(Bethan) The problem is that he often has to appear on the screen with English actors who are shorter, and much slighter in build than him They've solved that problem in Conspiracy by having KB wear platform jackboots, while Colin stands in a trench. ;-D

They've solved that problem in Conspiracy ROTFLOL!

Would love to see a transcript of the UK "Making Of" show (just CF parts will suffice.;-) Thanks. I think it's different from the one we saw in the US; when interviewed on-set, CF was in the Tarts & Vicars attire, not the Bada Bing. (Love that BB scene, especially when he talks about Heany's sacrifice for the man she loves. Oh, yummy!) (LaDonna)I just have to say when we went, I noticed one guy with an umbrella. 'Cuz it's raining men! Allelujah!:-) More from Miramax's Mark Gill: He's calling all the repeat viewers "our evangelists." Kin ah hear an A-Men!;-) RZ was on Good Morning America today, interviewed by Diane Sawyer. Diane said she had already seen the film twice. Clip included CF. I really think we need him back here for more TV interviews, as #1 placement is largely result of excellent appearances last week. He should come back and do the late night shows, sort of a valedictory tour.:-)

(Mari) I really think we need him back here for more TV interviews, as #1 placement is largely result of excellent appearances last week. He should come back and do the late night shows, sort of a valedictory tour.:-) Another, A-men! However, that might be kind of difficult as today is the start date for TIOBE. Perhaps they can work around his scenes...maybe do those brilliantly funny Cecily-Gwendolyn meet at the country house scenes. *oh, stop being sarcastic, Karen* ;-D

Since the film is #1...can you imagine what the video bring in...and repeats on TV domestic and international? Hope he gets residuals.

I wonder how much they paid him? The Grunt got $6m I read.

Great news about the success of the film. I was interested in your "Making of BJD" discussions. I agree he looks great, better than ever, but I think he doesn't need to take off any more weight. In fact I love him "Just as he is" I was particularly interested in the techniques of the cameraman in the doc. We only saw Gnat from the shoulders up, his face filling the screen, whereas Colin had the whole body shot several times ( I am glad to say). Is there something in HG's contract that says don't film my legs in interviews?

Oh yes and another startling comment from our favourite floppy soundbiter, revealing the secret of ODB's new svelte looks! "Colin has denied he was ever on a diet." HG "he's such a liar. He's known as "slimline Firth" At the hotel where we were staying the waiter came up to him and said "It's vodka and slimline tonic, isn't it?" Well we wouldn't have expected him to choose Chakkakahn would we?! (Now Magazine)

(Allison)I wonder how much they paid him? The Grunt got $6m I read. Ask Bethan, the financial archivist ;-) I remember Huge got more than Renee.

Pardon my ignorance, but how do the powers at be at Miramess know that the attendees of BJD this past week were largely �repeat business?� I did not have �first time viewer� stamped on my forehead or hand last week, nor did the ticket guy ask me market research type questions. Are they basing their findings using Drool as their statistical sample? (plus or minus 10 Firthettes�) I want the data! :-) After all, this Firth obsession is not your standard deviation�..

(Kate)About Gnat's counting of lines--do we ever know if anything he says is: (a) true (b) something he made up to be cute/outrageous (c) something a PR person told him would be cute/outrageous I think you may be onto something...;-) Let's send Gnat to be interviewed by Chevy! Well, Huge had to contend with Rosie Frankenhand so I'd say the score is even. Kin ah hear an A-Men!;-) a-MEN, sistah Mari! Um-Ummm! #1 placement is largely result of excellent appearances last week. He should come back and do the late night shows, sort of a valedictory tour.:-) Sing it, sistah! Yeah! (Karen) maybe do those brilliantly funny Cecily-Gwendolyn meet at the country house scenes. *oh, stop being sarcastic, Karen* ;-D LMAO!

(Karen)However, that might be kind of difficult as today is the start date for TIOBE Yes, but since TIOBE is Miramax, director can be easily prevailed upon to shuffle shooting schedule; surely handbag scene will have same poignancy if shot next week.;-) Hey, if Universal can send their jet to whisk him from Roma to London for premiere . . . (Lizza)Well we wouldn't have expected him to choose Chakkakahn would we?! LOL! One of my fave lines from the film--"I will not be defeated by a bad man and an American stick insect. I choose . . .vodka . . .and Chakka Khan!" (Lisa)Pardon my ignorance, but how do the powers at be at Miramess know that the attendees of BJD this past week were largely �repeat business?� They use a high-powered market research consulting firm, Lisa, and it's quite a scientific system, actually. Step 1: Stand in stiff breeze. Step 2: Spit into wind. Step 3: Record results. Step 4. Send invoice to Harvey. ;-) I meant to note before--those UK results are all the more phenomenal considering the number of venues. Well done!

LaDonna: Did you get my email re: how to effect the name change? Yes I did see. LoL 'Cuz it's raining men! Allelujah!:-) LOL Mari I didn't get to see BJD again this weekend since I only had one day off and that was Sunday. I am hoping to see it again this week. There have been so many different interviews with Colin from different sources it is getting very hard to keep track. But one thing is for sure BJD is numbet one because I heard it first thing this morning on the TODAY SHOW. ~LaDonna

Why didn't my name change? I'll change it here. Would that matter? ~LaDonna

(Lisa) I did not have �first time viewer� stamped on my forehead or hand last week You didn't? this Firth obsession is not your standard deviation�.. The real deviation from norm is any affinity for Huge. ;-D Will have to get Ben to extrapolate and create a new model of scientific accuracy. Hmmm, where is Ben? At the movies perhaps? A cooking class in omelette-making, with a speciality in whisk management? (Mari) surely handbag scene will have same poignancy if shot next week.;-) Expect that scene to be done last, as is most important and Dame Judi will need weeks of rehearsal and coaching to say, "a haaaannnnndbag" just right. Step 1: Stand in stiff breeze. Step 2: Spit into wind. Step 3: Record results. Step 4. Send invoice to Harvey. ;-) LMAO! Actually, marketing types are currently contemplating their navels to figure out why Freddie didn't get bigger numbers. Have absolutely never heard as bad a review from Ebert/Roeper before...even questioning why Tom Green is in movies.

I think they identify repeat viewers by posting spies in the back row. Repeaters can be identified by their body language and comments: "Look, it's Crispy! Is that four or five?" Cringing in anticipation of the finger snap. Lack of concern when Mark leaves the party because we know he's coming back. Yelling "Look out Mark!" in anticipation of Daniel's cheap-shot fighting. Whispering "I like you... very much... just as you are" at the appropriate moment. Shouting "Go! Go! Go!" along with camera man. Doing the Kick to punctuate "All By Myself" and having to aplogize to person in front. Knowing exactly how long to doze in between COLIN's scenes!

GAH! As soon as I hit "submit" I thought of another: Pointing to man walking by convertible and saying "I know who that is."

(Kate) Doing the Kick to punctuate "All By Myself" and having to aplogize to person in front LOL! Should we tell Miramax that BJD is fast becoming new Rocky Horror Picture Show? Am planning on wearing bunny costume to next showing.

Karen , am vv upset at image of another man "being helpful in the kitchen" and wielding said whisk who is NOT ODB!! We are very happy to visualise you frying eggs instead Ben, preferably out of the kitchen! Also had several men comment to me how "gross" they have found cover of Hello this week with HG. Reckon it's Mark Darcy and Mark Darcy alone pulling in the male punters!! Seriously there have been several "lone " males at my screenings.

(Kate F) Doing the Kick to punctuate "All By Myself" and having to aplogize to person in front. LOL, next time must sit in aisle seat! :-)

(Lizza) am vv upset at image of another man "being helpful in the kitchen" Many will try, but few will succeed. ;-D

Also had several men comment to me how "gross" they have found cover of Hello Aren't they right. Does anyone think it is attractive? I am not completely opposed to HG but I think that front cover is a big mistake. It is on every newstand and it is very off putting.

You got it Boss!

Sorry Allison , that previous comment was whisk related for Karen!! I caught a brief glimpse of the new impersonation show on BBC 1 last night. HG was a brand new addition to the rep. As Alistair Mc Gowen was busy being HG in full flight, his companion said quickly "Why are you blinking so much? Are you ill?" It was too funny!

"Why are you blinking so much? Are you ill?" *guffaw* :-D

Should we tell Miramax that BJD is fast becoming new Rocky Horror Picture Show? Am planning on wearing bunny costume to next showing. I am going as cruel-raced ex-wife. *Donning kimono* ;-) Loved your list, Kate. In manner of Rocky Horror repeat offenders, er, viewers, suggest we bring props to be flung at appropriate moments: "A toast to Mark and Natasha" "Do you have any eggs?" "Mark is a prematurely middle-aged prick . . ."

This picture is from the same photo shoot for Talk Magazine, except on our cover he's wearing the chamois or doeskin shirt. Inside, however, is a truly obnoxious pic. You can click here to view it: http://www.talkmagazine.com/talkmedia/may2001/index.html

Hmm...what's the phrase I want? Ah--kiss my a**. ;-) (Mari, in rare form) "Mark is a prematurely middle-aged prick . . ." I'd pay extra to see that.

*recoiling in horror at Hello! cover* Good heavens, could you please post a warning before you put up a picture like that? I feel incredibly ill....and dirty. Must now go take shower--or see BJD for fourth time--in effort to cleanse mind of nasty photo. What on earth were they thinking?????

Have just returned from 4th viewing, and five friends loved it, in fact have converted one, and she is going back for a repeat. I think it was the kiss that did it, oh that kiss! The audience laughed in all the right places and quite often prematurely so my friends missed some of the punchlines and another packed house and it was on on 2 screens, I have never seen anything like it especially for a Monday evening. Am already planning 5th viewing!! Oh he really must do more roles like this, forget TIOBE!

No, really, AnnW, don't hold back. Tell us how you liked it. ;-D

Read in The Mirror (that paragon of reliable journalism) over the weekend that HF is writing a short story to update BJs life.....bad news I gather is that you'll have to buy Diet Coke by the crateload in order to obtain it. Am v impressed at how we are 'singlehandedly', for we are as one , smashing Box Office records by means of multi visitations....do you think they'll catch on to our plan? Like the idea of the BJ picture show. I would go in trainers, baggy beige cardy and tiger stripey pants but those of you who know me will, I am sure, agree that it would not be fair to inflict this on the world ....even if in the dark! Maybe will wear carpet instead ;)

"Grant, who has often been compared to 1940s film star Cary Grant, " By whom ? Blasphemy.

I saw that line about Cary Grant and have been trying to find comparisons. Cary Grant was charming, elegant, witty, someone to fall in love with. I think a comparison with someone else (!!!) is more apt. Hugh and Cary: Both male. Both have made movies. Both have last name Grant (hmm, what about Hughie Leach?). Both have done romantic comedy. EUwww! Am imagining HG in "Affair to Remember" my favorite have-a-cry movie. Gah! Makes the Warren Beatty remake sound almost good. Thinking about this is worse than looking at that Hello! picture.

Fearing lack of objectivity, tonight, I asked DH whether the movie was really good, or I just liked it due to (possible) obsession. For example, is it as good as Notting Hill (which we both saw many times)? "Oh, yes, was the quick response". Am v. relieved. Can go for 4 1/2th time without worry of compulsive behavior. Although feel inadequate in present company.

(Karen) Inside, however, is a truly obnoxious pic. You can click here to view it: Dave Letterman made much of it on his show with HG. Hugh said he hated these things (stills shoots) and often stipulated that he'd only do them drunk and they must supply the champagne. Then he mimicked a thick Eastern Europian accent as the photographer saying "I think it would be interesting if did one of you with four naked girls..." , by which point he said he would do anything.... ;-)

Sexy pic of Hugh!

Apparently, they aren't done getting BJD into more theaters. This is on Hollywood.com: "Bridget" will be adding theaters next week, as well. "We're actually looking at, perhaps, adding a few hundred more screens," Gill [Miramax L.A. president Mark Gill] said. ( http://www.hollywood.com/news/boxoffice/analysis.html ) Also, here's a link to the Firth Bio on that site (nothing new in it): http://www.hollywood.com/celebs/moviepeople/detail.asp?pid=P+23590

Hi, Ladies I've been lurking here for years. You are the greatest as CF fans. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts and never stopped gathering information about ODB from this site. Nice to finally meet you (although it will be it - I don't know when I will have the courage to do it again ;-)). Much have said, I just want to say that I'm having a crash on ODB all over again after seeing BJD. I can't believe it happened to me again just like when I watched P&P for the first time, which was my first time of knowing CF's existence. I thought I was crazy to drool on some no-(big)name actor at the time until I found RoP and Spring ;-). I've bought all his videos that I could get my hands on. After four years of drooling, I thought that I was pretty much a normal CF fan who still loved ODB dearly and still visited his fan sites as a daily routine. There was no that boiling feelings inside me any more (still had feelings though)...not overly excited about any of his news any more (still excited though)...at least I thought so ;-). How can it be? I'm falling again! My heart almost stopped beating when Bridget said "ding dong..." to herself then I had tears in my eyes when MD turned around and showed his face the first time. It's been three days, I still could not get his smile out of my mind. Oh, I just love him! Ok, before I'm done, I want to take this opportunity to thank you all. Good work, ladies! ODB should be very proud of you! Take care! Annie P.S. Did any body notice MD's shirt collar in the scene in a shop where he told Bridget about the interview? There was something stick out on the back of his collar (or the collar itself?). Now you know what I paid most attention at ;-)

That was a bit of a costume continuity error. His tie tied in the back and was all tucked in one second, but was sticking out a bit the next.

Welcome, Annie, and all other newbies and lurkers, and don't be shy to post (again). ------ Those pics: I quite like Huge Gland, and wonder what he is up to. Must be still in DC character. ;-) ------ Have yet to see BJD, it will come to Germany only in late August. Therefore don't know yet what to wear RHPS-style, but it can't be wrong to put on weight, right? If it worked for Renee - ------

I much prefer the lean look and that is what CF is. He is not thin. He is lean and slender I agree he looks great, better than ever, but I think he doesn't need to take off any more weight. In fact I love him "Just as he is" Okay, I agree. Just as he is! And not an ounce less! $6million - HG Well, rising to the bait, as I recall, Hughie was paid $8million to come on board, RZ was paid $3million. The info was in a business and marketing magazine. Also said that BJD was relatively cheap to make as only the two "leads" were in the big pay packet/box office bankability territory. Otherwise standard fees were paid. Hope they realise (if there's a sequel!) who's filling those seats! Re Hughie in Hello. I agree with you, Renate ... think he's re-inventing himself as Daniel Cleaver!

Welcome, Annie. Sounds like you're in deep...v. deep. Best rememdy is to let it all out, and this is the place. ;-D (Annie) Did any body notice MD's shirt collar...There was something stick out on the back of his collar (or the collar itself?). (Ann) His tie tied in the back and was all tucked in one second, but was sticking out a bit the next. Wot?? Am going to have to go back to see for myself, although have a v. hard time looking at anything aside from his face most times. *hee hee*

(Karen) Best rememdy is to let it all out, and this is the place. ;-D Agree. Just think of posting as therapy, Annie. Is not good to keep these feelings repressed. Am sure Freud wrote an article about it, somewhere...;-D Am going today for 4th time (have alerted Mr. Gill ;-)). Will try to focus on a few more things besides ODB (ha! not!).

Welcome Annie, so glad you posted. Keep sharing. One important difference with Hugh and Cary, is I am glad to say , that Mr. Leatherleer was not born in Bristol, so residents will not have to put up with a statue of him. Imminent one of Cary to appear I am told in city centre. Better late than never! Look out if you live where Hugh was born (no idea where that is!).

How does one ask IMDB to correct a "Genre"? BJD is classifed as *Drama*/Romance. Surely this is a mistake! Just worrying about searches long in to the future ;-)

Thought it was a "Rom/Com."!

In defence of the doorbell continuity (issue raised back at #1322): Friends buzz for admission; MD gets to apartment door, saying "Front door was open"; DC buzzed in by Jude during party. Weaker defence for London continuity: BJ's apartment has to be assumed to be south of Tower Bridge (though filmed south of London Bridge), so she walks across it every day, catches the Tube to Piccadilly Circus and goes down to Pemberley Press. The diary shop has to be assumed to be near her apartment rather than where it really is, unless we believe she ran nearly a mile (including a bridge) after MD. My reasonably-priced "tour of BJD" now includes: BJD's apartment and the fight scene; The diary shop and kiss site; The Royal Courts of Justice; The Pemberley Press building. The upmarket extortion version takes in 192 and Snowshill, Gloucestershire (could even try for Stoke Poges golf club!).

Mark you have been keeping low- profile in manner of bona fide star of top grossing film. I would love to join tour but feel sure you will not charge me for the priviledge as you know that I have made exhibition of myself 5 times by waving and gesturing at screen during your big scene, thereby getting audience to say "Who is that man?" and even "Hmmmm that extra is so much more attractive than Hugh Grant." not forgetting "There's a Saville row man darling."

I will certainly commute the fee in exchange for guarantees of cheering (or even noticing) my big-screen appearance. (Still can't believe I wasn't edited!)

Mark, your legs are even included in what they call the B-roll, footage provided to TV stations for clips! However, am still bummed that you missed witnessing the kiss scene and providing on-set report. Where were you that night? Which scene was shot at 192? Not where they're having guacamole? We've been there. Nothing resembled it. :-( Speaking of Stoke Poges, did your behind the scenes programme show them at the lake? Ours did and you can see that CF knows how to row.

A satire... http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2000/02/29/bridget_80/

From this week's Newsweek (emphasis added): MOVIES The (Same) Tale of Two Movies Sure, all romantic comedies are the same�that whole �boy gets girl� shtik hasn�t shocked anyone since Adam won Eve. But these two flicks, both based on best-selling chick reads, are practically celluloid clones. Still, with plots so similar, how is it Bridget gets so many more laughs? The movie: �BRIDGET JONES�S DIARY� Narrative device: Tell-all diary Questionable casting: Pudgy Brit played by waifish Texan Renee Zellweger Boyfriend turned jerk: Hugh Grant Jerk turned boyfriend: Colin Firth �Unexpected� final plot twist: Wait a minute: Bridget�s swell �just as she is�! Happily ever after: They kiss on a London corner as a Van Morrison tune crescendos The movie: �SOMEONE LIKE YOU� Narrative device: Tell-all column Questionable casting: Average Every-Yenta played by waifish Baptist Ashley Judd Boyfriend turned jerk: Greg Kinnear Jerk turned boyfriend: Hugh Jackman �Unexpected� final plot twist: Wait a minute: not all men are bulls! Happily ever after: They kiss on a New York corner as a Van Morrison tune crescendos **** In answer to author's question (bolded above): - two of England's best [screen]writers worked on it diligently - BJD's female lead can actually act - 4 out of 5 females prefer CF to Hugh Jackman (using same research model as Trident gum commercials)

192 isn't in the film, but no full BJD tour would be complete without it. What a poor satire at salon.com. Makes us long for more from LisaJH instead.

Film rights 'sold to Bridget Jones sequel' The film company which cashed in with Bridget Jones's Diary has reportedly bought the rights to its sequel. Working Title films has seen its movie, which stars Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth, shoot to the top of box offices on both sides of the Atlantic. Daily Variety newspaper said the firm had bought the rights to Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, the sequel to the novel. The best-seller was published a year ago as a follow-up to Bridget Jones's Diary by author Helen Fielding and has sold 600,000 copies in America alone. Daily Variety columnist Jonathan Bing reported the film rights for the book have been sold by publishers Penguin for a figure said to be in excess of $1 million (�695,000). It will not be adapted by Fielding, who turned her novel into a film script for the current box-office hit. In The Edge of Reason, Bridget Jones splits from Darcy, the barrister played by Colin Firth with whom she settled down at the end of the first book, and ends up in a Thai prison. Bridget Jones's Diary has has already taken a total of more than $25 million (�17.5 million) at the US box office where it is currently number one ahead of children's drama Spy Kids and thriller Along Came A Spider, which stars Morgan Freeman.

(MarkG) 192 isn't in the film, but no full BJD tour would be complete without it. Thought maybe I'd missed it. But is true, 192 is a must. We had fantastic dessert there. *hmmmm*

Welcome aboard Annie.

(Karen)192 is a must. We had fantastic dessert there. *hmmmm* *And* Chardonnay.

I had a whole meal there...was v. good...definitely should include on tour.

SS screening of BJD tonight. Will be flying flag for Spring and no detail will be too small to relate on weekend return.

(Cathy) I had a whole meal there We did too, but I only liked the dessert.

Have a wonderful time tonight, Lizza--work that whisk, girl!:-) We'll be anxious to read your reports. It will not be adapted by Fielding, who turned her novel into a film script for the current box-office hit. I'm sorry to hear that it won't have Helen's involvement, but I suppose it's in good hands with two of the best writers in England.:-) There's a nice, two-page spread on Helen in the new issue of US mag. Also a smaller piece in Time magazine. Will post if there's anything new.

More from that Variety story about the BJD sequel, courtesy of BBC. Bless Helen--she's *always* in CF's corner. Colin conundrum However, one problem the sequel would face is the appearance of actor Colin Firth as both himself and as character Mark Darcy. Will actor Colin Firth appear as himself in the sequel? In The Edge of Reason, Bridget Jones splits from barrister Darcy and sets out to become a journalist by interviewing actor Colin Firth. Her later exploits see her incarcerated in a Thai prison. Daily Variety reports that The Edge of Reason will not be adapted for the screen by Fielding, who wrote the screenplay for the current box-office hit. "I wrote the part of Mark Darcy for Colin Firth and I do hope he will come back for a repeat of his lovely performance," Fielding told Daily Variety. "If he does, he will simply have to don a large beard and handlebar moustache and play himself."

Howdy ladies - Yet another lurker joining in the fun. Actually I used to be on Spring before the RofP was born and was quite shocked to see some of my early posts, using my maiden name, still here. I have always loved Colin since P&P, but I think my obsession got to new heights when I saw P&P on local TV here (I think it is incredibly disloyal not to watch it when it is on TV, regardless of having the tapes! ;-). I had seen it in almost a year and it brought those feelings back once again. And then came BJD and I lost my sanity. I've seen the movie three times and I have been doing my bid to find converts. One friend I recommended to film to had this to say to me: "Hugh Grant was just delicious though, probably the best reason to see the film, imho; being the devilishly dapper gent we all know and love...and now Becks, I'm sorry, but WHAT is the big deal with Colin Firth?! I know you adore the dude and all, but I just don't get the whole fascination with him: he's totally average-looking, he always has this grim, lactose intolerant look on his face, and I'll be damned if he seems to boast as much onscreen personality as a potted fern!" I was thinking of tying her down and making her watch P&P all over again. I AM GRIEVED, SHOCKED! Oh well, at least I tried. And do any of you have jealous pangs now that there will be even more ODB fans (I prefer SB - for sexy bastard) out there because of BDJ? I mean I feel like one of those Boxing Day shoppers who spots a great item on sale and has to yank and pull to get it back. I feel like saying 'He was MINE first!' Nice to be in likewise company! :-)

I vote for brother Jonathon to play Colin in EoR. That would work.

Welcome [back] Rebecca. Yes, you'll find yourself in like company here. I tip my hat to the assessment skills of your friend: he always has this grim, lactose intolerant look on his face V.g. description of 'early' (pre-Lizzy, pre-BJ) Darcy. So she prefers Huge Gnat, eh? Thought that was the reason for seeing BJD? Ah, well, whatever floats your boat... *feigning tolerance* ;-)

From today's Chicago Tribune--Karen, any pics with it? This one has been making the rounds the past couple of weeks in various papers, but don't think it's been posted here. Film puts Firth before mirth Actor inspires the character, then gets role By Roger Moore The Orlando Sentinel April 26, 2001 There's something liberating about being haughty. Ask the master, the guy whose picture would fit nicely next to "supercilious" in the Oxford English Dictionary, Colin Firth. "You can't imagine how it feels to have a director tell you, `Be really unsympathetic, unfunny and unsexy -- Go for it!'" Firth said from Perugia, Italy. "Trying to be loved is an awful lot of fatigue for something that in the end is not terribly interesting." Firth has never broken a sweat playing at being "sweet" on the screen. For us to like him, as Mr. Darcy in the acclaimed 1995 mini-series "Pride and Prejudice," or in such films as "The Advocate" (1993), "Shakespeare in Love" (1998) and the new film, "Bridget Jones's Diary," the audience has to go to him, not the other way around. "He makes haughty so darned sexy," said his "Bridget" director Sharon Maguire. "I remember when all of Britain was enthralled with `Pride and Prejudice,' and watching him, the more haughty and aloof he became, the more sexy he became. His stock went up and up." Firth, 40, may not be the most beloved actor in the movies these days. But thanks to a career-defining turn as Mr. Darcy, a man of frosty integrity who takes hours and hours of a mini-series to warm up to Elizabeth Bennett (Jennifer Ehle) in "Pride and Prejudice," he gets another crack at Darcy, the same snob transported to modern-day England. In "Bridget," he plays a character he inspired. "It was impossible to think of anyone else playing Mark Darcy, because Helen [Fielding, the author of the novel] wrote the character while she was watching Colin Firth play Mr. Darcy in `Pride and Prejudice,'" said Maguire. "You just saw him being haughty, aloof, standing on the periphery of rooms, always being the outsider, wanting to be the insider. And no one does that better than Colin." Fielding's ex-boyfriend, screenwriter Richard Curtis ("Four Weddings and a Funeral"), adapted "Bridget" for the screen. He said Firth's face has been in the picture since "the publication party for the book, where they had a cut-out of him as Mr. Darcy. Helen took it and put it in the lobby of our office, and I had to walk past Colin bloody Firth every day, with that smug, supercilious look on his face, for three years." Role beckoned After all that, "there was no way that I could not be a part of it," Firth said with a laugh. "It's probably not quite as self-reflective as `Being John Malkovich,' but when something has so much to do with something you've done before, you just throw your hands up and say, `Right. I'm in.' The layers of irony are so deep that I can't begin to fathom it." The two Darcys are equal in haughtiness. But the modern one is also a modern man in other respects. "He got to be Mr. Darcy in silly reindeer sweater, with a snowman tie," Maguire said. "He got to snog (kiss), and he got to wallop Hugh Grant and he got to [swear]. It was a tongue-in-cheek approach to the character, which I loved." "Bridget" not only borrows a character, but its entire plot from "Pride and Prejudice." Jane Austen's story of a sweet but socially awkward young woman -- who fears spinsterhood, is drawn to a sexy "bad" boy and repelled by the haughty "good" boy -- is the basic framework of "Bridget." When it came out in 1996, the Diary touched a nerve and became a phenomenon. Finding right Bridget All that was required to film it was to find the right Bridget, whom the producers decided was American Renee Zellweger and the right Daniel "Cleve" Cleaver, her "sexy bastard of a boss," as Maguire described him (Hugh Grant). And Colin Firth. "Some of the time, I felt like I was ironically recycling something I'd already done," Firth said. "The thing you have to do is to try and suggest the same thing through a different convention. It's not just the costumes that change. It's the prose. I don't have those things that Mr. Darcy said so elegantly. You can't talk like that. "So I had to try to deliver the same idea of this rather elegant mind without having much to say. And when I do talk, it is with a very different, less eloquent vernacular. And it's hard to imagine Mr. Darcy kicking and scratching like a little girl the way Darcy and Cleve go at it [in a fistfight] in this movie." Looking at "Bridget's" complicated lineage, so much dependent on the right actor playing Mr. Darcy in that original TV series, it is hard to believe Firth almost didn't play him. "One of the things that made me reluctant to do the first Darcy was I was worried if he was playable or not," he said. "The way he's written in the book; snobbish and aloof, is very much the way he is seen from the female point of view. Eventually, we see him warm up, but there is nothing in the text that tells you what makes the guy tick. I wondered if he was too much of an image to really inhabit. "But what convinced me was the realization that, I'm free to be a real jerk. I don't have to make anyone like me." The key to playing him comes not from Austen's novel, but from a work by Edith Wharton, "The Buccaneers." "It is about American girls going to England to look for wealthy husbands, and she writes of these girls being taught to be suspicious of charming, likable men," Firth said. "Because in those days, charming, likable men were only charming because they needed to be. The guy with the money and the title doesn't need to be. The guy who doesn't have those things has to be charming. It's hard work." An eye for quality But as aloof as Darcy is, he can spot a quality woman across a crowded ballroom, even if she is spilling the punch, or dressed in an inappropriate costume. "I think that, quite bizarrely, that he sees someone a lot like himself," Firth said of Darcy and Bridget. "She's socially ill at ease. I think he also detects a wit and intelligence there. He sees a fellow fish-out-of-water. He senses that she's as disgusted with this suburban mediocrity as he is. He is paralyzed with discomfort in social situations, and so is she. He deals with it by clamming up, and she deals with it with pure verbal diarrhea. In a way, they're two sides of the same coin." Both Darcys react the same way when Bridget Jones or Elizabeth Bennett falls for the wrong guy. "The whole thing goes up a gear when he sees his arch-enemy swooping in on her," Firth said. "He sees her in danger. . . . He's got a very old-fashioned protection instinct." Dashing, cool, aloof, a guy who has made ladies swoon in two versions of the same role might be someone worth emulating. But lest you think that Darcy would make a great male role model, Firth wants to set you straight. "Funny thing, but that may be something that works better in the 19th Century."

Harumph! It's not in any of the five sections of the newspaper sitting in the middle of my floor...haven't checked the Sears ad though or the automobile classifieds though. On the newspaper's website, it shows the article plus an op piece on the rise of the vapid women that starts with a commiseration with Natasha... Various links here: http://chicagotribune.com/leisure/tempo/printedition/ but nada, nothing, zilch in actual paper. :-(

Thanks, Mari. So this is what Roger's been doing since his Bond days? ;-D

So this is what Roger's been doing since his Bond days? ;-D LOL, Eileen! Hey, he's apparently heard that someone else is "desperate" to take over the job. Expect bylines from Pierce B. next.;-) Karen, I saw the Natasha article. In answer to her first question--am I the only woman in America who feels sorry for Natasha--answer is a resounding YES, you're the only one. Although I suppose one has to have some smidgeon of compassion for a gal who's blown it with Mark Darcy, however undeserving she was. . . Rebecca's friend)he always has this grim, lactose intolerant look on his face ROTF! Well, your friend sounds funny, so I'd keep her, but only on that basis.;-) The worst comment that someone has dared make to me is "he could have smiled a bit more, no?" I tried to explain intricacies of not having to perform to strangers, but alas . . .

(Rebecca) quite shocked to see some of my early posts, using my maiden name, still here Should we go way way back and see what *shocking* things you said??? ;-D Naw, just leap back into the fold because as you can see we never get tired of Colin and Darcy in all his incarnations. *smacking lips* (Ann) I vote for brother Jonathon to play Colin in EoR. That would work. I vote for Colin to play himself. Is brilliant actor so can do it. Doubt anyone would think Jon sufficiently droolable to play object of Bridget's obssession. (Mari) YES, you're the only one Ms Keller couldn't possibly have watched BJD at any the showings I attended as there were gasps in the audience when Natasha snapped her fingers and discernible hissing noises whenever she opened her mouth or tried to take Mark away from Bridget. Nothing that sounded like a sympathetic outpouring from fellow brilliant and cultured women in the audience.

Delurking, I think... (Karen)Ms Keller couldn't possibly have watched BJD at any the showings I attended as there were gasps in the audience when Natasha snapped her fingers and discernible hissing noises whenever she opened her mouth or tried to take Mark away from Bridget. Nothing that sounded like a sympathetic outpouring from fellow brilliant and cultured women in the audience. Exactly. The dislike of Natasha has nothing to do with "the feminine ideal has been progressively winnowed down to one: wackiness" (from the Trib article) and everything to do with the fact that she was a cold, manipulative witch. The movie, at least, gives no impression that Natasha is interested in Mark for any other reason than his $ and status. It'd be an interesting piece of fanfic, though, if someone wanted to write her point of view of all the goings-on.

(LauraT, who delurked to claim a Keepsake) The movie, at least, gives no impression that Natasha is interested in Mark for any other reason than his $ and status. Precisely...same as Caroline Bingley. I have read some fan fic from her POV. But how to differentiate from Rebecca...well, Rebecca would have to very good looking. IMO Embeth Davidtz looked better as Helen Hirsch in Schindler's List, which is not saying much.

Rebecca would have to very good looking.. She could be attractive in a different part. They made her so masculine....hair, clothes. One felt compassion for the ole boy.

(Karen) (LauraT, who delurked to claim a Keepsake) True, same me, different topic. :) (Karen) IMO Embeth Davidtz looked better as Helen Hirsch in Schindler's List, which is not saying much. She looked very nice in the recent-ish film version of Mansfield Park, with Frances O'Connor and Jonny Lee Miller. As a matter of fact, her character in that (blanking on name) was more sympathetic - she wasn't a pure-good person, but you could see what drove her. Liz Hurley would have made a great Rebecca. Or Sophie Marceau. (Gaah, bored at work. Must stop posting.)

(Karen) there were gasps in the audience when Natasha snapped her fingers I love this moment for Bridget's amazed reaction. Coming where it does, I think it gives her a hint that Mark does not have a perfect life. And, like Bridget, he can find himself in a relationship where he does not call the shots. Also shows Bridget the difference between having inner poise (v. good) and being cold-hearted (vv. bad).

Natasha was obviously v. ambitious and wanted his help in her career. She also wanted to get into his briefs. (Who wouldn't?)

Shocked! ;-) Didn't we see Natasha holding his briefs in the boat?

So, if they produce EoR, and if they manage to put in the Rome interview, and if it is more or less intact, wouldn't Colin get some sort of screenwriting credit?

Due to v. bad angle of camera, was not able to see MD's briefs in boat. Will have to see BJD again. However, do remember PA's Arsenal boxer shorts. Could CF perhaps be boxer man rather than brief man? He certainly got more mileage than most out of wet shirt and pants (without any apparent undergarments). May need to watch P&P again to research this. Sorry, must go now. Suddenly feeling very warm due to mental image and must go to other room to stand in front of open fridge for a while.

Ann: wouldn't Colin get some sort of screenwriting credit? Two Three Four of the most talented writers in Britain...

(Mark)...Four of the most talented writers in Britain... Heehee! (Karen) Doubt anyone would think Jon sufficiently droolable to play object of Bridget's obssession. *snort* Oh Caroline, you are too cruel! (Kate) I love this moment for Bridget's amazed reaction. Coming where it does, I think it gives her a hint that Mark does not have a perfect life. And, like Bridget, he can find himself in a relationship where he does not call the shots. Exactly. Is also major turning point insofar as audience's sympathies toward MD (except us, that is. He had us from hello ;-)).

(Eileen) He had us from hello ;-) It took that long? I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun....But I believe I must date it from my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley.... Either that or the butt-cam shot and the lovely 'ding dong.' ;-D

GAH! Am shocked! Have not seen BJD in a week, so went to movie listings to check times for this weekend. There is a new print ad in my newspaper and it hasn't a sniff of Colin other than in the credits listing. There's a large photo of Bridget with a wine glass in her hand, then two smaller photos surrounded by quotes. The smaller photos are Daneil on the floor with Bridget (after book launch) and Bridget walking toward the T&V party (just after she gets out of the car). The only quote that mentions the case is "Renee Zellweger triumphs! Her costars all shine. Hugh Grant is Hilarious!" How could this happen? Don't the people who make these decisions pay any attention to what's going on?!? I read at 143 that CF's stock at "HSX" is almost $1000. I checked HG and he's around $750. CF is way up on the IMBD list, HG is nowhere. If the powers that be know that a lot of the box office business is repeat viewers, don't they know WHY? What a bunch of F***WITS! They owe CF a share of the credit for this success. Am v. insulted on behalf of ODB! OK, switching to decaf now...

(Karen) Either that or the butt-cam shot and the lovely 'ding dong.' ;-D Oh, yes, doesn't he look good from that angle! No wonder Bridget says "ding dong" when she sees him. OK, switching to decaf ICED coffee now...

(Kate) a new print ad in my newspaper ...wouldn't by any chance be the *&^$ Star-Ledger, would it? CF's stock at "HSX" Doubt if the powers-that-be at Miramax (or any other studio) base decisions on HSX. Is too much like 'My Favorite Man' voting booth. What a bunch of F***WITS! They owe CF a share of the credit for this success. This I agree with. My paper's ads have the same quotes but at least still have MD's pic. Grrrr.

...wouldn't by any chance be the *&^$ Star-Ledger, would it? But of course! Will check NY Times on Sunday to see what ad they're running.

Miramax knows who their auidence has been. Now they're trying to draw in more men; they need to in order to maintain box office. Cleavage pics of BJ are designed to compete with cleavage pics of new competition Liv Tyler (One Night At McCool's) and alleged guy appeal of Stallone (Driven). Don't take it personally; it's business. (Just like Tom Hanks in You've Got Mail, I am great believer in quoting from The Godfather in every life situation;-) Meanwhile, publicity drums keep a beating--ho hum, another CF article in USA Today. From their Celebrity Inbox column (thanks, Chris): Q. I went to the movies Saturday and saw Bridget Jones's Diary (the first movie I have seen in a theater since The Lion King). I loved the movie and thought Colin Firth was fabulous. Can you tell me about him? (photocaption) Colin Firth stars with Renee Zellweger in Bridget Jones's Diary. A. I hope you have children and haven't been trapped under some heavy object that has prevented you from seeing a movie since 1994. Born to two teachers, Colin Firth started acting at a young age. His most notable roles (and good rentals) include Lord Wessex in Shakespeare in Love, Geoffrey Clifton in The English Patient and Simon Westward in The Circle of Friends. Firth also starred as Mr. Darcy in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, which is why author Helen Fielding insisted on Firth for the role of Mark Darcy. Firth has an older (sic) brother, Johnathan, who is also an actor (An Ideal Husband) and a younger sister, Kate, who is a voice coach. Firth has two sons, William (with actress Meg Tilly) and Luca (with Italian director and wife Livia Giuggioli). And despite his perceived status as a lothario, Firth told The Daily Telegraph, "I think it's quite extraordinary that people cast me as if I'm Warren Beatty. Until I met my present wife, at the age of 35, you could name two girlfriends. Yet there's this extraordinary image of the man who goes off with his leading lady all the time, when any 35-year-old man who can claim to have had two past lovers is hardly a philanderer." The actor who once told Harper's Bazaar: "I would love to dazzle. I just don't have a great capacity for it" might continue to dazzle in the sequel to Bridget Jones's Diary. Both he and Hugh Grant have been approached to join the sequel, according to Ananova.

And today's LA Times, celebrity "Sound Bite" section, with pic (thanks, Leslie): "I can't see it as a curse anymore. It's so prevalent in my life. It's just like living with a birthmark or something" --"Bridget Jones's Diary" star Colin Firth, on being typecast due to his memorable role as Mr. Darcy in the 1995 BBC miniseries "Pride and Prejudice."

BJD has moved "outside"--to another theatre in my town--if you count the Drive- In as a theatre(probably the only one left in America). My brother lives behind the theatre so I can watch it from his balcony. However, I won't be able to hear anything unless they still simulcast(sp?) it via FM Radio.

(USA Today) with Italian director and wife Livia Giuggioli Is this a promotion or a demotion???? Is there a pending strike by all fact checkers? Have just seen again for mumble time and am microfocusing on v. important things, i.e., holes in ears (yeah!! saw one!!), barrister collar sticking out in back, etc. Had fantastic audience, which included several packs of loud female howlers, laughing at everything, hissing when Daniel returned, and oohing when Mark approached on the street. Perfect afternoon. *am content human being*

(Karen)Is there a pending strike by all fact checkers? Funny you should say that, as I wanted to post this short, error-prone non-review from a local paper (San Jose Metro, local free weekly; below is online near bottom of http://www.metroactive.com/metro/allshookdown-0117.html ) "Dissing Bridget THE NEW MOVIE Bridget Jones's Diary is getting universally good reviews, but I didn't like the predictability of its plot or the type of pratfall--generally involving Bridget's oh-so-hilarious butt--which was meant to double as her charm. The thing I really disliked about it, however, was the soundtrack. From the very start, when Bridget is seen melodramatically lip-synching to Celine Dion's version of Eric Carmen's "All by Myself," you can tell you're in Ally McBeal territory: bad e-z-listening rock song after b.e.z.l.r. song interrupts the action, with the patronizing intention of telling us exactly what's going on--and it doesn't even help that Bridget herself calls her choice in music "sad." When Bridget first asserts herself at work, the soundtrack plays "R-E-S-P-E-C-T." If a man flies out a window, the soundtrack plays "It's Raining Men." I found the music both distracting and bad, but I gathered from the crowd's reaction that mine was not a universal opinion. Despite having been a bestselling novel, Bridget Jones's Diary is one of many movies out today that seem like they were written around the soundtrack instead of vice-versa, and I think that's a crummy development in cinema."

Despite having been a bestselling novel, Bridget Jones's Diary is one of many movies out today that seem like they were written around the soundtrack instead of vice-versa, and I think that's a crummy development in cinema." Yeah, I have to agree with the author (however, that wasn't Celine Dion's version, was it?); I can't tell anymore, I'm deaf to her songs. The soundtrack (in the movie just didn't do it for me, it was too predictable. Should've been more diverse? Or didn't really need the music to tell us what was going on. (am tired, am rambling, am going to bed)

Yeah, I have to agree with the author (however, that wasn't Celine Dion's version, was it?); No, that was the part that cracked me up - how hard is it to look on cdnow and check? It does sound faintly Celine Dion-ish, though. I can't tell anymore, I'm deaf to her songs. The soundtrack (in the movie just didn't do it for me, it was too predictable. Should've been more diverse? Cool indie-rock would have been nice, but when would *that* ever happen in a big-name movie? I actually thought it was a good way to evoke Bridget's character - after all, she listens to this kind of stuff *in* the movie, and she doesn't seem the Ani DiFranco type. Beck, maybe, if someone introduced it to her first. Geez, gotten off the real subject, though - Colin Firth. Looking yummy. In a movie. :) Mmm. Mmmm.

Well, I am not sure if any of you will remember me because I haven't posted anything for about two years but I've still been lurking! Anyway, I just saw BJD and ..... OH MY GAWD!!! I loved it so much!!! I know that I will have to see it again at least a few more times before it leaves theaters! What about Colin!!! WOW!! I don't even know what to say except that I was completely in heaven and I was giggling like a 13 year old!! It was so good!!! : )

Sure, Stacy, we never forget a name. So glad you and the other emerging posters are still so discerning. He's definitely a man who can stroke those oars. (Karen) However, am still bummed that you missed witnessing the kiss scene and providing on-set report. Where were you that night? Though Mark will always be our favorite extra perhaps we can lure the two old ladies in that scene to come out of hiding and give us their report. They must be lurking here somewhere being that they fit right in with his fanbase demographics. (Hmmm, maybe time to put that old chestnut to bed?)

And Stacey..I may not have forgotten you but I have forgotten the spelling of your name. ;-)

(Laura)(San Jose Metro, local free weekly No wonder it's free...who would want to buy it;-) But everyone is entitled...and I've heard that opinion before for all soundtracks I loved the soundtrack...in FP too(though I didn't the movie).Sadly they didn't include Van Morrison or the Diana Ross (Ain't no Mountain high enough".)in the CD.

Karen: However, am still bummed that you missed witnessing the kiss scene and providing on-set report. Where were you that night? Have not replied to this before because I cannot believe the cheek of this accusation. As you, Karen, provided the information to enable me to locate the set every time I attended, you only have yourself to blame for this omission. And as it happened about 30 yards from where my office was at the time, I am even more bummed myself - mind you, they probably did it in the small hours to find a vacant time when they could snow the place up. Am also quite disappointed I didn't hang around longer on the night of my first Report from the Set (how many posts ago was that?) as I suspect they filmed most of the fight that night, given the stuntmen in attendance.

Good job you didn't stick around Mark if you ask me, we would have had to wave at 27 times instead of once!! BTW goes without saying that Tracy and I gave you a big wave at the S.S sorry ODB wasn't there to see it.