZ will be on the front cover "Bridget Jones' Diary. Worth the weight. RZ counts her ciggies and knocks back the booze as the BIGGEST BRITISH COMEDY OF THE YEAR ARRIVES" (I like that bit). On sale Friday 30th March.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 2 of 1325: Laura McCarthy (LauraMM) * Thu, Mar 1, 2001 (08:54) * 1 lines
Karen, LOVE the title!;)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 3 of 1325: Allison M (Allison2) * Thu, Mar 1, 2001 (11:07) * 2 lines
BIGGEST BRITISH COMEDY OF THE YEAR ARRIVES"
Not that I wish to dampen enthusiasm but this is surely not a particularly overcrowded field:-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 4 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Thu, Mar 1, 2001 (11:20) * 1 lines
LOL!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 5 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Thu, Mar 1, 2001 (12:03) * 3 lines
You people have no appreciation for hyperbole.;-)
Ann, we'll look forward to the article!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 6 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Thu, Mar 1, 2001 (15:29) * 1 lines
Hyperb*ll*cks ;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 7 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Thu, Mar 1, 2001 (19:10) * 3 lines
I probably missed this, but do we know what label the soundtrack will be on? Karen, I just love your music page. I must have this album!
Love the title of the new topic BTW. And so true...
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 8 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Thu, Mar 1, 2001 (21:17) * 4 lines
VCR alert for the West Coasters: Colin is seen and heard in a BJD clip on Entertainment Tonight, er, tonight.:-)
The one stinkin' night I miss it . . .will get more details.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 9 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Thu, Mar 1, 2001 (21:23) * 9 lines
From Jackie (thanks!):
It shows Colin at a picnic, paper plates in hand and someone says something and he says "Daniel Cleaver". Then a woman says something about him being good enough for "our little Bridget." Colin says (and there's a closeup) "I think I can say with absolute confidence- absolutely not".
Then follows a bit with Bridget in a boat and Hugh Grant standing with his feet each in a different boat. Of course he does the splits and falls in, surfacing with a wet cigarette in his mouth. (Colin appears to be in another boat.)
**********
Consensus: gorgeous!:-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 10 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 1, 2001 (22:00) * 7 lines
Argh!! How do I keep missing these snippets? They used to rerun ET late at night but no more. *boo hoo*
Then a woman says something about him being good enough for "our little Bridget." Colin says (and there's a closeup) "I think I can say with absolute confidence- absolutely not".
That's from the book. The Tarts & Vicars party. Una to Mark (p.171)
Consensus: gorgeous!:-)
Hoorah!!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 11 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 1, 2001 (22:02) * 1 lines
Meredith: Haven't seen anything about the label for the soundtrack and have been searching around. Was thinking it might be Polygram, as that was the parent company of WT and is still in the music biz.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 12 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 1, 2001 (22:39) * 3 lines
Have combed through my TV Guide and ET is rebroadcast here tomorrow afternoon at 2. That has to been the repeat showing. Am putting fresh tape in VCR for all the Bridget promos.
Mari, was Colin's name mentioned? Or was it just RZ and whatshisname?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 13 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Thu, Mar 1, 2001 (22:49) * 3 lines
Yes, Colin is mentioned right after RZ and *before* Huge Gnat.:-)
HG's big line after falling into the water is "F**k me!" BJ responds, "you stupid ass." I hear it's a funny scene.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 14 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Thu, Mar 1, 2001 (23:24) * 1 lines
Colin on a boat. Does he wear a bathing suit? Sounds very promising. I hope you get it all on tape Karen. Are you set up to put the clip up on your BJD page?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 15 of 1325: MarianneC (MarianneC) * Thu, Mar 1, 2001 (23:36) * 1 lines
CF & RZ are in one boat with HG rowing towards them ... then this is where it gets confusing as CF just disappears from the screen. HG tries to board RZ's boat, yelling "I'm the king of the world" then tips over into the lake.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 16 of 1325: MarianneC (MarianneC) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (00:36) * 1 lines
Ugh, my mistake - CF doesn't disappear from Bridget's boat, he's on another boat w/ Natasha? But, it did seem as if the clips shown showcased HG's comedic talents.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 17 of 1325: MarkG (MarkG) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (03:47) * 3 lines
RZ on the cover of UK's Marie Claire magazine out today, headlining an article "the new Bridget Jones on Sex and the Singleton Girl".
Cover shot looks very good.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 18 of 1325: Lizza J (Lizza) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (04:24) * 3 lines
OOOHHH!! It's hotting up. Thanks for all the tantalising snippets everyone.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 19 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (06:37) * 2 lines
Friend of mine (who I "forced" into watching P & P now at least semi-hooked) emailed me: "Watching ET tonight -- they had a little clip of BJD and CF is going to be wonderful."
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 20 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (08:13) * 1 lines
RZ will feature in this week's Sunday Times (an interview about BJD).
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 21 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (09:07) * 7 lines
Oooooh, cannot wait for repeat showing. Thanks for clarifying, Marianne. I thought it odd that Bridget and Mark were in the same boat.
Sorry, Moon, I don't have the ability to snappy from video. Maybe I'll ask around.
How about inside the magazine, Mark? Anything good?
Thanks for the heads up, Bethan.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 22 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (09:29) * 13 lines
*doing the dance of joy*
For once, I was in the right place at the right time having tuned into ET last night (now I know why I endure night after night of crap stories such as 'Dani the Download Queen'). It was v.v. nice to hear CF's name mentioned. Hurrah!
My impressions of CF's MD based on this micro-clip:
- Tall. Big shoulders.
- No fluffy hair in this scene.
- Mr. Darcy lives! Same character, different costume (hope this impression is proved wrong by rest of film).
Agree with Marianne, Hugh Gnat (keep 'em comin', Mari) was funny and was very un-foppish.
Am glad the Tarts and Vicars party made the final cut. It's one of my favorites.
*counting the days until April 13th*
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 23 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (10:23) * 1 lines
Eileen, thanks for the above but why do you hope your impression of Mr. Darcy is proved wrong by the rest of the film, we want Mr. Darcy, don't we?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 24 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (11:50) * 4 lines
(Ann) we want Mr. Darcy, don't we?
We do? I want Mark Darcy, not simply a Mr. Darcy reprise (though one could argue there's enough similarity already). If all he does is bring Mr. Darcy back in 21st century costume, I'll be very disappointed indeed. He has more range than that!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 25 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (11:57) * 9 lines
How about inside the magazine, Mark? Anything good?
I'm sure Mark won't mind if I answer on his behalf! Well spotted Mark! I've already had a quick browse at the newsagents (I can see why they encase magazines in cellophane so you actually have to buy them!)
Skimmed the interview. RZ talks about filming sexy scenes with HG, and HG improvising lines. Is asked what she thinks of Englishmen. Replies that they are "funny and charming". Journalist writes that this is no surprise as the only other Englishman RZ got to know very well was CF, "superbly cast as the aloof Mark Darcy". Also says that that the movie has a terrific cast and "contrary to expectations, it is very, very funny".
Cast includes Neil Pearson (Young Paul's dad in "Fever Pitch")...can't think who he would play.
There's a competition to win tickets to the premiere April 10th.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 26 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (13:33) * 1 lines
Thanks for the above Bethan. One question, was the journalist who wrote this interview a woman, only if it is its the first comment on CF's MD by a woman, I think. I just wish she had said "superbly cast as the aloof and SMOULDERING"!!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 27 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (15:14) * 1 lines
Heard the teaser for tonight's Access H'wood noting a story on 'Renee Zellweger's controversial role'. Must be referring to BJ and the whole non-Brit thing. Tune in! 8-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 28 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (15:23) * 13 lines
Ooooweeeee!! Have seen the ET clip and rewound, paused, slo-mo'd numerous times.
That first picnic scene, sort of reminiscent of another *picnic* scene (wonder if Una made tabbouleh??), yes, he is Mr Darcy. Hands down, exactly Mr Darcyspeak
Celia Imre (Una) is saying to Bridget (who you can see from back is in bunny outfit) 'What a shame, Bridget, you couldn't bring your boyfriend. Bridget, what's his name? David, Darren...' Then MD says his thing.
The blue-white checked shirt is OK, but definitely liked his rowing outfit. Dark crew-neck sweater and shirt. Yummmmmmmm!!
BTW, this pic is from the boat scene:
and you hear RZ speak twice. "Don't you dare" (a few times, while the huge gnat is crossing over into her boat) and then after he falls in she is laughing and calling him a stupid ass. Her accent is v. la-di-dah.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 29 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (15:27) * 3 lines
This is the picture that accompanied Baz's article last Friday, thanks to Aishling:
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 30 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (18:22) * 3 lines
Ooooweeeee!! Have seen the ET clip and rewound, paused, slo-mo'd numerous times.
Snappies! Snappies! WE-WANT-SNAPPIES!!!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 31 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (18:48) * 3 lines
(Eileen) If all he does is bring Mr. Darcy back in 21st century costume, I'll be very disappointed indeed.
But don't you think that's what HF had in mind?
If not, they could have had any ole Brit bloke play MD.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 32 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (19:01) * 1 lines
Karen and everyone thanks for the info. on the BJDclip, you are so lucky to have seen it. Karen did you like Colin's portrayal of MD and are we all going to like it. Does he look good and does he smoulder. Finally do you think he will be eclipsed by Hughie who has a more comical role, I know you will be impartial!!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 33 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (19:52) * 1 lines
Does ET ever put their clips on their site? I am absolutely desperate to see it ;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 34 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (19:59) * 9 lines
The Access Hollywood segment was much longer and was definitely bits and pieces from the film trailer that will be shown in the theatres (the voiceover with story plot, title, etc.). Showed nearly everybody!
Colin is shown maybe 5-6 times (once in checked shirt, others at literary party wearing lovely suit from RV premiere). There's one shot where Bridge walks away from him and there's this gaze after her. Not THE LOOK, but nice. No dialogue.
We get to see all the others, from Geoffrey asking her about dates to Jude and Shazz, even Tom doing the karoake (sp?) with her. A few others were shown who are probably Magda and Jeremy and ???? Also full shot of Bridget in Playboy bunny outfit.
Unfortunately it builds up to the man she's interested in and then it's nonstop Hugh. :-(
Very very cute. Can't wait to see the entire trailer.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 35 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (20:06) * 1 lines
And, Ann, Colin's manner at the T&V party clip was very Meryton Assembly. It sort of reminded me of "I'd sooner call her mother a wit." But from what I remember of the book, MD was very sympathetic to BJ at the party, telling Una to get Bridget something else to wear and siding with her against Natasha.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 36 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (20:15) * 11 lines
Oooh, I just saw it on Access Hollywood. CF as MD is lovely! That sideways glance you mentioned, Karen--vintage P&P, as at Netherfield ball and Darcy first realizes Lizzie is in the room! Then later when he's talking with her (at the party for his parents?), he looks so serious and concerned I half expected him to ask "what has been done to recover her?";-) Yum!
Hughie's parts are funny. As they're driving away on their mini-break, he guns the car's motor and does a growl, growl type thing with his mouth, in time to the motor gunning. Hey, we knew HG was not going to take a thankless second-banana role so I'm not surprised he has the juicy bits and that they're emphasizing the comedy. Hard to get a feel for how Mark will turn out based on what we've seen.
It really looks like a lot of fun. There's a part where she's talking about gaining inner poise while turning on the blender and of course the top isn't on right and everything splatters all over the place. Then she and Shazz side by side on the exercise bikes.
They showed quite a bit of footage, as Karen said. Agree that this has to be from the full trailer. Bet they show it with The Mexican this weekend (Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt). Great exposure.
Renee sounds great to me (but am not good judge of accent, obviously). She looks very loose, animated, expressive--seems like she really had fun with it.
LOL at the saucy bunny wave she does arriving at Tarts & Vicars!!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 37 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (21:28) * 17 lines
Have been reviewing Tape One of P&P and is not 'I'd sooner call her mother a wit."
But that glance is the same as at the Meryton Assembly when Lizzie overhears his snub and walks past him. It's that look.
Then later when he's talking with her (at the party for his parents?)
Could be. All the little lights.
she's talking about gaining inner poise while turning on the blender and of
course the top isn't on right and everything splatters all over the place.
But right before that, she's pedaling up a storm on the exercise bicycle, gets off and promptly falls down.
the saucy bunny wave she does arriving at Tarts & Vicars!!
Did you catch the Rolls convertible behind her? MD's car, perhaps? Except there is somebody behind the wheel. Maybe his driver.
The Access Hollywood announcer described BJD as about a "portly" girl. Omigod!
Did HG look sleazy to you? In the boat scene, he might even be drunk. And then there's his shirt again. Did all but one button come off?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 38 of 1325: Lucie (alyeska) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (21:31) * 2 lines
The shots of Colin on AH were great. Two of just him to begin and then the one with the look out of the side of his eyes reminiscent of the P&P "dangerous Darcy shot."
He's really looking good.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 39 of 1325: Lucie (alyeska) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (21:33) * 1 lines
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 40 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Fri, Mar 2, 2001 (22:56) * 13 lines
Did you catch the Rolls convertible behind her? MD's car, perhaps? Except there is somebody behind the wheel. Maybe his driver.
Possibly. Can't be Sleazer Cleaver, can it, just dropping her off and refusing to accompany her into the T&V party at the last moment? Of course in the book it's not that way . . .
Did HG look sleazy to you?
More than usual?;-) Not really. I think the audience needs to believe that she could fall for this guy; I'm sure the sleaziness increases as the film progresses.;-) Next to Mark Darcy, though, he looks like a bum.
The first scene we see MD in (outdoor shot in checked shirt)--is that part of the picnic/boat ride scene? Though you said he wears in sweater in that . . .
Am no longer worried about his hair being too poofy. Looks good to me, v.v. natural.
Thanks to Eileen for the heads up on this, BTW!:-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 41 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 3, 2001 (00:03) * 3 lines
Checked shirt is the BBQ (formerly Tarts & Vicars Party) at the Alconburys.
Yes, I thank Eileen and my VCR thanks Eileen. :-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 42 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 3, 2001 (00:27) * 3 lines
ATTN: Check out the Observer on Saturday. Found this hint:
Free in tomorrow's Observer...Unique monthly sport magazine Steve McManaman, Kelvin MacKenzie, Magic Johnson and much more. Plus Peter Preston on Rupert Murdoch at 70, Amanda de Cadenet's fresh start, Alexander McQueen tells all, Gaby Wood on the new Bridget Jones film
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 43 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Sat, Mar 3, 2001 (03:33) * 12 lines
Thanks for all the info on BJD. Things are really hotting up. They're going to give this the full promotion. Sounds very, very promising!
Hughie's parts are funny. As they're driving away on their mini-break, he guns the car's motor and does a growl, growl type thing with his mouth, in time to the motor gunning. Hey, we knew HG was not going to take a thankless second-banana role so I'm not surprised he has the juicy bits and that they're emphasizing the comedy.
Oh very true. He wouldn't take this role as a favour...there'll be a lot in it for him. MD is more of the straight man...doesn't fool around. But it is a *romantic* comedy...hope the trailer stresses the *real* romance as well as the
comedy. Sounds not.
Unfortunately it builds up to the man she's interested in and then it's nonstop Hugh. :
Boo!
One thing sticks in my mind is a comment that Sharon Maguire made about the film being about loneliness, and also Baz's comment about the scene where MD tells Bridget he likes her just the way she is. Good "funny" films need an underlying seriousness. Hughie may provide the tomfoolery, but I think there'll be a lot more to this film. (cf the excellent "Frasier"...very funny, but often poignant, very good on relationships)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 44 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 3, 2001 (08:51) * 1 lines
We shouldn't worry too much, as trailers can oftentimes misrepresent the actual movie. All they're intended to do is attract people. With BJD, they're using Hugh. Showing him to be Bridget's object of desire. Her perfect guy...and then "but is he?" is the tone.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 45 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Sat, Mar 3, 2001 (09:27) * 6 lines
the karoake (sp?)
Well, don't look at me... ;-)
*****
Snappies! SNAPPIES!!!!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 46 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Sat, Mar 3, 2001 (14:14) * 7 lines
In the boat MD is wearing a navy blue crew-neck (polo neck?) sweater.
A "wooly-pully".
Picnic scene he's wearing subtle-checked (gray?)long sleeve sport shirt.Sounds just like Mr. Darcy in this one. V. funny scene with HG in the boat.
Only two scenes with MD in the ET segment.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 47 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Sat, Mar 3, 2001 (16:06) * 1 lines
Hee Hee, I just watched an advert for Max Factor Makeup and guess what at the end it said as worn in the forthcoming BJD film!!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 48 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 3, 2001 (21:16) * 21 lines
Link to Sunday Times article on BJ (RZ really):
http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/2001/03/04/stistlstl02004.html
There is a memorable scene in the movie where Bridget is about to have sex with her boss, Daniel Cleaver (played by Hugh Grant), and he is trying to get past her giant bloomers. "Modesty went right out the window," says Zellweger. "I mean, at one point the camera is right up my skirt and the whole crew is looking at my big pants."
"He improvises all the time," she adds of her co-star. "In that scene, he was adding lines and making me laugh. I felt so big in that dress, and the poor man had to carry me across the room about 20 times. I'm sure he's still seeing a chiropractor to this day."
Most surprising of all is that her accent turns out to be flawless. "I just wanted to get it right," she says. "The book meant such a lot to so many women that I didn't want to be the one to bodge it up."
~~~~~
Only one mention of Colin:
Zellweger is now officially a singleton, and says she finds British men funny and charming. Mind you, that is probably because, apart from Grant, the only other one she really got to know was Colin Firth, who plays Mark Darcy.
Her enthusiasm for all things British extends beyond men. As we finish talking, Geri Halliwell walks into the lobby of the hotel and, in the way famous people do when they have never met before, they kiss as if they were twins separated at birth. It turns out Halliwell has written a song for the film's soundtrack.
"Oh my God," Zellweger screams, after the former Spice Girl has made her way to another table. "I've just met Ginger Spice. Bloody hell."
But apparently, the best thing about London was Marks & Spencer. "I got so big, and I bought this great pair of trousers in there. And their chicken sandwiches!" she exclaims breathlessly.
Renée Zellweger is Bridget Jones after all. The film is going to be v.g.
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Response 49 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 3, 2001 (21:19) * 8 lines
From the "I knew it" department:
The movie was directed by first-timer Sharon Maguire, who says her leading lady seemed completely devoid of Hollywood ego. "Renée was keen on showing us her cellulite and flab," she says. "She developed a flat-footed walk, her thighs grew so big."
In the end, the waif got up to a curvy size 12 (but she had to resort to falsies for the part, as the "girls" refused to play ball). "I didn't look at my naked body in the shower, that's for sure."
~~~~~~~
Even with the way Playboy bunny costumes are constructed, knew it couldn't be real! ;-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 50 of 1325: sarah bennett (sarah19) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (00:51) * 1 lines
Just recieved my Entertainment Weekly today and there's a small picture of RZ in bunny ears. The article is about the varios production studios. It says BJD will be Miramax's high hope for this year. We could've told them that.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 51 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (04:13) * 4 lines
The Sunday Times article is an edited down version of the Marie Claire article...exactly the same same text, only shorter. One example.....MC had "CF, superbly cast as the aloof Mark Darcy", the Sunday Times has "CF, who plays MD".
Signs of editorial bias?! :-)
Will try to check out The obsever.
The new HF/BJ "book" is more household hints/how to live your life sort of stuff. Extracts not riveting.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 52 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (06:08) * 2 lines
Very large interview in The Observer, "A Bridget just far enough". by Gaby Wood. Not much about Colin but I like this bit "And in a twist of self-referential genius, Colin Firth plays Darcy, as an updated version of what we have come to see as himself - a Jane Austen hero, scripted once again by Andrew Davies" She also liked RZ's accent and the film.
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Response 53 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (06:10) * 1 lines
Bethan, I noticed that omission in the Sunday Times, typical. One thing that surprises me in all these articles/interviews is that people seem to be surprised but pleased that Colin has been cast as the modern-day Darcy, to us it seemed the only possible casting.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 54 of 1325: TracyT (Tracy) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (07:45) * 5 lines
Ooh! Have just been rereading the MSN.co.uk BJD NY premier competition gumph.
"every single person who enters the competition will be entered into a draw to win a pair of tickets to the UK premiere, including accommodation in a top London hotel.
Now, if only I had some imagination ;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 55 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (08:05) * 11 lines
Ann, thought the Observer article was okay, but it's also typically Observer, rather "let's put it down, it we can". Too long (for me) to type, but the basic gist is "does the movie live up to the hype". Recounts all the negative rumours, and so-called set backs, and states how every new Brit film is met with a chorus of disapproval. Says that BJD was tested in, well, Reading and "now we can exclusively reveal that BJD is not a total embarrassment (British undertatement at its worst!!!!)
Positives...Editor of "Empire" really liked it..."It's just really funny...I was surprised the guys I saw it with liked it so much". "Sight and Sound" ed also "was impressed...it was much more interesting than I thought it was going to be".
RZ has a very posh Sloane-y accent and "impeccable comic timing".
"It is a tribute to Sharon Maguire that the set of three films (4W , NH) seem seamless...you would never know that the film was by a first-time director".
"Hardcore fans (of BJD) may not be so keen because a lot has been cut from the book"
Richard Curtis hopes that the good stuff from the book is still there and they've fulfilled the brief of "what made BJD a phenomenon".
There's a scene with Mark Darcy's family, and a scene in which BJ tells MD that he goes out of his way to make her feel a complete idiot.
Enough for now. Must dash! Good that "Empire" likes it...needs positive endorsement from film mags and lads' mags to do well!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 56 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (10:09) * 5 lines
I take back what I said...the Brit press doesn't seem to be carving- up the accent.Thanks everybody for film reviews.
(Karen)Even with the way Playboy bunny costumes are constructed, knew it couldn't be real! ;-D
LOL. Don't try to sneak by 'ole eagle-eye- Karen' with your falsies;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 57 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (10:12) * 1 lines
*hee hee* That buxom ones does not get with a mere 15 pound weight gain.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 58 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (10:29) * 50 lines
The Observer article is online (no pics):
A Bridget just far enough
In our exclusive sneak preview of Bridget Jones - the movie, that is - we find the nation's favourite neurotic still wallowing in good old British self-loathing. All the more impressive for being played by Texan Renee Zellweger...
Gaby Wood
It is a truth universally acknowledged that nothing is more likely to strike fear and xenophobia into the heart of an English person than a national treasure being appropriated by an American. This can usually be avoided by ensuring that what we choose to call a national treasure is a figure so self-deprecating that Americans couldn't possibly want her. Sometimes, however, the plan goes astray. Enter Bridget Jones, the international bestseller.
It is a truth universally avoided that nowhere is our curious mix of national pride and national shame more in evidence than in our film industry. We want to take Hollywood by storm, but we don't want Hollywood to take our jobs. We want to win all the Oscars, but every new British film is met with a domestic chorus of disapproval. Could all these fraught elements of the British psyche ever come together in a single project? Enter Bridget Jones, the movie, due out next month.
The filmmakers were never in the position of simply making an adaptation of a mere book. From the very beginning, they were adapting a phenomenon. Screenwriter Richard Curtis says this actually made it easier: 'At least in Bridget Jones you kind of know what the big subject matter is. So it was convenient being able to say, "Well, have we fulfilled the brief of what made it a phenomenon?"'
It also means, however, that fans were oversensitive from the start. Ever since 1998, when Working Title, the production company responsible for Four Weddings and Notting Hill, began their search for the Bridget of the silver screen, the media have been set to pounce. And when, after a full two years, they lighted not on Kate Winslet or Helena Bonham Carter or even the Australian Cate Blanchett or the flatteringly glamorous Cameron Diaz, but on... Renee Zellweger, the British newspapers had a field day.
Zellweger is a Texan blonde, not a glamourpuss but a soft-centred, round-faced actress, best known at that time for her role as Tom Cruise's love interest in Jerry Maguire and, more recently, for her deadpan performances in the high-profile Hollywood comedies Me, Myself and Irene and Nurse Betty, for which she won a Golden Globe. Zellweger was a high school cheerleader who is said to have worked in a topless bar without taking her top off, and whose first acting job was an ad for Texan beef.
She is, it would seem, as wholesome and un-Bridget-like as they come. In the words of a former school friend, 'You couldn't find anyone more American than Renee'.
As it happens, Zellweger's mother is Norwegian and her father is Swiss. Nevertheless, as if criticism of the casting wasn't bad enough, rumours began to circulate early on about the quality of the film itself.
The script was co-written by Helen Fielding (of original novel fame), Richard Curtis (of Four Weddings and Notting Hill fame) and Andrew Davies (of BBC costume drama fame, and Pride and Prejudice in particular). The film is directed by Sharon Maguire, of no fame at all. It is Maguire's debut feature; her ostensible qualification for the job is that - apart from directing TV documentaries - she, like Curtis, is a friend of Fielding's, and is acknowledged at the front of the novel. In fact, Shazza, a character in the novel itself, is a fictionalised version of Maguire. So, to all intents and purposes, she found herself turning her life and her friends into a movie, and casting Smack The Pony 's Sally Phillips as, broadly, herself.
Inevitably the rumour mill began to turn: Zellweger was so bad Hugh Grant, her co-star, was threatening to drop out. Sets were being struck too early and had to be rebuilt. Scenes were re-written, re-cut, re-shot. Everything was way behind schedule.
Whether or not any of this was true makes hardly any difference. Because it's just a symptom of what is always hoped: it is a matter of honour in England to prepare for the bitterest shame. If 'The Making of Bridget Jones's Diary' is ever filmed, it ought to be called Pride and Prejudice . The fact is that most films are subject to such complications. The rumours may have persisted, paradoxically, because the film is such a closely guarded secret. The PR firm in question has a stranglehold on it, and is letting few people see even an early or a shortened version. Sharon Maguire can be reached but not interviewed: she has been placed under a gagging order. The soundtrack, which features songs re-recorded by Geri Halliwell and Robbie Williams, is still being worked on.
But a few intrepid adventurers, including The Observer, have succeeded in sneaking a preview. A leaked memo shows that the film has tested well in... Reading. And now we can exclusively reveal that Bridget Jones's Diary is not a total embarrassment!
Zellweger has mastered the nasal sing-song of a self-defeating Sloane. Some may not have imagined Bridget to be quite this posh, and those who found Gwyneth Paltrow's accent in Emma, Sliding Doors or Shakespeare in Love jarring may think this one (trained by the same dialogue coach) unbearable. But, particularly in the voice-over, it does enhance the story's Jane Austen overtones, and Zellweger has impeccable comic timing. Her appalling speech as publicist to the inauspiciously titled book 'Kafka's Motorbike', and her stumbling reprise in front of Mark Darcy's family, will elicit a heartfelt cringe from the most stony-faced observers. Hugh Grant, her boss and 'fuckwit' lover Daniel Cleaver, plays a version of himself in which the familiar charm turns out to be entirely phoney. And in a twist of self-referential genius, Colin Firth plays Darcy, as an updated version of what we have come to see as himself - a Jane Austen hero, scripted once again by Andrew Davies.
The film has been spoken of as part of a trilogy, with Four Weddings and Notting Hill as its predecessors. All three have been scripted at least in part by Richard Curtis, they share the same producers, they all star Hugh Grant, and all of them feature an American as their female lead. It is certainly a tribute to Sharon Maguire that the set of three appears so seamless - you would never know that this film was made by a first-time director. But, despite their obvious similarities, Bridget Jones is if anything an inversion of the others: the American actress, more of a focal point this time than Hugh Grant, has adopted an English accent; rather than being an exotic import, she is meant to be an unremitting home-grown loser; and Grant turns out to be a bastard - an effect which works precisely because we are used to thinking of him as the harmless hero.
Nick James, editor of Sight and Sound, was impressed: 'It was much more interesting than I thought it was going to be, because no other country in the world would make a film about a woman who hates herself for being womanly in this way. I think the Helen Fielding/Richard Curtis crowd have changed self-deprecation into self-hatred. It used to be that the English gent abroad would always be self-deprecating, but there is a qualitative difference between that and self-hatred.'
A turning point comes in the film when Bridget confronts Mark Darcy with the words: 'You seem to go out of your way to make me feel like a complete idiot every time I see you. And you really needn't bother. Because I already feel like an idiot most of the time anyway.' At another point she is jilted, with perfect irony, by Daniel Cleaver, when he explains his attraction to another woman: 'Lara... being American... well, it's something to do with confidence.'
In fact, one of the central problems the filmmakers must have faced was how to portray self-loathing on screen. We are familiar with the Bridget Jones drill in print, but how do you deal with having to make her concrete? Is she really fat, for example, or does she just think of herself as fat? If she is not fat (as seems clear from the body weights given with each diary entry), then how can the way she feels about her body, an intangible self-doubt, be put across?
Richard Curtis thinks that portraying a state of mind is 'the most interesting thing about adapting a book. It surprised us how much we had to portray her loneliness, and stuff like that. The book is her talking herself out of it, whereas in the film we found we had to show it at times, and that was quite interesting - it did change it, even though I hope that all the good stuff from the book is still there. I think that probably is the secret of adapting: how to stand outside a character who you've got to know from the inside.'
Renee Zellweger chose to put on weight for the part. This in itself wouldn't necessarily reflect a state of mind, but a mishap unrelated to the film turned out to prove that she had somehow morphed into her character.
While in England to rehearse her British accent before shooting started, she was subjected to a diet of omelettes, bacon, milkshakes, burgers, pizzas, Guinness, and lots of desserts. Eventually she put on a stone. Some months later, Harper's Bazaar wanted to feature Zellweger as their cover girl. They took some pictures, but when the editor saw the results she was horrified. Zellweger was pulled from the cover. The reason given was not that she was too fat, but that (in the manner of Bridget Jones) she 'looked uncomfortable' with her weight.
Emma Cochrane, editor of Empire magazine, thought Zellweger just 'looked like a normal English person'. She too was pleasantly surprised by the film. 'It's just really funny,' she says, 'This film doesn't alienate the guys like the book did. In fact, I was surprised that the guys I saw it with liked it so much. But hardcore fans might not be so keen, because a lot has been cut from the book.' Cochrane has a good feeling about the film's prospects: 'It's being released in the same slot as Four Weddings and Notting Hill - the pre-blockbuster season - so they obviously have a lot of confidence in it, and there's every reason to suppose it will do well'.
Zellweger, for her part, doesn't seem to have totally relinquished her Jones-like habits. When Hugh Grant got up on stage a few weeks ago to present her with a Golden Globe, the actress almost missed the occasion because she was in the ladies, trying to get some lipstick off her teeth.
Bridget Jones's Diary opens on 13 April
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 59 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (11:46) * 5 lines
I had just read the Observer review myself.
Sounds good.
Last night I also saw the first BJD posters in London. One's immediate reaction is that RZ is far too gorgeous to play the doubt-ridden BJ. She has an adorable face. But that's part of the point, I suppose - the fact that when one's self-confidence is down (chronically, in the case of BJ) it has little to do with one's external circumstances.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 60 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (12:32) * 5 lines
(Ben) One's immediate reaction is that RZ is far too gorgeous to play the
doubt-ridden BJ. She has an adorable face.
Have you read the book? Nowhere does it say that BJ is homely or worse. Nor is she 'portly' as the American TV said. It's all about self-image and a thin, pretty girl can have a poor self-image too.
But as we said long ago, when RZ was chosen, she's perfect because she can emit that vulnerability we saw in the book. Gorgeous? No. Cute, yes. But that's fine, as a cute girl would naturally feel inferior to gorgeous types.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 61 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (12:40) * 3 lines
I have read the book, yes. I'd read the diary in the newspaper, and I read the book a couple of days after it came out. I liked it v. much.
I suppose all I meant is that RZ is prettier than Helen Fielding. She (RZ) is a film star after all. And gorgeousness is in the eye of the beholder. This beholder thinks RZ is gorgeous!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 62 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (12:58) * 1 lines
Yes, you are entitled to think RZ gorgeous. Wait until you see *most* of her stuffed into that bunny outfit. ;-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 63 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (13:05) * 3 lines
Is that the bit where she gets the fancy dress wrong? Can't wait.
I was surprised about the bit of the review, by the way, that claimed most men didn't like the book. That's quite untrue, in my experience. All the men I know loved it. Mostly because it was funny. But also because it rang true. Men's insecurities aren't that different to women's.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 64 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (13:22) * 1 lines
Ben, stop! Stop before you say that men and women aren't that different at all... Every psychologist, psychotherapist and any damn psycho-something else has been working his b**ls/her t*ts off to convince the humanity that we come from different planets. Deny it and you'll deprive a sizable proportion of the world population the pleasure of passing large amounts of money around purely on the basis of how they perceive those differences.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 65 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (13:48) * 7 lines
God. Sorry.
In that case I should warn you that I am planning to write a book called
"Men are from Earth and so are women."
Radical stuff.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 66 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (14:13) * 8 lines
God. Sorry.
You're right. And you're forgiven... ;-)
"Men are from Earth and so are women."
You're still absolutely determined to destroy my illusions, aren't you!!!
;-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 67 of 1325: Heide (heide) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (16:41) * 3 lines
Ooh, I like this -There's one shot where Bridge walks away from him and there's this gaze after her.
Meryton Assembly you say? Yes, I like this very much indeed. Missed both snippets. Will try to do better next time.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 68 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (18:54) * 5 lines
LOL. Ben you are right....my -son-the-psychologist read the book (as well as the sequel [before he gave them to his mother for Christmas]), loved it.
Agrees with you on men & women having similar insecurities.
Looking forward to your book ;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 69 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 4, 2001 (20:56) * 4 lines
Ahem!! Did the actual Times article have other pictures or the same shown at the website (Marie Claire cover and red PJs)?
because the film is such a closely guarded secret. The PR firm in question has a stranglehold on it, and is letting few people see even an early or a shortened version.
Makes me feel much better. Shouldn't take all those snubs personally. ;-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 70 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Mon, Mar 5, 2001 (07:29) * 1 lines
UK tabloid The Daily Mirror reports today that, as the BJD film makers already try to secure actors for the sequel, Renee Z. refuses to agree.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 71 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Mon, Mar 5, 2001 (08:28) * 6 lines
UK tabloid The Daily Mirror reports today that, as the BJD film makers already try to secure actors for the sequel, Renee Z. refuses to agree.
Is she holding out for more money? Or is she waiting to see how many millions in makes worldwide to also set points. She was Jim C. girlfriend, she must have have learnt something in that department. I can't imagine any other reason for refusing at this time. She agreed to be BJ when other British actresses were hoping for the part, now she better show good faith.
(Karen), Shouldn't take all those snubs personally. ;-D
Keep trying, Karen! ;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 72 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Mon, Mar 5, 2001 (08:30) * 1 lines
I assume Colin WILL sign, but I don't take it for granted. :-( Why would HG be back unless they have changed the story to leave it open-ended?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 73 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 5, 2001 (08:55) * 19 lines
Here's the item from the Mirror. I'd bet all of it is made up.
BRIDGET MOANS DIARY STAR SAYS NO TO A SEQUEL
BRIDGET Jones has never been our sort of girl. She doesn't get out much, is a frump who moans about her weight and can't get a boyfriend ... so not our scene, dearie.
Nor, it seems, has the fictional character endeared herself to Renee Zellweger, the unlikely American actress who plays the whinging English rose in the film based on the best-selling diaries.
So much so that Renee, who appears opposite Hugh Grant and Colin Firth in the movie, does not want to repeat her role as chain-smoking, over-indulging and desperate Ms Jones.
Bridget Jones's Diary is out next month and the 31-year-old is already refusing to sign for the sequel. The actress hated piling on (shock, horror!) a whole stone and smoking cigarettes for her role as the neurotic single woman and has told film bosses nothing can persuade her to repeat the role.
Despite positive early feedback, Miramax boss Harvey Weinstein, who is distributing the movie, has ordered some scenes to be re-edited.
"The producers, Working Title, are trying to sign up the sequel already even before Bridget Jones comes out," said an insider.
"But Renee doesn't want to know. She hated having to stuff her face and didn't like living in London for eight months." During filming she would moan every day: " I'm so fat, I'm so fat."
Renee said: "It gets dark really soon and it's cold. It was the no-exercise part that killed me."
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 74 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Mon, Mar 5, 2001 (09:36) * 7 lines
I can't imagine any other reason for refusing at this time.
I can: there's no script!! It's like buying something sight unseen. None of the principals would re-up without having seen a script.
I'd bet all of it is made up.
So do I. Early word on the film seems to be very good, and they don't know how else to fabricate a problem.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 75 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Mon, Mar 5, 2001 (09:53) * 6 lines
Despite positive early feedback, Miramax boss Harvey Weinstein, who is distributing the movie, has ordered some scenes to be re-edited.
So if it's all made up, we don't have to worry about the Harvey cut, right?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 76 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Mon, Mar 5, 2001 (11:16) * 1 lines
Right. This one is in the can. They're alrady having press screenings.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 77 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Mon, Mar 5, 2001 (11:28) * 7 lines
(Me) If all he does is bring Mr. Darcy back in 21st century costume, I'll be very disappointed indeed.
(Evelyn) But don't you think that's what HF had in mind? If not, they could have had any ole Brit bloke play MD.
True, true; I've been arguing for years that the character of MD is nothing more than an updated FD *but* I was hoping for something more from CF than a complete reprise of his P&P2 performance. As a student of P&P2 ;-) I fully expect to see endless similarities, i.e., line delivery, looks, etc. (such as those already pointed out above). My point is, I hope CF adds something else to MD to make the role the same as FD, but different. Got it? I'm being as clear as mud ;-P
As for the AH clip (which I also have on tape and must re-watch)--thought CF's face time was excellent but was miffed that his name wasn't mentioned in the voice-over as it was on ET. Would it have killed them to say 'in which Zellweger stars with CF and HG (or even HG and CF)'? Harumph.
Movie looks v.v. excellent, though!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 78 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Mon, Mar 5, 2001 (12:28) * 10 lines
(Eileen)My point is, I hope CF adds something else to MD to make
the role the same as FD, but different. Got it?
I'm being as clear as mud ;-P
No I understand what you mean....and I agree. We don't want character -clones.
And actually, IMO sequels are seldom as good as the first one.
Dilutes the original.
I also like to hear him speak in the ET clip of BJD.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 79 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 5, 2001 (12:35) * 1 lines
I'd say the Mirror is leading the charge for all press that weren't invited to that early screening (Empire, Sight & Sound, Observer). Mirror wants to trash the movie and has started anti-RZ backlash.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 80 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Mon, Mar 5, 2001 (14:51) * 1 lines
I see that the Film Unlimited site has picked it up, quoting from the Mirror--and then adding its own embellishments. They write she "apparently hated the part so much . . " and "apparently hated filming in London so much . . ." Apparent to whom? To anyone making it up as they go along? Does use of word "apparently" preclude a lawsuit, in manner of "allegedly" in mob stories?;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 81 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Mon, Mar 5, 2001 (15:37) * 3 lines
(Mari) Apparent to whom? To anyone making it up as they go along?
Well, if they said it in the Mirror, then it *must* be true. *phooey*
Shades of the 'HF didn't want RZ and wanted to play BJ herself' hoo-hah. Let's see how many more tabs/websites propagate this nonsense in the coming days.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 82 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Mon, Mar 5, 2001 (15:44) * 2 lines
OK...I don't take it back...maybe some of the press is going trash Renee after all. But they do that to Gwynnie too. Remember they said she was anti-British because she said she didn't like a dessert called"Treacle".
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 83 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 5, 2001 (17:06) * 13 lines
Decided to check the other tabloid and found this item:
Geri Fame-ous
HERE'S Geri Halliwell giving it some belly in the video for her new single It's Raining Men.
She goes totally Eighties for the film, donning tracksuit bottoms, biker jacket and fingerless gloves, as my exclusive snap shows.
The promo pays tribute to the era of yuppies and dodgy haircuts through clothes, clichés and a storyline inspired by the popular Eighties TV show Fame. It even features a Leroy character plus an irritating troupe of actors dancing about on top of cars, echoing the series about a New York music and drama school.
The song, released next month, is a remake of the Weather Girls' 1984 hit and features in the movie Bridget Jones' Diary, also out soon.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 84 of 1325: KJArt (KJArt) * Mon, Mar 5, 2001 (19:48) * 4 lines
(Eileen)My point is, I hope CF adds something else to MD to make
the role the same as FD, but different. Got it?
It was always my impression that Mark D. had more self-confidence (except RE; whether Bridget really could like him) and a strong sardonic sense of humor, something FD hadn't managed to develop at that time. Also MD previously married and with a strong work ethic. Lots of points to differentiate the character, as no doubt ODB will.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 85 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (05:50) * 0 lines
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 86 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (08:26) * 1 lines
Lucky girls! Ann, I do hope you plan to attend. And with your camera as you did for SIL. :-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 87 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (09:02) * 1 lines
Go to it, Ann!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 88 of 1325: aishling (aishling) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (09:09) * 1 lines
Thanks Ann. Where is the venue?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 89 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (10:47) * 39 lines
Hot off the wires... (note poor insertion of old item toward end) This is possibly response to tabloid items yesterday.
Man-Hunting Bridget Jones Heads to Movies
LONDON (Reuters) - Helen Fielding's best-selling novel about a dieting, smoking, man-hunting singleton hits the silver screen next month when "Bridget Jones's Diary" aims to captivate world audiences with a very British charm.
Never mind that a Texan blonde gets to play the eponymous heroine -- the theme is British through and through.
Hugh Grant plays the baddie, Colin Firth is the love interest and Bridget smokes and drinks for England.
"No other country in the world could make a film about a woman who hates herself for being womanly in this way," said Nick James, editor of Sight and Sound film magazine.
The movie of the international best seller which began life as a tongue-in-cheek newspaper column, opens on April 13.
Behind the adaptation is the hit team who created "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Notting Hill." Now Working Title, the production company, hopes the neurotic diaries of a single 30-something will provide its third low-budget British film hit.
At the core of the book is Bridget Jones's die-hard attempt to get thin, smoke less, drink fewer alcoholic units and meet the man of her dreams.
Hardly a modern tale, it nevertheless captured the public's imagination and became a must-read for a generation of modern career women seeking an old-fashioned happy ending.
The Bridget Jones of Fielding's imagination opened each diary entry with a tally of how many cigarettes smoked, pounds lost or gained and drinks drunk. The quest was to get beautiful and find a man -- with plenty of navel gazing along the way.
"How is it possible to put on four pounds overnight? Could flesh have somehow solidified, becoming denser and heavier (repulsive, horrifying notion)); alcohol units: two (excellent) cigarettes: 21 (poor but will give up totally tomorrow); number of correct lottery numbers: two (better, but nevertheless useless)" is just one typical entry.
TEXAN ROSE?
Yet it is an American, rather than a hip Londoner, who grabbed the lead and Fielding admitted to fierce jealousy that her screen character would have an affair with Grant, whom she describes as "hilariously wicked, sexy charming and delicious."
Renee Zellweger, best known for playing Tom Cruise's romantic sidekick in "Jerry Maguire," is a corn-fed Texan with a moon face: a far cry from the English rose of Fielding's mind.
Zellweger's mother is Norwegian and her father is Swiss, but critics will be listening hard to see if an American of European extraction has mastered the London accent.
Her past credits include the comedies "Me Myself and Irene" and "Nurse Betty," which earned her a Golden Globe award.
Fielding won't let Zellweger steal all the limelight.
"I'm keen on the idea of turning up on set and in enormous sunglasses and a gold lame turban shrieking 'it should have been me!' and having to be led away and given a trinket," she told Sydney's Daily Telegraph.
The script was written by Fielding, Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and Notting Hill) and Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice).
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Response 90 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (11:07) * 3 lines
Now THIS is what I call a poster!!
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Response 91 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (11:19) * 1 lines
Could have been a better image of Colin though, thanks Karen.
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Response 92 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (11:59) * 11 lines
...and they say I'm picky! ;-D
Anyway, Teletext picked up the other item. Liked use of "it's suggested." Shame they didn't say "who suggested it"...The Mirror
Zellweger won't do Jones sequel
Renee Zellweger is not interested in making the sequel to Bridget Jones's Diary, sources at Working Title claim. It's suggested she is reluctant to have to put two stone in weight on again and disliked living in London for eight months.
A non-smoker, she also had to puff on herbal cigarettes which made her "smell like dung".
Early previews of the movie are favourable with critics impressed by her Sloaney English accent.
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Response 93 of 1325: MarkG (MarkG) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (12:48) * 5 lines
"It's suggested" by the Daily Mirror.
The "smell like dung" bit is straight out of Marie Claire.
Feeble re-tread of a cobbled story.
I reckon IF there's any truth in the Mirror's story, it could be proof of RZ backing the film. If it's a success, her worth for a sequel will shoot up. I'm sure she didn't love London and gaining weight and not exercising, etc, etc, but I guess she'd do the role again for its sheer artistic integrity - that and a (few) million dollars.
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Response 94 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (13:05) * 1 lines
According to Annova, the soundtrack for BJD goes on release on the 16th March, which seems a little strange as some of the individual singles aren't released until the beginning of April, i.e. Gabrielle and Geri Halliwell's Raining Men.
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Response 95 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (13:31) * 7 lines
Is it me or does Geri GingerSpice look like she's anorexic?
I like that pic of MD, Ann (same as the one on cupid during that Valentine's Day promo). Hair: v.v.g., jawline: v.g., fit of shirt collar: v.v.g.! Also like that he appears to be peeking at the diary.
Think this is the *official* poster? *hoping*
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Response 96 of 1325: Liz K (ekelley) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (13:52) * 1 lines
Hi all... (delurking on this board) stupid question, which I should know, but don't: when is this supposed to open up in theatres here in the US?
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Response 97 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (13:58) * 11 lines
About the sequel, there was talk about the other WT hits (4Weddings and NH), but they've never chosen to pursue the sequel route with those (yeah, like they could get Julia to do another!). All hype, making it a huge hit before it even opens.
I agree, Ann, it seems a bit early to release the soundtrack. I would think it would coincide with the release of the movie. Perhaps, they meant April 13 not March 13 as it is not listed at a couple of music sites I've checked.
The item from Ananova:
Bridget Jones soundtrack set to be a hit
The soundtrack to the forthcoming film adaptation of Helen Fielding's bestseller Bridget Jones's Diary features exclusive tracks from top artists. The film is tipped to be one of the biggest international movie hits of the year. Tracks include new material from Robbie Williams, and Geri Halliwell's cover of The Weather Girls' 1980s hit, It's Raining Men. There are also contributions from Alisha's Attic, Shelby Lynne and Gabrielle.
Bridget Jones's Diary premieres in the UK in April, while the soundtrack album is due for release on March 16 through Mercury.
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Response 98 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (14:00) * 5 lines
Liz: check the Bucket for all the dates:
http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjd.html
and it's April 13th
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Response 99 of 1325: Allison M (Allison2) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (14:51) * 2 lines
The poster for Bridget Jones is now on the Tube in London. (has anyone reported this before?) It is the one with RZ sitting, legs out straight, with a ciggie in the ashtray to her side. Says something like "it's Monday and BJ wakes up in bed with a hangover and her boss". Sorry if that is not correct but have not time to go back to Green Park to check:-)
Much better than tht creepy picture of CF - looks straight out of RV!!
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Response 100 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (15:36) * 5 lines
tht creepy picture of CF - looks straight out of RV!!
LOL! I thought it looked familiar...
Btw, what are responses 85 to 88 supposed to mean exactly? I see nothing in 85 and I feel like an extra in a remake of The Emperor's New Clothes...
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Response 101 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (16:04) * 1 lines
Allison, will you please email me, I have mislaid your address (re response 85).
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 102 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (16:05) * 1 lines
Sorry I meant Echo.
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Response 103 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (17:30) * 5 lines
Love the poster....Thanks boss.
And sorry folks I like CF peaking around her diary,..cool.....maybe because
I liked RV :-)
See Eileen,a different perspective ...not like Mr. Darcy at all;-)
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Response 104 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (17:47) * 1 lines
Allison, you're right about the RV pose! Still a clean looking poster and his presense for once is there. I hope they won't cut him out in the States, as tthey have done in the past and they could too unless he specifically had it written into his contract that he must also be included in the poster whenever HG is. That would have been a smart move.
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Response 105 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (19:19) * 4 lines
(Moon) I hope they won't cut him out in the States, as tthey have done in the past
I don't think he'll be cut out, as the advertising needs to emphasize there are TWO guys (Mr So So Right and Mr Fuckwit) interested in one girl. That's the campaign they should be waging. Mark Darcy's part is the mysterious stranger type as you can see in the bits of the trailer shown on Access Hollywood. The emphasis on Hugh but with Colin lurking about on the sidelines.
Meant to bring this up before. In the articles, I liked how people had singled out scenes with Colin as being the most important (when he says he likes her as-is, or Bridget telling him that he makes her feel ridiculous). These are memorable scenes (serious concepts) that critics would focus on, rather than a drunken Hugh falling overboard whilst saying he's king of the world.
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Response 106 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (20:20) * 2 lines
Mark Darcy's part is the mysterious stranger type as you can see in the bits of the trailer shown on Access Hollywood.
OK, rub it in. You know I have not seen this. :-( Lucky you who can rewind to her heart's content.
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Response 107 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Tue, Mar 6, 2001 (21:24) * 3 lines
Thanks for the poster, Karen. I think the "peekaboo" pose is very appropriate, but notice they used the CF and RZ pics from the website, yet substituted a more attractive photo for HG. No doubt he has approval on the publicity materials (they all may) and vetoed the one on the website, a more appropriate (but less attractive) peering-sideways look. I just wonder if CF has people looking out for his interests like that. I do love that he's on there, though!
a corn-fed Texan LOL! They make her sound like a heifer.
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Response 108 of 1325: anne hale (ommin) * Wed, Mar 7, 2001 (04:29) * 1 lines
Don't fret gals he is what he is. I guess he'll never change but thats why I like him.
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Response 109 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Wed, Mar 7, 2001 (10:34) * 9 lines
(Evelyn) And sorry folks I like CF peaking around her diary,..cool.....maybe because I liked RV :-)
See Eileen,a different perspective ...not like Mr. Darcy at all;-)
Certainly not, the way you see it. ;-) I don't see 'gay' in this pose at all (no wrists flicking) and I also liked RV--loved seeing CF flouncing around, was ROTF. IMO showing CF in the Mr. D. aloof/smouldering/glowering mode on the poster would make him/his character look less appealing than this playful look.
(Karen) The emphasis on Hugh but with Colin lurking about on the sidelines.
Which is in keeping with the book, right?
(Karen) I liked how people had singled out scenes with Colin as being the most important (when he says he likes her as-is, or Bridget telling him that he makes her feel ridiculous). These are memorable scenes (serious concepts) that critics would focus on, rather than a drunken Hugh falling overboard whilst saying he's king of the world.
Good point!
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Response 110 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Wed, Mar 7, 2001 (13:10) * 1 lines
Ooh, have had brilliant brainstorm for poster. Picture this: Small shot of BJ sitting on bed with diary open, superimposed on larger close-up of pensive Mark Darcy (head only). Perfect! Yet something about it seems familiar...
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Response 111 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Wed, Mar 7, 2001 (13:27) * 1 lines
Suggest Bridget hold one stockinged leg up in air for nice central focus. Or else could have enigmatic Mark Darcy in shadowy doorway with Bridget sitting in lacy frou frou underwear or scary pants, whichever. ;-D
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Response 112 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Wed, Mar 7, 2001 (23:44) * 20 lines
This isn't the same writer, but does this border on plagiarism? From reel.com:
Zellweger Stars as Jones
By Joan Tarshis
Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding's hilarious, best-selling novel about a weight-watching, chain-smoking, man-chasing, gin-and-tonic drinking, pint-guzzling bachelorette makes its way to the big screen next month. Indeed.
Renee Zellweger, best known for playing Tom Cruise's romantic interest in Jerry Maguire, stars as Jones. Mind you — despite that a blond from Texas is playing the eponymous heroine — the premise is terribly British. Hugh Grant plays the bad guy and Colin Firth is the love interest, while Bridget smokes and drinks and drinks and smokes in Jolly Ol' England.
At the film's center are Bridget's desperate attempts to lose weight, smoke less, drink less, and meet her Prince Charming. The novel became a must for a generation of modern career women seeking an old-fashioned happy ending.
In her diary, Bridget begins each entry with a total of how many pounds lost or gained, cigarettes smoked, and drinks drunk. The mission is to become beautiful and find a man. A typical entry reads, ``How is it possible to put on four pounds overnight? Could flesh have somehow solidified, becoming denser and heavier (repulsive, horrifying notion); alcohol units: two (excellent) cigarettes: 21 (poor but will give up totally tomorrow); number of correct lottery numbers: two (better, but nevertheless useless).''
What has surprised our friends across the pond is that an American actress, rather than a hip Brit, got the lead. Zellweger's past credits include the comedies Me, Myself & Irene and Nurse Betty, which earned her a Golden Globe award.
Fielding has admitted to being fiercely jealous that her character gets to have an affair with Grant, whom she describes as "hilariously wicked, sexy, charming, and delicious." But, the author admits she won't let Zellweger steal all of Grant's attentions. "I'm keen on the idea of turning up on set in enormous sunglasses and a gold lamé turban shrieking 'it should have been me!' and having to be led away and given a trinket," she told Sydney's Daily Telegraph.
The script was inked by Fielding, Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill), and Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice), and is being helmed by first-timer Sharon Maguire. Bridget Jones reunites co-writer Curtis with producers Tim Bevans and Eric Fellner, the successful team who brought us Four Weddings and Notting Hill. Now the trio hopes that the ramblings of a neurotic, single, 30-ish woman will give them hit number three.
The movie, which was born as a tongue-in-cheek newspaper column, opens April 13.
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Response 113 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (09:21) * 2 lines
(Karen) but does this border on plagiarism?
Is there such a concept any more? It seems plagiarism went out the window when 'cut and paste' was invented. :-/
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Response 114 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (10:53) * 7 lines
ATTN!!
Full trailer is now available at the MSN site:
http://entertainment.msn.com/bridget/default.asp
Lots of Colin! You see when she first sees him at the party (he's wearing a dark turtleneck. He's specifically shown as Mr Wrong (in her mind) after the Mr Right intro. Then there's a darling bit, where he's at the door to somebody's apartment and calls Cleaver out. "OK, Cleaver, outside. [Cleaver: What?"] MD: Should I bring my dueling pistols or sword?"
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Response 115 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (11:06) * 3 lines
Ooooh, and he throws a punch. Yippee!
This is a 2:26 min trailer, as would be in the theatres.
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Response 116 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (11:06) * 1 lines
And he says the lines about liking her just the way she is.
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Response 117 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (11:13) * 4 lines
Oh Karen...the trailer is darling. I esp like the part that MD says:
"To our Bridget, we love her...just as she is".Mr. Darcy's voice, for sure.
Bridge's accent sounds good to me.She's got the Brit vowels down pat.
Thank you Working Title....
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Response 118 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (11:47) * 3 lines
Oh, bollocks, I can't view it! Apparently we have some security thingie here at work which prevents our PCs from downloading the viewing software. Don't they know people need a break at work? Honestly, this is something out of Dickens.;-)
Tell us poor deprived souls more, please.
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Response 119 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (12:06) * 3 lines
Ooh, v.v. cute indeed (note to self: begin each day by viewing trailer). *But* I think I see/hear a few things differently--it doesn't sound like MD's voice saying 'just as she is', though he definitely says 'To Bridget, whom we love' (could be my ears *klunking self on head*). Unfortunately, I'm sure it is DC, not MD who says 'should I bring my dueling pistols or my sword?'. :-( Oh, well, I still like the trailer.
Agree with what the others say about RZ's accent but since I'm not British I'm hardly a judge. I like the what it does to her voice, though, which in JM sounded high pitched and little girlish.
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Response 120 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (12:09) * 27 lines
It's what we saw on Access Hollywood and more.
Starts out with the Still not married bit and how's your love life from everybody, with the "haven't had a sniff of a date for over 18 months" line. Then there's a shot at a party (could be literary bash), and v. possibly CF at center of shot at other end of room.
Cue music: sounds like 1960s Frank Sinatra-y thing (or Gidget theme music)
Car drives up to Snowshill and there's the Turkey Curry Buffet and Bridget being introduced to Mark (by mom). He looks v.good.
Strange little incident with a taxi. Can't tell for sure whose voice that is saying "drive on. She's fine."
Then there's that whole bit from TV we saw about starting a diary, making resolutions, not dating litany of bad guy types, holding up big pants, exercycling with Shaz, will develop inner poise (blender blowup)...
Won't fantasize about boss (enter Hugh) and making date and rolling around on floor discussing enormous pants.
Next we see Jim Broadbent as dad, asking her if she has a boyfriend, to which she replies "I have, father, and he's perfect."
Voiceover about how she's finding herself caught between a man who's too good to be true (king of the world) and a man who is so wrong.... bunny outfit.
Then we get the "I like you just the way you" are bit....
Music changes...oh, what is name of song. Every little thing she says and does...
Cast intros: RZ (she's singing "Can't Live if Living is w/o you" v. drunkenly), THEN HG (a little dialogue about practicing french kissing with girls at school, Then CF (and dueling bit) -- shot of three girls and BJ saying "major dilemma" after punch thrown.
Ends with answering phone.
Sorry if it's so choppy. Had to keep pausing and writing and starting. Argh
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Response 121 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (12:10) * 1 lines
One other thought: am surprised to see MD wearing sexy black turtleneck (*the* turtleneck!) instead of fugly diamond-patterned sweater in the turkey curry buffet scene. Guess they didn't want to overdo the nerd-dweeb thing. One can still hope for bumblebee socks, however. ;-)
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Response 122 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (12:13) * 1 lines
Gaah! You're right, Hugh gets the pistols or sword line. *off to find Q tip* :-(
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Response 123 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (12:23) * 3 lines
The song is from the Police *humming* 'every little thing she does is magic..'
Just watched again (can't wait until these things are bigger than the smallest size post-it note). No longer think MD says 'to Bridget, whom we love'. Think someone else says the line *but* the camera shows smiling MD which is more important. Glad to see they have their priorities straight. ;-)
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Response 124 of 1325: Allison M (Allison2) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (12:34) * 1 lines
Grrrrrr. I cannot view it either. Probably due to hopeless internet peformance at this time in the UK. Am v frustrated gazing at blue MSN screen with nothing happening. Will have to get up v early tomorrow when I shall not be sharing my dial-up line with half of the southeast of England:-)
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Response 125 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (13:03) * 1 lines
My wizzard line at work pipes it down so efficiently its like being in the cinema. Well, almost. A good two minutes. Now for the other 98.
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Response 126 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (13:20) * 5 lines
The Police! Of course, I even own that one. *off to vacuum brain*
Allison, try clicking on a lower connection type for viewing. If you have a 56K connection, try the 28K one.
Was also v. surprised that Mark is not wearing hideously ugly sweater at the party. But glad is nice dark turtleneck. He should wear those more frequently, than basic black t-shirt we keep seeing.
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Response 127 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (13:21) * 3 lines
Karen, thanks so much for posting the "full trailer" info. Rarely surf at work, but am so glad I "checked in". Brightened my day considerably! Will have to visit again at home, when, out of my "cubile" environment, I can crank up the volume.
Have checked the Island Records web site, but they have no mention of the soundtrack. Wanted to pre-order from _somebody_.
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Response 128 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (14:15) * 11 lines
(Eileen)I like the what it does to her voice, though, which in JM sounded high pitched and little girlish.
Likewise in Nurse Betty.Renee should speak with a British accent all the time. V. flattering.I tell ya' it's those vowels.American accent has ugly vowels.
Car drives up to Snowshill and there's the Turkey Curry Buffet and Bridget being introduced to Mark (by mom). He looks v.good.
Doesn't mom say something like "You remember Bridget, she used to run around the lawn without any clothes on..." Bridget looking mortified.
..bunny outfit.
Hilarious.Who hasn't appeared at a party dressed all wrong.
Allison, it takes a little while to load esp. if your lines are busy.
It would tell you if you didn't have the correct version of the video software. Good luck.
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Response 129 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (14:40) * 1 lines
For some reason, the trailer works better for me from The Bucket than from the MSN website, LOL.I get interruptions (pauses) from the official website. Have to keep hitting the "Play" button.
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Response 130 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (14:56) * 7 lines
HA! Have cracked code! Am overjoyed! Am bursting! Am drooling!
Am probably also unemployed.;-)
Love this. Superb trailer. Even if I had never heard of BJD or Colin (and oh, what an awful life that would be!;-), I'd go to see this. CF is . . . oh, my, my, my , my, my . . .When he says to her, "You see, I like you. A lot. Just the way you are." *Major meltdown.* And that shot at the end when they're raising a glass to Bridge at the dinner. . .*very* close to The Look. Mmmmm . . . .
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Response 131 of 1325: Judy (judy) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (15:06) * 3 lines
Can't get the trailer but have just seen the video
for Gabrielle's song & was surprised to see quite a
bit of CF.
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Response 132 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (15:19) * 5 lines
(Evelyn) For some reason, the trailer works better for me from The Bucket than from the MSN website, LOL.I get interruptions (pauses) from the official website.
Am far from an expert on this but I think it has more to do with when you view the trailer vs. where you view it from. It was much clearer and flowed better for me this morning than just now. Sometimes it sticks on video while audio progresses so you think you're seeing everything. Must watch over and over!
(Mari) *very* close to The Look.
Absolutely. Very close without duplicating that which should never be duplicated, IMO ;-). How 'bout MD's expression when BJ's mom makes the intro? As Evelyn notes, Bridget looks mortified while Mark's expression is straight out of the Meryton assembly (and/or Netherfield Ball with Mr. Collins--take your pick).
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Response 133 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (15:41) * 4 lines
Judy where did you see the video for Gabrielle's song and did they say when it would be released in the UK. I still think it is odd that the BJD soundtrack is being released on the 16th March before the individual singles, maybe it was a misprint by Annova but I am still going to check it out on the 16th March.
I am so glad he looks and sounds so great, I am all anticipation. Thanks Karen for notifying us of the trailer and Allison I have been able to see it and I am in the South East also. Try what Karen suggested, it worked for me.
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Response 134 of 1325: Judy (judy) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (15:57) * 4 lines
Ann it was shown on The Box a music channel on
cable or satellite.It was new today & as yet there
is no mention of the release date.There are some
great shots of CF!
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Response 135 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (16:03) * 5 lines
Oooh, I get The Box. Must check if same here. Which shots, Judy? The same as we've been discussing?
That tears it! I'm definitely going to a mainstream movie complex this weekend. No esoteric Chinese films until I see that trailer up on a big screen, instead of postage size.
Ann, that date has to be wrong. At the Gabrielle website, it says the single is coming on on April 2.
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Response 136 of 1325: winter (winter) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (16:15) * 3 lines
Nice trailer, from what I've been able to make out of it (too many pauses on this computer). Must run over to my good friend Pete-- who has forked over wads of cash to be be able to play feature-length films on his spiffy new computer.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 137 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (16:19) * 1 lines
Karen, someone at VV has seen the trailer at a Sony Cinema?
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Response 138 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (16:21) * 1 lines
It doesn't look as if we are going to see Colin in his Barrister's Gown, does it? Oh well, mustn't complain, I love that grey polo neck!
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Response 139 of 1325: Judy (judy) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (16:22) * 13 lines
I've just checked www.thebox.co.uk for the release
date but the record isn't listed there yet.The first
shot is head & shoulders & then it shows him in a
reindeer jumper .(I wish someone had warned me
about that -D)There's also one of him watching BJ
with DC at a do.Another when he interrupts BJ & DC
about to kiss.A few shots of the fight-crashing
through a window,in a street high kicking DC & the
punch.I'll have to watch the tape again as thats all
I can remember.
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Response 140 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (17:09) * 5 lines
Ann, the cinema chain isn't as important as which movie it precedes. I wish the person at VV had said. I do hope it isn't Chocolat (another Miramax release) as I don't care to see it again. ;-D
A reindeer jumper? High-kicking DC? This is marvelous. Wonder if he learned to do that kick or was that the padded stunt double that Mark saw? *tingling* I cannot wait for this movie.
Can't find The Box on my cable. Must've been dropped. Will tune in to MTV or similar.
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Response 141 of 1325: TracyT (Tracy) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (18:40) * 10 lines
Karen = I'm definitely going to a mainstream movie complex this weekend
My thoughts exactly ! Thanks for the tip about lowering the connection speed, managed to see most of the trailer but it was very disjointed. Need to see a clearer view, oh how I need ;-)
Love the Karaoke! A girl after my own heart. And mad 'inner poise' blender moment - d'you think we'll get the whole blue soup and marmalade episode??
Also thanks Judy for tip re the video..now must hog parents' cable!
Meredith I've also been scouring the various sites to pre-order the soundtrack ..nothing doing at CD now or Amazon or HMV ;-( When is it to be released anyone?
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Response 142 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (21:40) * 4 lines
Think I'll go watch the trailer at an internet place which has the very high-speed connections. Then the pic is bigger too and it really flows well.
(Tracy) d'you think we'll get the whole blue soup and marmalade episode??
Fingers crossed, but I do expect we'll have to see foot in pot of mashed potatoes, as that is one of HF's most used anecdotes.
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Response 143 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (21:41) * 41 lines
Meant to say thanks to everyone who filled us in on the trailer bits while I was plotzing over not being able to see it at first!:-) Good thing you thought to re-check the trailer, Karen; I figured it was just the same old, same old.
Then there's a shot at a party (could be literary bash), and v. possibly CF at center of shot at other end of room.
Yes, that's him. Looks like he's wearing a dress shirt and jacket, no tie.
Strange little incident with a taxi. Can't tell for sure whose voice that is saying "drive on. She's fine."
I think it's Tom in the back seat. Right before that, Shazz says something like, "mind your step," whereupon BJ falls down, drunk apparently.
Voiceover about how she's finding herself caught between a man who's too good to be true (king of the world) and a man who is so wrong.... bunny outfit.
Don't you love how one of the women says "I can't believe what some people find attractive," then they cut to Mark who manages, "um, er, (big gulp) yes." The look on his face--*he* is obviously finding the bunny very attractive!:-)
Ends with answering phone.
"Wanton sex goddess, here. Oh . . . dad!"
How 'bout MD's expression when BJ's mom makes the intro? As Evelyn notes, Bridget looks mortified while Mark's expression is straight out of the Meryton assembly
Her expression is pure Ehle, when the mortified Lizzie says, "Ma-ma, he willl hear you."
I love that grey polo neck!
Oh, me too! Do you think it's a different one than in the pic that went up on the website early on?
Love the Karaoke! A girl after my own heart.
So you've karried a bit of okie in your time, eh Tracy?;-) Moi aussi.:-)
d'you think we'll get the whole blue soup and marmalade episode??
Ooo, I hope so--one of my faves. I think one of the early reviews at AICN mentioned the funny dinner scene, so it seems they've kept it.
Tracy, most of the scenes you mention in the video are not in the trailer, but they sure sound like goodies! I want my MTV . . .:-)
Agree that RZ's voice takes on a v. nice timbre with the English accent--deeper than usual. But how does the accent sound to our experts?
I have to say, I'm v.v. pleased with the bits we've seen so far! Hurry April 13--so glad that so many of us will be able to see it at the same time--a too-rare treat!:-)
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Response 144 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Thu, Mar 8, 2001 (22:14) * 5 lines
Just in and I must thank all of you for your comments and Karen for the clip. I only saw it once but I loved it and plan to see it again... ! Will have to watch MTV too. Mari, her accent sounds good. I only found fault in the way she says diary. What do the Brits say?
I loved the line about the duel, too bad Colin doesn't say it.
(Cue in the music, I am ready to dance!)
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Response 145 of 1325: MarkG (MarkG) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (03:16) * 7 lines
Many thanks for the lead to the trailer, Karen.
This Brit gives an A for the accent. I know it sounds ridiculous but when we previously got the five-second trailer with HG investigating the big pants and RZ just saying "No ... no ..." it actually did sound too posh. One word, I know, BUT the most telling Received Pronunciation vowel. However, my hopes went back up when one of the articles said "...if you found Gwyneth Paltrow's accent in Sliding Doors jarring...watch out, it's the same accent coach." GP (as I have said before) was perfect in SD, and from this evidence RZ is pretty close.
Great trailer, though it's all a bit of a giveaway about who's going to get the girl, no? (I am aware that we knew already!)
But it's looking bad for me personally. That scene where HG growls in the car is MY scene, but I suspect the best I can now hope for is a freeze-frame one day with me telling friends "that guy behind him...there, in the suit...did you see it?...no, no head, just an arm...it's me...honestly"
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Response 146 of 1325: Allison M (Allison2) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (03:34) * 1 lines
Thanks to Karen's Bucket, I have now heard the trailer and seen it until BJ says the bit about not having had a sniff of a date for 6 months and then the picture stops! So I can pronounce on the accent. v.v.good. Not too posh and perfectly Home Counties. In fact she has a very familiar voice and I cannot quite think whose voice it is. Pity I have not been able to see Colin ...
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Response 147 of 1325: Donna DL (fitzwd) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (05:19) * 1 lines
Speaking of accents and for the benefit of us Yanks, are RZ and GP using a regional accent and where exactly in England would we find that? Is their accents different from how JE talked in P&P?
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Response 148 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (06:31) * 3 lines
The MSN site seems to have been revamped this AM, with new cast photos, including one with the aforementioned "reindeer" sweater (cannot believe it!) as well as other very dishy photos. Oh yes, I suppose I should look at the other cast photos...
Have always liked HG, but putting him beside CF there is NO comparison in talent, looks, etc. People (in the US) may go to see the film because of HG, but they'll stay because of CF! And of course RZ is the "it" girl at the moment, deservedly so.
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Response 149 of 1325: Allison M (Allison2) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (07:02) * 7 lines
Speaking of accents and for the benefit of us Yanks, are RZ and GP using a regional accent
No, all their accents are more or less RP ie Received Pronounciation - aka Standard english. The idea is that it is non regional but it is more likely to be spoken in the south-east. Being the UK of course we could have a whole discussion on what one might be able to deduce from minute variations in inflection, vowel tone etc:-) I would have put GP's accent in SD as RP but spoken by someone from the southeast of England owing to some slight, flattening, estuarine tendencies in the vowels (that is estuarine as in Thames Estuary);-)
GP's accent in SIL was much more the sort of RP spoken by someone who has been
educated at one of the more select girls' boarding schools.
RZ's accent is appropriately between the two. v v good, v v clever voice coaches.
See what a minefield it all is.
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Response 150 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (08:10) * 10 lines
Being the UK of course we could have a whole discussion on what one might be able to deduce from minute variations in inflection, vowel tone etc:-) (Allison)
From the brief sample in the trailer, I found RZ's accent better than GP's in SIL. (Look at what a dab hand I've become with the acronyms! Eat your hearts out Firthettes.) GP's was a bit TOO nasal and Estuary-ish - it was the kind of Sloane cockney beloved of hip, insecure London day school gals....not unlike Lady DI's accent. (Now THERE'S a minefield for you.)
Mark's right - RZ's first 'o'-vowel was very distinctive.
Can you blame poor Reese Witherspoon for being nervous? As if it isn't enough to have to act well. It's easier in a film, of course, but still...
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Response 151 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (09:06) * 10 lines
Wow Meredith! Yes, they've revamped and added things from the production notes as well. I do like the little post-it notes (something I thought of using too), especially the one on Colin's page:
Mmmmm Ding Dong
Maybe this Mum had got it right. Maybe this was the devastating hunk I'd been waiting my whole life to meet...maybe not.
That's the same turtleneck from the trailer. We just can't see the reindeer design in the shot.
Fascinating discussion on RZ accent, but what was that area of North London Colin had mentioned in an interview? "And it's actually a little bit confusing sometimes," he adds, "'cos there's a great incongruity when she tells you something about her childhood in Texas. She says something like 'Dad lassoing mustangs and taking me to the rodeo.' And you think, 'What, in Croydon?'"
Must have been joking. ;-D
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Response 152 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (09:18) * 1 lines
On the Events selection, it mentions the blue soup. :-)
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Response 153 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (10:00) * 1 lines
Also on the Events section in very small letters it mentions that the soundtrack will be available 3rd April - Island Records.
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Response 154 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (10:41) * 8 lines
Thank you Allison, Mark and Ben for the Accent Address.
...all their accents are more or less RP ie Received Pronounciation - aka Standard english.
Is that in contrast to what we call BBC English like in P&P?
..estuarine tendencies in the vowels (that is estuarine as in Thames Estuary);-) , ["estuarine vowels"...now how about that for impressing the folks around the water cooler, Mari;-) ]This accent thing could have killed the film in UK....so glad it "passes the mustard'.
Eileen, do you see in your crystal ball more British films in the future for RZ?
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Response 155 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (10:52) * 3 lines
Oh that reindeer sweater....too much...enough to say it won't replace the "wet shirt":-D
Karen, I don't think those are posties...look more like polaroid shots to me.
Allison, I find when the trailer stops, if you hit "Pause" , then hit "Play" it continues.I sorta play around with all those buttons.
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Response 156 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (11:02) * 4 lines
Sure there are yellow post-it notes (with messages on them) plus the Polaroids.
Thought I'd post these:
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Response 157 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (11:03) * 1 lines
That second one is the suit he wore for the fight. Comments on the collar? ;-D
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Response 158 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (11:06) * 1 lines
Looks like his barrister's collar! (she says hopefully.)
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Response 159 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (11:19) * 17 lines
Thanks, Meredith, for the tip about the revamped site. Things are hotting up even further, as they say.
(Karen) That's the same turtleneck from the trailer. We just can't see the reindeer design in the shot
AhhhHA! Fugly diamond-patterned sweater has been replaced by kooky reindeer sweater--sexy turtle/polo neck from back, nerdy in front. Glad they kept to the spirit of the book here.
(Mari) I think it's Tom in the back seat. Right before that, Shazz says something like, "mind your step," whereupon BJ falls down, drunk
I think you've got it.
(Tracy) d'you think we'll get the whole blue soup and marmalade episode??
(Mari) Ooo, I hope so--one of my faves. I think one of the early reviews at AICN mentioned the funny dinner scene, so it seems they've kept it.
It has to be the scene from the trailer with the line 'To Bridget, whom we love, just the way she is'. BTW, any other opinions as to who says that line? It doesn't sound like CF to me.
(Mark) Great trailer, though it's all a bit of a giveaway about who's going to get the girl, no? (I am aware that we knew already!)
Usually I have the same complaint about trailers but with BJD, one can rationalize that the same kabillion people who read the book (thereby being aware of the ending) are the target audience for the movie.
(Evelyn) Eileen, do you see in your crystal ball more British films in the future for RZ?
Ummm, action in ball tends to stop-go and is only postage stamp size (must upgrade ball with faster modem--wonder if they're sold at gypsy store?) but I think I see something about the word 'edge'. Hmmm. All v.v. confusing ;-)
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Response 160 of 1325: Allison M (Allison2) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (11:30) * 5 lines
Is that in contrast to what we call BBC English like in P&P?
All the same: standard, BBC, RP, Queen's english (latter little used now on grounds that queen no longer sounds like anybody else still alive).
BTW I agree with Ann, that is his barrister's collar .... too...arghh... I am all overcome just thinking about it. Unfortunately (?) am off to Nepal of all places next week for a quick trip. That must be one of the few places on this planet which will never receive BJD so will be deprived of the delicious anticipation. Will be back in time for the opening here though.
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Response 161 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (11:32) * 8 lines
(Ann) Looks like his barrister's collar! (she says hopefully.)
To each his own, as my mother used to say ;-)
Have been thinking about the storyline. We already know there's no Julio. It appears to me that the characters of Julio and DC have been merged, i.e., Mark rescues BJ from DC instead of rescuing Mama Jones from Julio. Don't think we'll see any blonde giantesses on the roof of DC's flat. The fight scene must be the climax, replacing the one from the book where Mark chases Julio through the bushes and gets all sweaty (BJ: 'let me tell you, it was damn sexy').
AAA's if this has already been figured out while I was in hibernation.
Thanks for the pics, Karen! They look sharper here than at the MSN site. 8-D
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Response 162 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (11:42) * 13 lines
Evelyn!!
There you were, with the water-cooler crowd at your feet, and then....
"it passes the mustard".
....and they all amble off, shaking their heads.
It cuts the mustard, or it passes muster. :-)
God knows where these expressions come from (is the second something to do with the army?). I certainly don't see why passing the mustard should be any worse than cutting it. But there you are.
p.s. It v. much looks like a barrister's collar.
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Response 163 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (11:43) * 12 lines
Just filling in some blanks in case you missed them...
Mark rescues BJ from DC instead of rescuing Mama Jones from Julio
There is a Julian, a presenter from the Home Shopping Channel, but know little else regarding his relationship to plot.
Don't think we'll see any blonde giantesses on the roof of DC's flat.
She won't be blonde as the actress is a brunette (Lisa B???) but no reason to believe that Bridget doesn't discover them together after the Tarts & Vicars party.
The fight scene must be the climax
I don't think so. Did you read those *spoiler* bits from Mr Beaks?
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Response 164 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (11:57) * 3 lines
(Karen) I don't think so. Did you read those *spoiler* bits from Mr Beaks?
I did, but I can hardly recall the details (too many other things rolling around up there these days). I did know there was a Julian, but wasn't a conclusion reached that the character was nowhere near as significant as Julio was in the book? I recall Beaks didn't care for the ending...and didn't we read somewhere about speculation that the ending had been changed? Gaah, can't keep it all straight anymore. No matter. AAA's for being off-base about the story.
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Response 165 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (12:55) * 3 lines
No need for AAAs, as some people didn't want to read the additional nonposted spoiler details from Mr Beaks about the ending. Couldn't remember if you had or not. But then again, it could've changed again.
BTW, I really don't know the significance of the Julian character other than he would be someone Pam takes up with. (no scolding, Ben, on ending with a preposition as I could fix but don't care to) ;-D
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Response 166 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (13:07) * 1 lines
April 13th is only 5 weeks from today...Karen, do ya want to start a countdown? *heheheheheheh* ;-)
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Response 167 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (13:11) * 3 lines
More publicity for BJD - in the Times, today Section 2 a really funny article "Bridget's singular style - Where to get the Bridget Look etc. Apparently more than 20 designers furnished RZ's wardrobe.. I will check if it is online.
Also Aishling tells me that HF was on GMTV this morning, afraid I missed it but Aishling has recorded it and will no doubt tell us more.
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Response 168 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (13:21) * 1 lines
Well, it had better end just the way the book did, with MD giving BJ "pardon for"!
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Response 169 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (13:39) * 1 lines
The Times article is online but it is a very long address, can you help Karen, it is in the Style & Fashion section, go to the Index. Picture of RZ in her red pyjamas and Annova have just announced the new BJD Official Website.
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Response 170 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (14:11) * 2 lines
The accent is spot-on! Can't be faulted. Which will no doubt disappoint some of our less charitable reviewers! Reminds me of Kate Winslet/Caroline Quentin.
The reindeer sweater must be a variation on the diamond patterned yellow/blue sweater of Turkey Curry Buffet fame. And that's definitely a barrister's outfit! Very sexy!
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Response 171 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (14:29) * 25 lines
Sure thing, Ann, here's the article at The Times (no pics online). Note ending:
Bridget's singular style BY TIM TEEMAN
The unsorted urban chick is set to become chic with the movie release of Bridget Jones’s Diary
For those inconsolable following the end of Sex and the City’s second series on Wednesday night, the imminent movie release of Bridget Jones’s Diary has a harsh message for wannabe Park Avenue princesses. OK, obsess about your weight, but accept the truth of being a size 12. Get drunk and bitter unattractively. Blousier is better.
Somehow, Bridget Jones has become a style icon. In her eponymous first diaries, published in 1996, she was a crazy, endearing, middle-class girl who had enough trouble finding knickers in the morning. She had shoe and killer black dress fascinations, but that was it. Now, with the release of her movie, she is a demographic: Young, Urban, Distressed.
More than 20 designers furnished René Zellweger’s wardrobe in the title role. Her mussed-up bob is as ubiquitous as a Rachel from Friends. She looks inquiring, troubled, playful. But she overeats, substance-abuses, swears, (which separates her from Ally McBeal). She is the boho girl who gets on at Ladbroke Grove Tube, reading Pride and Prejudice while listening to Coldplay. Hail the unsorted urban chick. “She is the urban single thirtysomething who balances two extremes — absolutely not caring and caring too much,” says Melanie Rickey, the fashion features editor of Nova. “She can veg out with chocolate on the sofa in girly pyjamas, moaning ‘No one will ever love me’, yet knows she can brush up quite well. She’s in her early 30s, unmarried, childless and panicking.” Zellweger’s dedication to the role is well known: she drank Guinness and ate cake and weight-gain powder to reach a size 12 — though has now lost all the weight to return to her usual size 6.
Katy England, the style editor of Dazed & Confused, says Bridget’s look will prove popular. “It’s great because we’re all a little tired of being a certain weight, having a certain look. Bridget is liberated from all that tiresomeness. I only hope the film doesn’t put the buckets of suffering she goes through down to her weight."
Rachael Fleming, the film’s costumier, has already received requests for one of Bridget’s key outfits: a pair of red,penguin-patterned pyjamas purchased — shock — in an Oxfam store in East London. “This is girl next door gets it wrong,” says Fleming. “It’s a look that is going to be hugely popular with loads of female urban professionals. Bridget wants to be sexy in a city where most single men are either gay or assholes. Her clothes are either concealing or, if she goes for it, flamboyant — like a distinctive Vivienne Westwood number for a publishing party.”
Zellweger’s beautiful choppy “do” has become Bridget’s “bedhead”, set to be this spring’s messy hit. “It takes more work than you would think,” says colourist Jo Hansford. “People are already emulating it. Denise van Outen and Caprice tried their own variations at the Brits. Rough-dry your hair, leaving bits damp. Do a zig-zag parting. Add dulling wax. Let it dry. Let the roots grow through. That’s Bridget Jones hair.”
Like any W10-living PR professional, Bridget’s wardrobe veers towards the smart, styled boho-grungy. Her long, shredded-style black coat is by Helmut Lang, a favoured grey hooded top by Copperwheat Blundell. Who needs the tease of La Perla or fiddly kinkiness of Agent Provocateur with Bridget’s winning bedtime combo: a pair of pig pyjamas from Bella’s, an unselfconsciously retro underwear and nightwear shop in Islington, North London? Her regulation black day trousers and sober, smart separates are Joseph. A barrage of stretchy blue and brown knitted scarves are by Nicole Farhi. Zellweger’s least favourite outfit was a specially made bunny girl basque. Predictably, other pieces came from Jigsaw, French Connection, Warehouse, Hennes, Topshop and Marks & Spencer. “Young, urban, distressed sums it up,” says Fleming, who nevertheless reveals a happyish ending.
The outfit Bridget wears in the denouement as she and ideal lover Mark Darcy finally connect is a simple, elegant, black knitted cowl-neck mid-calf dress by Karen Millen. Says Fleming: “The dress had to say ‘I’ve finally got it right’.”
~~~~~~~~~
Her regulation black day trousers and sober, smart separates are Joseph. A barrage of stretchy blue and brown knitted scarves are by Nicole Farhi.
tut tut tut The book specifically mentioned these two as designers Bridget knew she should buy but couldn't afford.
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Response 172 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (14:36) * 15 lines
In case you're been curious, this is Sharon Maguire:
Pretty funny that she cast herself as a tall blonde. ;-D
Now back to that reindeer pic (which I'll post again), aside from how youthful he looks (*a Mrs Stone moment*), which caption should I go with:
Have you read any good books lately?
or
Maybe you should get something to eat (then he walks away)
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Response 173 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (15:29) * 5 lines
Any thoughts on where they filmed this boating scene:
I've put the other behind the scenes pics up on the Location page, but none are of Colin. :-(
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Response 174 of 1325: winter (winter) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (15:52) * 4 lines
ROTFLOL! That sweater *screams* of bargain basement, off-season sale! My mother would (god help her) would buy something like that in a heartbeat. Sequins would've made it even better (She's just come back from Mexico City with an assortment of ponchos for me and my brother). Love it.
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Response 175 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (16:17) * 1 lines
Hotdog Magazine review, following screening - not very good only 2stars http://www.hotdogmagazine.com/reviews/cinema/bridget.shtml.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 176 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (17:56) * 7 lines
Toys for children: boy - Action Man, girl – Barbie doll. A generalisation, but for the most part it’s true. Without stretching the point any further, be warned that if you’re male, this film will make you either sleep, puke or kill. Some of you ladies might suffer similarly, although all of the females at my screening seemed to be having a right laugh. I’m not averse to girlie films, if they’re witty, funny, or entertaining in any way, shape or form, but this was a confusing experience which left me feeling like I was stuck at a particularly irritating and insipid hen-night. Renée Zellweger is admittedly very convincing, vaguely likeable and sporadically amusing. Hugh Grant is also good and rather than his trademark bumbling fop routine, he plays an arrogant bastard very well. Colin Firth makes the most out of an uninspiring character. But the performances can’t hide the fact that this is a painting by numbers fairy tale romantic comedy, with none of the wit, wry humour or belly laughs present in the
book. Or so I'm told.
In the interests of information you should know our reviewer consumed 84 calories, 6 units of alcohol, 4 nicorettes and thought about sex constantly during the screening.
~~~~~~~~~
Fairly ridiculous IMO even considering the source. Any Bridget responses, although I don't know if I'm going to bother putting this one up. ;-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 177 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (18:01) * 1 lines
I'm *really* jumping the gun, but Amazon at least has the "e-mail me when the Video/DVD is available" option when you search for BJD movie. That's fairly recent. Of course, I signed up for notification. Still no soundtrack...
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 178 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (18:08) * 13 lines
Mmmmm, just love the "here I go a-barristering" pic, so handsome. My cousin Guido has a pinstripe suit like that. From the Bada Bing label.;-)
Karen, for the reindeer pic, how 'bout, "and if you ever saw him . . .you would even say it glows."
Thanks for the opinions on the accent. Very glad to hear that it sounds authentic; otherwise, would have ruined credibility in UK.
Mark, don't panic yet. I for one will ignore Huge Growl and instead focus exclusively on debonair passerby/RZ driver/bodyguard/bouncer.:-)
Sharon McG looks a bit like Bjork.
Ann, do you suppoose the readers of Hotdog Magazine mirror the demographics of Horse and Hound? LOL! Thanks for posting the review; sounds like this kid is more the Dude, Where's My Car type. Don't worry--I have more faith in Baz, Mr. Beaks, Empire, the Reading and NY test audiences, etc.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 179 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (18:25) * 7 lines
although all of the females at my screening seemed to be having a right laugh
Exactly! Nuff said.
Renée Zellweger is admittedly very convincing, vaguely likeable and sporadically amusing. Hugh Grant is also good and rather than his
trademark bumbling fop routine, he plays an arrogant bastard very well. Colin Firth makes the most out of an uninspiring character.
So the performances are okay...what's the problem? Although the guy obviously misses the point completely about Mark Darcy!
One to be ignored (although I suspect that there will be others like it). This guy would snore through Pride and Prejudice, and would rate Dude Drive my Car as a 5 star experience!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 180 of 1325: TracyT (Tracy) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (19:03) * 20 lines
Agree wholeheartedly about the accent v accurate.
Mark - it's looking bad for me personally. That scene where HG growls in the car is MY scene
I thought it sounded like your scene
I suspect the best I can now hope for is a freeze-frame one day with me telling friends "that guy behind him...there, in the suit...did you see it?...no, no head, just an arm...it's me...honestly
...does this mean we'll have to cancel your first night party?? :-)
Oooh just lurve those pics Karen. The boyish reindeer one has shades of Joe Prince d'ya think?
Mari....yup I'm afraid I have been known to 'Okie'. It's not a pretty sight but it's a darn good laugh ..all together now 'Can't liiiiiive, if living is without yooooooooouu'
....and there we all were looking forward to your first night party
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 181 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (19:03) * 10 lines
(Allison) ...am off to Nepal
Take tummy medicine ...pleeeze. Or we'll never see you again;-)
(Ben)"it passes the mustard".
....and they all amble off, shaking their heads.
It cuts the mustard, or it passes muster. :-)
God knows where these expressions come from (is the second something to do with the army?). I certainly don't see why passing the mustard should be any worse than cutting it. But there you are.
Hey Ben...if you're gonna give a correction, I insist on the etymolgy of the phrase. None of this..."But there you are"..;-)))
Karen) Any thoughts on where they filmed this boating scene: [Picture on response #173]
Looks like Greenwich in the background.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 182 of 1325: winter (winter) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (19:27) * 5 lines
(Mari) Sharon McG looks a bit like Bjork.
I was about to say the same thing... Bjork + 10 years
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 183 of 1325: TracyT (Tracy) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (20:22) * 1 lines
Evelyn _ I don't think it's Greenwich, if you mean the Queens House (White House as I believe it hasn't got a dome. I'm thinking that it could be somewhere further west like Kew or Richmond (Kings Observatory?) - but then of course it could be somewhere else entirely outside London...I'm no help at all really am I? ;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 184 of 1325: winter (winter) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (22:46) * 4 lines
. I'm thinking that it could be somewhere further west like Kew or Richmond (Kings Observatory?)
Let's ask the resident expert... Ben...?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 185 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 9, 2001 (23:50) * 12 lines
From the Independent:
Radio highlights
The Funniest Thing I Ever Heard
(3.30pm R4 Mon)
Every weekday afternoon, R4 is inviting listeners to phone in and select one of two stories in aid of Comic Relief. The first choices are John Sessions reading from WC Sellar and RJ Yeatman's 1066 and All That, and Josie Lawrence reciting an excerpt from Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding.
~~~~~~
that's 10:30 am Eastern. You can hear BBC Radio 4 online.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 186 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (00:36) * 7 lines
(Mari), Karen, for the reindeer pic, how 'bout, "and if you ever saw him . . .you would even say it glows."
ROTFLOL! He's my favourite reindeer. ;-)
Thank you all for such laughs. Are we getting in the mood??';-)
Love the barrister collar. But you know I like men dressed formality.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 187 of 1325: Donna DL (fitzwd) * Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (04:45) * 6 lines
(Mari), Karen, for the reindeer pic, how 'bout, "and if you ever saw him . . .you would even say it glows."
(Moon) ROTFLOL! He's my favourite reindeer. ;-)
Now that passes the mustard. :-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 188 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (09:59) * 9 lines
(Moon) But you know I like men dressed formality.
LOL! Do chains count? ;-)
Agree with the general sentiment about that Hotdog (no doubt Freudian phallic symbol) Mag review. Last line says it all: reviewer consumed far too many calories, drank too many alcohol units and was too preoccupied with sex to get it. ;-)
Know what you mean about the Bada Bing suit, Mari. My cousin Silvio has one also.
(Mari) and if you ever saw him . . .you would even say it glows."
*snort* Though I like the 'read any good books lately' line best, Karen. My sentiments will always lean toward the book.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 189 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (10:40) * 1 lines
I've always used lines from the book for the pictures, although I did make one exception for when RZ notices our v. talented and soon-to-be star across the street. Don't you worry, Mark, I'll be watching for your arm and not paying one iota of attention to the growler.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 190 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (11:04) * 3 lines
"Now that passes the mustard. ":-)
LOL. Etymology of both in Odds and Ends #136 thanks to the Boss.
Plus my response:-)))))
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 191 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (12:42) * 9 lines
Mohammed Comes to the Mountain!!!
A friend has just told me that Colin is going to be on the Today show on March 22.
So that's when the BJD junket will take place and all will be in NY doing interviews and shows. Will have to scour the listings that week for the other shows (GMA, the View, Rosie, etc.)
Doesn't Today broadcast with that window to the street?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 192 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (13:32) * 9 lines
(Moon) But you know I like men dressed formality.
(Eileen),LOL! Do chains count? ;-)
That was 2 years ago, and a very wild birthday party! LOL! I see you still remember it. ;-)
Colin is going to be on the Today show on March 22.
(Falling off chair), I will believe it when I see it! ;-))) I hope this is a show that my dish picks up.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 193 of 1325: Liz K (ekelley) * Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (15:47) * 1 lines
Yes!!!! I'm going to the city (NYC)!!! Yes, the Today Show does have the window on the street, at Rockefeller Center! Thanks for the heads-up Karen!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 194 of 1325: Jennie Turnage (tamzin) * Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (16:43) * 1 lines
Wondered if it could have been Chiswick House in the location shot as this has a dome and there is a lake in the grounds but rather think this might have a flat dome with no spire on top.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 195 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (18:28) * 3 lines
Karen, Thanks for the word on the Today Show. Will start taping daily soon, so as not to miss it! Wonder if Katie has ever watched P & P ...
We're going to be in NYC on "premiere" weekend [Easter](seeing DFL among other things). Too late for the Today Show! To see CF, would make fool of self at Rockefeller Plaza in front of millions!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 196 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (20:41) * 3 lines
Huge Growl
Grunt. :-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 197 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (23:28) * 11 lines
Janet told me this article existed so I looked it up. More info on the soundtrack from USA Today on March 2:
Bridget Jones's album
When Bridget Jones makes the leap from page to screen next month, she'll be joined by a bevy of pop stars. The soundtrack for the film version of Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding's international best seller about a thirtysomething single woman with a decidedly wry perspective, will showcase other campy Brits and independent-minded women.
All songs on the Island Records soundtrack -- due in stores April 3, 10 days before the movie's release -- are either originals or previously unreleased cover versions. Shelby Lynne, the winner of this year's Grammy for best new artist, will introduce a pair of new tunes, Dreamsome and The Killing Kind, the
album's first single. A double dose of Robbie Williams will include Frank Sinatra's Have You Met Miss Jones?, while erstwhile Spice Girl Geri Halliwell will deliver the Weather Girls chestnut It's Raining Men. Other featured artists include Lucinda Williams, Tracy Bonham, Texas, Gabrielle and Island newcomer
Rosey.
The CD's multimedia bonus is an exclusive excerpt from the book's sequel, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, as well as a "Bridget-O- Meter quiz" and interviews and discussions with Fielding.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 198 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 10, 2001 (23:29) * 1 lines
Didn't I say it sounded like Frank Sinatra? ;-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 199 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (04:48) * 2 lines
Colin is going to be on the Today show on March 22.
He's finally smelling the mustard.......oops, coffee! :-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 200 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (14:57) * 3 lines
Gabrielle's website has put up the music vid. They (real player and windows media) weren't working for me right now, but perhaps they will later. I've linked them from the music page.
http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdmusic.html
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 201 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (17:02) * 7 lines
Have been watching the music video and the trailer on a cable connection. Mmmmmm much better. I think Eileen asked who says, "to Bridget, who we love." It is Tom. Can see perfectly lifting his glass in the toast.
The music vid does have lots of Colin as Judy said, especially the fight scene: the karate kick, being tackled by HG and going *splash* through the plate glass window, and CF punching him.
But the most incredible thing is it shows Bridget discovering DC's girlfriend in the bathroom, sitting on the edge of the tub with only a large book (or something) in front of her.
Also, reindeer sweater is shown, as camera pans...
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 202 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (17:06) * 1 lines
Can't wait to see the video. Thanks Karen. According to Gabrielle's schedule she is due to appear on GMTV on the 23rd March and she and the video will also be on Popworld Channel 4 Sunday 25th March. 9.30am.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 203 of 1325: TracyT (Tracy) * Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (17:46) * 5 lines
I too can't wait to see the video. I tried both Real Player and WIndows Media versions but each missed differing bits out and weren't that clear - but did see reindeer so not all bad.
Mari - I'm afraid I was BJ-ing it last night screeching 'It's Raining Men' at the top of my voice at a 21st birthday bash AND wearing big pants. If only there was an MD type lurking in the vol-au-vents the evening would have been complete ;-D
Lastly - a reminder that Bridget Jones's Guide to Life goes on sale from tomorrow £2-50 (£2 to Comic Relief)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 204 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (18:09) * 3 lines
Happy belated birthday, Tracy!
And, thanks for the talk show info.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 205 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (19:42) * 8 lines
Spoiler below?
Thanks for the video links, Karen. Was lovely on my cable connection.
I *assume* she's in bed with Daniel in that one scene? Poor, misguided BJ...
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 206 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (23:26) * 0 lines
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 207 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (23:26) * 3 lines
From what I could see, you assume correctly. :-(
(Looking at my list, Tracy's bday is nowhere near now, but we one is coming up shortly.)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 208 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 11, 2001 (23:39) * 9 lines
From Ananova:
Harry and Bridget authors write for Comic Relief
Student wizard Harry Potter and weight-obsessed Bridget Jones do not have much in common, but both are caught up in Comic Relief's red nose fever. Harry Potter's creator JK Rowling and Helen Fielding, who wrote the Bridget Jones diaries, have put pen to paper to produce short stories for the charity. The books are being sold for £2.50 each, with £2 profit going to charitable projects at home and abroad to coincide with Red Nose Day on March 16.
Fielding's offering is Bridget Jones's Guide to Life, where the hapless Bridget offers top tips on how to give the perfect dinner party, handle all accounting and, of course, never put on a pound in weight. After the success of her two Bridget Jones diaries, Fielding was keen to help Comic Relief. She says: "I was honoured. I have been more than lucky with Bridget and was more than pleased to help."
The books will be sold in supermarkets and bookshops across the country, with publishers, printers, type-setters and retailers all offering their services for free or at a discount.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 209 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (06:42) * 5 lines
My first reaction was that it was Marble Hill House, in Twickenham. (You can see the front of it here: http://www.guidetorichmond.co.uk/marblehill.html, and one of the rooms here: http://www.leisurehunt.com/info/mahihs.htm). But I'm by no means sure.
Chiswick House is not so close to the river, and has the famous Octagon, not visible here. Other nice houses on the river in west London are Syon House and Ham House, but it's certainly neither of those.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 210 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (07:05) * 24 lines
p.s. I grew up in Richmond, within a stone's throw (well - a mile, anyway) of Marble Hill House, so I will do a bit of sleuthing on my next riverside walk.
If I wasn't such a luddite I'd take a picture and somehow get it on this site. But since I have neither camera nor scanner, I can't.
p.p.s. Can one of you tell me quite WHY CF in his coutroom get-up is even more attractive than usual, if such a thing were possible? Is it merely the effect of a uniform? Or is it more nuanced than that? In the interests of research, please picture the Firth in the following uniforms and then rank them as best you can:
1. Private soldier
2. Officer (Major, say)
3. Officer in Guards regiment (Blues and Royals, say)
4. Police constable
5. Fireman
6. Ambulanceman
7. Merchant Sea captain (white jersey with anchor, blue cap, pipe)
8. RN (Royal Navy) sailor (bell-bottoms, plain white shirt with blue collar)
9. RN officer
10. Lollipop man
11. Milkman
12. Fighter pilot
13. Commerical airline pilot
14. Scout leader
15. Huntsman
16. Village people (leather + chains)
17. Anything else.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 211 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (08:45) * 3 lines
17. Anything else.
Garbage Man
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 212 of 1325: aishling (aishling) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (08:55) * 1 lines
The trailer shown on GMTV was BJ at the Fire Station sliding down the pole. Very funny. Neil Pearson is Peter Finch, Editor of the tv show.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 213 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (08:57) * 7 lines
Thanks for the offer to go sleuthing, Ben. But we have no evidence that the house in question is in Richmond or its environs. That may be a river or a small lake. It could be anywhere.
(Ben) Can one of you tell me quite WHY CF in his coutroom get-up is even more attractive than usual, if such a thing were possible?
The serious look and absence of ill-fitting collar. The pinstripe of that suit is a bit too pronounced (or badda bing) for my taste, but I won't complain too much.
Is it merely the effect of a uniform?
No, I'd take him out of uniform as well. ;-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 214 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (09:24) * 3 lines
So one should add
18. Birthday suit
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 215 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (10:51) * 7 lines
(Karen) Didn't I say it sounded like Frank Sinatra? ;-D
Yep!
(Karen) I think Eileen asked who says, "to Bridget, who we love." It is Tom. Can see perfectly lifting his glass in the toast.
Yes it was me. Thanks. I thought it was Tom (after the umpteenth viewing).
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 216 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (11:24) * 1 lines
Grr, windows media is not showing me the Gabrielle vid, though I can hear the music (v.v. nice). Has this happened to anyone else?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 217 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (12:02) * 1 lines
I had better (although not great) results with the Real Player option on my pathetic (noncable-connected) PC here at home. Didn't get the whole thing, but a couple of times it stopped on a Colin shot.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 218 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (13:23) * 1 lines
Here's the word from Miramax: the New York premiere for BJD will be on Monday, April 2. No other details available right now.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 219 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (13:27) * 3 lines
And WOT was the matter with Sunday night? Gaaah!!! What will it cost to change my ticket? This is not fair. Not fair, I say.
Thanks, Mari, for prying the info out of Miraclejaws. ;-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 220 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (13:32) * 1 lines
WOT, I don't beleive it, so near yet so far. thanks Mari.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 221 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (13:37) * 3 lines
And a little silly story about RZ and Bridget:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4150337,00.html
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 222 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (14:22) * 2 lines
Wheee! It took a few tries, but Gabrielle video worked this time. Woohoo! Love the lovely Mark Darcy shots. Love the reindeer. Will have them rolling in the aisles.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 223 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (15:06) * 1 lines
I received an email from a person who has seen the Comic Relief book, as she works in a book shop. Said it is very good, too short and with an excellent glossary.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 224 of 1325: Allison M (Allison2) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (16:16) * 1 lines
Not having much luck with the Gabrielle video. Media Player just gives sound and not video - just the Microsoft MP logo! When I click on Real Player, something called AOL media player is loaded, not Real Player. Does anyone else using AOL have this problem?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 225 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (16:21) * 3 lines
Karen, You must change your return! I will be in LA, I thought they would have the US premiere there, where the author lives! NOT FAIR!
You must go Karen! No ifs or buts about it! :-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 226 of 1325: TracyT (Tracy) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (16:29) * 11 lines
Moon - thanks for the birthday wishes but as Karen says it's not actually for ages yet. ODBs comes before mine!
Ben - 11. Milkman ROTFL
10. Lollipop Man ROTFLMAO
Re Marie Claire BJ feature. Someone may have posted this before if so - sorry *must pay attention*
But - there is a premium rate phone number to ring to be entered into a draw for tickets to the premiere or one of the first night screenings around the UK (London, Glasgow and Leeds). Call 0906 6166266 by 4th April call costs around 80p
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 227 of 1325: TracyT (Tracy) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (16:35) * 6 lines
Ooohh News Flash!!
have just checked out CD Now and they've got the soundtrack on pre-order
http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=1644115305/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/album.html/artistid=BRIDGET+JONES%27+DIARY/itemid=1356847
No details of the tracks ;-(
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 228 of 1325: Laura McCarthy (LauraMM) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (17:52) * 1 lines
Well Karen, depending on what airline?? $75 to $100 to change ticket..... You have to go and take pics!!! I'll even send you digital camera (hoping Bill won't notice I took camera again...)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 229 of 1325: Lassie (Lassie) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (18:33) * 1 lines
I'll take him in or out of uniform, Ben. Thank you.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 230 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (18:35) * 5 lines
Moon, the La La Land premiere is probably later that week. That's what Miramax usually does for major releases, NY then LA.
Tracy, thanks for the ordering info for the CD. And I'm glad to hear it's still raining men in your neck of the woods.;-) I think I had better stick to the torch songs . . .Can't liiiiiive, can't liive any moooooooooore . . .. OOF, have just woken up every dog in neighborhood.:-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 231 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (18:44) * 6 lines
Moon, the La La Land premiere is probably later that week. That's what Miramax usually does for major releases, NY then LA.
Mari, please let me know when your friends at Marimax (;-) give you the date.
Karen, you can always come to LA and do it together. :-D)))))))
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 232 of 1325: winter (winter) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (20:02) * 9 lines
Moon! Email me! We must get together when you're in town!
Karen-- I'm guessing the change may be $75 (on United Airlines). American, I think, charges $100 for changes.
I have a feeling the BJD LA premiere will be in Westwood, Moon. This is good news, as I can walk easily down from campus to camp out, etc.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 233 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (21:29) * 5 lines
(Moon) please let me know when your friends at Marimax (;-) give you the date.
PFFFT! Moon, I was lucky they didn't call Security on me like last time.;-) She's ba--aack.;-)
Was able to watch the Gabrielle video. Nice to see fresh shots of MD.:-) Is that him doing the karate kick? That scene is dark and I couldn't be sure. Must have been part of Cornell's training!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 234 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (21:51) * 4 lines
LOL, Mari! But we must have the LA date!
I have a feeling the BJD LA premiere will be in Westwood, Moon.
Westwood would be great. I much prefer it to the G Chinese Theatre. I will e-mail you Winter.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 235 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (23:28) * 11 lines
Anybody want to crash a conference in Santa Barbara? ;-D
From the Financial Times (3/13):
The Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara boasts fresh ocean air and breathtaking views. Hopefully, those organic features will combine to produce enough oxygen to support all the hot air at this week's Talk Innovators and Navigators conference, a star-studded confab organised by an unlikely team: Talk magazine and UBS PaineWebber.
The fun kicks off tonight with opening remarks from "Queen of Talk" Tina Brown and PaineWebber chairman Don Marron. But the evening's main attraction will surely be a conversation between General Electric chief Jack Welch and New York mayor Rudy Giuliani on "How to run a Multi-Billion-Dollar Corporation". (Sadly for the mayor, some corporations pay better than others, as Welch's Dollars 16.7m pay package demonstrates.)
The talking continues on Wednesday and Thursday, including sessions on "Is Greed Killing Culture?"; "Hollywood in the 21st Century: How do Innovators Survive?"; and "Intellectual Property: Innovation in a World of Unwritten Laws".
There will also be a sneak preview of Bridget Jones's Diary, an upcoming Miramax film. It isn't the most obvious fare for the brokerage but PaineWebber says it decided to be there to scout out media deals.
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Response 236 of 1325: winter (winter) * Mon, Mar 12, 2001 (23:41) * 7 lines
I'm wondering if the BJD press junkets are taking place in NYC or in LA (or both?). Has anyone got info. on this?
Re: Santa Barbara conference: The talking continues on Wednesday and Thursday, including sessions on "Is Greed Killing Culture?"; "Hollywood in the 21st Century: How do Innovators Survive?"; and "Intellectual Property: Innovation in a World of Unwritten Laws".
This actually sounds interesting (I'm writing a paper right now on intellectual property in the arts industry). Wish I could go.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 237 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (05:05) * 5 lines
Pitiful response to my uniform question.
I still haven't worked out why the coutroom clothes were so alluring. Masterful and dominant, perhaps. Regina vs. Firthette: "I put it to you, Firthette, that, on the day in question, you did unashamedly, and uncontrollably fancy me, counsel for the prosecution, without any forethought whatever. Your defence - that you simply enjoy coutrooms - is clearly a tissue of lies."
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 238 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (05:44) * 7 lines
There's a Hughie article in this month's Elle magazine. Front cover announces "Hugh Grant in black leather". The mag is wrapped up in a heavy duty polythene shopping bag with handles, and sealed with sellotape, but I still managed to prise it open and sneak a peak (never say buy!) Major photospread of Hughie in black leather jacket open to the waist revealing hairless chest. "Sexy devil Hugh - Hugh Grant is BJ's lover, and he's bad and v.v.sexy.....tanned, well toned body".
Y-e-ee-u-ch! There's lot's of text but as I was squinting through a one inch gap I couldn't read any more. Not sure what my reaction would be to CF in similar garb. Funnily enough, I think I think I'd be very disappointed in him.
To answer your question Ben, a barrister's outfit..the high white collar, the well cut suit..is far more alluring than an exposed bare chest and black leather. It's the aloofness, intellectual superiority, the apparent unattainability (but with some hidden promise)...it's the difference between erotic and "sexy".
So it's all happening in New York! Interviews and premieres. I wonder if CF will meet up with JE and Alan Cumming. BTW CF's sister, Kate/Katie , was acting in New York recently, appearing in off-off Broadway productions...Chekhov, Ibsen, and something called "Finally" by US playwright Steven Berber, for which she got good reviews.
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Response 239 of 1325: Allison M (Allison2) * Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (05:57) * 5 lines
BTW CF's sister, Kate/Katie , was acting in New York recently, appearing in off-off Broadway productions...Chekhov, Ibsen, and something called "Finally" by US playwright Steven Berber, for which she got good reviews.
Now Bethan tell, how did you find that out? Do you have inside information?
Ben, re the barrister garb. It must be what's inside the suit that matters. I get to see quite a lot of barristers in my line of work (no, I am not usually in the dock) and I must confess they usually leave me cold. I agree with Bethan about black leather. Don't you think HG and CF are getting a bit old
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 240 of 1325: Allison M (Allison2) * Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (06:00) * 1 lines
oh that "old" did not come out right it should have been very small with a sign saying IMVHO;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 241 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (06:09) * 12 lines
Pitiful response . . . with the exception of Karen, of course.
With regard to the water shot, I thought it had been narrowed down somewhat. Where's the scene in the book?
Can you remind me when the film is coming out in England?
Moon: Marimax
A Freudian slip?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 242 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (07:08) * 12 lines
Sorry. Now I missed all the other explanations. My research is complete.
I'm afraid leather jackets over bare chests say "Wham". They surely go together with screaming 13-yr olds and shuttlecocks in tennis shorts (an old Wham trick, apparently).
And what's with the leather trousers these days?
I went to a party on Saturday, and met an old friend, now nearer 40 than 30, sporting a pair. If I'd been a little soberer, I'd've refrained from telling him that he was as well suited to the the leather trews as most Jerry Springer guests are to spandex. But I wasn't and didn't.
He claimed his wife wanted him to wear them, but I simply couldn't believe that. She is a sensible and discriminating woman.
It's one thing to look like an ageing rocker if you ARE an ageing rocker. But if you're a museum curator, it's surely de trop.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 243 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (08:28) * 11 lines
including sessions on "Is Greed Killing Culture?";
It has already killed it. See youth today.
Moon: Marimax
(Ben),A Freudian slip?
Moi? Never Freudian always Jungian. ;-)
(Bethan), It's the aloofness, intellectual superiority, the apparent unattainability (but with some hidden promise)...it's the difference between erotic and "sexy".
Très sexy!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 244 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (10:37) * 1 lines
Bookstore contact says that the Bridget Comic Relief book is all rehashed material. But is rather inexpensive and almost all goes to charity.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 245 of 1325: winter (winter) * Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (12:19) * 9 lines
(Ben) shuttlecocks in tennis shorts (an old Wham trick, apparently).
Really? Well I'll be damned...
(Bethan) So it's all happening in New York! Interviews and premieres.
I was afraid of that.
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Response 246 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (12:42) * 4 lines
Marimax...
A Freudian slip?
No, just a deliberate flattery! ;-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 247 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (13:24) * 14 lines
Is Greed killing culture?
Maybe, but not before it's killed waistlines.
shuttlecocks in tennis shorts (an old Wham trick, apparently).
Really? Well I'll be damned... (Winter)
Winter, you have a touching faith, if that's the right phrase, in Wham's credentials. These people will do anything to sell records.
Who knows, maybe the Firth wears a wig? Just think: if he was the Hollywood film star you all crave him to be, he would already have had his first facelift. He'd have been through a couple of marriages, a fair amount of drugs and years upon years of therapy. He probably wouldn't be able to call his glutei maximi his own. How on earth could you wish all that on the man?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 248 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (14:19) * 3 lines
if he was the Hollywood film star you all crave him to be
All????????????? Watch your language, young man! Or your glutei maximi might receive severe punishment.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 249 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (15:11) * 5 lines
How on earth could you wish all that on the man?
Ben, you mistake our meaning. We like him at reach. We just would like to see him a bit more often and in roles that appeal to our cultural side.
Mark Darcy was a role written for him and which to his own admission, he debated taking. Does that make any sense to you?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 250 of 1325: winter (winter) * Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (15:20) * 5 lines
(Ben)Winter, you have a touching faith, if that's the right phrase, in Wham's credentials.
Dear Ben, how could I not? George Michael and Andrew Ridgley occupied a good deal of my adolescent musings! Shuttlecocks or not, they hold a sentimental place in my heart. (Who was it for you? Debbie Boone, no doubt). ;-P
"Has 'Wham!" killed culture?"
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 251 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 13, 2001 (17:41) * 1 lines
I feel like an MI6 spymaster. Have sent out one of my operatives (the bookstore person) to take a closer look at the plastic-encased Elle magazine contents. She has no qualms about ripping it open in the course of doing her job. Will let you know if there are any relevant details.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 252 of 1325: MarianneC (MarianneC) * Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (01:18) * 5 lines
Don't remember if anyone brought this up, but I finally got to reading my copy of Entertainment Weekly (Jessica Alba cover) and saw this:
Special Advance Screening for Bridget Jones's Diary, for the following cities: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco & Washington, DC. To enter, go to http://www.ew.com/freescreening
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 253 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (05:23) * 7 lines
Debbie Boone?
I must confess I hadn't heard of her. But I looked her up on Amazon, and she isn't too hard on the eye. What's more, according to one of her Amazon reviewers, "Debby Boone is a much finer singer than critics have claimed". Now there's an endorsement! No. My musings, such as they were, were more centred round one Lindy Ambrose, a luscious cellist I used to play with. And a few other assorted musicians who would send me puce with the merest hint of a glance.
Took another look at that photograph, and the boating scene in the trailer. Marble Hill House? What a load of b*llocks. Couldn't possibly be. Idiotic suggestion. Must be a lake; but don't know where.
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Response 254 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (08:42) * 1 lines
OK, ticket will be changed today.
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Response 255 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (08:51) * 7 lines
Does that make any sense to you? (Moon)
Sorry, Moon. No offence meant.
But, like the appearance of daffodils in spring (they've just started to come out here), a periodic flaring up of the CF career debate is part of the natural order of things :-)
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Response 256 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (11:16) * 5 lines
Sorry, Moon. No offence meant.
Ben! Amici come prima, no offence taken I assure you.
Bravissima, Karen! Have a wonderful time, take lots of pictures, and don't ask him about TIOBE. We want you in the best of moods. ;-)))
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 257 of 1325: winter (winter) * Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (11:20) * 3 lines
Thanks for the info., Marianne!!! Are you going? JanaH, are you out there? Shall we make this another outing?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 258 of 1325: winter (winter) * Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (11:23) * 7 lines
ROTFLOL, Ben. I was only teasing about Debbie Boone.
(Karen)OK, ticket will be changed today.
It'll be worth the change fee, I assure you.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 259 of 1325: MarianneC (MarianneC) * Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (12:01) * 1 lines
winter: Of course ... even without tickets I'd show up.
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Response 260 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (15:38) * 3 lines
Let me know if they give an LA date. I can't sign up from Miami because they don't have a screening set up here. How provincial! Don't they know we travel? ;-)
I hate not knowing dates!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 261 of 1325: MarkG (MarkG) * Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (16:06) * 5 lines
Arena magazine (British lad-mag) features Embeth Davidtz this month - "shortly to be playing an office harpy in BJD" - article* accompanied by tiny picture of ED standing next to CF at some formal function, CF wearing a ghastly red tie with white snowmen on. Natasha's taste, perhaps?
(Apolgies if this picture - and tie - is old news)
*Article is, of course, excuse to show huge photo of ED in stockings
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 262 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (16:09) * 7 lines
If someone in the LA area called the Miramax office out there, I'm sure they could give you a date for the LA premiere (if there is to be one).
Renee is the cover story in the new April issue of Premiere magazine: "Sex & The Singleton Girl--Renee Zellweger Carries On With Bridget Jones." Big spread inside, but no pics from the film. However, there is a 4-page advertisement for Diet Coke (they're giving away a trip to London in their "Visit Bridget Sweepstakes") that includes a new pic of Colin from the film, plus the turtleneck one we like. In the new pic, CF looks like he's in the same turtleneck and coat, and holding up what appears to be a diary (giving BJ a new one, as we're heard?) Or maybe it's a can of Coke.;-) ;-)
Back to the article, Colin is quoted: "On set," says Colin Firth, who plays the straight arrow to Hugh Grant's rogue in the film's skewed love triangle, "Renee was absolutely indefatigable and in good humor, even through three weeks of night shoots. She was friendly and available to everyone on a scale I've never seen from a major actor. I kept thinking, 'What's the catch, when's it gonna change?'" Like the rest of the company, he rallied around her when the British gutter press indicted her as a "Texan comic" who had grabbed a role a homegrown actress (say, Kate Winslet or Helena Bonham Carter) might have had.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 263 of 1325: Lassie (Lassie) * Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (17:21) * 1 lines
Wow, Karen. I think your picture must be next to the word obsession in the dictionary! You put us all to shame.
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Response 264 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (18:02) * 1 lines
Oooh, have just heard "Out of Reach" on Radio 2 for the first time. It was on the Richard Allison Show and he mentioned that there was a Special Screening last night, also mentioned that it starred Colin Firth. Would not comment on the film said "I will say no more", or something like that, I would rather he had said something!!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 265 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Wed, Mar 14, 2001 (21:51) * 16 lines
(Mark) Embeth Davidtz this month - "shortly to be playing an office harpy in BJD"
Office harpy? Does this top family barrister now work at one of Bridget's places of employ?
tiny picture of ED standing next to CF at some formal function, CF wearing a ghastly red tie with white snowmen on. Natasha's taste, perhaps?
Possibly near end of film (Christmas time), where Mark and Natasha's engagement is supposed to be announced and Bridget fesses up.
Sheesh if Embeth is doing publicity for the film, then they (British press) are saving the best for last. Mmmmmmmm ;-D
(Mari) CF looks like he's in the same turtleneck and coat, and holding up what appears to be a diary (giving BJ a new one, as we're heard?)
Definitely end of film and are together...finally.
Quite nice and eloquent words from our boy re: RZ. Never lets you down, does he. ;-)
I think your picture must be next to the word obsession in the dictionary!
Good gracious, no. NO. No.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 266 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Thu, Mar 15, 2001 (09:22) * 6 lines
Love the fact that ongoing BJD publicity continues to include ODB (formerly known as 'the invisible man'). Good, good, good.
(Karen, aka 'the obsessive' ;-)) Quite nice and eloquent words from our boy re: RZ. Never lets you down, does he. ;-)
No, he never does. Though one would never expect to hear anything negative said about a costar, CF does have an original and sincere way of expressing his opinion.
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Response 267 of 1325: Lizza J (Lizza) * Thu, Mar 15, 2001 (12:09) * 2 lines
And imagine how his big brown eyes would look while he is being so sincere!
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Response 268 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Thu, Mar 15, 2001 (16:10) * 3 lines
Yes, he is always a gentleman.
To be fair, Hugh made some very nice comments also, but I didn't feel like typing them out.;-) HG is the cover boy of the April Biography mag; no leather though.;-) Talks about how it was a "blessed relief" to play the cad Cleaver and that people mistakenly think he's the endearing bumbler of previous roles, but that he's actually closer to Cleaver. It's a very flattering article.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 269 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Thu, Mar 15, 2001 (16:30) * 7 lines
From the Mirror:
RACHEL FACES BEAUTY BAN
STUNNING actress Rachel Weisz was turned down for the lead role in Bridget Jones's Diary. Her problem? She was too beautiful for the role, according to the film's director Sharon Maguire. Sharon tells Harpers & Queen: "She was very funny. And of course she was beautiful - too beautiful for the part in fact."
That doesn't say much for Renee Zellweger who eventually did get the part, does it now?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 270 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 15, 2001 (19:13) * 5 lines
Yes and no. RZ is what I'd call "cute" not beautiful, although we know Ben would call her gorgeous. Rachel Weisz...ummm...never really thought about her looks, but she is not and IMO cute was necessary. Bridgt couldn't be beautiful, stunning or gorgeous. And besides, what has Rachel Weisz done that was "funny"?
Without makeup...maybe
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 271 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Thu, Mar 15, 2001 (21:37) * 5 lines
I can't think of any comedy she's done either, unless you count The Mummy, but there was nothing comedic about her role.
I think RZ looks more like a regular person (or can be made to look like one) than RW, and she has a very down to earth, very accessible screen persona which I've never sensed in RW. Plus, of course, she is an excellent comic actress. I think they chose well.:-)
BTW, in the Premiere article they mention/confirm that the early word on the film is good. Interview was done right before she returned to London for the "looping" sessions.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 272 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 15, 2001 (23:46) * 11 lines
Now they are taking snippets from magazine articles and creating news items with those. From Ananova:
Renee Zellweger's boobs refused to grow for Bridget Jones
Renee Zellweger piled on the pounds for her next film role, but could not get her boobs to grow. The actress stuffed herself with junk food to fill out for her part in Bridget Jones's Diary. But her breasts didn't follow suit, so she resorted to a pair of falsies.
Zellweger had to transform herself into a curvy size 12 for the film. The 32-year-old Texan told Ananova: "The whole thing was weird. I have never had so much food in my refrigerator. I didn't go around staring at my body in the bathroom but I felt good. I felt quite sexy about the way I looked.
"I'm back on my Los Angeles diet now. The funny thing is that I never needed to wear a bra because I was so boyish when I was younger."
Zellweger spent eight months in the UK making the film, which is released next month. Voice coach Barbara Berkery - who assisted Gwyneth Paltrow on Sliding Doors and Shakespeare in Love - helped refine Zellweger's London accent.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 273 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (00:01) * 45 lines
From The Independent (16 March):
Help! I'm the real-life Bridget Jones Life was pretty unremarkable: she took pictures and went to the pub with friends. Then a newspaper column changed everything. For Bridget Jones, nothing would ever be the same
BY BRIDGET JONES
Tuesday 13 March
Weight - 9st 2lb (fat because of heavy weekend away drinking and smoking to excess), alcohol units 13 (four pints of lager and two gin and slims to cancel out the fat content of the lager), cigarettes - more than 10 (lost count after the first three pints), fat content 236g (very naughty).
Wake up this morning feeling depressed - not only have I broken my holiday diet and started smoking cigarettes after giving them up for Lent, but also, to my horror, I realise the opening of Bridget Jones the movie is imminent.
My name is Bridget Jones, and until 1995 I led an unremarkable life. Then, The Independent started printing a weekly column by the phoney Bridget Jones (as I like to call her now), and my life began to change...
Back in the early days, Bridget Jones wasn't a household name. My friends and I would get together and read "her" column and laugh about "my" stress of everyday life - wondering what hand my alter ego would deal me next. But as Bridget's popularity grew, her column would be promoted with big headlines splashed across the front page. They would read "Bridget Jones has a bad hair day" - on a day when I was genuinely suffering from not only a bad hair day, but also lack of rational thought and civilised behaviour (a hangover). I became more than sensitive to the issue. "Bridget Jones gets fired" was a particular joke among my colleagues. Numerous photocopies of the headline appeared, strategically Sellotaped to my drawers, desk diary and even the office coffee machine. My favourite headline was "Bridget Jones gets a raise" - you can guess the state of my manager's office by 9.30am. Sadly, on that occasion, life did not imitate art.
At first it was a bit of fun, but with her increasing notoriety, brought about with the publication of her diaries in book form in 1996, it started to become a bit of a pain. It got to the point that whenever anyone asked my name, the response would be: "No, really", followed by inane giggling. It was a nightmare. In the pre-Bridget Jones era, I had been a confident, outgoing kind of a girl; now, I was struggling to carry out even the most simple daily tasks. I wasn't being taken seriously, and making appointments over the phone was like signing a cheque "Mickey Mouse". Visits to the bank, hairdresser, dentist and doctor's surgery became more and more difficult. What could be worse than having your name read out in a crowded waiting-room?
"Bridget Jones," the doctor announces. The waiting-room echoes with suppressed giggles. I hold my head up high and follow the doctor. "Is that your real name?" he asks.
"Mm."
"Sorry, you must get this all the time."
"That's OK."
"So, what's the problem... smoking too much, bingeing again, or is it Mr Darcy? Ha, ha."
The scariest thing, though, is that we do have quite a few similarities. I'm not as obsessive as the phoney Jones, although I do weigh myself every day. My weight goes up and down - ideally I should be about 8st 13lb - but I occasionally go up to 10st.
I don't count calories; I'm more interested in fat content. According to Rosemary Conley, you shouldn't eat anything that contains more than one gram of fat. Unfortunately, that rules out eating most normal food, and it becomes a tough choice between rhubarb stewed in diet lemonade and a mouthful of air.
I usually start the day with good intentions, an apple and a cup of tea for breakfast, but by 11am I'm absolutely starving and desperately searching for a shop that sells bananas. Unfortunately, the best alternative the local newsagents can offer is a Mars bar; with 30 grams of fat, it means I shouldn't really eat for the next three days. Lunch has to be a Shapers skinny salad sandwich from Boots. But I've never been ashamed about eating, so after work I ring a friend and we get a Chinese takeaway.
I've joined the gym more times than I can remember. I tend to think that paying the membership fee alone will get you fit. I've made a few attempts to go along with friends, but unfortunately there's a pub en route and we always seem to end up there instead.
I guess I do drink and smoke a lot more than I should. I try to ration myself to 10 fags a day, but on a bad day, I can smoke my way through up to three packets. I've found the best policy is, once you get into double figures, just to stop counting. I always make sure I combine a heavy lager-drinking session with gin slims, as it eases my calorie conscience.
I've been on a diet for the past three weeks, but this weekend my drinking spiralled out of control. It started on Thursday, and by Sunday the total alcohol count was about 40 units. And after a seven-day religious break from fags, I was determined to make up for lost time.
One of my best friends has been happily married for five years. She's currently in the middle of her pregnancy and although she's not exactly smug, she makes everyone else feel insecure about why they aren't settling down and have kids, too. She's so happy. I'm not desperate to have a kid, but with only a year to go until I'm 30, it's definitely on my mind - although I don't want to give up my career as a photographer, and my friends would say I'm not grown-up enough to have children.
I don't really fancy Colin Firth [Ed note: she lost me here; am no longer sympathetic], but I've got a bit of a Mr Darcy obsession about Jude Law: he's gorgeous and often the major topic after four pints of lager and a couple of gins. However, I do actually have a boyfriend; I've been with him for three years, and we do live together, which makes my life slightly less tortured than the other Bridget's.
Just when I thought the Bridget Jones phenomenon was losing momentum and I was happily regaining my anonymity, Bridget Jones the movie looms. Once again my name will be plastered over billboards; there will probably be a soundtrack released on CD, T-shirts printed and possibly even a Bridget Jones doll. It's fine when you're feeling sociable, but when you're fed up and having a bad day, it's hard work. The only solution to this problem is one of Bridget Jones's ultimate ambitions: I shall get married. "Bridget Gower's Diary" just doesn't have the same ring.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 274 of 1325: JanaJH (Jana2) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (00:48) * 6 lines
(winter) Thanks for the info., Marianne!!! Are you going? JanaH, are you out there? Shall we make this another outing?
Yes, I'm heeerrre!! Winter and Marianne, I think this definitely smells like an occasion for an outing of the So Cal contingent! Chardonnay and Milk Tray anyone?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 275 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (02:55) * 5 lines
Bad news Ladies, no UK Premiere tickets! Have had a lter from UIP today as follows;
"The Premierel of BJD has been confirmed fo5r Wednesday 4th April, 2001 at the UCI Empire London, and will be attended by the cast. The Premiere will be held in aid of Charity, but unfortunately the limited number of tickets that were made available for sale have been purchased by companies associated with the film. As I am sure you can appreciate, with this being a British production, demand has been huge".
So there we are no ticket, boo hoo. PLEASE NOTE DIFFERENT DATE TO WHAT WE HAD THOUGHT. May still go and watch from outside, if you remember the RV debacle, we would have seen more of Colin if we had been outside!! Oh hum, I am glad it is so popular though. I was offered an opening night performance on the 13th April, but won't take it up as I can see it in Brighton then.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 276 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (02:57) * 1 lines
sorry for the typos.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 277 of 1325: aishling (aishling) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (04:31) * 1 lines
Bad luck Ann. Just two days after the NY premiere now.
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Response 278 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (08:56) * 5 lines
So the publicity is LA now, NY premiere and London.
Very disappointed for you, Ann. We would still love it if you could go and take pix as he enters.
Isn't Rachel W. Sam Mendes's girlfriend?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 279 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (09:14) * 3 lines
That's too bad, Ann.
Would seem that the cast could now return to the US to do TV promotion during the opening week now without the conflict of a London premiere. But I'm sure that's no consolation for you. :-(
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Response 280 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (09:26) * 1 lines
Yes, Ann, do see if you can go just to stand outside. You're Drool's official UK premiere reporter, after all! Mari, are you calling your good friend Prince Charles to see if he's going? ;-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 281 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (09:30) * 13 lines
Looks like media got to see BJD in London last night too. From Ananova:
Bridget v.g. says preview audience
Bridget Jones got the seal of approval at its preview at the Empire Leicester Square. And American actress Renee Zellweger, going British for the first time to play Helen Fielding's creation, was given the thumbs up.
The £25 million movie, which also stars Hugh Grant and Colin Firth as the men in Bridget's life, is being released in the UK in April.
Film writer Ivan Waterman says of Zellweger: "A lot of people had doubts about whether she could pull it off. She is brilliant. She is just a great comedic talent."
Lawyer Tony Kennedy from South West London said: "It was a very funny movie and quite touching at times. They captured the essence of Fielding's work so those fans won't be disappointed."
The film was co-written by Richrad Curtis, the creator of Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 282 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (09:42) * 7 lines
"A lot of people had doubts about whether she could pull it off. She is brilliant. She is just a great comedic talent."
Yes, yes, YES! *giddy laughter from those of us who knew it all along*
"It was a very funny movie and quite touching at times. They captured the essence of Fielding's work so those fans won't be disappointed."
Wheee! Guess all those rosaries and novenas paid off ('please let it be good...please let it be good')!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 283 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (13:05) * 13 lines
Bummer about the UK premiere, Ann. But, as you said, you probably have a better chance at a photo op by waiting outside. This is what we're always reduced to here--rarely can the public get in to a premiere unless you know someone.
are you calling your good friend Prince Charles to see if he's going? ;-D
LOL, Eileen! I think he'll show up if he has a guarantee that I won't be there to mow him down.;-) The poor man.
Nice to read the Ananova reaction--thanks, Karen. I especially liked the "it's quite touching" part. Good to hear that they've retained that sense and that it's not just laughs.
I'm a bit puzzled by the timing of all these events. Why would Elliott go all the way to LA for his interview if CF will be back in NY this Thursday for Today? Unless the Today interview is taped ahead of time in LA--in which case it will be conducted by one of the lesser lights, instead of Katie or Matt. I did check Today's website; they now have up the guest lineup for the coming week and he's on there, alright. And why are the two premieres so close together--April 2 and 4? Unless Harvey or Universal send a jet, they won't get back to London until the morning of the 4th. Cutting it close, not to mention the jet lag.
I guess one possibility is that they all seem to have filming commitments coming up very soon. CF has a bit of time until late April, but RZ's film with Michele Pfeiffer starts filming mid-April (and she does *not* play the daughter, I just read!) and Hugh mentions in the Biography interview having to get started on About A Boy in April so that they can finish before the strike deadline at the end of June.
Moon, BTW, I was thinking re: the free screening tickets--just put down an LA zipcode--that's how they determine the city you're closest to.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 284 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (14:53) * 26 lines
A review from the Singletons of the World website:
Last night saw the largest preview screening for Bridget Jones's Diary the movie in London and Singletons of the World Unite managed to sneak in with the crowd to catch the show.
The verdict?
Well I won't beat around the bush - the movie had a great reaction from the crowd with people clapping and cheering at the end. Everyone laughed at the right bits and the general consensus seemed to be that Working Title had another hit on their hands.
Fans of the book may be concerned at certain key scenes which haven't made their way into the final version - but this is a two-hour film, so something had to give. The screen version is more romantic-comedy than situation-comedy, and the homage to Pride and Prejudice a lot more obvious. Some characters get lost along the way entirely - there's a lot less of Bridget's friends.
Renee Zellweger
British audiences will no doubt be dismayed at the Renee's wholesale butchery of the English accent, but Ms Zellweger more than makes up in screen charisma what she lacked in the speech department.
The accent itself turned out to be part Dick Van Dyke, part Sloane Ranger - quite the oddest English accent to be heard since Joaquim Phoenix had a go in both Quills and Gladiator.
Hugh Grant
Bridget Jones marks a true departure for Hugh as he gets away from his 'Tim, nice but Dim' image with an absolute bastard character in Daniel Cleaver. True, he camps it up massively - but it's clear that he enjoyed the filming and the audience loved every scene he was in (with the possible exception of the first sex scene - we're not quite prepared, it seems, to see Hugh getting hot and sweaty).
Colin Firth
Can the man do no wrong? Yet again, Mr Firth turns in a sterling performance as the wronged Mark Darcy. Pernickety viewers may think that Colin merely reprises his role from TV's Pride and Prejudice - but in this humble reviewer's opinion, Colin Firth is bound for leading man stardom as a result of this role.
The best bit?
The way Tom reacts to an altercation between Daniel and Mark
The worst bit?
Shirley Henderson's depiction of Jude - a totally incomprehensible performance.
Rating?
A high 3 stars
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 285 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (15:19) * 0 lines
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 286 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (15:20) * 8 lines
Colin Firth - Can the man do no wrong?
*snort* Catherine has not read our boards.
Colin Firth is bound for leading man stardom as a result of this role.
Cannot get over this woman's wholesale slaughtery of RZ's accent. *sheesh* Lighten up. It's just an accent.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 287 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (16:09) * 11 lines
We have been saying that haven't we? And to think that he debated signing on to do this role???? (Have I said that before???;-)))))
The accent itself turned out to be part Dick Van Dyke, part Sloane Ranger
ROTF! No one ever said that about Gwynnie. It must be that high squeaky pitch voice that RZ has that makes it hard to do POSH.
I can't wait to see this film.
(Mari),And why are the two premieres so close together--April 2 and 4? Unless Harvey or Universal send a jet, they won't get back to London until the morning of the 4th. Cutting it close, not to mention the jet lag.
I agree! I only wish that April 2nd had been in LA. Might there be a possibility, as the screenings put force positive reviews, that they might change the dates? You don't want your actors with jetlag when they are to be photographed. The only positive thing to this is that I might run into them at the airport.
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Response 288 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (19:27) * 2 lines
Good review for BJD at Shadows on the Wall - hope this works:
http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/rcline/shadows/htm
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 289 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (19:33) * 1 lines
ET alert! New scenes to be shown on Entertainment Tonight!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 290 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (19:36) * 1 lines
Sorry that link above does not appear to be working, can you help Karen?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 291 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (19:53) * 3 lines
ET: v. short. Some new scenes (including the e-mail/skirt episode ), but NO Colin.
RZ to be interviewed on Monday.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 292 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (20:17) * 9 lines
Thanks, Ann, here's the review. I got to it by selecting "previews" at http://shadows.wall.net/. I like the pic of CF there better than the one they're using on the poster.
Three and a half stars out of four
Fielding's mega-selling novel makes the leap to the big screen with the help of the talented team at Working Title, including the writer and star of both Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill. And the result is another hugely entertaining Brit-com, filled with memorable characters and situations. Bridget (Zellweger) is a 30something Londoner who feels condemned to being a "singleton"--despite the valiant attempts of her mother (Jones) to set her up with former childhood playmate Mark Darcy (Firth, in a nifty bit of casting). Meanwhile, Bridget is developing a flirtation with her boss (Grant), while her loyal circle of friends (Henderson, Phillips, Callis) love her no matter what she does.
There's nothing terribly original about the story--indeed, it's basically a 21st century reworking of Pride and Prejudice--but the character details make it great fun. As played by Zellweger, Jones is a pretty hopeless case, but we can't help but like her and root for her to find some happiness in her life ... somewhere! Her friends are drawn in broad stereotypes, but are still hilarious. And both Grant and Firth make the most of roles that subtly subvert their well-honed images. As the plot lunges toward it's predictable finale, there are all kinds of joys along the way--carefully observed comedy extremely well-written by Fielding, Davies (The Tailor of Panama and, erm, Pride and Prejudice) and Curtis (Four Weddings and Notting Hill), and adeptly directed by Maguire. No, it's not terribly demanding, and it's too busy setting up the happily-ever-after finale to even attempt a serious point about being single. But there are astute observations along the way, more than enough big laughs and, in Zellweger's ca
able hands, a terrific look at a singleton on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 293 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Fri, Mar 16, 2001 (23:10) * 5 lines
Here's the picture:
(Firth, in a nifty bit of casting).
Huh? The part was written for him. Where do these people come from?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 294 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (00:10) * 8 lines
Missed ET tonight but evidently nothing new. Thanks for the heads-up re Monday's show.
This link takes you right to the review:
http://www.shadowsonthewall.co.uk/swbrijon.htm
And both Grant and Firth make the most of roles that subtly subvert their well-honed images.
What well-honed image is Colin subverting?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 295 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (00:23) * 1 lines
Sorry, have figured out answer to own question. Must be the image of Peter.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 296 of 1325: TracyT (Tracy) * Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (06:10) * 1 lines
Ann, I received 'that letter' this morning booooooh! Will attempt to watch proceedings from outside - camera at the ready!
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Response 297 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (07:34) * 1 lines
So Andrew Davies DID have input on the screenplay? He's listed everywhere, but I wondered, with Richard "I'm just a girl..." Curtis involved, if there is any trace of AD remaining. Not that I didn't love 4W and NH, but with ODB, am feeling maternal (NOT) and proprietary about the production, and of course, don't want it to be the Hugh Grant show.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 298 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (08:47) * 2 lines
Must be the image of Peter.
LOL! So that's his well known image???
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 299 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (08:53) * 2 lines
(Meredith) So Andrew Davies DID have input on the screenplay?
From that one article I have posted about AD, it appeared that he only did a little work on it and wasn't sure he would even want screen credit. Said he was going to decide when he saw the final cut. BTW, they are listing him as screenwriter for the Tailor of Panama and I just read an article that Boorman tossed AD's script and LeCarre wrote it with Boorman; however, AD will get top credit because his was first.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 300 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (11:40) * 5 lines
Shame about the accent, if it's true.
It does matter, I'm afraid, Karen - it's v. distracting. It's not a matter of principle: it's simply that it makes it a lot harder to suspend disbelief and enjoy the film. I think you'd find the same the other way around.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 301 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (12:10) * 1 lines
Just heard that the CD of the Week on Radio 2 next week is the soundtrack from BJD, also heard Out of Reach for the 3rd time on Radio 2. It will be good to hear some of the other tracks from the Soundtrack.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 302 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (12:29) * 1 lines
Sorry I made a mistake OOR is the "Single of the Week" and can be heard everyday on the Ken Bruce Show 9.30-12midday.
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Response 303 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (13:11) * 3 lines
camera at the ready!
Video, hopefully, Tracy?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 304 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (14:23) * 4 lines
Shame about the accent, if it's true.
I doubt if it's true as no one else has dished out her "trying-to-be-cute-and-quoted" cheap shots. From what I've heard, she sounds decent enough and that is what matters.
Regarding accents, we've beat that horse to death already.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 305 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (14:47) * 19 lines
From Rai, this one comes from femail.co.uk, which is the Daily Mail's site, and it gives us a good idea of the plotline.
by Isobel Fox:
Calling all Bridget Jones fans——she's back from the edge of reason and will be gracing a cinema screen near you soon.
Based on the best-selling novel by Helen Fielding, the movie version of Bridget Jones' Diary is every bit as amusing as the literary one. It chronicles a year in the life of thirty-something singleton Bridget Jones, played by Texan Renee Zellweger, as she struggles with weight, work, men and her mother. Bridget gains 74 pounds (and loses 72), smokes more than 5,000 cigarettes and turns up at several parties where her married friends worry about her state as a single woman. That is until her charming boss Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) comes on the scene. Chiding her for wearing an obscenely short skirt to work, the pair embark on a relationship which after a heady start, spirals rapidly down hill when Bridget discovers he's been seeing someone from his publishing company's New York office. Refusing to let Cleaver get to her, Bridget decides on a drastic change of career, swapping publishing for TV news reporting. Her first bulletin from Lewisham fire station on Bonfire Night hilariously ends in disaster when
he slides down the fireman's pole and lands on the cameraman, with the result that her bottom is broadcast live to the nation.
Meanwhile second love interest Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) is lurking in the background. At first Bridget doesn't like Mark, in fact she can't stand him, mostly due to the fact he was rude to her at her mother's turkey curry buffet where he was wearing a hideous reindeer jumper. While at first the feeling is mutual, Darcy starts to evelop feelings for Bridget, which soon become clear on Bridget's birthday where her disastrous culinary skills means she ends up feeding her guests soup that's turned blue. But Darcy has competition — Cleaver also turns up at Bridget's flat after realising that he misses her and wants her back.
Zellweger is perfect as Bridget. Having piled on the pounds for the role (and it shows) her natural breezy mad-cap style epitomises Bridget to a tee. Her English accent — perhaps slightly too upper-class — is convincing and doesn't slip once. Director Sharon Maguire made an excellent choice casting Colin Firth as the smouldering Mark Darcy, and a lean, long-haired Hugh Grant makes a surprisingly good anti-hero as Daniel Cleaver. Watch out for cameo appearances from Lord Archer and Salman Rushdie.
Closely based on the events in the book, the film keeps up a level of humour throughout. There are certain points which are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. Like the time Bridget turns up at her relatives' tarts and vicars party only to find out that the theme party idea had been dropped. Or the time when her mother's new shopping channel presenter boyfriend is having his make-up touched up and he tells the artist to stop being so clumsy in words which are too rude to repeat here, but very, very funny.
Bridget Jones is guaranteed to be this Spring's smash hit movie. More amusing than Notting Hill, it's light, entertaining and provides a couple of hours of escapism which are well worth the price of a cinema ticket.
~~~~~~~
Any Bridget responses????
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 306 of 1325: Heide (heide) * Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (14:58) * 1 lines
BJD trailer featured on E Channel's Coming Attractions this weekend. Chekc your listings.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 307 of 1325: Heide (heide) * Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (15:09) * 17 lines
Sorry if the above was posted before-quickly scanned previous posts but didn't see it. I must have the shot of him grinning while his name is on-screen for a snappy.
Interesting reading. I enjoyed this:
The screen version is more romantic-comedy than situation-comedy, and
the homage to Pride and Prejudice a lot more obvious
British audiences will no doubt be dismayed at the Renee's wholesale
butchery of the English accent
Well, kind of expected this but have been lulled by other reports into thinking she was safe.
Colin Firth - Can the man do no wrong?
(K) *snort* Catherine has not read our boards.
Darn, you beat me to it, Karen. ;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 308 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (16:59) * 31 lines
I received this e-mail today and thought you might be interested:
Win a Trip for Two to London!
Enter the "Find Yourself in Bridget Jones" Sweepstakes!
Submit a photo of yourself by April 27th and you could be eligible to win
a trip for two to London! (Travel provided by OneTravel.com) And while
you're at it, tell us a story that illustrates how you relate to Bridget
Jones.
How to Enter:
Visit the "Find Yourself in Bridget Jones" PhotoQuilt and follow the
simple instructions to upload your photograph. Please submit only a
photograph of yourself. When you submit your picture, don't forget to
include your story.
Click on the following URL or paste it into your browser address bar to
enter, and for official rules.
http://entertainment.msn.com/bridget/page3/
To make this even more special, you could become part of an image of
Bridget Jones composed of photos submitted from all over the world! On
March 27th, images from the PhotoQuilt will be collected and turned into a
Photomosaic - an image of Bridget composed of selections from images
submitted to the PhotoQuilt!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 309 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Sat, Mar 17, 2001 (19:06) * 3 lines
Director Sharon Maguire made an excellent choice casting Colin Firth
Was it *her* choice?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 310 of 1325: Lizza J (Lizza) * Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (07:10) * 8 lines
Was at the cinema last night and there was a vv short trailer for BJD!
That's the good news! Sadly ODB did not feature one iota. It was the scene with HG and RZ grappling on the floor when he discovers her "big pants"
and says "I'm wearing something similar myself." CUT!
Still although it was a mere snippet I can't wait for more. Hugh was very "Hugh Grant" as usual, hopefully this will not be the case as we get to see more of him.
Like Ann and Tracy I also received the same letter about the premiere!
Oh to belong to one of those "companies" they quoted.
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Response 311 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (07:53) * 1 lines
Ha! A sight I thought I'd never see: BJD has moved up to IMDB home page under "coming soon". Since you all here at Spring were singlehandly responsible for even getting the BJD page there going and "populated" with info, I thought I'd point it out.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 312 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (09:52) * 9 lines
Thanks, Heide, for the heads up on the BJD trailer on Coming Attractions. Taped it in the wee hours of the morning and cannot stop rewinding it. Oooooh, so much better than on the computer (even cable connected type). Only one thing better (though lacking rewind quality) will be on huge screen in a movie with entire audience laughing appropriately.
Loved the face after Mrs Jones introduces them at the party, and again when he responds to DC's comment about swords and pistols.
Tried to match up the taco-stain picture with fight scene, but pattern of tie is not evident in photo, as it is in trailer. Is wearing muted pinstripe, not of the badabing variety. ;-D
Wonder if they'll be a Behind the Scenes program? *fingers crossed*
(am already worried re: punch; detect need for learned coach)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 313 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (10:54) * 4 lines
(am already worried re: punch; detect need for learned coach)
LOL! Should we add that to need for expert tailor. ;-)
How very lucky you to be able to rewind at will, Karen. I am waiting for that on screen experience. I know I will have to sneak back to the Theatre to see it again. Don't think DH would approve.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 314 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (12:04) * 7 lines
Darn, missed the E! coming attractions. Does anyone know if it will be repeated?
Lizza, apparently they're showing that truncated (i.e., no CF) trailer in the theaters here, too. Wot gives?? Maybe they'll roll out the longer one as the time draws nearer.
I have to say: the rowboat scene with HG looks very funny. I'm sure they were going for the contrast with Leo DiC's "I'm the king of the world" in Titanic, then here's this drunken ass in a rickety rowboat shouting the same thing. Well, *I* think it's funny.;-)
Did anyone catch Joe Fiennes and Jude Law on Today this morning? Their interviews were pre-taped, done as part of their Enemy at the Gates junket, no doubt, and I'm guessing CF's appearance on Thursday will be the same thing. Was probably taped this weekend.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 315 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (12:14) * 11 lines
Here's the url for the program guide on E! Unfortunately, you have to look at each day for Coming Attractions; the show listing doesn't provide all the dates and times as it does for other shows. Also they put a new one up each Monday. Don't know if that means the program content changes as well.
Next broadcast will be 3:00 a.m. Sunday night (or Morning morning), then Monday at 1:00 pm
http://www.eonline.com/On/Guide/
(Mari) I'm sure they were going for the contrast with Leo DiC's
Absolutely. There's also the double entendre of "I'm boarding you, Bridget." ;-D
(Mari) Did anyone catch Joe Fiennes and Jude Law on Today this morning?
Grrrrrrr You can lead a horse to water but....
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 316 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (15:57) * 3 lines
apparently they're showing that truncated (i.e., no CF) trailer in the theaters here, too. Wot gives?? Maybe they'll roll out the longer one as the time draws nearer.
Could they be thinking that no one would leave HG for CF??? How could they leave Colin out? And we thought they might try that on the poster, sheesh!
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Response 317 of 1325: Lassie (Lassie) * Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (16:52) * 1 lines
I believe it is in order to avoid spoilers and preserve the surprise ending. a A lot of people (in the US have not read the book.
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Response 318 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (17:01) * 4 lines
I believe it is in order to avoid spoilers and preserve the surprise ending.
I have to disagree. Trailers in this country give away not only the entire plot and ending but typically toss in the kitchen sink as well.
Miramax probably hasn't felt the need to mass produce it and distribute it to theatres across the country, but will do television - the source of its target market.
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Response 319 of 1325: Heide (heide) * Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (19:36) * 3 lines
Don't worry if you missed the Coming Attractions on E. They often repeat the trailers of films for several programs until the film opens. Wouldn't be surprised if it was shown again next week. And soon, gah! can hardly believe it, we'll see entire film in all his glory..er, its glory.
Saw the short "big pants" trailer too but thought it was because my backwater town is always behind with the new stuff. I think that trailer does a disservice to the film...if I didn't know anything about Bridget Jones, don't think I'd want to see a movie about Hugh Grant trying to wrestle a girl's undies off.
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Response 320 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 18, 2001 (23:12) * 3 lines
(Heide) don't think I'd want to see a movie about Hugh Grant trying to wrestle a girl's undies off.
But the guys in the audience might. ;-D
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Response 321 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (03:05) * 2 lines
Very, very good reports on BJD in today's Times (Viewpoint in Times2), from journalists who attended the preview at the Empire. One male, one female. Two page spread, colour pics. Both say they were not looking forward to the film, were fed up with the whole BJ thing and expected to hate it. But they both really liked it..."it's good oldfashioned comedy".."unashamed happy ending"..."I had tears streaming down my cheeks when Darcy finally pulled his head out of the sand and smouldered in Zellwegger's general direction" (this from the male journalist!} RZ seems to be a big hit with them, and they seem to think "Hughie and Col" are okay as well.
Is this available online?
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Response 322 of 1325: MarkG (MarkG) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (03:57) * 3 lines
It's most amusing to see the scenes I saw being filmed come together. The Times today mentions that Bridget "...serenading her empty apartment with a rousing rendition of Celine Dion's All By Myself made my heart melt in almost Capraesque fashion."
Whilst the Gabrielle video shows HG & CF crashing through the plate-glass window of Kalispera (the Greek restaurant) - hence the need for elbow-padded body doubles - stuntmen no less. There must be 2, if not 3, fight scenes.
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Response 323 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (05:29) * 9 lines
Now I'm really looking forward to it.
(Here's the link to the Times piece: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,7-100906,00.html)
When is the London contingent planning on seeing the film?
How about a drink?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 324 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (09:17) * 10 lines
Here's a link to the second article by James Christopher:
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,7-100913,00.html
Liked this from the woman's article:
(Colin Firth as Darcy may be wasted on US audiences, but to UK women he’s brooding masculinity personified).
Wasted...not on all of us. ;-D
Were the pictures all we've seen before?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 325 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (09:32) * 14 lines
(Lassie) I believe it is in order to avoid spoilers and preserve the surprise ending. a A lot of people (in the US have not read the book.
Pardon me, but did you just beam down from the Planet Zarg? BJD was on every kind of bestseller list in the US; in fact, EOR is currently #5 on the Washington Post's list (just in front of SWTA).
(Singletons review) Pernickety viewers may think that Colin merely reprises his role from TV's Pride and Prejudice
Call me pernickety, then. Am prepared to suffer through it ;-D
but in this humble reviewer's opinion, Colin Firth is bound for leading man stardom as a result of this role
Hurrah! *turning cartwheels* *oof, can't do cartwheels*
Moon, I can't remember reading that CF almost turned down the part of MD. Where did you see this?
(Bethan) "..."I had tears streaming down my cheeks when Darcy finally pulled his head out of the sand and smouldered in Zellwegger's general direction" (this from the male journalist!}
Hurrah again! Ooh, things are looking *very* good...
Off to program the VCR for this afternoon's Coming Attractions on E!. Thanks for the tip, ladies. ;-)
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Response 326 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (09:48) * 12 lines
Not that I'm complaining, but it seems v. odd that even your broadsheets are publishing reviews of BJD so far in advance of its opening. [Can understand internet nobodies jumping the gun.] All critics get to see the films earlier, but they don't publish them until the opening week.
About your scenes, Mark. Am glad to hear that RZ is seranading an *empty* apartment. The thought of her seranading HG didn't sit well with me.
What makes you think there are 2-3 fight scenes? Colin's wearing his v. pronounced pinstripe suit for all snippets I've seen. BTW, after he first punches HG in street, looks v. pleased with self. [Eileen, will need to slo-mo to catch all nuances of street fight.]
Heide: For snappy consideration, I'd take the one where Tom is making the toast "to Bridget, who we all love." That may be THE Look from this movie.
BTW, I think it not coincidental that Colin does the Meryton look at RZ. As Sharon Maguire is Shazz, she would be a *student* of the original and know it well.
(He Said) What on earth was happening? How did this podgy clown reduce me to a puddle? I’m still trying to work it out.
Fool. That is Zellweger's unique talent for which none of you figured out well in advance.
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Response 327 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (09:53) * 2 lines
(Karen) As Sharon Maguire is Shazz, she would be a *student* of the original and know it well
'Natch. I'll take 1,000 Meryton looks and other FD-MD similarities in light of the fact there's no wet shirt. Thank goodness they saw fit to leave that alone!
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Response 328 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (10:08) * 2 lines
(Eileen) no wet shirt
Was probably in his contract. ;-)
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Response 329 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (10:10) * 1 lines
Hmmm, was think about above, as Hughie goes into the lake (with shirt unbuttoned down to navel), am surprisd/shocked that no one has mentioned *his wet shirt* [not really]
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Response 330 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (11:35) * 9 lines
From Ananova:
Zellweger got her English accent from Ali G videos
Renee Zellweger says she perfected her English accent for the role of Bridget Jones by watching Ali G videos. The US star had to learn how to speak with an English accent when she was in the UK last year making the film of Helen Fielding's novel.
Ali, created by comic Sacha Baron Cohen, is known for his urban slang and catchphrases like 'innit' and 'booyakasha'. Speaking to Sky News, Zellweger said: "I watched a lot of sitcoms, news and Ali G."
"I think it's a beautiful book. I think Helen Fielding did a great job. I know the book is very important to men and women and I wanted it to be right."
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Response 331 of 1325: Lassie (Lassie) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (12:53) * 1 lines
Eileen, I was talking about Pride and Prejudice, not Bridget Jones Diary.
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Response 332 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (13:20) * 32 lines
Review from Screendaily:
Bridget Jones's Diary
Sheila Johnston in London
Dir: Sharon Maguire. UK. 2001. TBCmins. Bridget Jones's bestselling diaries made the fictional thirtysomething singleton Britain's most successful under-achiever of recent years, and the screen version of her intimate journal bears all the signs of becoming the UK's biggest film hit since Notting Hill.
Domestically, massive advance publicity and media attention will guarantee dazzling opening figures, while the reputation of the books in the US should secure equally healthy business there.
If the film is to build this into solid longer-term box office, then it must establish itself as more than a chick flick with appeal to the obvious demographic. Instead, it will need to position itself more broadly as a modern social satire-date movie that can attract those men lured along earlier this year to What Women Want by the presence of Mel Gibson (but without a comparable male character for them to root for).
The diaries have been published in some 30 countries, but in territories where the book has been less of a cultural phenomenon than on its home turf, the film's performance will, to a greater extent, be review-driven, aided by the names of Renee Zellweger in the title role and Hugh Grant as the second male lead. Prospects in all ancillary media are, as Bridget would put it, v. v. good.
A character invented by journalist Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones herself is a none-too-effective publishing PR in her early 30s with a mass of addictions - cigarettes, drink, junk food and lottery cards - who aims to achieve happiness by losing weight and finding true romance. Her diary chronicling the ongoing chaos of her life and her farcically unsuccessful struggle to realise her modest ambitions made a low-key debut in 1995 as a weekly column in UK national newspaper The Independent, but gathered momentum after Fielding was encouraged to rework it as a book.
When it did go into paperback it became a cult success, spawning a sequel, The Edge Of Reason. Like such American TV sitcoms as Sex And The City and Ally McBeal, and Hollywood movies such as Waiting To Exhale, its success has been generally attributed to the swelling numbers of single thirtysomething women experiencing difficulties in reconciling the conflicting demands of love and career.
Structured much like the novel, the movie traces a year in the life of its heroine, beginning with Bridget's ghastly Christmas-New Year celebrations with her parents and their neighbours. During the following months, she has an ill-advised fling with her flirty caddish boss (Grant, offering an enjoyably acerbic variant on his usual bumbling screen image); observes her parents' marital problems after her mother makes off with a sleazy presenter from a home shopping channel; makes her own foray into television when she swaps her publishing job for a gig as a news presenter; spends many a long, boozy evening with her gaggle of sweet, but hopelessly dysfunctional, female and gay friends; and gradually warms to the subtle attractions of Mark Darcy (Firth), a stuffy, though ultimately charming (and extremely rich), human rights lawyer.
Boasting the same production company (Working Title), star (Grant) and co-screenwriter (Richard Curtis) as Four Weddings And A Funeral and Notting Hill, Bridget Jones shares those two earlier films' comic tone and similar themes of the peculiarly British knack for self-deprecation and underachievement, both professionally and romantically. As in Fielding's book, there are also deliberate parallels with Pride And Prejudice, both in the name of the leading man and in the presence of Firth (who played Mr Darcy in the recent BBC adaptation of Jane Austen's classic) in this role. Grant also has his own indirect link with the original novel, which takes a passing potshot at the actor's real-life dalliance with a Hollywood hooker.
Curtis's co-scriptwriter, along with Fielding, is Andrew Davies, distinguished for his television adaptations of literary classics, including that same BBC version of Pride And Prejudice. And the film's director - the documentary film-maker Sharon Maguire making her feature debut - is a friend of the author, acknowledged at the front of the novel, as well as being the model for one of Bridget's best friends, also called Sharon. The in-casting extends down to relatively small roles such as the lecherous tabloid news producer played by Neil Pearson, who UK audiences will remember as much the same character in the TV comedy series Drop The Dead Donkey. The writers Salman Rushdie and Jeffrey Archer contribute cameos as themselves.
At times, this all threatens to add up to an air of smug and incestuous London media-set clubbiness, so the choice of an American actress for the leading role - greeted, when it was announced, with some hostility in the British press - turns out in many ways to be a shrewd decision. The film stands or falls by whether one accepts Zellweger's central performance and, sporting a credible British accent (if one several social notches above the level you would expect of her character), she lends Bridget an exuberance and sexiness undiminished by the fact that she gained at least 14 pounds for the role.
Some fans of the book may find her too sweet and fluffy for the character (Bridget had a sharp tongue on her when required). Still, it's refreshing to see a weight-obsessed heroine who really is on the pudgy side, even if the actress is often shot in a way which does her no favours, with stringy hair and a flushed, bloated face.
Grant and Firth are well-placed as the male leads, although in its anxiety to present itself as a romantic comedy, the film gives short shrift to the other supporting characters - notably Bridget's three best friends and sitcomy mother (Jones) - although Jim Broadbent stands out as her gentle, brow-beaten father. It could also be argued that, in cutting many of the books' topical references to current events of the mid-1990s, the focus of the film has been further narrowed. Maguire's comic touch is a little heavy at times, but technical credits are, overall, polished.
Prod co: Working Title. Co-prods: Universal Pictures, Studio Canal, Miramax. Domestic dist: UIP. Exec prod: Helen Fielding. Prods: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jonathan Cavendish. Scr: Fielding, Andrew Davies, Richard Curtis. Cinemaphotography: Stuart Dryburgh. Prod des: Gemma Jackson. Ed: Martin Walsh . Music: Patrick Doyle. Main cast: Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Gemma Jones, Jim Broadbent
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 333 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (13:39) * 1 lines
Just wanted to say Karen, that in answer to your earlier question, all the photos attached to the 2 articles are know to us except one of Helen Fielding, who looks very nice indeed, but mostly I am so glad that they have included the lovely picture of Colin and Renee and I must say that Colin does seem to be getting an equal amount of exposure as Hughie, which is wonderful. It is a 2page spread and very impressive. As well as the afore-mentioned photo there is the one with Rnenee in a restaurant smoking and the two CF & HG on the floor. By the time the film opens there won't be any need for reviews!
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Response 334 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (13:44) * 2 lines
(Screendaily) Bridget had a sharp tongue on her when required
*am thinking*
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Response 335 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (13:46) * 6 lines
(Lizza)Like Ann and Tracy I also received the same letter about the premiere!
Oh to belong to one of those "companies" they quoted.
Find out which companies....and call marketing.
They just might part with a set.
This is all toooo exciting.Have changed my tickets too....but have a sinking feeling about London/NY premieres being tooooo close.Though Miramax did send Gwynnie over on the Concord once....yipes!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 336 of 1325: MarkG (MarkG) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (13:59) * 19 lines
Ann has already explained which photos were used, but I want to practise some HTML. On the front of the Times2 section was a cut down from this:
and inside the following three were used (+ the one of Helen Fielding):
The ciggy photo was half-page-size.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 337 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (14:09) * 3 lines
v.g. Mark
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 338 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (14:10) * 5 lines
(Lassie) I was talking about Pride and Prejudice, not Bridget Jones Diary.
*scratching my head*
Grr, just watched my E! Coming Attractions tape and they have changed the content. No BJD this week.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 339 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (15:40) * 6 lines
Working Title are handling the publicity for BJD very cleverly...creating an excellent buzz {although the liking for the film has to be genuine). They did the same for NH, which took £10million on the opening weekend in the UK.
But I'd still be rather wary of our hostile, teeth to the jugular British critics.
Over the page from BJD in Times2 there's a headline - "British actors bomb on Broadway" - a reference to the less than sympathetic reviews received by JE and Alan Cumming (hardly "bombing"). Further on, there's an article about how the new movie by the "past-it action hero" Steven Seagal has opened first at the US Box Office with $20million, while the Jude Law/Joe Fiennes hugely expensive war movie only took $14million. And JL/JF have not had good reviews - "Wiped off the screen by Ed Harris".
So fingers crossed for Hughie and Col! :-) But so far, very good!
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Response 340 of 1325: Cheryl (CherylB) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (15:43) * 3 lines
(Bethan)...a barrister's outfit..the high white collar, the well cut suit..is far more alluring than an exposed bare chest and black leather. It's the aloofness, intellectual superiority, the apparent unattainability (but with some hidden promise)...it's the difference between erotic and "sexy".
You may well have a well-considered point, Bethan. My problem being, as I am a rather provincial American, is that damn silly wig barristers wear. What's up with that? What's the thing made of -- horsehair. If so, it must have certainly looked better on the horse. Even the delectable and handsome Mr. Firth can made that silly wig look good.
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Response 341 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (16:01) * 6 lines
(Bethan) But I'd still be rather wary of our hostile, teeth to the jugular British critics
Yes, good point--however, a bad review(s) will surely pale in comparison to a flood of good ones, no? *thinking positive* Am anxious to see how it fares with US reviewers.
the new movie by the "past-it action hero" Steven Seagal has opened first at the US Box Office with $20million
Yeah, I heard about that this morning. Haven't we sunk to a new low? :-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 342 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (16:04) * 1 lines
But all the trades were quick to point out that Enemy at the Gate, which came in second, was on far fewer screens and had a huge per screen take.
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Response 343 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (16:15) * 3 lines
Yes, Bethan, your critics are tough and your press does seem to emphasize the negative. Karen makes a good point--Enemy at the Gates actually did very well, playing on about half the screens that the other flick did, and in fact they are expanding it to a few hundred more screens next week. Its per screen take far exceeded the Seagal film. Again, the press seems to only tell half the story. As for Design For Living, the reviews were mixed, but certainly as you said, not bombing. Critics seem to either like this particular staging or they don't. There are traditionalists over here, such as at the NY Times, who feel that Coward's work should always be staged as it was in Coward's day.
But, getting back to BJ, everything so far seems so positive, and I think James Christopher would be hard-pressed to call back his words about being moved to tears!:-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 344 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (16:28) * 5 lines
In the April issue of Movieline, they have BJD spotlighted as one of their top 5 films to see next month:
Helen Fielding's best-selling novel comes to the screen with Renee Zellweger starring improbably as the thirtysomething English diarist. As Zellweger fans, we'd go to see her play this 21st century everywoman in any case, but we're especially curious to check a few things out. How well has she done with the British accent on which she was coached by the same woman who gave Gwyneth Paltrow her perfect pitch for Emma, SIL, and Sliding Doors? And what does she look like with extra pounds packed on?
Colin Firth, as Mark Darcy, and Hugh Grant, as Daniel Cleaver, are added incentives. Even if the film turns out to suffer from too many screenwriters and a first time director (Sharon Maguire, best pal of Fielding and the inspiration for the character Shazzer, neither of which explains why she's directing) there's plenty of entertainment value here.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 345 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (16:56) * 9 lines
Wigs and blancmanche.
I'm slightly drunk, so I spoolgise in advance.
1. Wigbs. They add authority, in principle. I've no iade what they do tyo sexiness, as far as the female observer is concerned. A couple of years ago year I spent a week wathcing a (female) friend of mine taking on Cheri Booth (Mrs Blair) in a big labour law case. She was bedecked in a barrister's wig and was impresivelu weighty, IMHO. She also kicked Cheri's a*se, bigtime. The wig provided another thing to be ripped off in the heat of passion (not that it was - she is now happily engaged to someone else), and looked pretty cool.
2. Blancmanche. More discrimintaing judges may be able to tell (re:Times piece) the difference between high quality cleavage and "balncmanche" cleavage. In my current state I cannot. RZ is v. alluring in the BJD posters.
3. Repeated querstion: when is the London branch of this webnsite going to see the film? MarkG, as the insider, when are you going? Our American cousins are prepared to trudge 3,000 miles to see each other - are we to baulk at 1,000 yards???
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 346 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (17:54) * 5 lines
Over the page from BJD in Times2 there's a headline - "British actors bomb on Broadway" - a reference to the less than sympathetic reviews received by JE and Alan Cumming (hardly "bombing").
Once again, your critics enjoy decapitating their own.The NY times and Daily News were critical of DFL. But USA Today gave it 4 Stars and called JE a "triumph as Gilda".Variety calls it a "sensational show".The AP and Clive Barnes of the NY Post were complimentary too.Sold out for the run;hardly a bomb.
I will rest easy about BJD when all the reviews are in...on both sides of the pond.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 347 of 1325: Cheryl (CherylB) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (17:57) * 1 lines
Thank you Ben for elucidating on the subject of wigs and blancmanche. I thought the latter was a dessert. Now I have been enlightened, sort of.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 348 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (23:40) * 20 lines
From the Mar 20 FT:
SURVEY - CREATIVE BUSINESS: Soundtrack albums
By PAUL SEXTON
For every soundtrack that enjoys the perfect commercial symbiosis with its parent movie, countless others come and go faster than a 30-second trailer. For every Four Weddings, there are 40 soundtrack funerals.
But the achievements of the most prosperous film tie-ins live long in the memory of record companies, who fantasise about big, fat cash cows like Titanic (so huge it even spawned a sequel soundtrack, Back To Titanic) and the grandaddy of them all, The Bodyguard, all 30m-odd copies of it.
That’s why Mercury Records has such high hopes for its companion release to one of this year’s most widely-anticipated flicks, Bridget Jones’s Diary, due at your local megastore on April 16, three days after the Renee Zellweger/Hugh Grant vehicle arrives at the multiplex across the road.
London-based soul singer Gabrielle’s track “Out Of Reach” is out on April 2 as the Bridget theme tune single, and just to underline how such a tie-up can fuel promotion plans for an individual artist, she has bolted on a tour, starting on April 17.
[...]
But the Bridget companion will offer temptations such as never-before-available recordings by the likes of Robbie Williams and Geri Halliwell, who has taken it upon herself to remake the Weather Girls’ “It’s Raining Men”, prominently featured in a street fight scene in the film.
The success of soundtracks like this one is governed in part by how well the film overlaps with the fan bases of the artists who appear on them. Mercury UK managing director Howard Berman, one of the men behind the Four Weddings and a Funeral album, which sold 3m copies worldwide, says: “If there are two separate markets for this film and the soundtrack, they overlap enormously. The film is aimed at a very similar demographic to that which constitutes the core audience for artists like Robbie and Geri.”
[...]
“A lot of soundtrack albums underestimate the taste and intelligence of the public,” says Berman. “In virtually all cases of a successful soundtrack, it’s where there’s been a successful film and music has played an integral part in it. If you haven’t got music playing a significant part in the film, even if it’s a blockbuster, it’s very difficult to join the dots.
“The score in Titanic plays an incredibly important part, and that fantastic Celine Dion song would have been a smash with or without the film association. In Bridget Jones, the music is almost a sub-plot.”
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 349 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Mon, Mar 19, 2001 (23:44) * 5 lines
Check out "Bridget's" reviews of her reviews on Karen's page; I'm LOL!
Hmmm . . .Yahoo US is listing BJD as opening in NY and LA on April 6, then nationally on April 13. Not sure if that's very out of date or very up to date.
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Response 350 of 1325: MarkG (MarkG) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (03:19) * 5 lines
I wish I was really an insider, Ben, but having mysteriously been left off the list for premiere tickets, I guess I shall be seeing the film on Easter weekend like many others. However, I'll be out of town.
Why I think there might be more than one fight scene: one fight obviously breaks out in the restaurant, whereas separately MD offers DC out, prompting "pistols or cutlasses?" Also the knockout blow somehow looks like a one-punch fight, perhaps similar to the scene in The Edge of Reason, where MD goes downstairs to DC, slugs him, and then apologises to him and explains it had to be done. But I expect I'm wrong again.
Love the reviews of the reviews, Karen!
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Response 351 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (03:47) * 8 lines
Yes, Bethan, your critics are tough and your press does seem to emphasize the negative
Our TV and theatre critics are okay, but I would quite happily ban most of our so-called movie "critics", who are merely destructive, especially when it comes to British films or British actors. I usually prefer reading US reviews...they are longer, more considered (you get the impression they've actually watched the film) and the criticism is constructive, not personally abusive.
I really hope CF makes an impact in the States, and does quite a few talk shows. IMVHO, the only success that matters in the movies is success in the States. That's how careers take off. Not Hollywood megastardom, just appearing in decent roles in movies that actually reach the screen! (cf MLSF 3 screens in the UK, SLOW 2 screens, DQ and Londinium - no distributor...I rest my case! Go to it, Col! :-))
Signs are v. good for BJD though in the UK! Will BJD be a big opener in the States, or will it have a limited number of screens?
BTW, the comment in the Times about kisses in the snow and the unashamed happy ending sounds very promising!
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Response 352 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (03:55) * 8 lines
Cheryl - the blancmanche reference is from the Times piece (see links), which begins by being less than flattering about the heroine.
Do film critics matter? I'm prepared to believe that theatre reviews affect audiences - though less than they once did, probably - but film reviews? There seems to be almost an inverse correlation between a film's commerical and critical success. The current spate of pre-opening publicity for BJD is not being conducted through conventional film critics, over here at least. Perhaps its fans should hope for a pasting once the "experts" get to see it.
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Response 353 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (08:40) * 16 lines
You're quite right, Mark, there's the restaurant and there's the apartment (as in TEOR). While MD and DC are in the street, you can see Bridget, Shaz and Jude huddling in a doorway watching it all. Why would the other two be at Bridget's when Daniel's there and Mark calls him out? Lots of questions. No definitive answers.
(Bethan) Not Hollywood megastardom, just appearing in decent roles in movies that actually reach the screen!
I see you've finally come around, except I would hope for better than merely decent roles (important/starring roles in important films more like).
Will BJD be a big opener in the States, or will it have a limited number of
screens?
As I predicted it shows all signs of opening v. wide (e.g., over 2000 screens).
kisses in the snow
Hopefully more than the kiss in the carriage.
Films critics have no impact on the younger crowd in the US, but can affect the older people, who actually read and have developed taste. It also depends on the promotional campaign.
(Ben) The current spate of pre-opening publicity for BJD is not being conducted through conventional film critics, over here at least.
True, as would be any advance publicity. However, James Christopher is one of your real critics.
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Response 354 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (08:41) * 1 lines
BTW, Jay Leno mentioned RZ in his list of upcoming guests for the next couple of weeks.
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Response 355 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (08:46) * 16 lines
There's a review on Dark Horizons:
"Bridget Jones' Diary" - A Review by 'Paul Fischer' (Positive, Very Minor Spoilers)
At the start of the New Year, 32-year-old Bridget decides it's time to take control of her life-and start keeping a diary. Now, the most provocative, erotic and hysterical book on her bedside table is the one she's writing. With a taste for adventure, and an opinion on every subject-from exercise to men to food to sex and everything in between-she's turning the page on a whole new life.
"Tuesday 3 January 130lbs. (terrifying slide into obesity - why? why?), alcohol units 6 (Excellent) cigarettes 23 (v.g.), calories 2472 9a.m. Ugh. Cannot face thought of going to work. Only thing which makes it tolerable is thought of seeing Daniel again, but even that is unadvisable since am fat, have spot on chin, and desire only to sit on cushion eating chocolate and watching Xmas specials". Thus are some of the memorable verbal utterances of one Bridget Jones, created by ex-journo Helen Fielding.
Bridget is one of those wonderfully rich characters seemingly impossible to translate to film, but first-time director Sharon Maguire, with some help from Brit scribe Richard Curtis, has crafted an irresistible and deliciously funny film. Fielding's character epitomises all our fears, hopes, romanticism and upbeat optimism as we trip through life's seemingly eternal obstacles. Yes, she is a single woman of her time, trying to find love and career while fighting endlessly over her comic mistakes. But in this wonderfully rich satire on the pangs of single-hood versus 'smug marrieds', Fielding has struck a broad nerve that places this material beyond the simplistic realms of the 'chick flick' and into a wider context. On many levels, what makes the film incarnation of the novel work so beautifully, is its ability to travel beyond gender-specific cliché. We can all relate to many facets of Bridget's inability to communicate, be herself and play by the rules. A recurring line in the film is 'I like you exactly t
e way you are', and this is a recurring theme. We all have our flaws and our idiosyncrasies, none of us are perfect, and in searching for that often elusive partner becomes a matter of acceptance. Bridget Jones epitomises our strengths and weaknesses, coupled with our hopes and ideals. She is a remarkable character.
As played by Zellweger, an initially controversial casting choice, Jones comes alive with an added depth, humour and luminous quality rarely seen on screen. The actress completely embodies the character, and imbues her with subtle nuances that enhance the actor's skill. To watch Zellweger here is watching a screen presence, who is uproariously funny and yet gently emotive when not saying a word. This is Zellweger' s film all the way, and it's a masterful, brilliant performance. In some ironic casting, Colin Firth is playing another Darcy, both literally and metaphorically. Adept at being the stuffed shirt, Firth gives a subtle performance playing a difficult character. Hugh Grant excels at playing the prize villain of the piece, and does so with effortless, comic aplomb, while the rest of the film's marvellous British cast provides added support.
Beautifully shot on location in London and featuring a strong soundtrack, Bridget Jones's Diary is funny, sexy, poignant and sharply observed, as only the Brits can do. Zellweger steals the film and through it all, comes off as both star and shining comedienne. This is one Diary worth reading more than once.
http://darkhorizons.com/reviews/t010319a.htm#Rev2
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Response 356 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (09:55) * 15 lines
Excellent review, except for one major lapse in judgment, in Popcorn by Jane Crowther:
cast: Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Renée Zellweger,Sally Phillips
Book-to-screen adaptations are notoriously difficult to pull-off. It's hard to mess with the collective imaginations of millions of readers and the results can range from the phenomenal, 'Trainspotting', to the unspeakable, 'Rancid Aluminium'. Lovers of Helen Fielding's hugely successful literary creation can breathe a sigh of relief, for the movie version of 'Bridget Jones's Diary' is faithful to its source, perfectly cast and even funnier than the book.
Bridget (Renée Zellweger) is a thirtysomething 'singleton' who spends her days worrying about her weight, smoking too much and dreaming of the perfect man. But the only blokes she seems to bump into are her sexy, predatory boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), and haughty, dull family friend Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). So, armed with her trusty fags and her ultimate confidante - her diary - Bridget makes her way through a year of heartache, embarrassment and calorie counting.
The casting of skinny Texan Zellweger as the supposedly tubby, English Jones caused a minor kafuffle pre-production, but her performance is a revelation. Although her accent occasionally wobbles, her conviction is absolute and the 'Jerry Maguire' star has never been funnier. She brings warmth to the sometimes brittle character and offers a welcome reality check to the acres of stick-insect waifs that usually populate films.
Firth is also impressive as the glowering Darcy, but the real star is Grant, who's suddenly... well, frankly, gorgeous. He's deliciously sly and flirtatious, proving he can play more than posh, eye-fluttering wimps. Another element from 'Four Weddings And A Funeral' is the screenwriter - Richard Curtis - who provides a script bristling with wit, slapstick and spot-on, horribly relatable, observations.
Hilarious, sweet and romantic, 'Bridget Jones's Diary' is must-see viewing for anyone who's ever drunkenly sung power ballads or had a scuffling scrap over a girl. Superb.
http://www.popcorn.co.uk/cinema/review.jhtml?filmId=19668
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Response 357 of 1325: Tineke (Tineke) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (09:56) * 1 lines
There was an item about BJD on the radio just now. The guy who saw it liked it very much and interviewed Hugh afterwards. Nothing was said that I didn't already know (CF was mentioned though, WOW), except that I'll have to wait till the fall to see it!! Isn't this wonderful? They whet our appetite, then tell us that we'll have to wait a looong time.*grumble*
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Response 358 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (10:31) * 1 lines
Hmmm, I'm a real misery...the reviews are great, but..... "the real star is Grant, who's suddenly... well, frankly, gorgeous" and "and haughty, dull family friend/stuffed shirt Mark Darcy"? Has Hughie been given all the aces?
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Response 359 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (11:14) * 1 lines
I quite agree Bethan, normally I would be thrilled to read that " Firth also impresses" but it was somewhat negated by her saying Hughie is "gorgeous". Still it is only one person's opinion.
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Response 360 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (11:18) * 2 lines
I would have thought the opposite from a British reviewer.
Didn't think they considered Hugh a "hunk".
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Response 361 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (11:39) * 7 lines
Yes, I know. Was all prepared to highlight the *impressive Firth* comment and then read on... Probably should've been forewarned that the reviewer was not all that knowledgeable, as she called Zellweger a revelation. Obviously, she's not that familiar with her work, possibly only has seen "Me Myself and Irene."
~~~~~~~~~~
And a treat for those who might want the new US BJD poster:
http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdposterinfo.html
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Response 362 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (11:42) * 1 lines
This from a friend of mine. Lovely article about CF in current issue of "Elle" (may not be on newstands yet). First Buzz column: "Firth Among Equals". Think ODB may not be averse to becoming a big Hollywood star at all! v. interesting.
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Response 363 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (11:45) * 5 lines
I called Miramax (don't ask *what* I called them;-), and the film is indeed opening nationwide here on April 13, no early opening for NY or LA. It will open on "1500 plus" screens; that's considered a wide opening, although the blockbuster popcorn type flicks typically open on 2000--2500. They can certainly add screens as they go. In any event, no one here will have any difficulty finding this one at their local multiplex.
RE: Hugh's good reviews--well, we knew from the start that this would be the showier part of the two male leads. We're probably lucky that there's as much Mark Darcy as there appears to be, considering his small, albeit pivotal, role in the book. I'm sure Richard Curtis wrote Hugh a juicy role, as HG has helped to propel Working Title to some of their biggest successes. HG has headlined wide opening films all over the world; he has global name recognition. Plus, Hugh is very shrewd about his career; there was no way he'd take a second banana role to another young male actor. He doesn't have to. Those are the spoils that box office success brings, and it's the position that I think many of us hope that CF is eventually in--not "fame" or "success" for its own sake, but being in a position to have a pick at the best roles.
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Response 364 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (11:59) * 3 lines
Thanks, Mari. 1500+ is very respectable for a non-alien-invasion-type movie, especially one whose audience is gauged to be women over 20something+ years (second class and undesirable). Can't wait to see the backhanded comments in the trades about the boxoffice prospects.
Also can't wait to see this new issue of Elle!!
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Response 365 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (12:05) * 1 lines
Wickham was never witty, funny and charming, I think they have made Hughie too attractive but even so how could anyone resit those lovely brown eyes. Thanks for the news about Elle magazine Meredith, is that the UK or the US?
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Response 366 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (12:18) * 15 lines
kisses in the snow
(Karen) Hopefully more than the kiss in the carriage.
*heehee* Better watch those P&P spoilers, though...;-)
(Popcorn Jane) Grant, who's suddenly... well, frankly, gorgeous.
*cough* *choke* Pass this woman a new set of peepers!
(Ann) Still it is only one person's opinion.
Quite right Ann--hardly anything to become depressed about. There has to be a dozen reviews up so far and this is the *ONLY* one gushing about you-know-Hugh.
(Meredith) Lovely article about CF in current issue of "Elle"
Thanks for the tip, Meredith. Am still in search of April's Premiere and will add this one to my list.
Think ODB may not be averse to becoming a big Hollywood star at all!
Has to do with smelling coffee, surely. ;-)
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Response 367 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (12:19) * 1 lines
gaah!
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Response 368 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (12:48) * 1 lines
Thanks, Meredith! Did a quickie recon mission and I've got it here. It's the April issue of US Elle, Uma Thurman on cover. Nice article--but they've got him in the 3-year fugly sweater! Gah! Karen, I can scan and send; is long to type, but I can do that too.;-)
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Response 369 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (12:50) * 5 lines
Mari scanned the following pics in from a Coke ad (note product placement in second pic). The print ad had very poor resolution but Mari did excellent job given the tiny and blurry one of Colin:
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Response 370 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (13:05) * 6 lines
Ooops, wrong second pic. Titles nearly same. Will try again.
Re: typing of Elle article
Only if you have time. *winkie winkie*
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Response 371 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (13:56) * 14 lines
It really isn't that long. Part 1:
FIRTH AMONG EQUALS
In the tradition of Anglo-hunk imports, Bridget Jones' heart throb Colin Firth has a few surprises up his sweater.
If you're a woman who's even a little like Bridget Jones--and judging by the success of her self-titled diary (actually written by Helen Fielding), it's a good bet you are--then when you lay eyes on Mark Darcy as portrayed by Colin Firth in the upcoming movie, you'll be as confounded as the chronically hopeful heroine herself.
Thick-haired, square-jawed, steely-eyed, Firth's Darcy thrums with alpha-male magnetism when Bridget (played by Renee Zellweger, with a plummily perfect English accent) spots him at a Christmas party. She gazes at his self-possessed mug, imagines romance, possibilities, love. She glances from his steady, kind eyes, to his strong neck, his broad shoulders, his . . .reindeer sweater?!? It's the first comic jolt in a performance that Firth molds into a slow, hilarious, oddly moving revelation. Mr. Right turns out to be Mr. Wrong, who turns out to be Mr. Not So Bad, who transmogrifies into Mr. This Can't Be Happening, who shape-shifts into . . .well, you'll see.
"The discovery we make," says Firth, "is that this pompous individual ends up having a generous and entirely sincere side. That's what warms the cockles of our hearts." For Firth (and Bridget, and us), the key word is "discovery." Darcy, Firth says, "takes himself very seriously and therefore like anyone else who takes himself very seriously, is full of comic potential."
"Colin was always looking for a surprise because that's what's exciting for him," says Sharon Maguire, who directed Firth and Zellweger (along with Hugh Grant) in "Diary," her first feature film. Firth agrees: "The greatest joy of acting is to reveal the hidden reservoirs in a character--much more than the obvious challenges of transforming yourself. The degrees of what you conceal or reveal--that's what makes the biggest call on your judgment and your ability."
To be continued . . .
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Response 372 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (14:13) * 17 lines
Part 2:
What's unlikely to remain concealed after Diary is the silent strength that has earned Firth hunky-icon status in his native country. In '95, he played another Darcy, in the BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. "The nation's females went into a standstill," says the British Maguire. "Every woman in England fell in love with him."
Herself included.
"He played that hero so well," she says. "A patriarchal fantasy figure in a way; aloof, but burning with fire." Maguire detected a similarly quiet, white-hot intensity in Firth's approach to Diary. "I didn't think those kinds of men existed in life," she says, "but Colin is it."
Since Pride & Prejudice, Firth has played a doomed husband in The English Patient and a scheming aristocrat to Gwyneth Paltrow's Viola in Shakespeare In Love, among other film roles. Those parts and a steady stage career (he will take the lead role in a London version of Hamlet this year) have brought the forty-year-old critical acclaim, but not the leading man lucre that, say, Jude Law and Ralph Fiennes command.
Not that Firth spends time worrying about that. He lives in Tuscany and London with his wife ("which is really very gutting," says Maguire), Livia Giuggioli, whom he met when she was a production assistant on the set of the BBC's 1997 miniseries Nostromo (in which he starred). He also goes to Southern California to visit his ten-year-old son, William. (Firth and William's mom, Meg Tilly, were together for five years after meeting on the set of Valmont.) Though Firth admits he's had "very litle success in Hollywood," he's aware that Diary could change that--and complicate things in the process. "Brits absolutely devour Ameican culture," he says. "Yet there's a suspicion of Hollywood--an idea that it's vulgar and that if you court it you're selling out. Endorsement from America can be double-sided."
Does he think Bridget Jones's Diary will bring him that endorsement? "It might. I've been at this point so many times before," he says. "But I enjoy the surprises. They keep me alive and going and kind of interested."
--by Steve Friedman
The End. (In addition to full-page fugly sweater photo, there's a small pic of Mark and Bridget, i.e., the turtleneck pic.)
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Response 373 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (14:45) * 8 lines
Thank you, Mari!!!
"I didn't think those kinds of men existed in life," she says, "but Colin is it."
Yes!
That's what warms the cockles of our hearts."
It certainly does! ;-)
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Response 374 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (15:01) * 15 lines
Fantastic article!! And it says that Hamlet will be *this year*
She glances from his steady, kind eyes, to his strong neck, his broad shoulders
All things we've scrutinized and admired.
What's unlikely to remain concealed after Diary is the silent strength that has earned Firth hunky-icon status in his native country.
We might have more visitors here. ;-D
A patriarchal fantasy figure in a way; aloof, but burning with fire
Oooh...and needed to take a dip to cool off.
Not that Firth spends time worrying about that [not having leading man lucre]
No, we do it for him. ;-D
Thanks, Mari.
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Response 375 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (15:17) * 1 lines
Yes, thanks very much Mari and Karen and everyone for keeping us up to date.
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Response 376 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (15:30) * 6 lines
Well, am back from shopping spree with both Elle and Premiere mags only to find that *someone* has been v.v. busy! ;-D At least I'll have something to thumb through later. Can't believe Elle used the fugly sweater pic. *groan*
(Karen) We might have more visitors here. ;-D
Ooh, you might have to charge admission. ;-)
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Response 377 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (15:39) * 5 lines
OK, today Radnor, PA, is closer to me. ;-D
Have checked listings for next week and ALL morning, afternoon, and evening news and talk shows (Today, GFM, Rosie, View, Leno and Letterman) are having the three stars from Someone Like You, culminating with all three (Judd, Kinnear and Jackman) on The View on Friday, the day it opens...precisely what should be done for BJD. If you've seen the trailer on TV, it talks about Mr Right, Mr Wrong, etc., and the clip they showed on Leno last night was v. good. Not wacky Bridget, but an intelligent woman. Should be interesting.
RZ is booked on Leno on Friday night (March 30) before the premiere.
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Response 378 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (16:25) * 8 lines
the clip they showed on Leno last night was v. good.
When did they sart showing the clips on Leno before the gueststar is on? I can't continue to miss these things!
RZ is booked on Leno on Friday night (March 30) before the premiere.
RZ does Leno and flies to NY for the April 2nd premiere, right? There is nothing in LA, right?
HG will probably be on Letterman, don't you think? They usually promote on both shows. Where will Colin fit in?
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Response 379 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (17:14) * 11 lines
Thanks Mari for *taking the time* to type out the long article;-)
"Firth agrees: "The greatest joy of acting is to reveal the hidden reservoirs in a character--much more than the obvious challenges of transforming yourself. The degrees of what you conceal or reveal--that's what makes the biggest call on your judgment and your ability."
That's what makes him a better actor than most.
"he will take the lead role in a London version
of Hamlet *this year*)"
We *knew* it couldn't be 2002!!Time to call Riverside Studios.
So we can start clipping coupons and playing the lottery:-)
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Response 380 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (17:19) * 9 lines
I didn't think those kinds of men existed in life," she says, "but Colin is it."
Nice one.
Though Firth admits he's had "very litle success in Hollywood,"
Refreshingly honest. The usual line...I've read it so many times in interviews with British actors....is that Hollywood beckoned, but they said "no" (why?).
Hamlet "this year"...from the horse's mouth. Good!
Thanks for all the info, Mari and Karen!
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Response 381 of 1325: TracyT (Tracy) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (18:17) * 2 lines
Ben - When is the London contingent planning on seeing the film? How about a drink?
I expect I'll see it on opening night but as it's Good Friday am unlikely to be in town as getting back home again to Kent will be hellish (Sunday services et al) but wouldn't say no to an 'nth' viewing a bit later with drinkies to follow *hic*
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Response 382 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (18:26) * 3 lines
Have we seen that tiny pic from Arena here yet? Here it is (scanned by Threedeers):
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Response 383 of 1325: winter (winter) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (18:41) * 3 lines
(Moon) RZ does Leno and flies to NY for the April 2nd premiere, right? There is nothing in LA, right?
Not that I'm aware of. Marianne, do you have any info on this?
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Response 384 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (19:09) * 5 lines
What happened to my pic??? It WAS there, I saw it.
Try again:
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Response 385 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (19:12) * 5 lines
Sorry, my computer must be playing up! It seems to have a strange hiccup. If the pic is not showing in the usual HTML way (and I don't know why!!!), try this link:
http://www.geocities.com/threedeers/Archives/bjdarena.jpg
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Response 386 of 1325: (Echo) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (19:19) * 1 lines
WOW! now it's back again! Apologies, but it must have been geocities who had a hiccup.
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Response 387 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (19:33) * 1 lines
Geocities does not allow "remote loading" anymore. That means you cannot post pics that reside at a Geocities site anywhere else but on that site.
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Response 388 of 1325: Ela B. (Ela) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (19:49) * 5 lines
I'm actually a newbie who has been lurking here for some time now. But, I saw a couple of postings previously where some posters were talking about the number of fight scenes in BJD.
So, I went back and slowly replayed the last 30 seconds of the trailer. I realized that when Mark Darcy makes his "outside Cleaver" speech and then punches him out in the next scene, this is the same night as when Bridget has her "blue soup" party. If you look at what the characters are wearing at her party: Tom, Bridget, Shazz, Jude, and Mark they are all wearing the same clothing at her party, and then outside on the streets when Mark punches Daniel in the face.
Did anyone else notice this or am I going completely crazy?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 389 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (20:52) * 5 lines
Geocities does not allow "remote loading" anymore.
Oh, fantastic! :-/ So what do I do now? I guess Threedeers will have to upload to colinfirth.com directly. Or something. Bear with us... :-)
Welcome to the madhouse, Ela! We're all crazy here... ;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 390 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (21:10) * 21 lines
It's the first comic jolt in a performance that Firth molds into a slow, hilarious, oddly moving revelation.
Ooooh, don't you love this??
He lives in Tuscany and London with his wife ("which is really very gutting," says Maguire
Could someone explain what she means by this? Over here, gutting is what we do to fish.;-)
(Eileen)Can't believe Elle used the fugly sweater pic. *groan*
I know. Maybe the Elle budget didn't allow for that newfangled invention, the photo shoot.;-) The uninitiated might look at this and think, "ok, here's this dude from MTV, now where's the 'Anglo hunk import'?";-) Actually, that's probably fine with CF.
Moon, Karen was referring to the Someone Like You clip on Leno. I thought it was funny when Jay forgot SLY's title at the very end--it's *so* memorable.
(Bethan)Refreshingly honest. The usual line...I've read it so many times in interviews with British actors....is that Hollywood beckoned, but they said "no" (why?).
LOL! So true, Bethan, I was thinking the same thing. I don't think Colin has it in him to be disingenuous.
Such nice comments from Sharon Maguire. I'm sure that having such a professional and non-egomaniacal cast on her first film meant a lot to her.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 391 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (21:21) * 3 lines
Gutting = (Brit?) slang for bitterly disappointing; deeply upsetting.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 392 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 20, 2001 (23:33) * 5 lines
To make it easy, I'll just post it for you ;-D
Hi Ela! Good observation about the clothing. But if MD is at the birthday party, did he leave and come back, finding drunken Daniel there with the rest? v. confusing
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 393 of 1325: MarkG (MarkG) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (02:39) * 5 lines
Karen: Hi Ela! Good observation about the clothing.
Hear hear. If it's done like TEOR, I suspect DC turns up at the party uninvited, MD makes him leave the flat, knocks him out to the amazement of the onlookers, and apologises, before returning to the flat to be treated like a hero.
And the Arena picture...again from TEOR, Natasha has Giles dressed in her choice of clothes at a wedding; I remember some sort of comment like "Don't put your wallet in your trouser pocket, Giles, it makes your leg look enormous" - so this relationship may have been transposed to MD. Because that is a seriously fugly tie. Like the sweater, hard to believe that MD chose it.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 394 of 1325: Ela B. (Ela) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (03:44) * 7 lines
Karen,
I agree with Mark - I'm assuming that Daniel arrives unexpectedly, a conversation takes place which ultimatly leads to MD punching Daniel in the face outside the apartment. What I don't get is haven't there been pictures of both Mark and Daniel lying face down on the pavement with shattered glass beneath them? Is this fight supposed to last a long time?
Another clothing spot that I noticed in the trailer - when Daniel and Bridget are on the ground and he makes his remarks about her huge panties, she is wearing a black dress right? About 30 seconds later when the trailer is talking about how Mark is "Mr. Wrong", she passes him at a party wearing the same black dress. So, I'm guessing that both of these things also happen on the same night? Can you tell that I watched the trailer about 20 times, and each time that I watch it, I still laugh and giggle uncontrollably whenever Mark Darcy has any scenes - especially the fighting one at the end!! Go Mr. Darcy :)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 395 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (03:52) * 11 lines
The Hollywood line.....
I don't understand the general consternation that CF, or any other actor, should shy away from Hollywood stardom.
We live in an age where you are somehow deemed mad not to take all the fame and money on offer. Some Firthettes have said CF should court Hollywood roles more assiduously in order to get the good parts. But (i) these are not always the lead roles - in fact, they're often not the lead roles - and (ii) maybe there are better roles beyond Hollywood anyway!
Don't get me wrong - anyone who pursues an ambition is to be admired, and the English are too often disingenuous about their lack of it. But why need it be Hollywood? As an actor, there are other goals.
The most admired actor of his generation in England is Ian McKellen. He's done a few films, but not much. Perhaps this is only because he's not been offered things - perhaps all this time he's been anxiously waiting for the call. But I don't think so.
If you have regard for someone surely the most important thing to wish for him is that he's content in what he's doing. I am genuinely MYSTIFIED about the projected ambitions for CF when (i) you don't know that he wants these things - in fact, the most natural thing to assume is that he IS content in what he's chosen to do, and (ii) it would be quite understandable if he was wary of Hollywood in the first place.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 396 of 1325: anne hale (ommin) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (04:45) * 1 lines
Ben I agree with you. We do not know his ambitions for himself - only what we read on the media.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 397 of 1325: Lassie (Lassie) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (05:56) * 1 lines
Ben, you are absolutely right. As a man of 40 and an actor with 16-17 years of experience he certainly knows what is best for him. Hollywood is not the end all.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 398 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (06:44) * 83 lines
No one said it was the end all, but it's an option that he'd be short-sighted, IMO, to exclude. And no need to be mystified either; everyone is entitled to an opinion, even you all.;-)
Oh, let's just listen to Colin, in this new interview :
Dark Horizons Presents...
Colin Firth: Darcy Returns in Bridget Jones's Diary
Colin Firth/Bridget Jones Diary Interview by Paul Fischer in Los Angeles
British sex symbol Colin Firth became a star following his pivotal turn as the cool Mr Darcy in the TV version of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Now, in the eagerly anticipated screen version of Bridget Jones's Diary, Firth plays another Darcy, reluctantly falling for the film's pudgy central character (Renee Zellweger). For Firth, this movie affords the classically trained Brit the chance to send up his famous literary character. Adept at playing the proverbial stuffed shirt, it clearly an unstuffy Mr Firth who talked to Paul Fischer in Los Angeles about the two Darcies, coping with unexpected stardom and dealing with the British press.
Q: Colin, how reluctant were you to play yet another Darcy?
A: A little bit concerned. Concerns like that are answered by just accepting it and doing it. It had to be a good script and had to be done in the right spirit. As far as I'm concerned, the exercise was almost entirely tongue-in-cheek.
Q: Were you satirising that [Austen] character?
A: I was having fun with it for my own sake. I didn't want to satirise the FILM by satirising it and appropriate it for that reason. For it to work as a romantic comedy, you have to invest something in it, but nevertheless, the whole Darcy thing has followed me around to such an extent now, that it has made far more sense to have fun with it than try to vainly shake it off.
Q: You seem to be very good at playing stuffed shirts. How much of those characters are within you?
A: The business of acting is taking parts of yourself and reorganising them a little bit. You take some very gregarious and passionate aspects of your character, put a mask on it and see how that comes out. I find the results of that kind of thing rather interesting. I think those conflicts and paradoxes in people ARE fascinating; you know, the unhappy clown or the little speck of good in the cruel person or the reserved man who's in fact passionate. I think those things ARE fascinating and very polemic to the English.
Q: There was a lot of initial controversy surrounding the casting of Zellweger.
A: I was neither aware of it nor would I have any tolerance with that, I think it's absolutely ridiculous. She's a good actress, which is far more important than actually finding out where you were born. I know there IS an issue of being specific about a culture, but if someone has a talent for acting on the scale that SHE does, one of those talents is the ability to recognise and appropriate a culture, other than her own.
Q: Why do you think Mark Darcy falls in love with Bridget?
A: I think that, again, there are all sorts of contradictions in that relationship, and on the face of things, you'd think they were nearly opposite: He has poise where she has none, he is pompous where she has low self-esteem, he is taciturn, where she can't stop talking. But on some level, I think they're quite similar. He recognises her agony in certain social situations because he shares that, and I think he also recognises her vulnerability. She's also wry about her own clumsiness, which he finds appealing.
Q: I read that you decided to lose weight for this movie.
A: No, I did not decide to do that at all. What happened was, I was threatened with the prospect of having to take my shirt off, which was a chilling thought. So I thought that rather change profession, I will get a trainer and try and do something about it. Actually, what was going to happen was that during the fight scene with Hugh [Grant], it was going to culminate with our shirts being ripped off from our rippling, sweaty backs and have our dynamic torsos unleashed upon the female population of the world and they would barely recover.
Q: What was it like to fight Hugh Grant?
A: It was a delicious experience. Hugh will tell you that I fight like a girl, which he's been saying a lot lately. All I can say in response, is that it takes one to know one. He was the first one to pull my hair; I would never have dreamt of doing that. And he scratches as well. So that should give you an idea of HIS character.
Q: Do you think you're sexy?
A: I don't find myself sexy, and I don't have an erotic experience when I look at myself in the mirror, or think about myself. But does anyone find himself or herself sexy?
Q: But Pride and Prejudice did something to your image, yes?
A: Well I DEVELOPED an image is what happened. I'd been working away in this business, to my OWN satisfaction, for a very long time before that, and I felt I was benefiting from an EVASION of an image, in that I didn't think I had one.
Q: How did you cope with the media intrusiveness?
A: There wasn't much to cope with. The media intrusiveness in terms of paparazzi attention was intense, but brief. It was new to me and attached very quickly to the fact that I was getting married, and I think I found it threatening because of THAT. If it were to happen now, I think I'd take it more in my stride, but I got paranoid, simply because I didn't want paparazzi at my wedding; I didn't want my wedding day spoiled with THAT. And they were absolutely determined to find out when and where I was getting married and storm the wedding. So that was unacceptable.
Q: Did you avoid them?
A: I did by taking pains to do so, by not being overheard, not talking on the telephone; you get paranoid.
Q: Is it because of that that you moved to Italy?
A: No, but it's because of that I enjoy Italy very much; I'm completely unknown there which I take great pleasure in.
Q: Which parts of Italy do you love?
A: My favourite spot is in Umbria.
Q: In Bridget Jones, Bridget peruses a lot of women's magazines. Do you ever read any with your wife? What do you think about them?
A: I have mixed feelings actually. I often find that if I'm at an airport and I want to and I want to read a magazine, however destructive it might be about projecting images that women might feel they might have to conform to, they are usually fairly free from racism and sexism and abhorrent political polemics that I cannot stand. But for that reason if you're trying to avoid English tabloid newspapers ---
Q: Yeah but they're different to those magazines.
A: True, but we have some truly noxious press in my country, and I think that the women's magazines are very harmless by comparison. I mean we had 15 journalists who came t Italy for our wedding and threatened and bribed the Portieri' of our flat in Rome. Abhorrent stuff.
Q: So do you read much about yourself in the press?
A: Less now. Basically if I enjoyed the interview and I fell that the journalist is a sensible person, then I might be inclined to have a look. But it's like reading about someone else, so it's almost not worth bothering. Even when the person is intelligent and well disposed, it's difficult to read what's written about you; it always FEELS reductive, because you don't ever feel that you could be defined in that particular way. Very often it's going to be wildly inaccurate.
Q: Outlandish?
A: Sometimes it's just EXTRAORDINARY fabrication.
Q: Can you give an example?
A: One paper serialised my LIFE after I did Pride and Prejudice and there was hardly anything in it that bore ANY relationship to my life. I remember friends of mine phoning me up and saying: I didn't know this and that about you. Part of this was they invented a story about a passion I supposedly had with an actress who I never knew and never met. They said I knew her but I didn't know her from Adam.
Q: Maybe you just don't remember.
A: Don't remember meeting and falling in love? Maybe not. The trouble is denying something like that just makes you seem terribly ungallant.
Q: If they do the sequel to Bridget Jones, will you do it?
A: That has to get the most resounding no comment'.
Q: Why?
A: Because I don't know if they're going to make one, I don't know if I'd be well disposed to it or not. The possibilities are endless.
Q: Do you have plans to work more in the US?
A: No, I don't have plans to work more in the States, though I'm open to it. America to me is a foreign country with an abundantly fertile film industry and of course I would love to profit from that. In one way or another, but I'm not going to cut off any ties and come here to seek work, because what I get from home, serves me well.
Q: What are you working on next?
A: A film version of The Importance of Being Earnest is going to start next month.
Q: Any plans to return to the theatre?
A: Yes, at the end of this year I'll be involved in an independent production of Hamlet.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 399 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (07:05) * 7 lines
Okay. Mystified is too strong. Puzzled, maybe.
The interview is inconclusive. He would "love" to profit from America's fertile film industry, but it [America] is a "foreign country" to him and, before P&P, he'd been working away for fifteen years to his "own satisfaction".
To me this does not sound like someone whose every happiness depends on a call from a big H'wood producer. (Forgive the hyperbole). In fact, he comes across as someone who is distasteful of celebrity culture, and all the instrusiveness and distortion it brings with it.
He also sounds v. funny, which we knew already. I liked the bit about Hugh Grant.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 400 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (07:16) * 1 lines
My only interest in seeing CF do more "Hollywood" type things is being able to *see* more of his work. Sometimes, his stuff is pretty hard to locate! CF is, of course, free to pursue any interest of his own.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 401 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (07:23) * 91 lines
I love this guy's moniker; wonder what Ethel and Lucy are up to?;-) From Ain't It Cool News:
Fred Mertz takes in a Screening of BRIDGET JONES'S
DIARY
Hey folks, Harry here with another look at an upcoming
film from the amazing Fred Mertz... Fred has checked out
the latest Miramax flick (coming April 6) and wanted to
hate it. Me? Well Miramax just sent me a pair of panties
with the stamp... "Property of Bridget Jones" on the right
ass check of the Granny Panties... Now I'm not sure what
the hell this has to do with the movie.... if anything... but
if you are an attractive local lady and would like to see if
these panties would fit you.... I'm going to be holding
auditions --- kinda like finding the foot to fit that glass
slipper... Meanwhile, here's a look at the film....
Bridget Jones's Diary
I wanted to hate this movie. I'll admit, I heard all the rumors about Renee Zellwegger
landing the part of the quintessential modern day self esteem challenged English woman
because of her association with Jim Carrey. I wanted to get angry and scream "It should
have been Emma Watson or Kate Winslet or Kate Beckinsale or even Dame Edna for
crissakes!" because the thought of pawning off a corn fed Texas girl as a Brit just about
enraged me.
But then something happened. I saw the movie. I'll be honest, for about the first 40
minutes I was resisting Renee Zellwegger as the neurotic Bridget Jones...but then a scene
hits you right in the face and all of a sudden you start to forget she's Renee and understand,
she is Bridget. In a nutshell, there's a scene where Bridget discovers her boss/"boyfriend"
(and I use that quote loosely) played by Hugh Grant (a ladykilling rogue who knows he's
the cats pajama's) cheats on Bridget with a sexy long limbed American girl. Bridget finds
the other woman in the bathroom and there's a shot of Bridget's reaction, where you just
feel so much for her. After that, I forgot that Renee Zellwegger was in this movie. There
was only Bridget.
The film is based on the best selling novel of the same name by author Helen Fielding.
Every woman's apartment I've been in who is in her 20's or early 30's has this book right
next to the bed, like a bible. I haven't read it, since most men tend to stray to Nick Hornby
for this type of subject matter, but after seeing the movie, I want to read the book.
The supporting cast is nothing short of brilliant. Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver is so
perfect as her sleazy, sex driven boss. He sends dirty emails to Bridget in the office and the
wonderful thing about his character is that he is so sure that she won't scream sexual
harassment because he just thinks he knows women, or even more, knows that he's their
ideal. The greatest thing about this character is he's human. We see him vulnerable, we see
him as a good guy at times and we see him as an absolute prick.
Colin Firth plays Mr. Mark Darcy (hello, Pride and Prejudice anyone?) and he's Hugh's
rival for Bridget's affections. When we first meet Mr. Darcy we hate him. He makes fun of
Bridget and seems to cast a judgmental eye on her until later in the movie when we get a
chance to see him through new eyes. Firth is one of the best actors out there. There is so
much texture to his performance. It's wonderful to see an actor who can convey one
emotion while his dialogue conveys the opposite. He's full of sub-text.
This film is about how first impressions can change. It's about looking for love and trying
to find that one person who accepts you for who you are. The way it deals with the
relationship choices we all make and the mistakes we all make is very truthful in a funny
way.
The rest of the supporting cast, Bridget's friends, Mother and Father were so spot on.
It's like watching a good basketball team full of role players all there to support the star
player.
The direction of the film was also top notch. I can imagine how difficult it was to make a
movie out of a bunch of short journal entries, but director Sharon Maguire (a first time
director I think) has a very sure hand. She weaves us in and out of scenes with great
control and slows us down just when the audience needs it. Her attention to detail
impressed me so much. The voice over narration seems to fit perfectly (it never stands out)
and there's this wonderful moment when Bridget says something she shouldn't have said
and instead of hearing Bridget say in voice over (oh fuck) she scribbles it across the bottom
of the screen. I absolutely loved that moment.
But what I enjoyed even more was that the entire story was from Bridget's perspective
so the audience identifies directly with her. We feel her pain and joy and we really worry
about her. A director who can make that work is something special. Romantic comedy is a
dicey proposition in this day and age, but this is fresh and fun. My hat's off to you, Miss
Maguire.
Back to Renee--Her accent is spot on. She must have worked really hard to get this
down. Yes, she did gain 15 pounds and she still looks gorgeous. I think all the weight went
to her breasts. She's sexy and funny and when the movie was over, I wondered if Emily
Watson could have done it the way Renee did.
There's no doubt in my mind there will be bashers of this film based on her casting. For
awhile I was going to be one of them. But give this movie a chance and more importantly
give her a chance. She earned this part up on the screen and it's a much better than average
romantic comedy with a lot of laughs and a lot of heart. It's a human story and it's not too
often Hollywood hands us one of those. Go see this.
Fred Mertz
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Response 402 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (07:29) * 7 lines
Another v.g. review.
Looks like they have a hit on their hands.
Incidentally, can someone tell me the precise meaning of "stuffed shirt"? Pompous? Repressed?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 403 of 1325: Donna DL (fitzwd) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (07:46) * 10 lines
Q: Do you have plans to work more in the US?
A: No, I don't have plans to work more in the States, though I'm open to it. America to me is a foreign country with an abundantly fertile film industry and of course I would love to profit from that. In one way or another, but I'm not going to cut off any ties and come here to seek work, because what I get from home, serves me well.
Me thinks the man doth protest too much. :-)
(Ben) can someone tell me the precise meaning of "stuffed shirt"? Pompous? Repressed?
Definitely pompous.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 404 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (08:55) * 17 lines
Love the interview. It was a hoot, especially the part about the fight scene and having to strip off their shirts and finding oneself sexy. Wasn't aware of the controversy surrounding RZ's casting? Who is he trying to kid? ;-D
Q: Do you have plans to work more in the US?
A: No, I don't have plans to work more in the States, though I'm open to it. America to me is a foreign country with an abundantly fertile film industry and of course I would love to profit from that. In one way or another, but I'm not going to cut off any ties and come here to seek work, because what I get from home, serves me well.
(Donna) Me thinks the man doth protest too much. :-)
No kidding!
So happy to see that the movie got a good review at AICN and wasn't written off as some lowlife chick flick. Feedback should be interesting. Will probably be about Jim Carrey.
Mark, yes that party scenario does work, although it did confuse me to see MD at the doorway, as if he was coming in (had jacket on, whereas at the table, his jacket was off).
The source of the snowman tie could be Natasha, although it could be whoever (in this movie not book) gave him the reindeer sweater and he wore it to be kind. The movie portrays a year in the life. It starts with post-New Year, Mark wearing the Christmas present sweater. It should end at Christmas time, with the party where Mark's engagement to Natasha is being announced. Ah well, we shall soon know.
Ela, I think there are more than one black dress or scenes in which she wears them. One is the literary party and another looks to be a date with Daniel, culiminating in pants struggle on floor. Isn't her hair different for those two occasions?
Thanks, Mari, for being so industrious this a.m.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 405 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (09:06) * 3 lines
I see that Catherine (with her Dick Van Dyke neurosis) has been to the AICN feedback to urge people to her site to read the "British" view of the movie.
http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/tb_display.cgi?id=8460#267889
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Response 406 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (09:30) * 1 lines
Yes thanks Mari for the interview and wonderful review, the best one for Colin so far, I think. How many more days to go...
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 407 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (09:50) * 14 lines
Hoooeeeeyy, all this news!
First, welcome and thanks for your analysis, Ela. Make yourself at home--we've all got experience watching videos frame by frame (ask Bethan or Lizza about 'Nessie'). ;-D
About the fight vs. fights--agree with Mark and Ela, MD challenging a drunk and unwelcome DC after the blue soup dinner party sounds logical. They must crash through the window (which they definitely do) while fighting in the street. I hope there aren't multiple fight scenes; if the two of them start hurling fists every time they come in contact it would get a bit old (and would surely have been mentioned by a critic by this point).
Re: the interview--thanks for sharing this and 'Fred's' AICN review, Mari. Love this:
Firth is one of the best actors out there. There is so much texture to his performance. It's wonderful to see an actor who can convey one emotion while his dialogue conveys the opposite. He's full of sub-text.
Not that we didn't know this already...
Lastly (for now ;-)), I didn't find any real surprises in the interview. He was 'concerned' about playing Darcy but not to the point of nearly turning down the role. That's my interpretation of his response. About that H'wood line: it's called 'don't burn your bridges'. Keep the offers coming from the UK while expressing an openness to offers from H'wood, a perfectly logical approach, IMO.
(Karen) I see that Catherine (with her Dick Van Dyke neurosis) has been to the AICN feedback to urge people to her site to read the "British" view of the movie.
Catherine needs to get a life. Talk about missing the point...
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Response 408 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (09:56) * 7 lines
Thanks, Mari! Finally getting some interviews! The part about the fight and shirts off was so funny.
Can't believe F Mertz loved the film.
And now for my classic comment: why can't he get his shirts and ties together? ;-)
Welcome Ela, good observations!
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Response 409 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (09:59) * 6 lines
Thanks Mari for reviews and interview.I'm reminded of a quote he once told a journalist:"If you asked me that tomorrow, you might get a different answer."
Sometimes he talks about roles he wishes he could have...next time he's happy with the ones he's getting.But we take him as he comes ;-))
", I was threatened with the prospect of
having to take my shirt off, which was a chilling thought"
Aw,for a minute there, I thought we would get the "towel scene".
No such luck:-(
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 410 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (10:07) * 14 lines
Popcorn has an article/interview with RZ, with quotes from the huge gnat as well. Nothing at all new, really, except HG's comment about the British being defensive. ;-)
http://www.popcorn.co.uk/news/story.jhtml?id=46068
More importantly, ET has put up some of the RZ interview that was shown last night (which I missed and plan to tape today)
http://www.etonline.com/cgi-bin/get-article.pl?section=spotlight&table=Interviews&id=8746&page=all&publish=yes
~~~~~~~
Though I hadn't planned to respond, our discussions re: CF's career ambitions should be no more mystifying or puzzling to you, Ben, than say my own mystification or puzzlement over the lack of concurrence amongst economists who, using the same data and methodologies, will publish widely varying projections of key indicators. And then my mystification and puzzlement is compounded by the fact that they are largely all inaccurate/wrong and yet keep their jobs to go on projecting useless data for another day. :-)
Since we cannot know what CF really thinks about the situation, then his contentment is also speculation. I have only commented on what *I* would like to see for him. He may not want it.
If people would like to continue beating this one-step-closer-to-dogfood discussion, please take it to 143. Thank you.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 411 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (10:17) * 1 lines
Karen, I was a little disappointed with the RZ interview in that the voiceover noted that Hugh 'plays one of two love interests'. No mention of CF (would it have killed them? Grrrr). The scenes shown were mostly from the trailer, except a longer shot of BJ in her bunny girl costume, walking up the lawn to the T&V party was added. Renee explained the 'butt cam' and how her modestly disappeared. She was v.g., alot less giggly than I've seen her in past interviews. Julie Moran looked so heavily made up she reminded me of Nora Desmond! 'I'm ready for my close up now...'
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 412 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (10:18) * 5 lines
Nice bit from the ET interview:
Julie: One of the most beautiful moments in the film is when Colin [Ed note: on first name basis] says to you, "I accept you absolutely for who are." It doesn't matter that you're 10 pounds overweight, or this or that. What a wonderful message to be putting out to society right now.
Renée: Right. She's just fine. She's smart and she's accomplished inso many ways. She's funny, charming and really likable, has a beautiful heart, and she's pretty.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 413 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (10:33) * 1 lines
Agree, it's a nice bit but it didn't make it to the broadcast. :-(
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 414 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (10:40) * 4 lines
(Eileen) Agree, it's a nice bit but it didn't make it to the broadcast. :-(
[ever the optimist, HA!!] They're saving it and Colin's interview for a Sweeps period. ;-D
Item in NY Daily News gossip column about RZ and her current glamorizing trend. She'll be on the cover of the April Vogue. Doubt will have any else re: film. However it would've been IMO far better if they had Colin in spiffy suit (with well-fitted collar) to pose with her.
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Response 415 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (11:06) * 8 lines
Thanks, Karen.
I would put any reaction against RZ (and, to tell the truth, I don't remember much) down to the s*it-stirring British press. I am a big fan - she's a terrific actress and a babe.
HG's remark about the submarine seems a little off-beam. One objection was about inventing fact, another about who to play a fictionional character.
On dogfood.....I don't have to predict things, thank God. And to link the two...one economists' dictum is that actions reveal preferences. In that sense, CF's contentment is not entirely speculative. The fact that he's not been battering desperately at Hollywood's door all these years must say something.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 416 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (11:09) * 9 lines
Oh, and the hits just keep on comin'! Check out the 2nd paragraph (emphasis mine:-). This is from Roger Friedman at Fox News (many thanks to Chris R. for spotting):
Earnest Cast Revs Up Before Strike
Add Frances O'Connor, the wonderful star of Mansfield Park, to the cast of Miramax's The Importance of Being Earnest. Oliver Parker, who directed another good Miramax Oscar Wilde adaptation, An Ideal Husband, has just placed her in a group that includes Judi Dench, Rupert Everett, Reese Witherspoon and Colin Firth.
Firth, who steals Miramax's Bridget Jones' Diary, is the latest addition to the studio's repertory company.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 417 of 1325: Lizza J (Lizza) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (11:19) * 8 lines
Thanks Mari for the interview and Karen for all the links.
This board is a veritable feast of delicious delights to dip in and out of, thankk you Ladies. The reviews are great.
Mari , is the Catherine you mentioned the lady with the Brit BJD site?
It was featured in The Sunday Times section "Doors" and says
"Like the story, it is a one woman effort and not always as attractive as it would like to be, but for puppy dog enthusiasm it scores full marks."
ASTONISH ME!!! IMO it is far inferior in layout, style, content and originality to our Karen's. It's rather akin to the RZ casting debate, in this case case too Brit is not best!
Forget the "puppy dog" , we've got "Best in Show."
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 418 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (11:26) * 18 lines
Yes, Catherine is the one with the www.bridgetjones.co.uk site. She's also the online editor for Empire. (very much the novice implied by The Times). ;-D
Love Fox News' comment about Colin stealing the movie!!! Could this be the answer to all my prayers (not his, of course)? ;-D
~~~~~~~~~
From Neal Travis' column in the NY Post:
EVEN Tom Cruise and director Cameron Crowe couldn't persuade Renee Zellweger to take off her top for a bedroom scene in her first big hit, "Jerry Maguire." The former girlfriend of Jim Carrey says she considers most sex scenes in movies distracting for audiences. Shooting even stopped on the "Jerry Maguire" set as she explained her objections against going topless, Zellweger tells the April issue of Premiere. "It's not like Cameron's big plan was to have this sleazy, gratuitous boob shot," she says. "That's not in him, and I'd do anything for him - with the exception of that."
She thinks that, too often, sexuality in films takes away from the plot. "When a woman stands naked in a room, unless that particular moment is held up by the subject matter, all you notice is that there's a naked girl," she claims.
Needless to say, there are no nude scenes in her upcoming "Bridget Jones's Diary," in which she stars opposite Hugh Grant. But there is plenty of Renee to see, because she put on 15 pounds to play the part, something not many other A-list actresses would be willing to do.
"I'm so afraid that when ‘Bridget Jones' comes out, it'll all be focused on [the weight gain]. It was part of the character. I wanted to look like Bridget, and she smokes and she doesn't go to the gym," she adds.
I guess Renee hasn't seen the press kit now being distributed for the much-anticipated movie. It manages to hint at both undressing and being a bit plump by including a pair of voluminous knickers, stamped "Property of Bridget
Jones."
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 419 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (11:46) * 7 lines
(Karen) Could this be the answer to all my prayers
Never underestimate the power of a good novena (or was that rosary?) ;-)
Let me see, how does that go again?
Firth, who steals Miramax's Bridget Jones' Diary
I could read that over and over and over and.... (will forgive Roger for inaccurately stating that CF is the 'latest addition' to Miramax's repertory co. Durr. Where the #*&^% has he been? Planet Zarg?)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 420 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (11:59) * 2 lines
Good news: have new and better version of snowman tie pic. :-)
Bad news: suit has a definite pattern :-(
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 421 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (12:26) * 8 lines
(Karen) suit has a definite pattern
Ooh, do tell. Give it to us on the official 'badaBING' scale...
Have just re-read the interview (you can tell am relegated to computer today with workmen climbing all over house). Besides the shirt-ripping comment, *this* is definitely the funniest part:
Q: What was it like to fight Hugh Grant?
A: It was a delicious experience. Hugh will tell you that I fight like a girl, which he's been saying a lot lately. All I can say in response, is that it takes one to know one. He was the first one to pull my hair; I would never have dreamt of doing that. And he scratches as well. So that should give you an idea of HIS character.
LMAO! Love that man's sense of humor.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 422 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (12:39) * 3 lines
Agree, Eileen. The man is cool.
Karen, I your links don't work? Is that me or them? What's wrong with the suit?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 423 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (12:40) * 3 lines
Agree, Eileen. The man is cool.
Karen, your links don't work - is that me or them? What's wrong with the suit?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 424 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (12:40) * 1 lines
Woops.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 425 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (13:51) * 3 lines
The links don't work fro me either.
Thanks, Karen, for keeping us up on the latest.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 426 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (14:43) * 1 lines
They're not links--it's what happens when you type the word news. Try it.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 427 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (14:45) * 1 lines
Never mind, then. I know it happened to me once. Maybe they are [broken] links!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 428 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (14:54) * 5 lines
No, they are not links but exactly what Eileen described.
The color version of the pic can't be done right now, but I can scan in the b&w a little later. Am not terribly good with fabric terminology, but is a window pane type check????
Love that part of the interview too. This guy is as witty and glib as HG and deserves to go on our talk shows.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 429 of 1325: Ela B. (Ela) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (15:37) * 3 lines
Karen,
You mentioned a literary party that Bridget goes to in your post. Does this happen in the book or only in the movie? I don't have my copy of the book available, but I can't seem to remember if she went to a literary party. Anyone know if this takes place in the beginning of the book?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 430 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (16:39) * 5 lines
Yes, Bridget goes to a literary party in the book as well. See April 18 entry.
As promised, here's the suit detail. Will have color tomorrow.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 431 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (17:38) * 2 lines
Suit, g.; tie, downright silly; fit of shirt collar, v.v.g.!
*humming the tune to 'Frosty, the Snowman'*
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 432 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (17:46) * 3 lines
Dorky suit....I hope it's just a sport coat.
Why did they cut off those beautiful hands.
Thanks K.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 433 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (17:58) * 3 lines
Haven't even focused on suit, tie, collar, etc. Am too busy sitting here running my cursor over that lovely cleft in his chinny chin chin.:-) Thanks, Karen.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 434 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (18:31) * 3 lines
Lovely picture! Can't imagine that the lovely and snooty Natasha would ever condone a tie like that. Makes one wonder what the situation is.
We don't have long to wait!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 435 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (19:28) * 6 lines
In addition to RZ on Leno on March 30, we now have:
Monday, 4/2/01, Hugh Grant on The Today Show*
Tuesday, 4/3/01, Hugh Grant on The Late Show with David Letterman
*Perhaps can drop by and make faces at through window. Ideas for home-made signs? WE WANT COLIN!!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 436 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (20:16) * 4 lines
*Perhaps can drop by and make faces at through window. Ideas for home-made signs? WE WANT COLIN!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital! Captial!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 437 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Wed, Mar 21, 2001 (20:55) * 9 lines
Ideas for home-made signs?
But of course.;-)
1. Your 15 minutes are up!
2. Elvis has left the building . . .too bad he didn't take this guy with him.
3. Great hair--not!
4. Repent! The end is near! Grant dealt crushing blow!
--Job
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 438 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (04:23) * 9 lines
I will cut up my snowman tie as soon as I get home.
The Telegraph is offering you the chance to "email Bridget Jones":
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=002291052247880&rtmo=rrrrrrrq&atmo=rrrrrrws&pg=/etc/etchome.html
(If you can ignore the bizarre stuff about John Bayley - this man has made a life for himself out of the death of his better known, and more distinguished wife, Iris Murdoch. Rather sad.)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 439 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (09:11) * 1 lines
Aargh, aargh, is past 9 a.m. here in the east, and still no mention of the words 'Colin' or 'Firth' or even 'BJD' on the Today show. Have been watching since 7:30; sat through Laura Bush, Jennifer Love Huett, internet fraud, plus size fashions for women (didn't know you could wear camoflauge tee with spiky gold sandals even if not plus size), can recite my local news, weather and traffic backwards and forward...since this half hour is parenting and food allergies, it looks as though CF will be on in the final half hour. I hope.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 440 of 1325: Lizza J (Lizza) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (09:28) * 2 lines
Good Luck Eileen, keep tuning in, we're counting on you. Desperate to know what I am missing!! Just think of your payoff!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 441 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (09:44) * 1 lines
We haven't had plus size fashions yet but am getting worried.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 442 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (09:56) * 6 lines
We haven't had plus size fashions yet but am getting worried
They're darling ;-)
Thanks Eileen. Pays to have a Firthette in the Eastern time Zone.
He must be on the last half-hour.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 443 of 1325: Lizza J (Lizza) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (09:59) * 1 lines
"Leave the best to last." Or however the song goes!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 444 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:05) * 5 lines
Turn off those VCRs, ladies, it's a bust. CF wasn't on. ;-( I was a bit hopeful in that one of the last segments was about magnifiers and other assistive devices for seniors--since we all know CF's fan base is comprised of very old ladies--but alas, he was bumped. *insert words too nasty to post*
Perhaps his segment has been moved to next week?? *crossing fingers*
Off to prepare my 'Isn't Hugh DEVINE?' sign for the day Huge Gnat is on the Today show (bet he won't get bumped). *pouting*
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 445 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:23) * 1 lines
Have e-mailed the Today show asking if CF's segment has been rescheduled. Feel free to do likewise. The address is today@nbc.com.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 446 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:23) * 1 lines
This is v.v. disappointing. Any ideas how we can find out if it's been rescheduled? (I don't want to watch this every morning until 4/13!!) I've emailed them, but don't have an expectation of getting a reply.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 447 of 1325: Jenny Martin (jam12982) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:26) * 1 lines
Hey I've been lurking a while now, and I was really looking forward to CF's appearance today, but I checked the Today show's scedule on the internet, and for tomorrow they have Jennifer Love Hewitt. But as we all know, she was on today. Maybe they will have Colin on tomorrow. Who knows, but I was v. disappointed.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 448 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:30) * 1 lines
Since Jennifer Love Hewitt was scheduled to be on Friday, maybe Colin has been switched to then??? *disappointment has affected my judgment*
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 449 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:30) * 1 lines
He's not listed in their detailed breakdown of tomorrow's show. One thing is certain, like Karen, I'm not tuning in nor taping 3 hours each day until the dawn of time (though did learn fascinating things about lactose intolerance *snore*).
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 450 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:30) * 5 lines
Try calling Miramax. I tried calling the Today Show last week to confirm the appearance, but couldn't get past the recorded voice prompt messages. But maybe someone else may have better luck, or find a better number. I'll e-mail too, but I think that's useless.
I'm sure he was not bumped. Rather, I think the scheduling info posted on the cyberspace sites that track these things was wrong. As I said from the start, the early scheduling of this (3 weeks prior to film opening) made no sense at all. They want the impact of having guest appearances right before the opening.
So, I remain optimistic that it will happen. It just wasn't going to be Today.:-(
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 451 of 1325: Lizza J (Lizza) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:30) * 2 lines
Thanks for answering what I posted at 143, should have checked here first.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 452 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:31) * 1 lines
Welcome Jennie and feel free to post. It appears we were thinking the exact same thing and our posts overlapped. :-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 453 of 1325: Jen-Jen (JenniferR) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (10:42) * 9 lines
*de-lurks, in a grumpy mood due to decided lack of Mr. Firth on Today show*
In an effort to fill the gaping chasm left by the lack of ODB on TV this morning, I surfed over to the BJD site on MSN. They now have a page up for the soundtrack, with very brief soundclips from all of the songs. Hopefully, this link will work:
http://entertainment.msn.com/bridget/page2/
Ben's list of uniforms had me laughing out loud at the office. It's a bit difficult to explain what's so funny when you work amongst the heathen masses who have never heard of ODB.
*slinks back into oblivion*
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 454 of 1325: Laura McCarthy (LauraMM) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (11:12) * 1 lines
Who's in NYC on the 6th of April??? I will be for my bday celebration (the big 33!!) can ya believe it??? Anyway, let me know who is around and lets hook up.. Karen???
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 455 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (11:49) * 3 lines
Today Show: I'm hopeful that he will be in the lineup that is closer to the opening. That is usually the custom, and often stars are on sucessive days (if distributor's publicity machine is in high gear-which is obviously the case here).
Meredith (with fingers crossed)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 456 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (12:27) * 17 lines
Imitation must surely be the highest form of flattery, as the UK Bridget site now talks about a Bridget Survival Kit, containing Chardonnay, chocolate, etc. Wonder if it's at all like the one I posted eons ago on the very first page?
Thanks, Jennifer, for the heads up. Looks as if the Todd Rundgren song has definitely now been accepted. :-(
Have new details:
There is a Perpetua and she's played by Felicity Montague
The minibreak (boating scene) was filmed at the Stoke Park Club, home of the Stoke Poges Golf Club, where the golfing scenes from Goldfinger were shot. If you go to their website, there are pictures of the lake.
http://www.stokeparkclub.com/spc/fishing.html
Other locations were the Cantina (Shad Thames) where Bridget and Daniel have their first date; the Tate Modern (an evening with her friends); the Royal Courts of Justice, where Bridget attempts to get an interview (WOO WOO, Barrister Alert!!); a loft apartment in Clink Wharf (Daniel's home); and Wrotham Park, Barnet, which serves as the Darcy family home.
In addition to Salman Rushdie, Jeffrey Archer and Julian Barnes, there will be Sebastian Faulkes and Alain de Boiton.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 457 of 1325: Lucie (alyeska) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (12:39) * 5 lines
I e-mailed Today as soon as it was over. Got a !@#%*%@ form letter in return thanking me for my interest.
Bullhockey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm still in a bad mood after being awakened by the shuttle hitting the earths atmosphere over my house at 2:30 A.M. yesterday morning and geting up at 6:30 this morning.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 458 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (13:09) * 4 lines
and Wrotham Park, Barnet, which serves as the Darcy family home.
This is the Pemberley equivalent....a Palladian mansion set in 300 acres. Makes Darcy v.v.rich!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 459 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (13:30) * 3 lines
Would appear they've overdone it, wouldn't you think?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 460 of 1325: Laura McCarthy (LauraMM) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (13:41) * 1 lines
Would've been funnier had they used Lyme Park... :)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 461 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (13:47) * 1 lines
Just a quick repeat from #143--Colin is scheduled to be on Today some time in the next 2 weeks.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 462 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (15:16) * 2 lines
He's not listed in their detailed breakdown of tomorrow's show. One thing is certain, like Karen, I'm not tuning in nor taping 3 hours each day until the dawn of time (though did learn fascinating things about lactose intolerance *snore*).
Eileen, I could not have said it better myself! I will have to have it written in blood before I sit through that show again!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 463 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (21:12) * 3 lines
Mark: Does this guy look familiar?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 464 of 1325: S B Robinson (SBRobinson) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (21:54) * 5 lines
Would've been funnier had they used Lyme Park... :)
LOL Laura, great minds & all that! Saw the pic and had that exact thought! :-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 465 of 1325: KJArt (KJArt) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (22:39) * 38 lines
(MarkG) *.../ I suspect DC turns up at the party uninvited, MD makes him leave the flat, knocks him out to the amazement of the onlookers, and apologises, before returning to the flat to be treated like a hero./...
(Ela B.).../I agree with Mark - I'm assuming that Daniel arrives unexpectedly, a conversation takes place which ultimatly leads to MD punching Daniel in the face outside the apartment./...
This was answered by Isobel Fox, in her March 17 femail.co.uk article, when she gave out oall those spoilers, one of which was:
.../ Darcy starts to develop feelings for Bridget, which soon become clear on Bridget's birthday where her disastrous culinary skills means she ends up feeding her guests soup that's turned blue. But Darcy has competition—Cleaver also turns up at Bridget's flat after realising that he misses her and wants her back.
The Article is on Karen's BJD Review page. :-)
(Mark G.) .../And the Arena picture...again from TEOR, Natasha has Giles dressed in her choice of clothes at a wedding.../
I'm picking nits today -- you're thinking Rebecca, not Natasha (though I suspect the scriptwriters sort of squooshed them together in their heads...)
You'll have to pardon me. get to all this a day or two late and require another day to give rise to any response...I'm exclusively limited to 1-hr/day library time now. :-{ KJ
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Topic 145 of 146 [drool]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 394 of 464:
Another clothing spot that I noticed in the trailer - when Daniel and Bridget are on the ground and he makes his remarks about her huge panties, she is wearing a black dress right? About 30 seconds later when the trailer is talking about how Mark is "Mr. Wrong", she passes him at a party wearing the same black dress. So, I'm guessing that both of these things also happen on the same night? Can you tell that I watched the trailer about 20 times, and each time that I watch it, I still laugh and giggle uncontrollably whenever Mark Darcy has any scenes - especially the fighting one at the end!! Go Mr. Darcy :)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 466 of 1325: KJArt (KJArt) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (22:43) * 1 lines
Sorry about that. I'd better resign this stuff permanently...[:-( KJ
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Response 467 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (23:27) * 49 lines
This is nice. Many thanks to Silvie for this report!
There are loads of gorgeous pix of RZ in April's Vogue "Renée takes
Paris'. No BJD pix (19 pages all in all) but some quotes from and about
BJD & Colin:
"....Vogue flew her to Paris for the couture only hours after her
triumph at the GG (Best Actress-Musical or Comedy Nurse Betty) but there
are way bigger triumphs ahead of Renée Zellweger. The long-awaited film
of Helen Fielding's best-selling comic masterpiece BJD, in which she
stars, opens this month on both sides of the Atlantic. And about five
minutes after that, Zellweger will be one of the biggest female stars in
the world.....
....Because it's her movie. With every step she takes, with every
adorable clunky bad life choice she makes, with every glass of
Chardonnay she slurps, with every word she utters (in her perfectly
pitched London accent), she is Bridget Jones. Yes, yes, she's got two
fabulous leading men to play off: Hugh Grant, cast brilliantly against
type as the silver-tongued slimebag Daniel Cleaver, is sexier and
funnier than he's ever been without that foppish trademark--uh,
stutter--getting in the way. And Colin "Mr Darcy in Damp Shirt" Firth -
Helen Fielding's real-life pinup - is as sardonic and smoldering and
rocklike as Bridget Jones's possible saviour ought to be. They're both
great; the film is great. But it's Zellweger's movie....
Helen Fielding is thrilled with her. "Bridget's very human, which
is why women respond to her. She is not one of those women like Liz
Hurley, who never have a bad-hair day. Renée is the kind of actress who
can look ordinary sometimes and quite beautiful at others."
It's easy to see why people love working with her. She'll work until
she drops. When I call her leading men to ask about Zellweger, both of
them fall over themselves to get across how unbelievably grounded she
is, how nice, how normal. Acting is a notoriously flouncy profession
"for actors of either sex," says Colin Firth. "But Renee's game for
everything. All the time. There was no preciousness, no sort of 'I'm
feeling a bit brittle today, so you better not come near me.' She's one
of the least precious people I've ever met." (Precious, in British
English, does not mean 'adorable', I should say. It means 'revoltingly
babyish and self centered")
Zellweger's biggest fear in prepping for her role, she says, was that
she would be "the weak link. Especially with those guys, you know?" Hugh
Grant had been her pinup for years, ever since she was at the University
of Texas Austin, taking journalism classes and making the odd TV
commercial. And she knew all about Mr Wet-Shirt Darcy from A&E's Pride &
Prejudice. "But they were fantastic. Fantastic," she says. "And
completely supportive. From the beginning."....
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Response 468 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Mar 22, 2001 (23:57) * 7 lines
Thanks, KJ, I thought I'd read it somewhere. ;-D
And she knew all about Mr Wet-Shirt Darcy
Don't you wonder if she had to watch the series? She did read the book...after she got the part.
And Colin "Mr Darcy in Damp Shirt" Firth - Helen Fielding's real-life pinup - is as sardonic and smoldering and rocklike as Bridget Jones's possible saviour ought to be.
And steals the film! *now, I'm crossing my fingers*
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Response 469 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (03:29) * 4 lines
Would appear they've overdone it, wouldn't you think?
LOL! Correction, MD is v.v.v.v.v. rich!
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Response 470 of 1325: MarkG (MarkG) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (04:23) * 12 lines
Karen: Mark, does this guy look familiar?
Not to me, but I'm so bad at faces it's going to turn out to be my brother or something. Seriously, I expect you're going to tell me that he was the stuntman in Colin's clothes, but if that's the case his hair was very different indeed for shooting.
KJ: you're thinking Rebecca, not Natasha
Yup, thanks for straightening me out - as I was writing "Natasha", I was thinking this is not quite right - they must be all squooshed together in my head too. Who had the billiard-ball bottom? Which reminds me, the Comic Relief book, as noted, is very short but of course very funny. There's a glossary of terms at the back which defines Jellyfisher, Smug Married etc, and gives the meaning of Aargh as Aargh.
Mari, loved your Top Ten list at #143. Nos 7 and 2 were my faves.
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Response 471 of 1325: Lizza J (Lizza) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (07:12) * 9 lines
Gabrielle was on GMTV singing "Out of reach " Live this morning!!
Clips of Cf that you are all familiar with from video included.
But the very best bit was the interview, in which G says what a fantastic movie it is etc etc and when asked whether she prefers CF to HG says
"I am totally in love with Colin Firth at the moment."
When asked what CF has got that HG hasn't (WE know the answer to that one!!!)
She said "He's just soooo lovely. Sorry Hugh."
Then I think she said something like "I had better stop now before I embaress myself." What a woman of taste!
Wonder if I can wait 3 weeks after all. Counting the days..... hours.....
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Response 472 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (07:59) * 34 lines
(Mark) gives the meaning of Aargh as Aargh.
Hee hee. It works for me!
(Lizza)Gabrielle was on GMTV singing "Out of reach " Live this morning!!
Glad you folks had better luck than us yesterday! Sounds like Gabrielle has excellent taste, and is worthy of the title track honors!
Here's another review, from Dark Horizons:
Bridget Jones Diary
by Scott Mantz
Dear Diary,
Today is Saturday, March 17, and I just got back from having breakfast--alone. That was after last night, when I went to the movies -- alone. Then I woke up this morning -- you guessed it, alone. Well, I guess that's par for the course these days, since, even at the ripe old age of 32, I'm still a single guy.
Not that there's anything wrong with that (or so I keep telling myself), but I suppose things would have been a lot different if I had stayed in Philadelphia (my hometown), got married, had 2 1/2 kids, bought a house, and called it a day. But no, I had to take my chances, follow my heart, move out to LA, and try to make it in this crazy business called Hollywood. Well, I'm still working on that last part, but one thing's for sure -- I never thought I'd still be single at 32.
While most of my friends are either involved, married with children, or heading for a divorce (probably the latter), my sad state of affairs was driven home last night when I attended a special advance screening of Renee Zellweger's new movie Bridget Jones's Dairy. Not only did I really enjoy the film, but I actually related to it in the sickest possible way (and I'm a guy!). I also found Zellweger to be even more charming and adorable than she was in last year's little seen gem, Nurse Betty. She easily puts to rest all the scrutiny that she was under when she signed up for the role of the chain-smoking, Vodka-drinking, weight-obsessed British heroine from Janet (sic) Fielding's enormously popular book of the same name.
Bridget Jones's (Renee Zellweger) life is a mess. She's overweight, she chain-smokes, she's a 32-year-old "singleton," and she likes to drink alone while singing "All By Myself" at the top of her lungs. But she's had it! She's going to turn her life around once and for all, and she starts by keeping a diary to keep track of all her New Year's resolutions. The first of them is to stop dating slimy men who only have their good-looks going for them, but before the ink is even dry on that one, she starts shagging her sexy, playboy boss (Hugh Grant) at the publishing firm where she works. Now she's caught in a bind -- will she keep dipping her pen in the company ink, or will she go for an already involved barrister (Colin Firth) who keeps showing up at the most inopportune times? Talk about decisions, what's a neurotic, confused, scatterbrained British girl to do?
Think of Bridget Jones's Diary as a British version of TV's Ally McBeal (but without the eating disorder). She may seem like she's out of her mind, but compared to everyone else, including her "smug-married" friends and dysfunctional parents, she's the one who's better off. Besides, why is it anyone else's business how her love life is doing? What's wrong with being picky and waiting for Prince Charming? Who cares what other people think? If anything, they're just jealous!
As Bridget, Renee Zellweger is simply irresistible. Hot on the heels of her Golden Globe-winning performance in Nurse Betty, she gives another range revealing turn that capitalizes on her girl-next-door appeal. After raising eyebrows for being cast in a role that many in the British press felt should have gone to Emily Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, or Kate Winslet, Zellweger rises to the occasion, packs on the weight (almost 15 pounds), and puts to rest any fears that she couldn't carry the British accent (Kevin Costner, take note). In fact, if I didn't know any better, I would never have guessed that Zellweger was from Texas.
Hugh Grant is perfectly cast as Zellweger's too good-looking for his own good boss. He takes the sleazy role he played in last year's Small Time Crooks to the next level, and as a result, he seems to be having a blast. Colin Firth sulks through most of the film as Zellweger's other potential love interest, and despite being in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong person and saying the wrong thing, it's obvious that they were meant for each other.
My only problem with Bridget Jones's Diary is with the ending. Like last year's Mel Gibson starrer What Women Want, it starts out strong and loses steam towards the end. While it stays true to the book, it still feels weak compared to what preceded it. Then again, Zellweger is so darn charming and funny, and after baring her soul (not to mention her expanded frame), it's hard not to be won over by her immensely appealing performance.
Given the nature of dating in this crazy town, it's easy to understand why I feel so hopeless. But, like Bridget Jones, I'm not willing to compromise and settle ("settle" being the key word) down with the wrong woman just to keep from feeling lonely. Like Bridget, I just gotta be patient. It'll happen when it happens.
Well, Diary, I guess that's enough self-deprecation and over-analysis for one day! I'm outta here!
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Response 473 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (08:22) * 4 lines
Thanks, Mari and Lizza.
"I am totally in love with Colin Firth at the moment."
I wonder how Livia feels about this. ;-) I bet Colin will be escaping to Italy very soon.
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Response 474 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (08:41) * 9 lines
Would appear they've overdone it, wouldn't you think?
LOL! Correction, MD is v.v.v.v.v. rich!
Is this the home where Bridget used to caper about the lawn with no clothes? I had a slightly different image in mind. ;-D
(Mark) I expect you're going to tell me that he was the stuntman in Colin's clothes
Bingo!!
(Reviewer) While it stays true to the book
Must be the one by Janet Fielding where Bridget drinks vodka and is overweight. But otherwise, v.g. review.
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Response 475 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (09:16) * 5 lines
From a humerously, Shazz-like (just as you said, MFP) response to the all the Talkback on AICN from a person called Rhyakitty: ;-D
"On a side note, I think Renee must have picked up every pound that Colin Firth lost. What the hell did they do to him? She looks fantastic (what great breasts!) but he looks like a cadaver. I want Mr. Darcy from PnP back, dammit!"
http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/tb_display.cgi?id=8460#268741
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Response 476 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (10:05) * 4 lines
I'm guessing that Chrissy Iley is a former Time Magazine staffer. From The Scotsman:
http://www.leisure.scotsman.com/living/headlines_specific.cfm?articleid=3006
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Response 477 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (10:17) * 7 lines
Blimey.
I suppose I sympathise with a milder version of the Iley view. But to say...
"True love may exist in a moment, but rarely lives happily ever after unless it’s in a fairy tale, and Bridget Jones is as dangerous as Cinderella. A woman I know in her thirties, single of course, saw the movie and enthused: "It gave me such hope." And what was she hoping for? That even if you’ve made a mess of your life, you could still get Mr Right? She didn’t even temper this with Mr. Right Now."
is simply wrong. I know a few people for whom it's "lived happily ever after". More generally, I think it's also wrong to identify Bridget's insecurities - which are deliberately exaggerated, of course - as exclusive to women.
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Response 478 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (10:18) * 3 lines
Bugger.
Does this do it?
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Response 479 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (10:18) * 1 lines
MERDE! Sorry.
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Response 480 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (10:52) * 10 lines
I am totally in love with Colin Firth at the moment."
(Moon)I wonder how Livia feels about this. ;-) I bet Colin will be escaping to Italy very soon.
LOL.The hazards of the trade. What the heck, it pays for the pasta.
Mari....your "Ten Reasons Why".....you should publish.
Getting caught up in the Refugee Demonstration...has to be my fave.
Irreverent, but hilarious.
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Response 481 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (10:59) * 4 lines
I see Chrissy forgot to take her happy pill the day she wrote that. Am sure there will be many more like it, just as there were when the book(s) came out.
(Rhyakitty at AICN) What the hell did they do to him? She looks fantastic (what great breasts!) but he looks like a cadaver. I want Mr. Darcy from PnP back, dammit!"
And the 'girls' were padded, were they not? Could've fooled me, though, by the looks of some of the pictures we've seen. Judging from the stills, trailer, and OOR vid, CF looks far from a cadaver though. Or maybe it's just that his shirts fit.
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Response 482 of 1325: Laura McCarthy (LauraMM) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (11:09) * 3 lines
My friends, of which I'm going to NYC with, haven't a clue as to who CF is... Now they were over my house last week, and I was explaining to them the coup casting of CF as MD... They didn't get it... So I pull out the P&P and say.."This is Mr. Darcy in P&P"... Show pic of MD. The braniac says, "Hey, that's the same person..."
See what I have to deal with??? EVEN Rebecca (bless her 10 year old heart) was giggling... :) She said, "even I knew what mom was talking about..."
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Response 483 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (11:38) * 1 lines
That article from the Scotsman sounds like something Germaine Greer?(sp) would write were she reviewing the film!! and although I liked the second DH review I would have preferred the word "smouldering" to "sulking"!!
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Response 484 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (11:52) * 5 lines
The CD cover:
Have been checking out prices and HMV in Canada may be the cheapest (US$11.84) plus US$2 for shipping; it shows a new release date of 4/17.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 485 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:02) * 5 lines
There, you see - isn't she gorgeous?
I saw an Underground poster for the film with this photograph; they seem to have ditched the one where BJ is bending over showing off her "great breasts" (Rhyakitty quote, before someone bites my head off..).
Is it meant to be significant that HG is looking at the camera, whereas CF is genuinely interested in the diary?
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Response 486 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:07) * 3 lines
The other poster, Ben, is the advance poster. It didn't have any of the detailed production info. In the US, we had one with her peaking over a list.
Too bad they're going with this one too. I had hoped for another one. I liked the British quad far better for MLSF. :-(
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Response 487 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:15) * 3 lines
Ooops, the UK poster is slightly different. It's the concerned Darcy/giggling Bridget pose:
![]()
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Response 488 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:16) * 1 lines
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 489 of 1325: winter (winter) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:17) * 2 lines
Finally saw the trailer on the big screen last night (watched 'Enemy at the Gates'). Very embarrasing to find myself squealing the moment I realized what the trailer was...
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 490 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:25) * 2 lines
Like the US poster better.
MD looks a little paranoid in the UK one.
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Response 491 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:34) * 1 lines
Lucky you, Winter. I too saw Enemy at the Gate yesterday and asked theatre management if they were showing the BJD trailer. They actually checked with the projectionist who said it was preceding The Mexican and Hannibal. Unfortunately, the timing was not good so couldn't get a peak, which they said I could do.
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Response 492 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:46) * 4 lines
(Evelyn) MD looks a little paranoid in the UK one.
Looks as though he's thinking *WOT?*
I like them both. However, if his head was turned any further people would mistake him for Linda Blair. ;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 493 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:47) * 7 lines
UK Alert!!
Free tickets to advance screenings of the movie on BBC1's website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/djs/movie_lounge_form.shtml
12 locations, but no dates given. Go register!
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Response 494 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (12:59) * 3 lines
Karen-(slightly OT) I'm sorry, but IMHO even a glimpse of BJD trailer would not make it worth sitting through "The Mexican". Ugh! ;-)
Enemy at the Gates...hmmmm. That might be worth a try!
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Response 495 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (13:05) * 9 lines
I like them both. However, if his head was turned any further people would mistake him for Linda Blair. ;-)
That is very funny.
That film still terrifies me. "The sow is mine!" It was on telly here the other night. I turned on all the lights in the house afterwards.
Thanks for posting the proper English poster. Also agree that the US poster is better. Apart from anything else, you can't see RZ in our one.
In every picture, in every scene in every film he's in, in every appearance on telly, wherever he is, HG wears a black jacket on top of a blue shirt with a big flapping collar. I hope he has more than one.
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Response 496 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (13:15) * 2 lines
so couldn't get a peak
Before I get mountains of mail or postings re: geological formations... ;-D
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Response 497 of 1325: Laura McCarthy (LauraMM) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (13:37) * 3 lines
I don't like the lipstick color on her... Oh and Ben, you should see the cover of Premiere Mag this month.. Oh here it is;)
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Response 498 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (13:51) * 5 lines
I doubt if Ben will be noticing her lipstick color. And no more hiding behind Rhyakitty, Ben.;-)
I think CF looks so handsome in the UK poster, Linda Blair notwithstanding (good one, Eileen!). *Make it stop, Mother, make it stop* Why does Colin have 3rd billing in the UK, but 2nd in US? Gift from Harve? (in lieu of Huge paycheck?;-)??
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Response 499 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (13:55) * 5 lines
It's tiny. However, I can just make out a pouting face in the middle, and strategically placed strands of windblown hair......
So thank you.
I'm off to Dorset (SW England) for the week-end. Very foolishly, I have promised someone I will go swimming in the sea at Lyme Regis. If I am still alive on Monday, I'll talk to y'all then. Have a good w/e everyone.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 500 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (14:00) * 5 lines
No more hiding, Mari, I promise. :-)
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Response 501 of 1325: Laura McCarthy (LauraMM) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (14:00) * 3 lines
Well there is an even sexier pic INSIDE the mag, but can't find it on the website... so sorry...
swimming in March at Lyme??? (you'll be drunk right???). Have good weekend... (if a cold and wet one)
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Response 502 of 1325: TracyT (Tracy) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (15:12) * 3 lines
Karen thanks for the advance screening tip! Have registered and am keeping everything crossed...and it's very difficult to type ;-)
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Response 503 of 1325: MarkG (MarkG) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (18:22) * 2 lines
Thanks Karen - entered twice
PLUS entered a Saturday morning kids' phone-in comp for premiere tickets courtesy of Gabrielle
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Response 504 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (19:44) * 11 lines
From Ananova:
Zellweger signed up for Bridget 2
Renee Zellweger has been lined up to star in a sequel to Bridget Jones's Diary.
The makers of the £25 million movie have been so thrilled by the reaction to the comedy at previews that want to make a follow up.
Zellweger is understood to have been optioned for the sequel along with co-stars Hugh Grant and Colin Firth, who play the men in Bridget's life.
A senior source at Miramax, which co-produced the film, told Ananova: " We think Americans will go in a big way for Bridget and we could be into a three-part series."
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Response 505 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (20:41) * 1 lines
Three parts!? I missed one! ;-)
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Response 506 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (21:53) * 1 lines
Let's hope it won't be a case of too much of a good thing... ;-)
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Response 507 of 1325: Lucie (alyeska) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (22:11) * 1 lines
The trailers have started on tv tonight. Boat scene.
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Response 508 of 1325: Kate F (KateDF) * Fri, Mar 23, 2001 (23:48) * 2 lines
I saw a trailer on TV tonight. Very short and NO Colin! I don't know if this one was cut down to be short or if this is the only one that's running. The elevator scene ("ding dong!"), HG asks RZ out, the boat scene, and RZ answering the phone.
Anybody else see a better version (i.e. with CF) of the trailer?
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Response 509 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (03:14) * 9 lines
Zellweger signed up for Bridget 2
Renee Zellweger has been lined up to star in a sequel to Bridget Jones's Diary.
The makers of the £25 million movie have been so thrilled by the reaction to the comedy at previews that want to make a follow up.
I'm sure this could happen. Sequels are big business, and if you've hit on a successful formula, which the public like, why not repeat it? And there's a lot of potential storylines out there for BJ. And I also think it does actors no harm to be involved in sequels...they don't get typecast any more...just get more (and better) offers!
Ther's an option on all 4 Harry Potter books, with 3 more to come! A sequel to BJD would be quite a modest undertaking (but not a three-parter ....quit while you're winning!)
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Response 510 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (08:50) * 7 lines
Miramax is trying to get them to commit now before the movie breaks records ($$$), and the stars as for points. I am obtimistic that if Renee signs Colin will. (Throwing that thought out into the universe as in mantra) ;-)
Thanks for that article, Karen.
Sometimes I fear if we all discover our inner Bridgets, it’s the same thing as the total submission, as the inner yashmak.
And I always thought that having a "Bridget moment" or as I call it "pulling a Bridget", was being clumsy, uncouth, not-with-it, etc.
As in when I had to drive(just me!), my husband's v.v handsome British cousin to a dinner and was very late because of trying to match stockings, bag and lipstick to my very short dress and forget to stick wallet in handbag, then as I am speeding to the restaurant realised that the car(fancy Alpha Romeo), was on E and had to stop and get gas(full sevice of course!), and I had no money to pay! Cousin came to my rescue, but we were very late because I couldn't drive at the speed I had planned (no driver's lic. in bag). I said "I pulled a Bridget Jones" and luckily he understood! LOL!
That reviewer never got that part of Bridget.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 511 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (09:40) * 11 lines
The option for future pics would've been in the original contract and THAT may have been the reason CF would've hestitated IF he did so.
Another thing: a sequel need not be based on TEOR; it could be entirely new, especially since a part of the plot is similar to Brokedown Palace (but comedic). We could have MD in LA and Bridget with him. Then of course, RZ could be with her dog and remain fairly thin, as no fatty or carbohydrate-laden food exists in LA. ;-D
Have the Snowman Tie pic and another of Colin, plus there are bunch of others going on the Gallery page shortly, including one of Bridget and dad with paper crowns and two others of the friends.
And I like this one far better than the other one taken during the same scene (poofy hair); sorry about the quality.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 512 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (09:52) * 2 lines
Thanks, Karen. Those are my favourite coller shirts but the tie is not knoted properly. Will I ever see a perfect fit? ;-)
BTW, there is nothing wrong with wearing a snowman tie to a Xmas party. What happened to everyone's sense of humour? Don't throw your tie away, Ben. :-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 513 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (09:56) * 1 lines
Somehow I can't picture Fitzwilliam Darcy with a snowman cravat. ;-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 514 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (10:14) * 1 lines
Lucky for us, for him and Jane Austen, they did not exist back then. ;-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 515 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (10:32) * 0 lines
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 516 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (10:33) * 10 lines
Since these are taped, we can be reasonably sure they will be aired. All times US Eastern:
Friday 4/6/01 5:00 pm VH1 Behind the Movie
Saturday 4/7/01 2:00 pm E! Behind the Scenes - Bridget Jones's Diary
Sunday 4/8/01 3:00 am E! Behind the Scenes - Bridget Jones's Diary
(according to my check of E!'s schedule, the Behind the Scenes show is aired as follows: premieres Saturday, 2 pm, with additional airings Friday 8 am (may be following Friday); Saturday 3 am; and Sunday 3:30 am.
For the VH1 program, don't you think we'll see more than just Gabrielle's music vid? I suspect Geri Halliwell's too and possibly all the others on the soundtrack.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 517 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (10:42) * 13 lines
From Yahoo UK news today:
Stars In Dublin For Bridget Jones Premiere
A host of stars are expected to arrive in Dublin for the Irish premiere of Bridget Jone's Diary on April 6. Amongst them are rumoured to be the film's leading lady, Renne Zellweger.
Currently in LA, Zellweger has confirmed that she'll be flying to London for the world premiere of the film on April 5. While it hasn't been confirmed that the star will be attending the Irish premiere, insiders have revealed that she would very much like to make the trip. 'She's never been to Ireland' a source close to the star said 'and she thinks this is the perfect excuse to make a visit'. Zellweger's co-star Hugh Grant is also expected to be in attendance. Grant has already been this side of the Irish Sea and by all accounts is more than happy to return. While the film is set to become one of the year's big successes Zellweger has already stated that she will not film a sequel 'I was overweight for eight months and I don't want to go through that experience again' she said.
~~~~~~
Given the number of typos and errors, should we believe any of this? Neither is confirmed. Of course, it would explain why US TV blitz is not that week.
If US premiere is April 2, then it is the World Premiere.
London's premiere was to be April 4th
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 518 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (11:10) * 9 lines
If US premiere is April 2, then it is the World Premiere.
London's premiere was to be April 4th
I hate to be a Nervous Nellie, but that's awfully close.
We haven't seen a mention in print of the US premiere.
I'm on Renee's side. Quit while you're thin and a successful Bridge.
Critics invariably compare sequels to the first one.
And a thin Bridget makes it like any other comedy.
I've never liked Minnie Driver as much as the chunky gal in Circle of Friends.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 519 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (13:30) * 7 lines
At this point, I think any BJD sequel is wishful thinking on the part of the Miramax bean-counters. Let's get through the first one; sequels usually never measure up to the originals. And none of them are going to sign on without first seeing a script.
I had to LOL at Miramax being suddenly elevated to "co-producer." IMO, all they did was be savvy enough to grab the US distribution rights; I can't see that they produced anything. Universal put up the money, and Working Title is the creative genius. Harvey, make yourself useful by booking the Concorde so these folks can make it to the varous premieres; just don't get caught smoking in the loo again.;-) ;-)
Karen, thanks for the great news on the E! Behind the Scenes and the VH-1 show. Lots to look forward to, gang!
Love how he looks in the Frosty tie shot. But where's his "corncob pipe and button nose"?;-) A jolly, jolly soul, for sure!:-) Agree that the second pic, sans poofy hair, is the better of the two from that scene, Karen.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 520 of 1325: Renate (Renata) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (16:50) * 7 lines
Here's a pretty good review from Sight and Sound (published by British Film Institute). They are usually very critical as far as I know. There are 4 pics (not new), 3x Zellweger, and 1 RZ + Colin. No HG.
http://www.firth.com/bjd/ss0401.html
-----
Karen, whatever the quality, the picture is adorable.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 521 of 1325: Renate (Renata) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (17:28) * 1 lines
Forgot to mention that the Sight and Sound article is a MAJOR SPOILER and gives away a lot of scenes.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 522 of 1325: Renate (Renata) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (17:30) * 1 lines
closing tag
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 523 of 1325: Renate (Renata) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (17:31) * 1 lines
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 524 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (17:52) * 4 lines
"Zellweger seems more of an outsider trying to fit in, with traces of American gaucheness poking through the skin of the performance and the accent just a little too studiedly posh"
Pssst...hey Leslie, the director and dialect coach are Brits.
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Response 525 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (18:04) * 1 lines
I like all the spoilers...the plot is definitely P&P. The fight sounds hilarious, and the ending is just what we want to see! Thanks Renate! And thanks also to Karen and Mari for keeping us all up to date. I'd imagine that the publicity for BJD in the UK might step up a bit in the next couple of weeks...maybe some newspaper/TV interviews.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 526 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (18:05) * 5 lines
Query: Is it better to be gauche or corn-fed?;-)
I think I'd rather be gauche. It sounds so . . .French.:-) LOL!
Major spoilers, alright. (I like the book ending better, for obvious reasons, but this will be cute. LOL at the homeless opener.) Thanks, Renate.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 527 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (19:02) * 7 lines
Thanks for typing up that v. long review from S&S, Renate. The end part labeled Synopsis probably came right out of the UK Production Notes.
I really hate these reviews that feel the need to write about SATC and AMcB...but a good review is a good review, and the back-handed compliments about RZ I suppose was inevitable.
The homeless opener was captured by my onsite photog at Liverpool St Station as you recall.
Cannot wait to see clumsy street fighting scene. I guess it will not be ballet-like as in CTHD. ;-D
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Response 528 of 1325: Heide (heide) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (19:17) * 7 lines
Whoa, can this place build up any more steam? The momentum is amazing. VCR don't fail me now.
Oh that boy is so darn cute. (Gaby honey, get in line.) If he can just project an ounce of his humor and charm that we see in that Dark Horizon's interview he's going to do so well. Just keep the lovely long fingers hands away from the nose.
He's managing to keep up with Hughie's notices. May even be ahead by a nose after that "steals the movie" comment. (wipes a tear of relief away)
Hmmm, dying to read the Sight and Sound article but think I will heed Renate's warning and wait. Thanks though to all for the flood of news.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 529 of 1325: winter (winter) * Sat, Mar 24, 2001 (23:08) * 1 lines
Thanks for the link, Renate. My god, those are beyond spoilers... that's nearly the whole damn movie!
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Response 530 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (00:11) * 15 lines
Karen!!! Your BJD site made the Guardian. They have you linked (see below) along with this preview:
Bridget Jones's Diary
UK release: April 13
The long-awaited adaptation of Helen Fielding's novel looks set to reign supreme as this year's Notting Hill. This expert London-set romance re-orders old ingredients like Hugh Grant and co-writer Richard Curtis and inserts an obligatory American star in Renee Zellweger. The cash tills will be ringing through 'til autumn.
Happily the film itself winds up rather better than one might have guessed. At heart, of course, Bridget Jones's Diary offers your standard twittish romantic japery, not to mention a tourist-trap depiction of London (snowy streets every Christmas) that should be prosecuted for false advertising. But there's a genuine heart to the film, embodied in particular by Zellweger's pitch-perfect performance in the lead role. From an early scene crashed on the couch singing along to the radio as Frasier plays on the telly, her Bridget rings out big as life; a sympathetic soul you can't help rooting for. Meantime the plot is buttressed by an on-song supporting cast - Jim Broadbent as her lugubrious dad, Colin Firth as an icy lawyer and Grant as a rakish publisher who describes himself as "a terrible disaster with a posh voice and a bad character."
During the movie's production, Texas-bred Zellweger had to get to grips with the necessary weight gain, duff British food, duffer British weather and the break-up of her relationship with Jim Carrey. She reportedly claims to never want to make another film in the UK again. On seeing the end result homegrown film-makers will be desperate to change her mind. Maybe they can even lure her back for the sequel.XB
Useful sites
Official site
Unofficial site
Bridget Jones fansite
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 531 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (00:12) * 11 lines
From Richard Brooks' Biteback column in the Sunday Times:
Fans of the Bridget Jones books and columns may well be disappointed. Shazza and Jude, her bestest friends, who are based on Helen Fielding's real bestest friends, Sharon Maguire and Tracey MacLeod, have been cut down to size in the movie.
Most of that chitchat with her girlfriends about drinkies, ciggies and weight has been jettisoned for, you guessed it, much more lurv interest. Well, I suppose if you've hired the costly Colin Firth to play Mark Darcy, and Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver, any movie company would want its money's worth.
Yet several women who have seen previews of Bridget Jones's Diary, which opens at Easter, are a mite disappointed. "It's the girlie talk that makes the books," one told me. "Where's it gone?"
The movie's script went through several hands. First Fielding, the Bridget Jones author, had a go. Then both Andrew Davies, of Pride and Prejudice fame, and Richard Curtis added their bits. The end result is much more Curtis-like, with clear Four Weddings and Notting Hill touches.
Fielding lobbied for her mate Maguire to direct. She had only previously done commercials. In fact, she acquits herself very well, as does Texan Renée Zellweger as Bridget. But Maguire has surely been asked to carry out the most selfless of director's cuts. She has brought the scissors not just to Jude's significance, but to her own as Shazza. The producer, Eric Fellner, of Working Title, assures me that "the girlfriends are quite content to be edited out". Chardonnay all round.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 532 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (00:25) * 4 lines
Thanks, Mari, but whatserhead's site is before mine and if you click on the pic, only her site is shown with the official one.
But there's a genuine heart to the film, embodied in particular by Zellweger's pitch-perfect performance in the lead role.
Exactly.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 533 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (03:18) * 1 lines
Re. the Guardian and Sunday Times comments... both sound like a feeble attempt at pre-release flak. But it looks as though they're struggling to find anything really negative to say about BJD. And the men all like RZ...which is v.g. for the Box Office (can't quite imagine the same reaction to Helena B-C or Emily Watson!)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 534 of 1325: bethan (lizbeth54) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (09:37) * 3 lines
Just caught my first glimpse of a BJD poster! Quite exciting really. I think it's the first time I've seen CF on a billboard (like a real Movie star :-)), apart from miniscule unrecognisable photo of glowering Wessex.
Also RZ features in tomorrow's Telegraph...interview about how she 'became' Bridget.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 535 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (10:00) * 11 lines
Karen, it's par for the course, i.e., not what you know but who you know. It's connected with Empire so of course they're listing it. I still think it's grand that yours is listed also.
Agree with you, Bethan, that their attempts to find something negative are coming off as half-hearted--I think they like it in spite of themselves!:-) Based on what we've seen so far, I'm optimistic that the UK reviews will be v. good.
Well, I suppose if you've hired the costly Colin Firth to play Mark Darcy, and Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver, any movie company would want its money's worth.
It works for me!:-) I doubt if many woman will feel shortchanged by Firth and, yes, even Huge.
The end result is much more Curtis-like, with clear Four Weddings and Notting Hill touches.
Nothing wrong with that (of course I might feel differently had the changes not worked to CF's advantage;-)
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Response 536 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (10:33) * 3 lines
There's a video clip of Gabrielle being interviewed on GMTV the other day where, in response to a question as to whether she prefers Hugh or Colin, she says she's "totally in love with Colin Firth at the moment."
http://www.gmtv.co.uk/the_show/vault/movie_clips/index.cfm
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 537 of 1325: Heide (heide) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (10:57) * 13 lines
hired the costly Colin Firth to play Mark Darcy,
Ooh, how much? And can we afford him?
(Bethan) Just caught my first glimpse of a BJD poster!
Didn't you just want to rip it down and take it home?
But it looks as though they're struggling to find anything really
negative to say about BJD.
Agree too. We might have to watch for the BJD backlash. Hopefully it won't come until after the opening. If it comes stay tough, girls.
Watched Breakfast With the Arts today but no mention yet of Colin's interview.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 538 of 1325: Heide (heide) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (11:00) * 1 lines
And I should clarify that there was no mention on BWTA of Colin's interview for next week's show.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 539 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (11:03) * 4 lines
(Heide) Watched Breakfast With the Arts today but no mention yet of Colin's interview
LOL! I had it on in the other room (which I never do) just in case. ;-D
Speaking of television, another HG appearance scheduled: Wednesday, April 4, on Rosie. Is Rosie taped?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 540 of 1325: Tracy (tracyt) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (12:20) * 13 lines
Am all unnecessary and of a flutter, have just seen the video for Geri Halliwell's "It's raining men" on MTV. The song's not quite up to the original Weather Girls version but who cares given the content of the video! The video is very "Kids from Fame-y" but there are clips by the truckload ladies, and very carefully edited for major impact e.g.
"tall (cut to shot of brooding MD), blonde (BJ herself), strong and mean (the Gnat)"
Also towards end you get some great fight clips again carefully edited ..
"It's raining men! (thwack! unfortunately it's MD who gets a thwacking)
Hallelujia, it's raining men! (crack! MD goes a-sprawling on the pavement)
Please forgive if someones already posted details but am so pleased I've actually seen some clips at last :-)
Get those VCRs cued!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 541 of 1325: MarkG (MarkG) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (14:06) * 7 lines
Bethan: Just caught my first glimpse of a BJD poster!
It seems to me there are three different poster styles in use on the tube - only one with CF & HG in. The one I last saw used the tag-line: Aloof. Unavailable. Ice-queen. Aloof. Unavailable. Ice-queen. Aloof. Unavailable. Ice-queen. Hmm, fancy a shag, though...
The WHOLE tag-line was in handwriting, unlike the last one Karen put up here, and just RZ in the picture.
Posters everywhere, & don't forget the supermarket Diet Coke promotional tie-ups ... can TV ad trailers be far away?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 542 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (15:16) * 11 lines
Thanks for your breakdown of the Raining Men vid, Tracy. Didn't think Geri 'hie me to the eating disorders clinic' Halliwell could match the original. Too bad MD takes a beating but we know who gets the girl in the end. ;-)
As for the spoilers contained in the article Renate posted--was there really any doubt about the overall direction taken for the ending? ;-) Anyone here seriously think BJ would end up with Huge Floppsy Gnatman? Still, am all curiousity as to how many shoulder grinds we'll see...;-D
(Biteback) Then both Andrew Davies, of Pride and Prejudice fame, and Richard Curtis added their bits. The end result is much more Curtis-like, with clear Four Weddings and Notting Hill touches.
Huh? Which endings to 4W and NH did he see? If the ending is more Curtis-like then there will be some happily-ever-after-married-and-pregnant-or-with-children shots.
(Bethan) But it looks as though they're struggling to find anything really negative to say about BJD. And the men all like RZ...which is v.g. for the Box Office (can't quite imagine the same reaction to Helena B-C or Emily Watson!)
I couldn't agree more.
A question to those who pays attention to this sort of thing: when can we expect US reviews? This week or early next?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 543 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (15:37) * 2 lines
(Eileen)Still, am all curiousity as to how many shoulder grinds we'll see...;-D
Having given up on shags...I say we'll see one...a "chaste" one.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 544 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (15:43) * 8 lines
Get those VCRs cued!
Posters everywhere ...Diet Coke promotional tie-ups ... can TV ad trailers be far away?
Probably not - but very soon *I* shall be far away, I'm afraid... Don't laugh! Hubby planned this hol nearly a year ago and what a terrible coincidence... Did he know the date of the premiere before anyone else, do you think? Oh, I am absolutely p***ed off.
Ladies in the UK, please video as much as you can! I shall be after favours when I'm back... ;-) (May I remind you I can copy videos, but only European PAL.)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 545 of 1325: TracyT (Tracy) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (15:52) * 1 lines
Amazon now have the soundtrack on pre order for £11-99
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Response 546 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (17:23) * 6 lines
Who, I want to know, who edited that music vid? They didn't show HG sprawled on the ground? Grrrr
But sounds very funny. Am sure Hughie takes some cheap shots and lands some low blows for our boy to get laid out like that. (OK, am not going to do commentary on next Oscar de la Joya fight)
Anyway, hopefully, we'll see it on that VH1 program.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 547 of 1325: Lassie (Lassie) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (17:47) * 1 lines
It's ok if he gets knocked down as long as he lands in my lap. :-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 548 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (18:10) * 3 lines
Looks like there is only the one fight but that it covers a lot of territory on Bridget's street:
"London's Globe Tavern in Borough...provided the exterior. For the neighborhood, production designer Gemma Jackson and locations manager Adam Richard found a street with a vibrant, bustling character--replete with busy fruit market--reflecting Bridget's personality. Jackson then adapted existing shop facades into a trendy Fragipani, a minicab office and Mr. Ramadas' newsstand. The Greek restaurant into which Mark and Daniel's fight erupts was created from scratch. Jackson's creations were so realistic, that several times during filming, members of the public attempted to buy a newspaper from Mr. Ramadas' shop or book a table in the Greek restaurant."
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 549 of 1325: Echo (Echo) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (18:58) * 3 lines
It's ok if he gets knocked down as long as he lands in my lap. :-)
I'm afraid you have to join a long queue (line)...
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 550 of 1325: Meredith (mpiatt) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (20:30) * 3 lines
Just saw trailer on US TV for the first time. V. short compared to lovely trailer at web site. During "True Lies" on Fox. Hmmm...wonder if they will show it during Oscar (much too late for me to stay up).
I was so surprised, I dropped the remote control. Didn't catch much, but it's "starring RZ and HG". Shouldn't surprise me, I suppose, since we don't know who CF is here in the US. However, there was a TDH man who said "Outside Cleaver!"
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 551 of 1325: Kate F (KateDF) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (21:05) * 2 lines
How to deal with the slighting of CF: Tell yourself that it's OK that he loses the fight in the video, and it's OK that he doesn't appear in the US TV trailer, and it's OK that the magazine photos only show the one with the geeky reindeer sweater. People will go to see this to see RZ and HG. And they will discover CF. And when your friends tell you that this incredibly handsome man was HG's rival (and a far better actor playing a nicer character with better hair etc. etc. YOU can say:
HAH! Told you so!!!!!! and feel v. smug.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 552 of 1325: Lassie (Lassie) * Sun, Mar 25, 2001 (23:58) * 1 lines
You are SO right, Kate!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 553 of 1325: Lizza J (Lizza) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (03:51) * 4 lines
Thought Renee looked elegant at Oscars, tho' only vv short glimpse.
Huge Flopsy is well rid of previous escort who was vv rude in Brit interview
and clearly completely off the wall!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 554 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (08:05) * 3 lines
From today's (London) Evening Standard:
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/hottx/top_review.html?in_review_id=374780&in_review_text_id=320515
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 555 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (08:33) * 4 lines
Cute article, thanks, Ben!
Even in the jumper, he is raw sex in a jumper).
Well we knew that didn't we? ;-) LOL!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 556 of 1325: Lizza J (Lizza) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (08:36) * 9 lines
Ben you are a veritable Star!!!
What a wonderful article, I won't elaborate in case the comments are spoilers for those who haven't read it.
"Raw sex in a jumper." You read it at drool first.
Ben, I can only surmise that your excellent piece of sleuthing was inspired by
an Astenesque wander on the Cobb at Lyme Regis!!
I also think that the author does not exactly belong to the same "club" as those of us who post here!
This is a discussion that will run and run.......
Thanks for such a gem.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 557 of 1325: Lizza J (Lizza) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (08:37) * 3 lines
Ha ha ha . Moon just found your post. We were both obviously drawn to the same
comment!! Can't imagine why
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 558 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (08:58) * 1 lines
I fear my DH will be very upset with me if I drag him to see this film. "You're not starting that Darcy thing again!" I don't know if I can put up with another round of Colin bashing from him. ;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 559 of 1325: Lizza J (Lizza) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (09:15) * 2 lines
Mine chuckled with joy at the "Colinless" trailer we saw recently in the cinema!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 560 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (09:42) * 3 lines
Loved the article as well, which really points up two potential flaws in this movie: (1) Daniel will be portrayed as a good guy toward the end and (2) Colin should've gone into the lake. Cannot abide the thought that a *wet-shirted Hugh* will be drooled after.
Those complaints aside, I too had to pause at the comment "he is raw sex in a jumper." ;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 561 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (10:06) * 5 lines
(Karen) Looks like there is only the one fight but that it covers a lot of territory on Bridget's street
As long as they don't fight through all four seasons...;-)
(Kate) People will go to see this to see RZ and HG. And they will discover CF. And when your friends tell you that this incredibly handsome man was HG's rival (and a far better actor playing a nicer character with better hair etc. etc. YOU can say: HAH! Told you so!!!!!! and feel v. smug.
Precisely, precisely. Watch for those ads to change after the movie opens...;-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 562 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (10:08) * 5 lines
I only read the article after posting it.
Can't really comment, except to say my eyebrows were raised by the extended speculation about their respective "sizes". Is there really an inverse correlation between niceness and size? Not having researched the question, I'm not really equipped, if you'll forgive the word, to say so. Does sort of make one wonder where one lies on the scale, however.
BTW, the water was BLOODY cold. I got a lot nicer during that swim.:-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 563 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (10:28) * 8 lines
(Moon)I don't know if I can put up with another round of Colin bashing from him. ;-)
Tell him you've switched to Hughie.Really, you girls are so uncreative.
You don't have to tell the truth *all* the time ;-)
(Ben)Can't really comment, except to say my eyebrows were raised by the extended speculation about
their respective "sizes". Is there really an inverse correlation between niceness and size?
Hey Ben...."size" matters ;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 564 of 1325: Lizza J (Lizza) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (10:56) * 2 lines
Ben did you miss our discussion hotfoot from 3DOR about Colin's feet last year?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 565 of 1325: Ben Broadbent (BenB) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (11:04) * 1 lines
Yes. I'm glad to say that I did.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 566 of 1325: Lizza J (Lizza) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (11:11) * 2 lines
We knew you were on the case!
Interesting to see if TES gets any letters or feedback re this article!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 567 of 1325: Laura McCarthy (LauraMM) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (11:19) * 5 lines
BTW, the water was BLOODY cold. I got a lot nicer during that swim.:-)
DUH!!! It is only MARCH last time I checked my calendar.... (I would liken that to jumping into the North Atlantic here in Boston in January... damn stupid if you ask me....) :)
BTW, Ben, the chills and flu-like symptoms will be appearing very shortly.. (says she who just got over flu!)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 568 of 1325: Kate F (KateDF) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (11:49) * 5 lines
Great article, Ben! I was pleased to see CF discussed on an equal basis with HG, who seems to get more attention.
But, really, "good enough for any viewer who was just about to fall for Colin but might change her mind." and "We will never, ever be able to decide." That may be the "bulk" of the viewers, but some of us have decided, and are not about to change our minds!!
Too bad the movie isn't coming out around Christmas--think of the merchandizing tie-in for reindeer jumpers!!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 569 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (13:21) * 114 lines
(Ben) BTW, the water was BLOODY cold. I got a lot nicer during that swim.:-)
ROTF!
(Eileen)As long as they don't fight through all four seasons...;-)
Ahh, you people are *on* today!
RE: Daniel turning ok-ish at the end: what a sell-out. Can't have people leaving the theater actively disliking Huge, now can we? It was probably a condition of him doing the film. I smell a rat. And a sequel. . .
For all you people whining about CF being slighted (me? I never whine;-) this was in yesterday's LA Times, front page of Living section, pics of Helen (poor thing!)and of BJ and Mark. Thanks, Leslie, Jana, and Donna:
By Ann O'Neill
All Helen Fielding craved was a "haven" in Los Angeles and a little peace and
quiet following a grueling international book tour promoting her clever
"Bridget Jones" novels. So she plunked down $1.38 million in November 1999
for a hideaway in the Hollywood Hills.
Just three months after escrow closed, the leaky roof collapsed during a
rainstorm, bringing the ceiling down with it. Echoing a scene from her
second "Bridget Jones" book, the British author was left with a gaping hole
in her home. So Fielding is doing what any red-blooded American would.
She's suing.
"It's life imitating art," she said recently. "If Bridget had brought a
house in L.A. this would have happened to her."
Fielding's Bridget is an endearing, never-married, weight-obsessed
30-something who consumes cigarettes, chardonnay, self-help books and men who
are bad for her. She has a knack for getting into excruciatingly
embarrassing situations, which she records in her diary. In England, she's
been as popular as the Spice Girls.
Bridget's romantic misadventures have been dramatized in the upcoming film
"Bridget Jones's Diary," produced by the people behind "Four Weddings and a
Funeral." It stars Renee Zellweger, who pudged out for the part, and Hugh
Grant and Colin Firth, who didn't. The film, due in theaters April 13, is a
hoot - especially the fistfight between a caddish Grant and a brooding Firth.
Fielding's next step toward becoming a bona fide Yank was to hire a
publicist, who wasn't keen on allowing her client to speak to anyone wanting
to ask about the lawsuit.
Anyway, we had already met the 40-something Fielding a few weeks ago at a
spiffy Talk magazine lunch at Asia de Cuba. Initially guarded, she warmed up
as lunch progressed, spearing us a slab of chicken and telling war stories
about her days as a journalist. There was a decade at the BBC and a couple
of newspaper stints. She said she quit one London newspaper job in a huff
after the editors injected "poison" into her profile of James Gilbey, the
Princess Di swain at the center of the "Squidgy-gate" scandal. "I woke up
the next day with no job," she said, laughing.
Fielding, an Oxford graduate, found work at another paper, the Independent,
writing features and then a regular column about an urban working
"singleton," a much nicer word than "spinster." Reluctant to reveal too much
about herself, she created an alter ego - Bridget Jones - in 1995. A year
later, the columns became the basis for "Bridget Jones's Diary," a novel that
borrowed heavily from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice."
People constantly compare her to, and confuse her with, Bridget. Even
Fielding isn't quite sure where the line can be drawn.
Last year's sequel, "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason," offers continued
parallels between the author's art and life. For starters, there's a running
joke about Firth, who stars in the upcoming movie in the role of suitor Mark
Darcy. Firth, who also played Mr. Darcy in the BBC's adaptation of "Pride and
Prejudice," is an object of desire for Bridget and her friends: "We all fell
silent then, watching Colin Firth emerging from the lake dripping wet, in the
see-through white shirt. Mmm. Mmmm," Bridget writes. Later, Bridget
interviews Firth in Italy. Although Firth is eager to promote a new movie,
Bridget is fixated on the lake scene: "When they had to do another take, did
you have to take the wet shirt off and then put a dry one on?"
Fielding's current domestic difficulties also were foreshadowed in the book.
Gary, a London contractor, takes $3,500 from Bridget and knocks open a wall,
never to return. Her diary records the catastrophe: "Gaaah! Gaaah! Gaah!
Is bloody great hole in side of flat! Is left open to outside world in
manner of gaping precipice and all the houses at the other side can see in."
She sics a barrister on Gary.
The sequel ends with a hint of what is to come for the author. Bridget
contemplates moving to Los Angeles with her man. "It's very warm and sunny
there, and they have swimming pools," Darcy pitches. Bridget capitulates:
"Hurrah! Am going to America to start again, like the early pioneer.... Will
be fantastic in California with sunshine and millions of self-help books....
and Zen and sushi and all healthy stuff."
Fielding has dived into our swimming pools and eaten our sushi. But she's
also run headfirst into some less glittering facts of L.A. life: Somebody's
always happy to take your money. (Incoming millionaire singleton! Ka-ching
.) And it's not always sunny and warm. It can rain buckets, which it did on
Feb. 21, 2000, the day the ceiling of her new house fell in. Gaaah! Is
bloody great hole! And the poolhouse in sinking, the toilets back up, and
the heating system and front gate don't work. Gaaah!
Fielding became a real live litigating Angeleno last month when she filed her
legal papers in Superior Court in Santa Monica. According to the suit, she
told her real estate agent she needed a house in move-in condition so "she
could continue to write, entertain persons in the publishing and movie
business, and concentrate on her professional and personal life." Instead,
she claims that she was duped into paying an inflated price for the house and
that real estate agents covered up structural flaws by patching up cracks and
water stains. Named as defendants are the agents involved in the transaction
and Prudential John Aaroe & Associates, Pickford Realty Inc. and Reliance
Home Inspectors. Fielding seeks unspecified damages, alleging that she
"sustained lost earnings" and had to seek counseling.
Peter Solecki, general counsel for both real estate entities, declined to
comment. The home inspector, George Baral, said it would be difficult for
him to spot defects if someone had taken pains to hide them. "If they cover
the spot on the roof with gravel, then the visual inspection cannot determine
that there might be a leak there," Baral said. "The water goes in through
places you can't really see." Welcome to the City of Angels, luv.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 570 of 1325: Jennie (tamzin) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (13:21) * 1 lines
To say nothing of snowmen ties!!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 571 of 1325: TracyT (Tracy) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (13:23) * 16 lines
Aw, Ben got there first with the ES article link. There's another BJ article in the paper though no CF references
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/lifestyle/fashion/top_article.html?in_review_id=374775&in_review_text_id=320510.
I couldn't believe my luck when I bought the paper this evening (as usual) and found himself on the front page, so as you can imagine I had a very enjoyable journey home, pity about the drooling though, it does upset fellow passengers I find ;-P~~~~
The online piece doesn't give any pix ( which I'm sure we've all seen before but any excuse eh?) so in true Tracy fashion I shall now, for your delectation and delight, louse up my scanning ..here goes...
The front page...
Humph not sure about that order!!!
![]()
.....that's better!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 572 of 1325: TracyT (Tracy) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (13:26) * 6 lines
Rats...see I told you I'd louse it!
.....that's better!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 573 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (13:33) * 7 lines
(Tracy) There's another BJ article in the paper though no CF
references
Never mind..."a picture is worth...."
CF's pics are interesting. Is the first one one a new one?
You did great, Tracy.Thanks.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 574 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (13:41) * 7 lines
So HF's suing in Santa Monica, huh? ;-D (note: need to get roofers here before April showers or will be in same boat as HF)
v. much like the emphasis on CF in the LA Times article. Ann O'Neill must be a fan with v.g. taste. She knows the books well and she knows P&P.
Could The Evening Standard have found more hideous pictures? Well, yes, I'm sure they could but YEEEEEEEECCCCCH. That cover one must be from his Fever Pitch portfolio. And come on, Huge looks like he's 17 years old.
Thanks for the scans, Tracy.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 575 of 1325: TracyT (Tracy) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (13:45) * 7 lines
I don't think so...I seem to remember it about the time of FP hence big hair I suppose.
BTW what are "fathomless eyes" ?
Huge Gnat "...without the sweetness loses the floppiness which for so long has misled so many of us into calling him a "floppy arse"...."
Misled? Never, he'll forever be known as such to me ;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 576 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (14:22) * 5 lines
Just called TODAY . Show apparently goes through several changes before it goes on air.
( Must think I just fell off turnip truck)
Could not tell me at this time if Colin would be on tomorrow.
Best to call every morning . Show starts at 7 AM...
Tel.lines open at 9AM ;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 577 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (14:55) * 8 lines
(Evelyn) Best to call every morning . Show starts at 7 AM...
Tel.lines open at 9AM ;-)
Shades of Bethan's contact at the BBC! Durr.
IMO he'll be on closer to or just after the 4/13 opening (before TIOBE starts filming--there's about a 10-day window). Makes more sense since we ignorant Americans won't know who he is until the movie's out. ;-D
(Karen) That cover one must be from his Fever Pitch portfolio. And come on, Huge looks like he's 17 years old.
Agreed. Fix! Fix!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 578 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (16:52) * 6 lines
Oooweeee!! My BJD poster has arrived. You can read bits of the writing that forms the background. v. todger-related. One part at top says, "Will not fantasize [Am. spelling] about my boss Daniel Cleaver (he's gorgeous!). Mark Darcy is a bore and stiff. (if only!) Daniel or Darcy?"
(Eileen) IMO he'll be on closer to or just after the 4/13 opening
Assuming that he does it at all.
But you keep calling, Evelyn. They're going to get so sick of you that they'll probably tell you. ;-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 579 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (19:29) * 1 lines
One of my informants has called A&E and they've said the BWTA interview with Colin is Sunday *slitting my wrist* April 1.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 580 of 1325: Heide (heide) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (20:12) * 3 lines
Elliot didn't mention that at all. Have to squeeze Colin in between the opera singers if it's true. Could make a joke about the fat lady singing but shall restrain myself.
Snippets of BJD interviews (no Colin) on the Oxygen channel tonight. Plus Oxygen (?) was shown at 7pm EST tonight - have not a clue if it's repeated. Just Renee, Hugh, Sharon Maguire and Helen talking about the film and bits of the same trailer. Film described as Bridget having to choose between two men - Hugh Grant and Colin Firth - a dilemma that every woman would love to have.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 581 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (22:36) * 5 lines
the BWTA interview with Colin is Sunday *slitting my wrist* April 1.
Will be in LA! No way to tape it! Major help needed.
Thanks, Tracy! Hair FP. What is wrong with the PR dept.!
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 582 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (23:05) * 1 lines
Is this an April Fool's joke?
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 583 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (23:12) * 1 lines
A very important date in my calendar. My wedding anniversary! ;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 584 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Mon, Mar 26, 2001 (23:30) * 3 lines
BTW, you should find Colin's quips reproduced in Tuesday's Telegraph, the Peterborough column:
THUS Colin Firth on his Bridget Jones co-star Hugh Grant: "Hugh's been telling everyone that it's me who fights like a girl. But all I can say in response is it takes one to know one. He was the first one to pull my hair. I'd never have dreamt of doing that. He scratches as well. So that should give you an idea of his character."
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 585 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (08:47) * 10 lines
Well, Moon, it's not signed in blood, but here's written confirmation that he will be on BWTA this Sunday. Many thanks to "Silvie":
Yes, indeed, my producer informs me that it will be April 1st. And I
talk
about you fans in the interview.
EF
********
Heh, heh, heh . . . .
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 586 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (08:55) * 1 lines
Thanks, Mari! I'm always up for an April Fool's joke. ;-)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 587 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (08:58) * 3 lines
Dark Horizons has another interview by Paul Fischer, this time with RZ. But the strange thing is the last line which says the movie opens in the US on April 6.
http://darkhorizons.com/news9/bridge.htm
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 588 of 1325: Nita (NitaE) * Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (09:08) * 1 lines
Have I missed something or is this really news? In my local paper (Swiss)I read, Zellweger and Grant were said to be a couple. The original report is from the Star.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 589 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (09:27) * 5 lines
The Sight & Sound review that Renate arduously typed in is now online. It states up front that their "synopses give away the plot in full, including plot twists."
http://www.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/2001_04/bridget_jones.html
(No, you haven't missed anything, Nita. Nothing's been posted here.)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 590 of 1325: Laura McCarthy (LauraMM) * Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (09:45) * 1 lines
I thought it was Portia de Rossi and Hugh Grant??? I can see how they can confuse RZ with PdR:)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 591 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (09:48) * 1 lines
Leave it to Laura to fill in the blanks on important celebrity gossip. ;-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 592 of 1325: Laura McCarthy (LauraMM) * Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (10:16) * 3 lines
Leave it to Laura to fill in the blanks on important celebrity gossip. ;-D
]
Hey, I read that here!!! :) (okay, I think I saw it on eonline;)) Tea w/ Ted... ;)
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 593 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (11:38) * 7 lines
More TV appearances, plus additional showings of the VH1 special.
Besides HG on Rosie, he's scheduled for:
Saturday 4/7/01 2:13 am (central time) ABC syndicated show "Entertainers" (check for local listing)
RZ will be on Letterman Tuesday 4/9/01
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 594 of 1325: Mari (mari) * Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (12:25) * 3 lines
Cute pic of CF in a tux is now running with the online version of the Hugh vs. Colin story.
http://www.thisislondon.com/html/hottx/film/top_direct.html
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 595 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (13:09) * 3 lines
Yummmmm, now that's a picture that should be handed out for publicity instead of the big hair FP shot:
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 596 of 1325: Eileen (EileenG) * Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (13:19) * 6 lines
Why so despondent about the BWTA schedule, Karen? No cable TV in the hotel? :-( I will be at sis' so can probably watch this Sun. but don't know if I can tape.
BWTA enthusiasts: what time are the interviews usually aired? Don't tell Elliot ;-D but I haven't watched the program since CF's last appearance.
(Elliot) And I talk about you fans in the interview.
**Very old ladies alert! Very old ladies alert!** ;-D
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 597 of 1325: Evelyn (lafn) * Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (14:42) * 4 lines
Cute pic of CF in a tux is now running with the online version of the Hugh vs. Colin story.
It's darling...I also think it's a high schol pic.
BWTA enthusiasts: what time are the interviews usually aired?
*Usually* first hour is music.But I'd tune in at 9 AM and read the papers just in case.
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 598 of 1325: Ann W (amw) * Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (14:54) * 1 lines
Personally I am thrilled it is on on the 1st, it means I shall be able to see it first hand. Yippee. Incidentally there was an item about BJD on the This Morning programme today with new clips from the film, lots of MD and I just loved the scene where he tells Bridget that he likes her "just as she is".
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 599 of 1325: Moon Dreams (Moon) * Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (16:30) * 5 lines
(Elliot) And I talk about you fans in the interview.
(Eileen), **Very old ladies alert! Very old ladies alert!** ;-D
LOL! So who has been sending Elliot emails? It would be awfully wicked of him to name names. ;-)))
Topic 44 of 73 [movies]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3)
Response 600 of 1325: Karen (KarenR) * Tue, Mar 27, 2001 (19:09) * 3 lines
Have just seen my first TV commercial for BJD. Last night I taped Ally McBeal and there it was! It was a shorter version of the trailer, had a scene I hadn't seen before (likely a fantasy wedding scene) and showed her bottom getting patted in the elevator and saying 'ding dong'
Mark calling 'Cleaver outside' was shown along with 
