fixing tag

Long article in The SUn today about RZ (as this is Day 3 (Film 3) in "Blockbuster movie week in the Sun"). Pictures include RZ with JC, Bridget in pyjamas, 3 of RZ at school + one with HG. I will transcribe if I have time (I don't think the Sun is online).

Thanks, Mark. No need to transcribe. The Sun is online and the article is there: http://www.the-sun.co.uk/life/13292186 Strange, but it says the movies opens "next month"?????

She sure hasn't much changed since her high school days. Looks v. Texan.

There's also a writeup on this year's films at the Daily Record today: Bridget Jones' Diary - April/May [pic of RZ sliding down pole] Stars: Renee Zellwegger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant. Director: Sharon Maguire Long overdue movie version of Helen Fielding's novel stars American Zellwegger as the neurotic - and English - thirtysomething who put 'singleton' into common use. Zellwegger was so determined to get the accent correct, she spent weeks undercover working in a London publishing firm. Once she'd got the voice right, she refused to drop the accent, even on her days off. Co-star Colin Firth lost 28 pounds for his role in the movie, playing Mark Darcy, who competes with Hugh Grant's character for Bridget's affections. Star rating: 7

Star rating: 7 Is this the official rating? It is too soon to be having press screenings. I think RZ looks very different now. Mari did you see her last night on Leno? Thanks for the tip, Mark.

How mortifying to have your high school prom pictures show up in the press years later! Good thing I burned mine. Not that anyone has been clamoring for them . . .;-) Moon, she wasn't on Leno, after all; must have cancelled. Interesting show, though: Mickey Rourke finally sober and coherent, and Eddie Izzard dressed as a man!:-)

Star rating: 7 I have no idea what that's all about, but it's certainly not a rating of the movie itself. Probably what they assigned to the combo of RZ/HG/CF. Not exactly stacked with A-Listers. ;-) As a comparison, Cast Away got a 9 (Wilson brought them down from 10); Chocolat, with Johnny Depp billed first got an 8. Ooops, The Mexican with Julia and Brad got a 7. So goes my theory... :-( (Mari) Interesting show, though: Mickey Rourke finally sober and coherent Ugh! Couldn't look at him. *shivering* ugh!

(Karen, quoting)Co-star Colin Firth lost 28 pounds for his role in the movie Wonder where he had them ;-)

...and who's been counting?

From Francoise, Miramax has put up its little Bridget page under "Coming Soon." The only pic--so far--is of RZ and our boy!! Hoorah! http://www.miramax.com/mm_front/owa/mp.entryPoint?action=0&midStr=1408

she finds herself caught between two men - a man who's too good to be true, Daniel Cleaver, played by Hugh Grant (Four Weddings And A Funeral, Notting Hill), and a man who's so wrong he could be right, Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth (Shakespeare in Love, The English Patient). Hmmm, "so wrong" ??? Oh well, CF's credits are far more impressive.

Well, it's about time; they finally did something right, though their site is pathetic next to yours, Karen.. Hmmm, "so wrong" ??? Oh well, CF's credits are far more impressive. Well, they do start off thinking they're wrong for each other. CF's films are certainly more impressive--BUT, Hugh's roles were starring ones, and that's why he's known the world over. Starring roles in good films carry more cache than small roles in very good ones.

I know, I know...should've done lots of winkies. ;-)sssssss

I know you know.;-) I'm just glad I didn't put us all in italic-land again.;-) Is this the first time we've seen BJ's age (32) specified?

Hooray....pic of ODB featured over Hughie!!Best one of the lot so far IMO. Agree that Miramax should ask Karen to lay the web page out for them. ( IMO Miramax has the worst website of all the studios.)

pic of ODB featured over Hughie!!Best one of the lot so far IMO. It is such an outstanding pic...and I'm not very biased, really! ;-)

pic of ODB featured over Hughie!!Best one of the lot so far IMO. Yeah, the one with Hughie is so awkward. Karen, when will the press kit be ready? There should be some new pictures out soon. Poor sappy Hugh. (He reminds me of a slobbering dog). He will never want to be in another film with Colin. ;-)

Spoke to my local Miramax rep. Tells me corporate told him BJD will open in the US early April.(No set date yet...too early) Limited release . NY, LA, Chicago, Dallas and he forgot the 5th city. Not mine obviously.( Boston ,Philly, San Fran? Which one is a first tier city?) So it looks like I'll be hitting the firiendly skies again to see it in Dallas. (ODB guy never makes things easy...grrrrr.) ~~~~~~~~ OT. Also tells me Chocolat opening in 2 more theatres here next week. Grrrrr, again.

ooh, I hope Boston!!!

Limited release Are these people morons? Is this how a "high profile" film is released? (answers below, if you need them) ;-) This is truly stupid.

Don't panic; they're apparently "platforming" it, starting it off in a few cities before going wider in subsequent weeks. They did the same thing with TEP, SIL, and most others. It will get around; they didn't give up U.S. rights to Corelli just to see this one sit. I hope.;-)

Wrong, wrong, wrong. They should be positioning it as any other mainstream romantic comedy, like a What Women Want, a Notting Hill, any Julia Roberts film. Granted it won't open on 3,000 screens, but it should open on more than 1,000 nationwide. I'd bet you a dozen Dunken Donuts, that the other ones that are coming out in the spring and are aimed at women will be bigger releases, such as Animal Husbandry, etc. By doing the limited release in a 5-6 cities, they are making it appear like a all those other quirky little Brit imports (Saving Grace, Saving the Fish & Chip Shop, Saving the Old Mine, Saving the Lottery Ticket) that play in arthouses. I'm telling you Miramax only knows how to wage an Oscar campaign (regardless of the worthiness of the film). When it comes to the rest of the year, these people are...... Are 12 Prozac enough?

I am speechless.

Listen folks....it's early yet to be despondent. And like Mari said TEP was released that way.I haven't gotten CTHD yet. Traffic was two weeks late. (I do think SIL hit the fan on Christmas Day nationwide.Even we got it then) All Brit films start out this way. Notting Hill had Julia Roberts. RZ isn't there yet. Hey...for all you folks who wanted an "unknown" British star for Bridget.....and had panic attacks over Renee & HG...you'd really be art-house-limited now... I remain optimistic for a sleeper blockbuster... I am not despondent.

Is it 5 cities, and then 40, or 5 cities period? I actually thought that BJD already had mini-blockbuster status...it's had a lot of publicity, and the book is wellknown.. TEP in the early days was strictly arthouse. One thing that bothers me about the Miramax "sleeper" approach, is that BJD opens first in the US, and how it opens in the US will have an effect on the UK market. I realise that RZ isn't Julia Roberts, but her profile seems quite high at the moment, and at least enough to guarantee a reasonably wide release in the US? I thought that was one of the reasons the producers opted for her....to make the US market more accessible.

(Mari) they [Miramorons] didn't give up U.S. rights to Corelli just to see this one sit. I hope.;-) They didn't have Corelli. They only had Madden, who Universal wanted to direct it after Roger Michell had his heart attack. (Bethan) I thought that was one of the reasons the producers opted for her....to make the US market more accessible. Absolutely. Evelyn, I think your local Miramoron rep has been fed a line. Granted, it may not play everywhere during the first week, but Bridget is not a TEP or SiL type movie.

Evelyn, I think your local Miramoron rep has been fed a line. Granted, it may not play everywhere during the first week, but Bridget is not a TEP or SiL type movie. Oh..No one is saying 5 cities period...that's only the initial opening. First tier cities...then second and so forth.Sorry if I gave the wrong impression.

Was just checking out Miralax's U.S. release schedule over the coming months. They have three England-based comedies due to debut within 6 weeks of each other, starting with Birthday Girl on February 23 (Nicole Kidman as a Russian mail order bride ordered up by Ben Chaplin); Blow Dry on March 6 (Save the town with a hairdressing contest; Alan Rickman, Rachel Griffiths); and BJD on April 6. The first 2 were pushed back from their original Fall '00 dates. Several other releases bunched in there as well in the winter/spring, then nothing scheduled for summer. I'd bet that some of these dates will move. Also, I can't recall any Miramax release that hasn't opened platform style in a few citites, before going wide. Even SIL opened in NY and LA 2 weeks before the nationwide Christmas opening; I remember going up to NY on my birthday to see it.

Blow Dry... Save the town with a hairdressing contest Sounds gripping.

(M)Blow Dry... Save the town with a hairdressing contest (Arami)Sounds gripping. LOL. Maybe they'll change the title to "Blow-Job". Now that would bring them in....;-))

I actually caught a glimpse of location shooting for "Blow Dry" (not the best of titles!)...they were shooting outside the local law courts. I thought I saw Alan Rickman, but it may just have been a tall crew member! It's scripted by the guy who wrote "The Full Monty", so no doubt it will be hailed as the new FM, yawn, yawn. No mention of it recently, unlike BJD which gets good ongoing coverage. What strikes me...there are *so* many movies being made, it's very difficult to stand out from the crowd. I think BJD does have that essential higher profile.

Blow Job A good alternative title which missed its turn with Brassed Off.

(Mari) Blow Dry on March 6 (Save the town with a hairdressing contest...The first 2 were pushed back from their original Fall '00 dates. I'm sure the delay had to do with the megasuccess of The Big Tease, Craig Ferguson's mockumentary about a Scottish hairdresser who competes in a big international styling contest in LA which played last summer. Actually, it was pretty funny.

A special Anniversary today ... It was 5 years ago today that we in the US saw the first installment of P&P on the A&E network, thus beginning a serious addiction in many of us. So happy anniversary Mr. Darcy ! -- you don't look a day over 183!!

Sorry

Thanks KJ, yummy. now roll on Mark Darcy.

Lovely KJ. Thank you for allowing us to be so deliciously reminded.

Mr. Darcy is always a welcomed addition to our party. :-) I thought The Big Tease was funny. But enough to start a trend? Just one more proof as to how desperate movie studios are. At least it is not *based on a true story*. Is that supposed to validate a film? Give me the well written fiction story any time. :-D

KJ, thanks for the party idea ;-)

GOLDEN SATELLITE AWARDS Best Actress in a Comedy Renee Zellweger - NURSE BETTY (USA Films) Best Comedy:

Best Comedy: NURSE BETTY (Ok Mark?) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Good omen for BJD that Renee is being acknowledged for her comedic talent.

(Evelyn)Good omen for BJD that Renee is being acknowledged for her comedic talent. Agreed, she was brilliant in Nurse B, and had excellent reviews. It would be great if she nabbed the Golden Globe this Sunday; nationally televised show, gets lots of press attention. Let's see who she's up against: --Juliet Binoche (Chocolat) Sadly, I'd have to say she'll take it. Miramax has probably schmoozed these GG people to within an inch of their lives. I like JB, but this role doesn't have the heft to deserve a win, IMO. --Tracey Ullmann (Small Time Crooks) She'd be my second choice after Renee. Her Frenchy had me on the floor. --Brenda Blethyn (Saving Grace) I like Brenda and she was very good in this, but the film was just so-so, IMO. --Sandra Bullock (Miss Congeniality) Haven't seen it, but it looks silly.

Saw the trailer for "Miss Congeniality". OH MY! Ouch

Good for Rene...and good for BJD if she's on a winning streak. I hope she gets an Oscar nod. Excellent timing and, indirectly, promotion for BJD.

Miss Congeniality was not THAT bad. I was actually entertained. SB is just playing up the same quirkiness she had in "While you were Sleeping." I take her charm over Meg Ryan's any day.

I have to agree with Winter regarding "Miss Congeniality" ... Sandra Bullock's and Benjamine Bratt's sparring scenes are quite funny. OT: I also read your comments on Pemberley about CTHD ... my brother wailed that it's a romance! you didn't tell me it was a romance!!! And the reason I've actually come out of lurkdom ... I found this on the online version of the Mirror ... Last Gasp Edit for Bridget Movie JUST like her love life, the journey of Bridget Jones's Diary to the screen has not been a smooth one. We've heard that writer Richard Curtis has rushed the final version into the editing suite for some last-minute slicing. He's cutting it fine because the movie, which stars Colin Firth and Hugh Grant, hits cinemas next month

...for some last-minute slicing. Ug....hope ODB doesn't get sliced:-(( ....which stars Colin Firth and Hugh Grant, hits cinemas next month Next Month??? Like the way Colin's name comes first:-))) Thanks Marianne.Come join us on #136. We have an ongoing spirited discussion of current films, awards ,movie stars, sports etc. Colin news is on #134.

Better Richard Curtis should be slicing than Harvey Scissorhands.;-) I thought I was told here at one time that Curtis was "only" one of the writers? Maybe he's cutting the scene that Beaks didn't like at the end.;-) Maybe Curtis = Beaks!;-) Actually, if they're up to a final version already, they're in good shape, the "next month" comment notwithstanding. Has anyone been in touch with Universal (or whomever their affiliate is in England) about a release date?

Last Gasp Edit for Bridget Movie Gaaah! Like this is not the norm??? Puh-leez ;-) (Evelyn) Like the way Colin's name comes first:-))) *hee hee* And no mention of RZ. How funny. But, you know, here we won't even see ODB's name associated with the film, except in the ads. :-( (Marianne) you didn't tell me it was a romance!!! I try not to give away anything. ;-) The relevant part was I didn't think that aspect was any good. Go see House of Mirth if you want tragic romance...and Kleenex!

Have to admit to only seeing Michael Caine with SB in that trailer. Sounds like it's better with SB/BB! Fingers crossed for that rushed editing. Wouldn't mind my own copy of all ODB's scenes and nothing else, as a little souvenir, perhaps we should place a bulk order. I can see it now "BJD The Drool Cut". But guess that like RV in our blockbuster , they would only have a single copy.

Hi Marianne! :-) Long time no talk! Jana2... you still out there? Karen Go see House of Mirth if you want tragic romance...and Kleenex! I've been tempted to see it. A few weeks ago, I was listening to the local NPR station, which adverstised House of Mirth. I kid you not, but this what I heard, "Critics call 'House of Mirth' refreshingly devastating!" LOL...either I'm out of touch with the English language, or critics are strapped to find adjectives!

(Lizza) "BJD The Drool Cut" I love it!! (but we know the all-important towel scene was in the second book, so back to the studios...additional footage required). (Marianne) refreshingly devastating I've been using "rips your heart out" myself. For another "devastating" one, although not so refreshing, try Dancer in the Dark with a carton of Kleenex. ;-)

(Lizza) "BJD The Drool Cut". Great idea, Lizza! I can add it onto my Darcy bits cut of P&P, thereby rendering a sort of Fitzwilliam continuum.:-) I wouldn't worry about the editing either; it's not unusual for that process to occur up until the 11th hour. Maybe they're Curtis-izing it, adding in the part where Bridget says to Mark, "I'm just a girl with inner poise. Standing in front of a sooper-dooper top-notch lawyer boy. Asking him to love her. ;-) ******* From this month's Biography magazine: "Helen Fielding's first novel (written "BBJ," before Bridget Jones) is released this month here in the U.S. Cause Celeb skewers the world of celebrity fundraising."

Last Gasp Edit Don't cut my scene! Thanks, Evelyn, for crediting RZ with her Golden Satellite noms (whassat?)

Don't cut my scene! LOL Mark

I saw House of Mirth (as posted on odds and ends); I didn't cry. I didn't even bat an eyelash. (I found it completely implausible, to be exact); But then again, I am such a woman of the current times that I can't understand the whole social mores of that era. I prefer to think of myself more as a Bridget Jones Type, who'd rather play on Internet than work. Who'd rather be friends with daughter than actually do that whole parenting thing (which I must say is tiring, exhausting, and well causes me to wrinkle!); I prefer to have "Friends w/benefits" rather than actually saying I have a boyfriend. Because when "friend w/benefits" up and leaves, heart is not ripped out as if you had "boyfriend" and um, well you can always have more than one "Friend w/ benefits" but I don't recommend it, because then it gets too messy;) And I'd never do what Lily Bart does.... :)

Laura, I think you will be quite alone in your opinion of HoM. (Mari), Maybe they're Curtis-izing it, adding in the part where Bridget says to Mark, "I'm just a girl with inner poise. Standing in front of a sooper-dooper top-notch lawyer boy. Asking him to love her. ;-) ROTF! I too wonder about this last minute cut, as they say. But I would happily take the drool cuts and I think somebody (OD Bucket mistress) ;-) should sugeest it to their company. Sharon would understand. :-) In the current Vanity Fair, HF is asked about a fav. writer, she says Woodhouse. showing v.g. taste but they credit her not as the BJD writer but as the Cause Celeb writer. I found that rather odd, so thanks, Mari, for clearing that up. Mark, hang in there. Keeping fingers crossed. ;-)

Evidently, there's an article in this week's Heat magazine. Anyone care to check? Re: Cause Celeb Wouldn't you just love HF's life. She's going to make more money without having to lift a finger or type another word. Bet she's scrounging through old packing boxes looking for her school essays. I see a collection of short stories being readied. ;-)

And... I've spoken to UIP, which is releasing BJD in the UK, and they said it is "confirmed" that Bridget will open on April 13. (The March 30 date had been under discussion.)

(Mark) ...for crediting RZ with her Golden Satellite noms (whassat?) Golden Satellite Awards:Comprised of 250 full time professional journalists from the US and abroad.They broke off from Golden Globes in 1996.They honor outstanding achievement in film, TV and multimedia. [Probably not a 'hot' one...but we take awards where we can get'em;-)]

Thanks for that Karen. That will be the second week of school holidays here, so will get better audiences! And I'm strictly talking about those older volvo driving teachers rather than their students. If TH can "sell out" in Cast away for his first night then I have high hopes for this.

Bridget will open on April 13. In the UK, and when in the US? I am planning to be in the UK at the end of April/beginning of May. So it looks as if I will miss the premiere. :-( Will you be able to make it, Mark?

Thanks for that Karen. That will be the second week of school holidays here, so will get better audiences! And I'm strictly talking about those older volvo driving teachers rather than their students. If TH can "sell out" in Cast away for his first night then I have high hopes for this.

whoops, sorry about that. Mark has had an official invite .....so I hear! We're counting on you! The fact that you are actually in it is coincidental.

April 13 is the date given by Miramax, but it isn't confirmed.

Laura, I think you will be quite alone in your opinion of HoM. ] Well I'm not an Edith Wharton fan. To say the least, if she were still alive, I'd tell her to lighten up! It's a horrible story. But I'm entitled to my opinion. I didn't like it.

It's a horrible story. But I'm entitled to my opinion. I didn't like it. I hesitate to join in a discussion of an American classic but the film was just a bit too depressing for my taste but Eric Stolz (spelling) was sooo cute. Not in a league with ODB but drool material nonetheless. Sorry to lower the tone and to be so OT on the BJD board.

April 13 - I'll be in the UK then, but probably in Wales. However, if there is a chance that Colin is going to be at the premier, I will hot foot it to London. It would suit me if they delayed it by about 10 days. I'm sure if I write them, they will take this into consideration ;-)

Karen, I have the Heat magaqzine and nearly didn't bother to mention it as it focuses on HG and RZ, Colin is just given a mention and there are "Exclusive Pictures", but not the best one of all ie. ODB & RZ. At least Total Film had it last week. Anyway the most interesting thing from the article is this "BJD - first pics from the movie......The film which finished shooting last August, has now reached the final stages of post-production, and is headed for a star-studded London premiere in March and then an April cinema release" Karen, any ides how we can find out about the Premiere, did UIP mention it. I would guess it would be the week before the 13th and I would think it would be as big as SIL, I wonder if we will be able to get tickets!! Will type the whole Heat article if you like but I have read better. Also we have seen all the pictures before, they are all on your Bucket site.

(Cathey) I'm sure if I write them, they will take this into consideration ;-) Why didn't we think of that? ;-) Of course, Colin will be at the premiere. I'm sure Livia is sending his "premiere" suit off to the dry cleaners and buying something new for herself. The actual premiere will be before that date.

The actual premiere will be before that date. Premiere in the UK April 13th. When in the US? Also do we ignore what Heat Mag says about the March premiere?

Moon April 13th, is the date it opens in the UK not the Premiere, weo don't have a date for the Premiere yet, Heat seems to be the most up to date regarding release date and Premiere.

Lizza: Mark has had an official invite .....so I hear! Wow! I wish I had heard that. Sadly not the case.

From Baz today: Watch out for RZ, CF and HG, who star in the movie version of BJD. Producer Eric Fellner has tested the picture with cinema audiences in Reading and New York and the results indicated a higher level of popularity than Four Weddings... and Notting Hill. It opens in April.

That's great, thanks Aishling.

Oh that's very, very good! I remember reading that NH got a 90% audience rating, and they were over the moon about it..and used this fact to create a buzz. Also if BJD has done well with both US and UK audiences, that's even better. Sometimes movies don't get the same sort of responses on both sides of the Atlantic.

Thanks, Aishling. I'd bet that this item was placed with Baz specifically to counter the "Richard Curtis last minute edit job" news from The Mirror two days ago.

This is going to be interesting. The Hollywood Reporter today has an item about a new film RZ will be starting to film on April 2 in Europe. How is she going to promote the movie? The junket will probably be way before and she'll have to fly back to appear on the TV shows and the premiere.

That is fabulous news, Aishling. Thanks! They are very smart to move quickly in countering the "rush edit" story with the facts. Working Title is really on the ball. I'm so glad it seems to be playing well on both sides of the pond.

Excellent news Aishling, thank you. I still think they will go with 13th April, big Easter film release that way.

Baz's story of yesterday is confirmed in today's Daily Telegraph, hurrah for Reading and New York. It is good to get confirmation not that Baz isn't always accurate. It states that BJD will open simultaneously in the UK & US on the 13th April and that Working Titles are cock-a-hoop.

This is from this week's Entertainment Weekly: Bridget Jones' Diary Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant make a v. interesting pair ________________________________________________________________________________ Brits were not amused by the casting of BJD, the film adaption of Helen Fielding's smash 1998 novel about a "Singleton" working girl; the meaty role of the ever-dieting Londoner went to slim...Texan RZ. That the actress packed on the pounds and spent four weeks researching Jones' occupation in a U.K. publishing house helped quell some criticism. It didn't take long for director Sharon McGuire -who enticed Hugh Grant to play "a delicious, completely sexy baddie"-to realize she'd found her Bridget. "She made me laugh immediately, and she had a fantastic innocence and goodness," Maaguire says. "I came from the meeting and said,"I'm afraid she's absolutely right." (April 13) --------- I'm not sure I understand the last quote. Right about what? No mention of Colin. Picture that says it is HG, but does not look like him to me, and RZ.

"I'm afraid she's absolutely right." She = RZ and Maguire is saying that RZ is absolutely right...for the role. At least, that's my interpretation. Thanks, Sue, for confirmation of how the movie will be publicized in the US. :-(

That's Hugh in the pic, Susanne, and it's a new one. He and BJ are on the sofa, her head in his lap, looks like she's reading a magazine. His hair is very long. And he looks wrinkled. And old. I don't see it online yet. Anyway, how about we all let Entertainment Weakly hear how we feel about leaving CF out? Their e-mail address is: ew_letters@ew.com You need to include your name, address, and daytime phone number. Ann, thanks for the Telegraph info; I'm feeling rather cock-a-hoop myself about this film!:-)

(Mari) how about we all let Entertainment Weakly hear how we feel about leaving CF out? Done. I assume the letters are liable to be published...are they? It states that BJD will open simultaneously in the UK & US on the 13th April Great timing...the Easter weekend movie!

(Evelyn) I assume the letters are liable to be published...are they? They do publish a sampling of letters each week. BTW, the current edition in question is their guide to 2001 entertainment . . and they didn't totally blow it. See me on Odds & Ends.:-)

How about some serious drool for Mark Darcy? Fill in the blank: I can't wait to see...(name a scene you hope they have included). For example, I can't wait to see Mark ask Bridget to dance. ODB asked in P&P and Playmaker but not enough other places. Oh, I can't wait (and I hope they got the angle right so we get to see him).

(winter) Miss Congeniality was not THAT bad....SB is just playing up the same quirkiness she had in "While you were Sleeping." I take her (Sandra Bullock's) charm over Meg Ryan's any day. "Miss Congeniality" is great fun, not a great movie, but fun. Bullock is delightful, as for Ryan, what charm? She is severely charm challenged, as well as being talent challenged. Ryan is a triple threat: no talent, no charm, and no looks.

(Caribou) I can't wait to see Mark ask Bridget to dance Oooh, that's my fav from the first book. Outside, at the anniversary party, when he cuts in on the young whippersnapper. "I'll take over, Simon." Hope it makes the movie. *chills*

Baz's story of yesterday is confirmed in today's Daily Telegraph, hurrah for Reading and New York. It is good to get confirmation not that Baz isn't always accurate. It states that BJD will open simultaneously in the UK & US on the 13th April and that Working Titles are cock-a-hoop. It's a prominent news item in their weekly "show biz" type column. Big pic oF RZ. Can't miss it. It says that BJD scored an audience rating of 90% for responses "exellent" to "good", which was "considerably higher" than NH or 4Weddings. As I mentioned, I remember reading about NH's terrific audience reponse...I think (to be very specific) it scored mid eighties, not ninety. who enticed Hugh Grant to play "a delicious, completely sexy baddie" This makes the nth time we've been told how sexy HG is! But I do think that in the States it will be promoted, initially, as a RZ/HG vehicle...they are both known quantities. Is a simultaneous release date good? I think "yes".

I meant to add that I think that Working Title will ensure that BJD gets off to a flying start, in the UK at least. They built up an excellent buzz about NH, so much so that it took �10million in the opening week. The point that BJD has a higher audience rating than either NH and 4W (the two biggest money-makers in British film) has already been picked up by the press and will be repeated. I think that promotion is all-important. We have to be told that a film is "eagerly anticipated" "brilliant" "the event of the year" etc, well before the movie hits the screens. Even if reviews are bad or so-so, success is then guaranteed, which is why Hollywood blockbusters with Big Names always do well.

(Mari)That's Hugh in the pic, Susanne, and it's a new one. He and BJ are on the sofa, her head in his lap, looks like she's reading a magazine. His hair is very long. And he looks wrinkled. And old. I don't see it online yet. Wow - seriously bad pic of HG. Oh well, at least he looks suitably slimy and Cleaver-ish :-). (winter) Hi Marianne! :-) Long time no talk! Jana2... you still out there? Yes, huff, puff, huff as I'm climbing up the stairs from the lurkdom basement. V. nice to see both of you posting this week! Miss you :-).

(Jana2) from the lurkdom basement Thought maybe your absence had something to do with the electricity crisis. :-(

(Karen) Thought maybe your absence had something to do with the electricity crisis. :-( So far so good. I have the good fortune to be served by a municipal utility that is not yet deregulated so there seems to be adequate supply for our area for the time being. California however is starting to resemble the emerging markets in which I generally work marketing power plants. It's all very odd. And now, how can I link this to BJD so as not to violate the board topic? How about this? Mark Darcy would be my favorite character to cuddle up with when the lights go out ;-).

Renee really IS Bridget!! I predict that will be your headlines tomorrow. She just won for Best Actress for her Nurse Betty and was in the bathroom at the time. Coincidentally, Hugh Grant was the presenter and he was announced as "starring in the upcoming film BJD." RZ was adorable as she was hauled out of the ladies to pick up her award. ;-)

ROTFLOL!!!! I'm on West Coast time and so it hasn't been broadcast here yet. This is truly BJ behavior at its best (or Christine Lahti, depending on your preferred frame of reference)!!! Can't wait to see it. Hey Jana, thank god for DWP, eh? I've got the candles ready, though, just in case...

Yes, it was definitely a Christine Lahti moment. Here's from BBC online: Almost too late Zellweger almost missed her award because she was in the toilet when the name was announced. Her late entrance was a repeat of Christine Lahti's similar mishap, when she won for Chicago Hope in 1998. Presenter Hugh Grant had to fill in until Zellweger hurried from the back of the room, first in tears, then whooping with joy. "A moment I'll never forget - a moment I almost didn't have," she said.

Wasn't that a riot? I kept thinking, "How very Bridget of you!" Well done, Renee, and very well deserved!

Way to go, Ren�e! And clearly a staged publicity stunt to benefit BJD ;-) Everything is looking so good for our film that I demand the name of the pessimist who wrote the following downbeat analysis not four months ago: a first-time director, low-profile support cast, lame-looking soundtrack, fearful costuming, production difficulties, arguments over billing, accent criticism, uncertain release date, mix-and-match screenplay, unfaithful public.