Mari you made some great points 'strike a cord' there's so much publicity over ultra thin women in mags & films being a cause of anorexia that BJ as a normal 'one of us' women is a good selling point for the film,as you said "the target audience for this film is women" '1.5' gorgeous guys I know of one but whose the .5?;-)You're too kind to him or have you already forgotten he's less than adequate in the maleness rating stakes

I've heard he's moving back in with her... He may be inadequate as a male, but he's still tops as a publicity stuntman.

Yes one of the papers had pictures of him moving clothes back into their home-maybe he's begged for another chance to prove himself now that Colin's told him how to do it properly.

Report from the Set IV Virtually nothing to report from Shad Thames - everything while I was there was being shot inside the restaurant, which was completely blacked out by screens over all windows. Extras waited at outside restaurant tables, and the occasional "Quiet please" was isued from inside. Eventually RZ and HG emerged for 15 minutes sitting outside. They sat as far apart as humanly possible, RZ chatting with friends, HG largely alone but occasionally talking to a stagehand for a while. Costume: HG in a suit this time, dark blue, pinstripe (a little subtler than CF's last time, but not much); RZ in another surprising fashion statement, matching shiny black halter-neck top and skirt to the knee. Possibly the scruffy sneakers were just for walking outside, which she did in a very clumsy way (those extra pounds, perhaps). She is quite small, so in real-life does not show the weight gain like in the photos; I guess the celluloid will restore the cellulite. She looked very pretty, and still seemed the giggly optimist who it is hard to conceive as the more introspective BJ. That's acting though, I suppose.

Mark, you did it again! Great report, thanks. I guess the celluloid will restore the cellulite ROTFLOL!

Thanks Mark ..RZ in another surprising fashion statement, matching shiny black halter-neck top and skirt to the knee. Getting worse....ug.Maybe she's en route to a costume party.

(RR) They sat as far apart as humanly possible, RZ chatting with friends, HG largely alone Ooooo!!! It's going to be mighty difficult to fake "chemistry" if she's ticked off about his criticisms of her (that is, if they're true). But on the positive side, maybe then the press' attention will be focused where it should: on RZ and CF! RZ in another surprising fashion statement, matching shiny black halter-neck top and skirt to the knee What's surprising about this one? Sounds pretty normal if you ask me or was that what you meant, i.e., not another outfit from RB&BB (Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey)? Thanks, Mark, for taking the time and stopping by? Have you been scoping out Hoxton yet? ;-)

Thanks for coming through for us once again, Mark! Aside from the suit, how did HG look? I'm looking for an honest assessment, though in deference to Judy and Arami words such as "haggard," "unkempt," and "pathetic" wouldn't be altogether unwelcome in this neighborhood.;-)

Hoxton's a bit out of my way ... unless we have a definite date for filming ... HG looked fairly normal to me, maybe just a little careworn. 2 girls were passing by at one point, and one burst into fits of laughter on recognising him, with the other suppressing the laughter until they were past - he pretended not to notice.

Great report Mark. RZ's obviously a great judge of character in not talking to HG,I like her even more now;-) 'maybe just a little careworn.' ah come on Mark you don't have to be so polite I can take the truth,I won't laugh I promise.

(Mark) 2 girls were passing by at one point, and one burst into fits of laughter on recognising him, with the other suppressing the laughter until they were past - he pretended not to notice. *snort* Poor Hughie, he can't catch a break. Glad to hear RZ looks better in person that the photos. Thanks for your reporting, Mark.

(Mark) 2 girls were passing by at one point, and one burst into fits of laughter on recognising him, with the other suppressing the laughter until they were past - he pretended not to notice. So you couldn't recognize who Liz Hurley was with?

Thanks for another report Mark. V. interesting that RZ and HG sat so far apart. I still have not read any of the gossipy news articles about him. Will have to dig up stuff online. Although he's not my fave person, I am beginning to feel sorry for him. He may have brought the previous humiliation on himself (when arrested in L.A.) but I don't like to see anybody humiliated. (Cannot help it, I feel for the underdog, even if he is a hound dog!) So what did he do this time that was so terrible? I missed the news when it broke because I was packing, and I still have not caught up, because I've been unpacking!

So what did he do this time that was so terrible? Weeelll, not that I like gossiping, but.... Liz told the American magazine Jane that HG was not Mr Excitment in bed. She is now denying she ever said that, but the magazine is standing behind its story and has the interview on tape.

(Sadie)Hound dog-you're too kind just a dog will suffice. Karen I read in one of the papers over here that Liz intends to sue (usual course of action in these circumstances) and that there is no tape,but don't believe a Brit paper

Oh well, if we publicly humilated every man who was not exciting in bed... I hesitated about just 'dog' 'cause I did not want to be unfair to dogs, but did not wish to malign wolves either.

According to the upcoming movies site, the movie's release date has been changed to April 13, 2001 - "away from the crowded Valentine's season into April." Let's see, move a romantic comedy away from Valentine's Day... right.

Noooooooooo! Cannot take two more months of waiting. And I gave up chocolate too! And it makes no sense! What does this say about their confidence in it as an appealing romance?

Aagh they're not real,it would have been a great excuse to go to the pictures. Double aagh now we've got to wait even longer to see it.

What does this say about their confidence in it as an appealing romance? Nothing of the kind. All it says to me is: they're behind schedule. period.

The stars in their courses (well, at least the people behind them)conspire against us!

Oops, we crossed posts Karen, and now mine makes no sense. I was adding to Judy's comment. But as usual, you are being v. levelheaded. But why not just say that they are behind schedule, instead of comment about Valentine's Day? As an excuse, it is a poor one.

I'm losing track of where I'm up to,it's flowing tonightIf they're behind schedule its because of HUGH,I knowI know I'm like a broken record but a girls got to stick to her beliefs

LOL Judy, the more you detest HG, the less I do. Soon my heart will be as light as a feather. ;-) (But you're probably right *she says conspiratorially, while entertaining the idea of a good HG bash session*)

LOL Sadie you mean- 'the more you detest HG,the lessI do.It was you standing up for him that set me off again;-) & now you tell me its all pretend,oh & I had my fists raised ;-)

LOL Judy. I wasn't standing up for him though. Just feeling a little sorry for him. He's still not my type! Well, once again I have to get going! We should try out chat next time. I haven't yet and I'm curious to test it out.

If thats chat on Colinfirth.com I can't get in!

(Mari)...not the 18-year-old guys who go to see Coyote Ugly;-). I doubt if any 18-year-old males would be interested in it as it is a PG-13 rated movie. Translation: no chance of seeing models "in the flesh" as it were. So why would 18-year-olds bother with it when no bimbos get naked. (Sadie) I hesitated about just 'dog' 'cause I did not want to be unfair to dogs, but did not wish to malign wolves either. What are your views concerning coyotes and dingos? My guess is that you wouldn't want to be unfair to them as well. I have on occasion liked Hugh Grant; it just depends on which particular film. He's much better in some than others.

I think that moving the release date from February 2 to April is a real blessing and a vote of confidence in the film. Oscar noms are announced late January, and it would have been buried with the February date, as people scramble to see the nominated films and performances and all the media focus is on the nominees. Plus, the nominated stuff tends to get the "expanded screens" treatment, meaning that it's tougher to book theaters at that time. So, while I hate to wait any longer for BJD, I really do think it's for the best.

Hmmm, I hadn't thought of that Mari! Thanks, a v. good point and I feel cheered up by it. BTW, when does the summer blockbuster season start to gear up? Will this be a good positioning to catch early filmgoer enthusiasm, do you think? You know, after the blahs of winter are past.

BJD release date pushed back to April--here we go, ladies. *sigh* Suppose I can wait 2 more months for washboard/six pack abs. You're right, Karen, they are behind schedule (hardly surprising with first-time director). Mari, your points are well taken also. I read somewhere that studios dump their losers in January releases--Feb. is closer to Jan. than April! BTW, Karen, did the site specify a US release date?

His first posting of a release date did say US. The change doesn't say specifically, but I'd be shocked if this movie didn't open in the US first or virtually simultaneously with the UK. Even Notting Hill premiered in the US (May 13) before it opened in the UK (May 21), although it didn't open here until the following week. I would expect something fairly similar. Unfortunately, the Valentine Day's line is being fed by someone associated with WT. It does violate my rule-of-thumb about official explanations. Doesn't have to be accurate, only plausible. Really, Mari, they should've consulted you. Your hopes and aspirations for the change in release date are far more plausible. ;-)

(Karen) Even Notting Hill premiered in the US (May 13) before it opened in the UK (May 21), although it didn't open here until the following week. I would expect something fairly similar. Okey dokey! *resetting countdown calendar*

Ah Mari the voice of reason,beginning to calm down again after nasty shock of release delay. Okay spoke too soon (Eileen)hardly surprising with first-time director.yikes I'd forgotten about that,ah well maybe she'll do a Mendes Feeling better again,learning to cheer myself up with positive thoughts.

Since it's a bit slow here, I thought I'd post the full Times article. It's long, but I didn't have the URL (not sure if the article appeared online). Thanks to Rai. The Times (London) August 5, 2000, Saturday SECTION: Features HEADLINE: Starring roles, 3(vg) Renee Zellweger was not the obvious choice to play neurotic singleton Bridget Jones - for a start she's American, she's as thin as a rake, and she's landed a Hollywood leading man of her own. And with three major film roles in the offing, there's absolutely nothing for her to get angst-ridden about Renee Zellweger, deep into her role as the very-English-indeed Bridget Jones, has been immersing herself in all things British. There's the accent to master, of course - and judging by a brief demonstration she's doing rather well on that front - and the fact that Bridget likes a drink or two and a diet that is not exactly Rosemary Conley. To these ends, Renee has taken to supping a daily pint of Guinness and munching slices of pizza and chocolate bars - purely for the sake of authenticity, you understand - rather than sticking to her usual salads and Evian, and has intentionally piled on 15lb as a result. Furthermore, before filming started she had also been working in a "normal" nine-to-five job at a publishers and soaking up pop culture in the evenings, in particular vegging out in front of the telly for research purposes. "Yep, I'd come home at the same time every day, like people with normal jobs. I'd get back, you know, tired, and click on the TV, and there were the soaps," she says. "What's that one on at 6pm about the football team? I watched that one a lot. Dream something it's called. I really got into that one..." The thought of Texan-born Renee devouring a pizza, unwrapping a KitKat and knocking back a glass of stout while tuning into EastEnders, Coronation Street and Dream Team (I think that's the one she's referring to), is somehow rather odd.But then, some would say that the choice of Ms Zellweger to play the thirtysomething, angst-ridden, eternally single and searching for Mr Right, Ms Jones is a little strange, too. A fact that she is very well aware of herself. Take today, for instance, when we meet in one of Cannes' most fashionable hotels, where Renee has been visiting the film festival. She's on a brief break from filming Bridget to promote one of two new movies, Nurse Betty (released next month), a comedy in which she is very good indeed. Talk of Bridget Jones's Diary produces a slightly defensive reaction. "I've been working very, very hard on the accent. I've been taking dialect classes since February and I'm pleased with the way it's going. But I know it has to be perfect, especially for you guys." Ah yes, us guys, the English. And in particular the ones who felt that maybe someone like, say, Kate Winslet or Gina McKee might have been a more appropriate home-grown choice for the part. Even Helen Fielding - and after all, it is her book - was apparently somewhat bemused by the choice, backing off from the script ("retired gracefully"was the phrase) after the casting was announced, and adding later: "I am very surprised that nobody asked my opinion." So perhaps it's hardly surprising that this usually polite and affable young woman gets a bit prickly when asked about Bridget. "It's been tough, dealing with all the things that are printed about me," she admits. "I mean, I can understand some of the negative reaction, but there are so many films where British actors are playing Americans and vice versa. I'm an actor and this is a great role and actually I'm thrilled to death to have the chance to live and work in London because I love the city." She has a point. And at least this time around - unlike with say, High Fidelity, where Nick Hornby's quintessentially English novel was transplanted to Chicago - the filmmakers have kept Bridget in London. And Bridget is, says Renee, a woman whose fears and anxieties strike a chord from Los Angeles to Luton. "With this character there are links that we have as women. All the women who have read this book - and it doesn't matter where they are from - can really relate to her and what she is going through, whether that period is in the future or they have already been through it or they are living it now. "There's that self-deprecation that a lot of women tend to have about trying to aspire to achieve certain things in terms of successful careers, in terms of finding love and in meeting the sort of paragon that the media presents to us as 'the right partner'. I guess that's what's so lovely about her, about Bridget, is her honesty and how she's so earnestly trying to find happiness. And we can all relate to that..." Certainly, no one could fault Zellweger on her preparation. She has been living in London since February, almost three months before filming began (shooting will continue until the end of the month). "I feel a strong responsibility to work hard at it," she says. So presumably by the time she turned up for work alongside a strong British cast, which includes Hugh Grant as Bridget's office lover, Daniel Cleaver, and Colin Firth, as her potential lover, Mark Darcy, she at least felt confident enough to give the doubters a run for their money. As well as daily voice coaching, Zellweger also went to work in the offices of Picador - publishers of Bridget Jones's Diary - as Bridget Cavendish, a new recruit in the press office. Apparently, very few people were in on the secret and she would turn up for work each day in London's Eccleston Place, and few of her colleagues guessed what was going on. "The people there were great," she says. "I just wanted to blend in and it helped me a lot, you know, just building up the character and soaking up the lifestyle. I enjoyed it." Then there's the diet, to pile on the pounds to make her a more convincing Bridget, a character prone to bingeing when life gets tough. "I'm used to working out and running a lot to stay in shape, so I've had to deal with the mental side of not doing the things that I normally do to stay fit and trim. But the positive side is that I've made a lot of friends at the Italian restaurant where I've been having dinner every night. "People have to keep in mind that Bridget isn't really fat as much as she has a negative self-image. So my challenge was to bring her state of mind out as much as anything else. The physical aspect of how she looks is secondary really." Although, Zellweger will tell you how much she loves London - it's almost a mantra - she does confess that the long months away from home have left her feeling rather lonely. Ah, that would be understandable, what with missing superstar boyfriend Jim Carrey and everything. "I am having a wonderful time, but I am the loneliest human being you ever met because I couldn't bring my dog..." Er, sorry? "My dog, Dylan, is back in the States. She'sa collie golden-retriever cross and I've had her for 11 and a half years and I take her everywhere, but she couldn't come to London and I miss her big time." Carrey, unlike Dylan, has been a frequent visitor to London. They first met a little more than a year ago when working together on the Farrelly Brothers comedy, Me, Myself and Irene, which is released next month. The Farrellys, Peter and Bobby, are the kings of bad-taste comedy thanks to Dumb and Dumber (an earlier Carrey vehicle) and last year's blockbuster There's Something About Mary, which earned $ 340 million worldwide. Me, Myself and Irene is the follow-up and even with an adult-only rating in the States, it's expected to match that kind of money. Anyone who has seen a Farrelly Brothers' film - Kingpin with Woody Harrelson, for instance - will know what to expect. Carrey gets to display his range of comic talents - lots of funny faces and physical comedy - and Zellweger basically gets to play his beautiful straight girl. The humour is, shall we say, crude at times (a set piece involving a chicken and a policeman is memorable for its grossness). On set, Carrey and Zellweger were apparently well aware of their mutual attraction but neither made a move. And it was only when filming finished that Carrey found the courage to phone her and ask for a date. "People think that we were involved during filming but I was there to work and I didn't want to start anything because of that," she says. "After filming was over I was missing Jim really, really badly. And I knew then that I had to spend more time with him. And we sort of hooked up." And now there's speculation that he has asked her to marry him, I point out, and that she has said yes. "Oh listen, I've been reading a lot of things. I read that I'm getting married, that I'm pregnant, that I've got a big old ring on my finger - I don't even like jewellery, so that's a guy who really knows me well, huh? So what do you say? What I will say is that I love him, so there we go." If they do end up getting married - and I wouldn't bet against it - Carrey will be a lucky fellow. Zellweger, the people who work with her will tell you, is a very nice woman. And given her status in Hollywood, she remains refreshingly down to earth and easygoing and somewhat nervous in conversation. Today, she's dressed in jeans and a white shirt. Her face, because the pounds piled on for Bridget, is slightly rounder than the one you've seen on screen, but it comes alive when she smiles, which she does a lot. She's quite small with a tumbling mane of blonde hair. Her face has the kind of open girl-next-door quality that Tom Cruise was shrewd enough to spot and insist she be cast as his love interest, the downtrodden single mum who's been unlucky in love in her breakthrough movie, Jerry Maguire, in 1996. That movie was to change her life and she admits that she still feels the aftershocks today. "I still get people saying, 'Hey, you're the girl from Jerry Maguire...' It does become boring after a while but that film put me on the map and it gave me the chance to go up for the best roles. It was a turning point." It certainly was. Although it's taken four years to get to the point where Zellweger is now really cashing in on that. At 31, she is now claiming roles that others would happily swap agents for. She grew up in the country town of Katy, Texas, where her parents, Emil and Irene (Swiss and Norwegian respectively) had settled after leaving Europe in the Sixties. She was not, unlike many other young Americans, particularly aware of cinema as she grew up. "I liked the movies but we wouldn't go and see too many as a family. I started to try out for school plays - even though my drama teacher would laugh me off the stage sometimes. But I wasn't all that interested in acting. I never really saw myself as an actress." Instead, she studied English at the University of Texas in Austin and it was there, through taking drama classes to supplement her degree, that she began to believe that there might be a career to follow. "My room in the college dorm was right above the theatre and I saw a lot of repertory, a lot of art-house films. It sort of gave me the acting bug. So I started taking acting classes and then made some money doing beer and hair commercials." During that time she had been involved in a serious relationship, with Sims Ellison, a bass player with the heavy metal band Pariah. They were together, on and off, for five years but had separated by the time Zellweger eventually moved to California to pursue her career. Ellison, who according to reports had become more and more depressed after his band had been dropped by their record company, committed suicide in 1995. Zellweger, understandably, has not spoken of the tragedy but his mother has praised her for staying in touch with his family and she has lent her support to a charitable foundation set up in his name. Indeed, those early post-college years were often a struggle for Zellweger and money was tight. She had made a couple of low- budget film, including Love and a .45 and the horror flick, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation, in which she played opposite an equally unknown fellow Texan, Matthew McConaughey. They have remained friends. "I got to know Matthew well and he was the happiest person when Jerry Maguire was my big success. That's what I love about people from Texas - there's a rawness and earthiness to Texans and not too much ego and status involved - and you can get to know them really fast and not worry about why they're enjoying having a good time with you." Zellweger then went on to land small parts, working with McConaughey again in Dazed and Confused, in 1993, and a year later, a dialogue-lean performance in Reality Bites. To pay the bills in between acting jobs, she did what most struggling actors do - waited tables. But at the end of 1995 - by now living in a "grungy little apartment" in LA - out of nowhere came the role in Jerry Maguire. The film won over critics and made $ 240 million at the box office, turning Zellweger into a star virtually over night. "I don't think it was ever any grand plan," she says of her career. "I mean, I took the drama class at university because it fitted in with my schedule. And I loved it and it was like, 'We'll see what happens here...' But by the time I graduated I didn't really need to make a decision, I kind of had a life that I liked a lot. I could make enough money along with my job at the bar and at the restaurant to kind of get by and be very happy with the process. It was a really big adventure, and it kept becoming more important to me as I went along because the level of involvement started to increase, as did the ability to express something. It just sort of became my life. And now I feel really lucky." After Jerry Maguire, she has earned good reviews without repeating the box-office success. She played alongside Meryl Streep, as a magazine writer who abandons her career to nurse her dying mother, in One True Thing, and a Hassidic wife with religious doubts in A Price Above Rubies. She also played Chris O'Donnell's true love in The Bachelor. The next 12 months will be crucial for Zellweger. There's Me, Myself and Irene and its anticipated box-office returns and, of course, Bridget Jones, which is eagerly awaited on both sides of the Atlantic. First up, there's Nurse Betty, a dark comedy from director Neil LaBute (whose previous work included In The Comp-any of Men and Your Friends and Neighbors) with Morgan Freeman, Chris Rock and Greg Kinnear. A bizarre, sometimes surreal film, Zellweger plays Betty Sizemore, a waitress obsessed with a daytime soap opera. When she witnesses the brutal murder of her low-rent husband, reality and fantasy become confused and she sets off from her home in Kansas to track down the star of the soap (Kinnear) who she is convinced is in love with her. On her trail are the hitmen who murdered her spouse. "You know, doing Me, Myself and Irene and Nurse Betty were such good fun. I'd had three years of really dramatic and emotionally challenging work and I just thought, 'I want to go mad and have some fun,' and not brood in my trailer all day. I wanted to laugh. And it's different. It required a lot of work, but it was a different kind of focus, a different kind of application and it was wonderful for me." In Cannes, where Nurse Betty won very good reviews, Zellweger found the whole Hollywood-goes-to-the-Riviera experience overwhelming - the red carpet rolled out for the film's premiere, the legion of snappers, rubbing shoulders with the other celebrities in town, the superstar bit. "I don't think I understood the magnitude of it until I got there. I must admit that I didn't think it would be quite so incredibly emotional, I really didn't expect that. It was bizarre because it was totally elevated and yet serene. At one point everybody was standing back and you have this moment to reflect on what it means." What it all meant, of course, was that Renee Zellweger had arrived. And her next trick will be to convince everyone that she was the right choice to play Bridget Jones. After months of pizzas, Guinness, trips to Harvey Nicks and nights in front of the telly, she may well prove the detractors wrong. After all, as she says, it's all about acting. And she's rather good at that.

and, of course, Bridget Jones, which is eagerly awaited on both sides of the Atlantic. Eagerly? Says who? BTW, did you know there's only 245 days left until April 13th? ;-) Thanks for sharing, Mari. It sounds as though RZ has a good handle on the BJ character. However, if I read this bit of cr*p one more time: Even Helen Fielding - and after all, it is her book - was apparently somewhat bemused by the choice... *rolling my eyes*

Thanks, Mari, for posting the entire article. Writer must have spent months with RZ as talked with her at Cannes and a now (engagement thing). Liked this: After months of pizzas, Guinness, trips to Harvey Nicks and nights in front of the telly, she may well prove the detractors wrong. My question: Are Bridget's clothes indicative of what is sold at Harvey Nicks? ;-)

(Eileen)Eagerly? Says who? BTW did you know there's only 245 days left until April 13th? ;-) LOL I like the way your mind works.That happens to be hubby's b/day-an ideal present don't you think;-) (Karen) My question: Are Bridget's clothes indicative of what is sold at Harvey Nicks? ;-) That doesn't say much for H/Nicks then,but it made me think its always mentioned in Ab Fab & they do dress strange/vulgar in that so maybe yes;-) never been myself though so don't know!

That doesn't say much for H/Nicks HN is like Bloomingdale's in NY.Smaller.V.posh. Female apparel only. Carries cutting edge of fashion.Harrods is on the next block.Other designer shops are nearby in Knightsbridge. Ask Emma, she knows 'em all;-)

(Evelyn) Carries cutting edge of fashion.Doesn't mean its any good though;-) My home town is getting Harvey Nicks,in so many years hence,so I'll be a fashion plate like our Bridget,I've already got the black bra!

(Evelyn) Carries cutting edge of fashion. (Judy) Doesn't mean its any good though;-) Just goes to show, you can put together hideous outfits from even the best of stores ;-)

I really hope for RZ's sake, as well as CF's, that BJD is a huge smashing hit. I guess only the release of the film will silence all the speculation about her accent. Thanks for posting entire article, Mari. I'd forgotten about the small part in Reality Bytes.

I guess only the release of the film will silence all the speculation about her accent. I pray they release it in the US first. The accent knives are being sharpened in the UK press as we speak. You'll see....

(Evelyn) The accent knives are being sharpened in theUK press as we speak.You'll see.... I think it's worse than that I think the reviews are already written.

Apparently, according to the Times, HG's next role will be in "Two weeks of love", a romantic comedy about an undistiguished tennis player who suddenly manages to win Wimbledon. Sounds like an absolutely dreadful premise! Makes me wonder just how many good scripts HG has got lined up. And maybe he was keener to be involved in BJD than we were led to imagine. No re-writes in his favour necessary? I posted at #134 about (OT) George Clooney being offered (and turning down) the lead in Nick Hornby's "About a boy". I wonder if HG is still doing this?

Weren't both of these posted already at 136?

Sorry!

Just wanted to let you know that, if no one commented, it wasn't for lack of interest...just that we had already discussed elsewhere. See what you're missing by not reading 136?

I was wondering if y'all could answer a question. I posted this at RoP but was never answered. I read somewhere that the British edition of Edge of Reason is different from the U.S. edition. It seems the US edited some parts. I noticed on Amazon.com that the British edition is longer. Has anyone read both editions? I have the US version and want to know if it's worth reading the other version. Are important/funny parts edited? Thanks...sorry if this is confusing b/c of my repeated use of version/edition. Sarah

Hi, Sarah! I don't think it's edited (as abridged), but some British references (i.e., jumper, stone, fag, etc...) is Americanized. The reason why the British version is longer is typeface, they used different font. I hope that answers your questions.

Welcome Sarah! The British edition is still available, but in paperback now. And it should be pretty much as Laura explained, although I did read (I think) there was a change involving the Princess Di funeral thing.

There were also references to Donald Trump and the TV show 'ER' in place of their British counterparts.

Thank you everyone. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything. :) I was very upset when I learned the release date moved from APril to February. What's going on? Is post-production taken longer than usual or was Feb. a bad time to release? I thought it was a good idea to release it around Valentine's Day so all the "singletons" could rejoice with BJ.

WHOOPS!!! I meant February to April not vice versa.

You know now that I think of it, I didn't read the American version. I had it (accidentally ordered via cell phone!!! V. Bridget thing to do, eh?), but gave it to friend who fell in love with book (she's 16!).

Evelyn: HN is .... female apparel only. Hmph. I have decided to return my Harvey Nicks' tie & trousers.

Here we go, from an online interview with Helen Fielding: Question: Is there any difference between the UK edition of the new book and the one released in the U.S.? Helen Fielding: A few differences. The U.K. edition had a section about Princess Diana and I think they took it out in America because it highlighted the fact that the book was 77 weeks late. Most of it is the same. There are only a few details that changed. And weirdly, in the first book, they did not change the word fags for cigarettes. This caused some confusion. Sarah, if you want to read more, go to my Bridget page and you'll find links to other interviews and the actual articles that were published on The Telegraph. http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjd.html

Evelyn: HN is .... female apparel only. (Mark)Hmph. I have decided to return my Harvey Nicks' tie & trousers. They have a Ambisextrous Dept ;-D Will not tell DW

Thanks for the link. Great BJD page, Karen. KUDOS!!! I'm getting really excited now. Can't wait until April 13. Colin!!! Thought I'd share this tidbit: I lent BJD and EOR to a friend and now she is just as obsessed. Her screen saver has her favorite lines scrolling across the computer. "Fantasies about Mark Darcy/Colin Firth/Prince William bursting in saying, 'In the name of God and England release my future wife.':constant." ...also the one about cubes of frozen urine falling on the roof. :)

Looks as though Mark's career as a location reporter is over. Word has reached me that Heat magazine (15 Aug) said that filming finished last week. Renee shot her final scene at the Piccadilly tube station wearing a winter coat.[again??] Then there was a wrap party for cast and crew at the Naval and Military Club where they were entertained by an Elvis impersonator. If anyone can pick up this issue, let me know the precise wording and if there is more...

(Karen) wearing a winter coat.[again??] Maybe it was the only thing that still fits.;-) Welcome, Sarah!

Sorry Karen I can't help you til tomorrow,I sent hubby out but local newsagent shut (for god's sake its only 6.40 in the evening bloody useless b*******-his words not mine) part of the problem was that he did insist on going on foot & isn't amused by his wasted journey *snort*

Karen, from this week's Heat:- (19th-25th Aug) "Bridget Jones shot. RZ finished filming BJD last week - shooting the final scene at Piccadilly tube station wearing a winter jumper. (not coat - my words). The crew enjoyed a wrap party at the Naval and Military Club where they were entertained by an Elvis impersonator." (That's all, folks).

Thanks, Ann. Does anyone know if Colin moonlights as an Elvis impersonator? ;-D (Judy) he did insist on going on foot & isn't amused by his wasted journey *snort* but, apparently, you were! *snort* ;-)

Thanks Ann & Karen...That was a long shoot....it's gotta be a winner or RC would keep doing retakes. Poor Renee...now she's gotta take all that blubber off ;-(

(Evelyn) Poor Renee...now she's gotta take all that blubber off ;-( Colin Loses Weight . . .Renee Finds It!;-) I hope he gave her Cornel's business card.:-) Nurse Betty should have its premiere in about 3 weeks, so we'll get a look . . . maybe she can drop a stone by then.

(Evelyn) Poor Renee...now she's gotta take all that blubber off ;-( I'm sure Colin can recommend someone to help in that regard. Jeez, if Cornel thought CF was flabby as Darcy, what will he say about Renee? ;-) (Karen) Does anyone know if Colin moonlights as an Elvis impersonator? Gawd forbid! =8-O (Am now going straight to hell for insulting The King on the anniversary of his death.)

Blubber! Sheesh! You'd think that she'd put on enough to last her through a winter's hibernation. OK, what fat farm is she going to? The one in Baja? Canyon Ranch?

(Karen) OK, what fat farm is she going to? Do you think there are any 2 for 1 offers on only I could do with going with her.

Hi. Slightly OT, but I thought I'd share: ************************************** (From MrShowbiz) 8/16/00 Clooney Too Hot for Hornby? Is George "I'm not as good as Mel" Clooney getting too big for his britches? If you believe the British press, it seems that the star who faced monster swells of water in The Perfect Storm is fighting a swollen head. According to a London Daily Express interview with hipster author Nick Hornby, Clooney rejected the chance to star in a film based on Hornby's latest novel because he's too attractive to successfully play a single guy desperate for love. Hornby, whose High Fidelity book was the basis for the recent John Cusack flick of the same name, apparently told the paper that Clooney was offered the lead in the movie adaptation of his About a Boy. The former ER hunk supposedly told Hornby no, adding, "You would need someone more average-looking." If we know our Clooney like we think we do, this is a bloody lie. The same man who once told People magazine he didn't want to be their "Sexiest Man Alive" cover meat could hardly have gotten so conceited overnight. Or could he? The actor's reps could neither confirm nor deny whether he'd been in talks for About a Boy. Hugh Grant had previously been considered for the role of 36-year-old Will Lightfoot, a lying man-child who tells women he's a dad in order to get dates. Since the book's characters are British, Grant would have been a preferable choice for Hornby fans � although High Fidelity was Americanized for theater audiences with some degree of success.

Yeah, this story's making the rounds.

Did High Fidelity ever open in England and was it successful? (she says who STILL hasn't seen it.) However, have new beau reading and LOVING it. What can I tell you, she (me) has good taste in authors. To tie this in with BJ, don't think I could get him to read that one.... :)

(Laura)To tie this in with BJ, don't think I could get him to read that one.... :) V. sad Laura! What is point of dating if boyfriend will not read BJD, in manner of sensitive new age guy? (Hmmm, ex-boyfriend read and liked Bridget because he did not realize that he was actually Daniel.) Cancel that thought Laura. What do Singletons like me know anyway. Am world's worse judge of men, in manner of Bridget before MD.

Oh Sadie, how v. wrong you are. New beau is now ex-beau (how do I do it?). I'm glad to say that this one was not my problem, his issues (didn't even know he had issues, go figure) proved to problematic for him (i.e., he decided that he preferred to be alone and watch life pass him by (be a bystander), guilt of being divorced (Catholic guilt at its best). Right now, I'm thinking a Daniel Cleaver is probably way to go. Will be singleton (with child) forever. In manner of Bridget, tonight is 192 with v. bad chardonnay (I'll go for the merlot) and talking about how all men have v. bad issues. I seem to recall even MD had issues.... (normal relationship or normal guy is definite oxy-moron.) Sorry bad evening. Swollen eyes. Can barely read what wrote!

Ephraim Hardcastle - today's Daily Mail Cast and crew are relieved that the much troubled filming of BJD is complete. Director Sharon Maguire was a surprise choice. A newcomer to feature films, she had previously directed only two documentaries and commercials, including a campaign for the Irish Tourist Board. But conveniently, Miss Maguire is a close friend of author Helen Fielding and the inspiration for the boyfriend-obsessed Shazza character upon which Bridget's best friend is based.

Thanks, Aishling. "much troubled filming"? hmmm. Must be referring to (a) how long it took to bring this to screen, (b) the Fielding flack over RZ, (c) HG's alleged disgruntlement, and now (d) the problem with the film stock. the inspiration for the boyfriend-obsessed Shazza character upon which Bridget's best friend is based. Of course, this is totally wrong, as Shaz was NOT boyfriend-obsessed. That was Jude. Wonder if first statement then is similarly wrong. ;-) BTW, have just seen "Wonderland," in which Shirley Henderson (Jude) is one of the principal actors. Initially, I thought (based on looks) she was more suited to be Shaz. Could visualize her in full rant mode. But her voice is Jude's. It could definitely be termed "sheep-like." BTW2, go see Wonderland. Is fabulous.

(Aishling) Director Sharon Maguire was a surprise choice. Depressing undertones to this remark from cast and crew who usually can assess a good director.And what clout did Helen Fielding have to select a director when she had none for the cast?Would feel better if whole thing would have been under RC's aegis...at least he has a track record.

Yes, it is a bit depressing and points the finger squarely at the director. Frankly, I never bought that "the dog ate my film" story; 3+ months is a long time for a film like this to be shooting. Maybe much more re-shooting has been going on than we'd thought. I still think Curtis can pull it off and maybe he even oversaw the reshoots; he'll bring in a sharp editor and make it work.

Well I'm really glad I dropped in this evening all this talk of ex-boyfriends & much troubled filming is enough to send me on a choc'n'wine binge (goody!) Sadie you've still to meet your MD Laura I am sorry it didn't work out I've never been happy with the first-time director thing so lets hope RC can rescue it I don't won't Colin involved in a high-profile flop.

Depressing undertones to this remark from cast and crew who usually can assess a good director.And what clout did Helen Fielding have to select a director when she had none for the cast?Would feel better if whole thing would have been under RC's aegis...at least he has a track record. I've also wondered about the choice of Sharon Maguiure.. why go for a debut director? Working Title got John Madden for Captain Corelli. But the producers of BJD...Eric Fellmer and Tim Bevan...have a superb track record - Captain Corelli, NH, Elizabeth, High Fidelity, Borrowers, Oh Brother where art thou, 4 Weddings, Fargo - the list is endless. Can't believe that they'd just give a multimillion dollar movie to someone because she is HF's best mate. HF sold the rights...she has no clout. The crew seem experienced. The cinematography (always important) is by Stuart Dryberg (?) who (apparently) did The Piano, Lone Star, Portrait of a Lady, and more recently Analyze This and Runaway Bride. And the First Assistant Director has worked on some successful projects...East is East, for example. Talented cast and crew, and screenwriter...has to be successful! But I don't like the Daily Mail comment or its tone. But, then again, so much reporting is inaccurate, biased...HF is permanently (mis)cast as the grouch who didn't approve of RZ. And didn't CF say the first day of filming was hitch-free! BTW the shoot for NH was a long one...about three months.

oh sorry! Did I close the italics? Looks like not.. :-(

(Bethan)BTW the shoot for NH was a long one...about three months-they shouldn't have bothered at all IMO.As for HG is he always involved in these overlong shoots-perhaps something to do with the fact that hecan't act.

(Mari) I still think Curtis can pull it off and maybe he even oversaw the reshoots; he'll bring in a sharp editor and make it work. As a screenwriter, does he have that perogative?Isn't that up to the producers?

There's a new pic of Renee (as Renee, with JC;-) in the 8/28 issue of People looking surprisingly svelte. It's in their Startracks section which is generally right up to date. Must have been taken earlier this week. Doesn't appear to be on the website. Cover is the baby boomers--Madonna & Guy, Michael & CZJ, David & Iman. (Evelyn) Isn't that up to the producers? Ooops! You're absolutely right, Evelyn. Don't know why I keep thinking that RC is on the production team as well. Bethan, you're right, WT certainly has a v.impressive record, and you can add one of my faves, Dead Man Walking (Sarandon & Penn) to the mix. They haven't had a dog yet that I'm aware of, so BJD should be in good hands. It occurs to me that this carping in the press always has a decidedly sexist tone, with HF, RZ, and now Sharon as the heavies. It's an awfully tough business, with jealous parties having been known to plant negative "spin" in the press. This is likely just more of the same. Ok, am calmer now and have achieved inner poise.;-)

Not to worry - April is a long time away. All will be forgotten and hopefully the U.S. will see the film first.

HELLO there iam bob i live in Auburndale Fl iam 46 w\m 182 pounds but iam allso 6 feet tall i ride a H-D WITH A SIDECAR & I HAVE A V-W TRIKE TOO I HAVE JUST GOT THROU WITH IT & LOOKING FORWARD TO RIDING IT I FALL& HEART MY SHOULDER SO IAM IN THS V-A FOR A WEEK NOW NEEDLES TO SAY MY LAPTOP SURE COMES IN HANDY FOR STUFF LIKE THIS 0 WELL IF U WANT TO U CAN INTOUCH WITH ME @ 3wbob@prodigy.net or if u r with ICQ my # is 3wbob62597903 ok ok will be looking forward to hearing for you 3wbob:)

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Article about Hoxton in the Sunday Times. Only brief mention of BJD filming in this paragraph: To entertain the Hoxton Set, as this trendy crowd has been dubbed, one-off bars, restaurants, boutiques, galleries and nightclubs, with the emphasis on cool, have mushroomed. Now everyone seems to want a slice of the action - including Hollywood. At the beginning of the month, Hoxton resembled a studio back-lot. The nightclub 333 played host to the filming of an R&B video. Down the road, at a strip joint called Browns, a television crew filmed scenes for a new drama, Men Only. On Hoxton Square itself, Minnie Driver was put through her paces by Mel Smith, who is directing her in a new action-comedy film called High Heels and Lowlifes, which also filmed scenes at 333. It was impossible to move on the square for catering vans, trailers and thick black electrical cable. Then, 10 days ago, it was the turn of Hugh Grant and Renee Zellweger, who were shooting scenes for the Bridget Jones movie. Next month, the BBC begins filming a documentary about the East End art scene. http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/2000/08/20/stistlstl02011.html

Hi Bob!!!

(Judy)I've never been happy with the first-time director thing so lets hope RC can rescue it I don't won't Colin involved in a high-profile flop. Judy, I'd join you in the binging if I hadn't given up chocolate as an offering to the Film Gods for sake of BJD. On other hand, there is nothing to stop me from drinking a great deal. And LOL! it's all HG's fault really! (Bethan) Can't believe that they'd just give a multimillion dollar movie to someone because she is HF's best mate. HF sold the rights...she has no clout. A v. good point, Bethan, lets hope. Is wuld ne gof nif it wers so. Sorry to hear about ex-boyfriend, Laura.

(Bethan)why go for a debut director? Forgive my ignorance, but wasn't it a first time for Sam Mendes as well?

You don't want a Daniel Cleaver, Laura, you've had too many of those. Keep heart!

Bob, your email is bogus. To bad! This is not the place for that...

Just thought you gals would like to know that on cover of Time Magazine there is story about Sex and the City, and women who prefer to stay single rather than get married. They do refer to Melissa Bank's novel and Helen Fielding's BJD series....

(Laura) on cover of Time Magazine there is story about Sex and the City, and women who prefer to stay single rather than get married. Well, being singleton has its advantages, but I could be talked into considering the possibility of coupledom if they develop cloning in the near future. Let me see, whose hair strand should I secretly snip for its DNA? So many men, but I can only think of half a dozen in all of my acquaintance...(vicarious relationships through virtual fansites do count here)

(Laura) on cover of Time Magazine there is story about Sex and the City, and women who prefer to stay single rather than get married. Well, being singleton has its advantages, but I could be talked into considering the possibility of coupledom if they develop cloning in the near future. Let me see, whose hair strand should I secretly snip for its DNA? So many men, but I can only think of half a dozen in all of my acquaintance...(vicarious relationships through virtual fansites do count here)

You even cloned your post! such a singleton thing to do!