(Lora) I wish that when he came to her birthday party that she would have thanked him for what he had done for her (much like Elizabeth does to Mr. Darcy on the walk at the end of P & P2 - for helping with Lydia) *Breathlessly* "Mr. Dahcy, please..please allow me to thank for your kindness( to my sistah) in helping me get the interview." and then he would have said: *gazing into her eyes* "Not at awl...I did it only for *you*" *sigh*...*swoon*

(LauraT) what was with the interface design for the menus and that hideous music? Icky. You said it, sistah! More Andy Williams-type, Bridget's parents and their friends' theme music! What were they thinking??? Am convinced the marketeers for BJD are clueless.

(Evelyn) *Breathlessly*..."Not at awl...I did it only for *you*" *sigh*...*swoon* Stoppit! Stoppit, you're killin' me here! ;-D

(Lora) But where the empty space remains between them is a perfect fit for MD/CF's face and aura at a distance. First time I saw this scene in BJD, it reminded me of the ball at Sir Williams' where Lizzy and Charlotte are talking in the foreground of the screen and Mr Darcy enters from screen right in the background then stands between the two ladies' faces in the shot and then stare at them.

(Evelyn) *Breathlessly*..."Not at awl...I did it only for *you*" *sigh*...*swoon* You're right it would have been purrrfect! Moon, you have to rewatch with the zoom ;-)) Lora, I would love to zoom in on the snuggle. Must find the time. :-D Is it just because Bridget was the quintissential British character, and SO popular, main character, etc. I guess TIOBE part is pretty low on the radar? BJD is popular culture. Oscar Wilde is literature. What luck the film had in landing Firth, who virtually reprises his role of Darcy from the BBC Pride and Prejudice mini-series. Luck indeed!!! Remember he debated doing MD? (Rachael), And no, the anal scene stayed! I can't see the logic in that set of decisions. That's incredible! Must be men making that decision. :-(

Ahhhhhh! Going green with envy here. Still at least we can rent it from blockbuster from Monday..... in the version starring Neil Pearson of course!

(Evelyn)*Breathlessly* "Mr. Dahcy, please..please allow me to thank for your kindness( to my sistah) in helping me get the interview." and then he would have said: *gazing into her eyes* "Not at awl...I did it only for *you*" *sigh*...*swoon* LOL! Maybe Rachael can come up with a few modern lines for a thank you scene at Bridget's apartment and put it in fanfic! (You are very creative, Rachael :-)). It is *so* missing from the movie. I kept waiting for it to be said, and it would have been a great interaction between them. (Minkee)First time I saw this scene in BJD, it reminded me of the ball at Sir Williams' where Lizzy and Charlotte are talking in the foreground of the screen and Mr Darcy enters from screen right in the background then stands between the two ladies' faces in the shot and then stare at them. You're right, it is very similar, though in BJD it's a love triangle ;-).

(Lora) You are very creative, Rachael *blush* you are too kind! Not sure if I can weave this request into what remains of the saga, but will see what I can do!

(Use if you're redeeming a promotional certificate or coupon.) Returning customer? Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. (We'll set one up for you) View my Wish List Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) List Price: $29.99 Our Price: $22.49 You Save: $7.50 (25%) Used Price: $19.99 Availability: In stock Rated: Not for sale to persons under age 18. Starring: Ren�e Zellweger, Colin Firth, et al. Director: Sharon Maguire 1 collectible from $30.00 1 used from $19.99 I have one to sell! Edition Details: � Region 1 encoding (US and Canada only) � Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen � ASIN: B00003CXT7 Click here for more technical details about this edition... Other Formats: VHS, Theatrical Amazon.com Sales Rank: 6 Rate this item to get personal recommendations. Average Customer Review: Based on 106 reviews. Write a review. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Customers who bought this DVD also bought: Someone Like You (2001) DVD ~ Ashley Judd Heartbreakers (2001) DVD ~ Sigourney Weaver A Knight's Tale (2001) DVD ~ Heath Ledger Explore similar items -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Editorial Reviews Amazon.com Featuring a blousy, winningly inept size-12 heroine, Bridget Jones's Diary is a fetching adaptation of Helen Fielding's runaway bestseller, grittier than Ally McBeal but sweeter than Sex and the City. The normally sylphlike Ren�e Zellweger (Nurse Betty, Me, Myself and Irene) wolfed pasta to gain poundage to play "singleton" Bridget, a London-based publicist who divides her free time between binge eating in front of the TV, downing Chardonnay with her friends, and updating the diary in which she records her negligible weight fluctuations and romantic misadventures of the year. Things start off badly at Christmas when her mother tries to set her up with seemingly standoffish lawyer Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), whom Bridget accidentally overhears dissing her. Instead she embarks on a disastrous liaison with her raffish boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant, infinitely more likeable when he's playing a baddie instead of his patented tongue-tied fops). Eventually, Bridget comes to wonder if she's let her pride prejudice her against the surprisingly attractive Mr. Darcy. If the plot sounds familiar, that's because Fielding's novel was itself a retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, whose romantic male lead is also named Mr. Darcy. An extra ironic poke in the ribs is added by the casting of Firth, who played Austen's haughty hero in the acclaimed BBC adaptation of Austen's novel. First-time director Sharon Maguire directs with confident comic zest, while Zellweger twinkles charmingly, fearlessly baring her cellulite and pulling off a spot-on English accent. Like Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill (both of which were written by this film's coscreenwriter, Richard Curtis), Bridget Jones's stock-in-trade is a very English self-deprecating sense of humor, a mild suspicion of Americans (especially if they're thin and successful), and a subtly expressed analysis of thirtysomething fears about growing up and becoming a "smug married." The whole is, as Bridget would say, v. good. --Leslie Felperin --This text refers to the Theatrical Release edition. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Customer Reviews Avg. Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. Awesome, October 9, 2001 Reviewer: Peter Diotte from Janesville, WI United States This is one the best movies I've ever seen. Rene is terrific as are the gents. Funny. You'll be laughing within minutes. Was this review helpful to you? Grab this one!, October 9, 2001 Reviewer: funnybookworm (see more about me) from WV USA I think this movie may have just moved up to one of my favorites. I saw it in the theater and counted the days until I could buy it. For those of you who read the book - watch the movie, it is just as good if not better. And even if you didnt read the book, the movie will make you want to. Was this review helpful to you? The DVD, October 9, 2001 Reviewer: A viewer from Oakland, CA Found this review at amazon.com.....should be forwarded to whosoever decided on the content of the DVD! Don't they realise that extra CF scenes equals extra sales. Where's the mobile phone scene? Binned? ......... I heard that the DVD does not contain any deleted scenes with Colin Firth. I'm trying to confirm this, before I decide whether to order it. I still might, since I liked the movie so much. However, the movie was severly edited and there weren't enough scenes with Firth to give us much of a clue as to why BJ would be interested in him. Although I'd give the movie close to 5 stars, if there's no more Firth, that's really stupid and it will decrease my rating on the DVD

Oh gawd, sorry. Only meant to cut and paste the last review, but somehow I've given you all of it. Just scroll down!

No worries! Interesting read anyway. Am glad to see people publicly speaking out re lack of CF. Do you think anything will come of it?

(Minkee)where Lizzy and Charlotte are talking in the foreground of the screen and Mr Darcy enters from screen right in the background (Lora)You're right, it is very similar, though in BJD it's a love triangle ;-) Hmmm, there's a fanfic idea.... =) (Though I'm sure it's been done somewhere...)

I did not mean to imply that those of you who think NC is "lightweight" do not want it to do well. But I guess I just have a somewhat different view of what might actually help CF's career the most. As I see it, to the average movie/TV producer, CF is on a semi-roll: he had a starring role in a bona fide hit movie (BJD) and had an award-nominated supporting role in a critically-acclaimed cable program (Conspiracy). However, to the average non-CF fanatic producer, it might seem that the success of these two projects was due to others (RZ, HG, KB, ST, etc.) If you assume that CF wants to improve his chances of getting good meaty roles in "serious" films, what is the best thing for him to do next? I think that if CF has one or two "hits" in "lightweight" films in which he is the "star", he will have a better chance to do the more serious roles he wants to do. In an ideal world, he would get to do serious roles in "important" movies because he's such a good actor. But in the real world, good actors have a better chance at serious roles if they've been in a couple of successful movies--and not just in supporting roles like TEP and SIL. Personally, I'd rather see CF mix in more "commercial" films with his serious films if that's what it takes. But not drivel like "L'dumbium". And even though a critically well-received performance in Hamlet might have some effect in England, would it necessarily get him lead roles in British films? If this is how things work, why is it that Hugh Grant seems to be in every other film made in England? It's because he has been successful in "lightweight" comedies, not because he played Hamlet to glowing reviews. And what if CF's Hamlet didn't get glowing reviews? It's not like there haven't been any successful productions of it lately. What if the critics decided that it was just another Hamlet among many? Would that do CF's career any good? Somehow, I don't think so. The few thousand people who got to see it in England might think it was the greatest thing since sliced bread, but would that help him to get starring roles in great movies made by American producers? I guess what I'm trying to say is that none of us knows why CF chose NC. Who knows, maybe it was on Hornby's recommendation. And maybe he never really had a chance at BB, so he took NC as the best offer he had. Heaven knows, it's better than "L'dumb". I guess I'm just easy to please, but to me, any reasonably good starring movie role that might give CF a chance at better things in the future is OK with me. So sue me (ducking brickbats).

And maybe he never really had a chance at BB, so he took NC as the best offer he had. Heaven knows I'm going to put 2 and 2 here...Remember what Mystery Man said about be on the lookout for NC news in Oct and then BB? And then I think it was Evelyn who recently posted after the no-CF-in-BB news that CF would be wanting family friendly locations and skeds. Well, methinks that CF did indeed have a serious chance at BB, but after the WTC attacks and general decline in safety worldwide, he then backed out of BB. Didn't Jolie say that she has been asked to report in December to an Asian location? Anyway, just another theory in a chain of them going around this Board. And you're quite safe from brickbats, Louise (at least from me);0)

Oops - I think you and I posted in wrong topic Louise!

So sue me (ducking brickbats). I don't throw brickbats...I just scroll through them. Like I've said...everyone is entitled .... That's why we pay for the real estate.

From UK's "Best" magazine.. "Plenty of fans would welcome another Bridget Jones movie, but a sequel is still a long way off. We hear the film company is further ahead on the soundtrack for Bridget 2, no doubt motivated by the fact that the first, which included tracks from Robbie and Geri, waas such a moneyspinner. Soundtracks are often released ahead of films - but could we actually end up with a CD without the movie?" "Bridget 2" sounds hopeful...and if they're already working on the soundtrack, there must be a film, surely?

How materialistic! Who's ever heard of doing the soundtrack first? I am totally disgusted by this and hope it is not true.

Hey, if it's an incentive to get cracking on BJD2, I'll *buy* that CD ;-) Just "listened" to EOR, and am suffering MD withdrawal, despite having received my DVD this week. ;-)

Warning : Votes Solicitited if you are so inclined :Colin ,Sharon Maguire, and BJD Two weeks to go Empire online: Vote for the People 's Choice segment of the European Film Awards http://www.empireonline.co.uk/news/news.asp?3461

Got my Canadian BJD DVD today! Hurrah! Inside is a piece of paper (no booklet) listing chapters on one side (in French on the other side). Anything better in the US version? Am also re-reading the BJD book. Bridget talks about seeing a pic of Colin and Jennifer in a meadow (modern day luvvies) in the Standard. Does anyone know if this was a real photo. CF w/pencil moustache? Please post if you have a copy. (I'm thinking Murph might have in her amazing collection?)

This is from Jennifer's website http://members.tripod.com/djwan_2/jen_misc.html

Tripod won't allow you to pinch their pictures. Let's see....is this the one you were looking for Rebecca?

Thanks Evelyn. It appeared briefly for a minute, but I'm glad it's not my horrible HTML skills.

Is it the one also known as "in the Blue Peter Garden" taken at BBC?

Is it the one also known as "in the Blue Peter Garden" taken at BBC? I never heard that one. It's from Meluchie's FOF website and originally it was known as the "Bill & Hilary" pic. It was taken by BBC however.

Thanks for the photo! I have to admit I was picturing something much more romantic (and attractive). I don't blame Bridget with being disappointed at seeing her favourite characters as real people :-)

Oh dear, I'm having trouble getting that photo out of my head now. Didn't CF film CoF before P&P? Was he with JE before P&P? Or do I have the timeline mixed up? At least I'm hoping he has that moustache for CoF.

Is it the one also known as "in the Blue Peter Garden" taken at BBC? That's where it was taken. Actually there are two photos (two different poses) which were taken at that time. The other one is b/w, they are sitting on the grass, she between his knees. Didn't CF film CoF before P&P? Yes, and also "The Widowing Of Mrs Holroyd". Was he with JE before P&P? I don't believe so, though they had met before.

That's where it was taken. Actually there are two photos (two different poses) which were taken at that time. The other one is b/w, they are sitting on the grass, she between his knees I haven't seen this one! Is there a copy of it floating around somewhere?

I can't find it at the moment... but if you're prepared to be patient, there's a chance that the Three Deers might oblige one day...;-)

BJD video was out in the UK on Monday. Went to local video shop on Tuesday and couldn't see a copy. Was told that they had 65 copies and all had been rented within the first hour. Fortunately, one copy had been returned. But that's pretty impressive for a movie that most people have already seen!

I just noticed that when he shows up on Bridget's door step at the end of BJD, and keeps trying to kiss her but keeps getting interrupted, CF stands in the gutter while RZ is on the sidewalk, so that he doesn't tower over her quite so much. (I seem to have height on the brain tonight.) I was finally able to show BJD to my mom (she doesn't do movie theaters). She agreed with me that no one in her right mind would choose DC over MD and found the film very entertaining. She particularly liked the dinner preparation scene (that's my Mom!) and laughed out loud when MD spooned up the "green gunge". She also laughed at Bridget's sideburns remark at the ruby wedding party. I explained to her that it was an "inside joke" referring back to P&P2. Did I dream it, or did Shazzer say in the voiceover commentary that HG's wardrobe came from Saville Row but that CF's came from (couldn't hear it but she said it was a cheap store). If that's really true, the cheap guys should pay CF to model their stuff, as he makes it look like a million bucks. ;-)

HG's wardrobe came from Saville Row but that CF's came from (couldn't hear it but she said it was a cheap store). She said that HG wanted his suits tailored and that he wanted Cloin to wear cheap clothes. But she decided to get him nice ones too.

Cloin ........... ;-)

Earlier, I rewatched the fun parts of the DVD (i.e. little DC, much MD), and had the following thought - at the end, outside the stationary (?) store, shouldn't MD's "Oh, yes, they f*&!ing do" have some sort of response from Bridget, a smile or something? I realize she was mesmerized by his studliness ;), but still... It seems odd not to have some sort of response. Must agree with whoever earlier said that the coat-wrapping-around move was very slick, and probably required much practice :)

shouldn't MD's "Oh, yes, they f*&!ing do" have some sort of response from Bridget, a smile or something? I believe her immediate reponse was to lock lips with him--she probably figured she should take care of the most important stuff first--time for smiling and talking later--much later. Personally, I'd have dragged him back to the flat as soon as possible, if not sooner. Then again, I'd have dragged him into the bedroom as soon as the front door closed behind us when he showed up on my doorstep, tiny knickers or not, especially when he started nuzzling my neck. I guess I'm just not into "romantic" delays. ;-)

Romantic delays....If Fielding/Shazza thought they were compensating for the lack of lips-locking at end of PP2 by longer snogging at end of BJD - they've now just created another source of frustration...Heavens's above!! Why anyone would think about putting on any size of knickers when CF/MD is already nuzzling one's neck is beyond me. Shouldn't it be about taking it off, rather than putting it on? BJ needed some talking to from the Firthettes!!

Minkee, Louise, I agree completely. Having watched that "chapter" of my DVD a *few* times, I find it frustrating. I haven't listened to SM's commentary, but Karen said that SM's direction when they have the conversation in the snow and then go inside was supposedly to look like they wanted to tear each other's clothes off (or something like that). I don't see that in Bridget, but Mark's attempts at nuzzling are very seductive. I certainly couldn't resist! Bridget still doesn't get the point. If he likes her just as she is, he'll like her just as she's dressed... Two details that seem different from the movie. When Bridget is on her way to the booklaunch, the last time we see her outside, she is clearly fussing with her scary-stomach-holding-in pants. I don't remember that much adjusting in the movie. The other is the introduction to Shazzer "Likes to say f**k a lot." In the DVD, there's a pause before "a lot," but I don't remember that pause in the movie.

I think the pauses might have been "muffled" by laughter in the theatre. They may have seemed shorter with an audience.

Renee Zellweger starrer "Bridget Jones's Diary" penned $275,000 in two days in Italy's key cities (representing some 30% of the nationwide box office).

For those of you who don't own a DVD player, can't afford the "rental price", and have access to Pay per view: BJD is on next month (around Thanksgiving, I believe, how appropriate--blue soup and turkey). Anyway, here's the link for the schedule: http://www.tv-now.com/stars/firth.html And if you haven't seen Relative Values, it's on about a zillion times on Starz.

'Cinderella' pic casting spell on Zellweger By Zorianna Kit LOS ANGELES (The Hollywood Reporter) --- Renee Zellweger is in negotiations to star opposite Russell Crowe in Universal Pictures/Miramax Films' "The Cinderella Man" for director Lasse Hallstrom. The project is expected to go into production in August. "Cinderella" reunites Zellweger with the two studios that co-produced "Bridget Jones's Diary," in which she starred. "Cinderella" also continues to strengthen the Zellweger's relationship with Miramax, for which she's currently prepping to star in "Chicago" (HR 8/29). Crowe, who received the offer on "Cinderella" last week, is negotiating to star in the film as real-life heavyweight boxing champ Jim Braddock. During the 1930s, Braddock was an aging boxer who made a comeback while trying to save his family during the Depression. Zellweger, whose deal is subject to Crowe closing his, will star as his supportive wife. Cliff Hollingsworth and Charlie Mitchell wrote the screenplay for the project. Zellweger, repped by CAA and manager John Carrabino, recently wrapped Warner Bros.' "White Oleander" with Michelle Pfeiffer and Robin Wright Penn. Zellweger won a Golden Globe this year for her performance in USA Films' "Nurse Betty." Miramax declined comment.

See Renee with Tom Cruise in Cold Mountain... See Renee with Russell Crowe in Cinderella.... What else? Wha'appened to the spy one she was going to do in London ? Along with too many Hamlets...too many Renees.

(Evelyn) See Renee with Tom Cruise in Cold Mountain... See Renee with Russell Crowe in Cinderella.... What else? See Renee in Chicago.

Wha'appened to the spy one she was going to do in London ? The one with Banderas and Williams? The financing fell through. Is Cold Mountain a go, or is it still in the planning stages? Some of these films take forever to develop, even though the wish-list cast is announced early on.

Zellweger, whose deal is subject to Crowe closing his, will star as his supportive wife. Smart cookie, this one. She doesn't exactly give off that cunning vibe when you hear her speak. (Evelyn),Along with too many Hamlets...too many Renees. LOL! You're right. Must be the repeated viewings of BJD. ;-) (I still don't like her voice)

Not yet! But it could be. This is the final week of our Annual Drool Fundraising Drive. Please contact me to get information on how to make your contribution. If you haven't received an acknowledgment from me, then I haven't received it yet. There are still quite a few people who emailed me, but from whom I haven't received anything yet. So, if it's slipped your mind, now is the time to get that checkbook out. We are nowhere near the $1,300 raised last year. We all find Spring's Drool boards very entertaining and some even consider them an important part of the day. What if they wasn't there anymore? Every little bit helps.

BJD is still unavailable at local Blockbusters "due to incredible demand". I've really enjoyed scrutinising it on video. One thing you realise that in the actual script, the cards are all held by HG (good lines etc). CF does most of the acting with his eyes.

"The making of BJD"(or how is it called in English)was on tv today and I didn`t notice it:( Tell me that I didn`t miss much?

Funnily enough Bethan, Blockbuster did a BJD mailshot thro' my letterbox this morning. The review says "The plot? If you don't know already it's Pride and Prejudice for the 21st century as we follow Bridget's entries as she rebounds from one man to the next like a horny ball- bearing on a testosterone fuelled pinball table. Zellweger fits the Jones tights perfectly while Colin Firth and Hugh Grant are ideal as the rival suitors. Utterly brilliant." Hee Hee. CF does most of the acting with his eyes Well HG couldn't convey emotions as well without speaking as ODB!

Well HG couldn't convey emotions as well without speaking as ODB! CF, as ever, does a lot with (relatively speaking) very little. The Daily Telegraph (not known for singing CF's praises!) review of the video said that "CF does far more than you realise with the role of MD". Why CF is not a star...!! From a review at amazon.com... "Renee is wonderful, Hugh played a fabulous slime ball and the real star of the show was the guy who played the keeper.. Name? I can't remember! I was too enthralled in the end scene." BTW I'm wondering what will happen re the sequel, assuming there is one. Apparently the 2nd Harry Potter starts shooting in November (ie exactly a year after the first) Stuart Little 2 was filmed almost immediately, ditto the Scream movies. It seems that if a movie is popular (and can provide a natural sequel) there's no delay these days.

(Bethan)BJD is still unavailable at local Blockbusters "due to incredible demand". Come to Houston, Bethan. Last night I counted a wall full of BJD (84). Only 20 were checked out :-(((

Do not despair! 'Tis obvious that the intelligent people in Houston simply bought a copy, and therefore did not need to rent one! Very thrifty.

Evelyn: Come to Houston, Bethan. Last night I counted a wall full of BJD (84). Only 20 were checked out :-((( I have to add to this with my own ;-) The Blockbuster near where I live has 30 copies of BJD VHS and 40 copies of DVD. To my disappointment (and pleasure too) for last two weekends, they were all checked out, every single one! I talked to the manager and he said that they ordered more. Hopefully I can get it on the next weekend.

Oh, one more thing. There are an half shelf of MLSF and the other half FP right underneath BJD (the shelves are in the back center of store face the main entry). Oddly RZ's NB were located in the corner on the other side of store. Anyway I'm so pleased ;-)

Looks like BJD will be on Pay-per-view this month in the US. Must suppress urge to "rent", as own personal copy of DVD ;-D

*Bridget Jones story sent by Ananova "Bridget Jones's Diary has broken this year's record for the number of video rentals. Almost 800,000 copies of the film were rented in its first week of release. The previous first week record holder was Gladiator, which was hired out 837,020 times on its release last year." Is this just for the UK? Am not familiar with rental volumes in the US to be able to tell. This warms my heart, as I was NOT a Gladiator fan (JMO, of course).

Someone on Virtual Views posted that a new BJD 2 soundtrack has been released in UK including Van Morrison's "Someone Like You" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough". The slugs!

And you believed it?! ;-) There's no Van Morrison "Someone Like You" on it. Check the song listing at amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005RC8Y/o/qid=1004541548/sr=8-2/ref=sr_aps_pm_2_2/026-1979821-5113220 IMO, this CD isn't worth it. Hardly *any* were featured in the movie or were barely discernable in the background and some were likely background in parts that were cut out. This is money-grubbing pure and simple.

No, that's a mistake on the part of Amazon. I saw the real life CD the other day and Van Morrison sings Someone Like You and Elvis Costello does My Funny Valentine. And I'm not lying, I sell CDs as part of my job.

Oh and En Vogue do My Lovin' - Never Gonna Get It.

Thanks for the update, Penny. Still not worth it IMO since I already have a custom CD with the Van Morrison version plus the original Weathergirls!

The figure re BJD rentals is spot on! I saw the figures too, to put it into context, the second most rented video on the list for the UK (which I have convieniently forgotten!) was about 110,000 so that's a huge difference.

re the BJD2 CD - saw it advertised on TV the other night - interesting to note, in the ad, there are movie clips of BJ with MD but not DC; also the shot of MD looking at her straight after "1 in 3" - so does this mean MD is a bigger selling point than DC? (at last)

I found a listing of video rental ratings at Rotten Tomatoes. BJD is in 5th place, having grossed $4.88 million cumulatively in its second week, doing about the same as it did during the first week. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/videodvd/top_rentals.php

Yep, I was at Blockbuster on Wednesday night, and all of the DVD and VHS copies were out (although I would have thought they'd have more of them, there were only about 10 of each).

Another one for Renee: " Ren�e Zellweger is getting "Down with Love". Zellweger is in talks to play a feminist writer who falls for her exact opposite: a chauvinistic journalist. Bring It On helmer Peyton Reed is slated to direct for Fox 2000. "

Hhmmmm...does Our Man do "chauvinistic journalist"? Surely, it wouldn't be difficult to imagine waves of loathing emanating from the audience then!

After listening to SM's commentary on the BJD DVD I had to look this up: http://www.artnet.com/ag/fineartdetail.asp?wid=51810&aid=1655&page=1&group=&max_tn_page=2 "When I was young, I never needed anyone..."

v.g. Bryonny. Sharon did evoke the same image. Doubt, however, that the girl in Knightsbridge was bemoaning loss of Huge Gnat though. ;-)

From an article in today's This is London on Andrew Davies: "But he is adapting The Edge of Reason, the second Bridget Jones. Davies is doing the first draft. So Renee Zellweger has signed up to put on several stone again? "She understandably doesn't want to put on all that weight again, so I'm trying to make fewer references to Bridget's weight."

Sounds v. positive! Good news!

Andrew Davies is also a very fast worker.

He lives in Cardiff I believe, that's old Cardiff to you and me;-)

Here is the full article: Return of the bodice ripper by Jasper Rees It's like a festival in the religious calendar, a secular saint's day. Round it comes every year, the mid-November Sunday when the BBC launches its annual instalment of Andrew Davies. They ought to call it St Davies Day, to celebrate the patron saint of classical adaptation. Last year it was Take A Girl Like You. The year before, Wives and Daughters. Before that, Vanity Fair. This year, he's serving up a dollop of Trollope. (As in Anthony, not Joanna.) You could see Davies in a monk's habit, with his pinkish face, his white crew-cut and his paunch. Only he famously doesn't have a monk's habits, what with his obsession with putting all the sex back in that the Victorian novelists left out. "I'd like it very much if any controversy about The Way We Live Now doesn't centre on 'Has he dragged more sex in than was in the book?'" he says, before explaining how he has done just that. The Way We Live Now is Trollope's door-stopping account of a Victorian England besieged by its own greed. It's a sort of prototype Bonfire of the Vanities. David Suchet, as the monstrous financier Melmotte, joins the queue of actors, including Ian Richardson, Colin Firth, Juliet Aubrey and Natasha Little, who have given the performances of their career in a script by Davies. "It wasn't my idea," Davies says. "But I guess what struck me was it was utterly unlike my mental picture of Trollope, a bit long-winded, a bit gentle, a bit cathedral-closey. Trollope was deeply disillusioned when he wrote the book. He had been abroad and came back and suddenly looked at London and England with a fresh eye and thought, it's all so corrupt. I just thought you could do this in quite a bold expressionist kind of way." Trollope boom in the Nineties, in which John Major's fandom was deemed significant. Davies thinks the High Tories were seduced by the Palliser novels in which "you have the sense that things would probably work out all right in the end because we're all British. In this one the British are a lot of greedy acquisitive bastards, just as bad as anybody else." Davies's monopoly of the market is a bit like Man U winning the title every year. He has such a stranglehold, to use his own word, on the genre that there are now more than enough shows to start an Andrew Davies channel on satellite, showing endless reruns of A Very Peculiar Practice and the iffy sitcom Game On alongside Middlemarch and co. After Darcymania, ITV was persuaded that it might be worth its while to do the odd classic too, and who did it hire? Next month Davies's modern version of Othello, set in the Metropolitan Police force, is on ITV. And it's entirely possible that Davies will be scheduled against himself next year, when his BBC Daniel Deronda and ITV Dr Zhivago will both be made. "It's very nice to be regarded as the top adapter. It means I'll get more nice jobs at an age where most writers, especially for film and television, are regarded as being well past it. I could, in the manner of somebody refusing a drink that he loves, say, 'No no, I won't do it this year. I'm going to write something original.' And indeed I think I ought to do more original stuff. But then these tempting things come along. I find it much easier doing this than thinking up a good story. I don't mind if the dialogue is crap or the plot doesn't quite work. It's always easier to fiddle with something that's already there." Davies lives with his wife in a Victorian semi in Kenilworth, near Warwick, where he used to teach at the university before he gave up to write full time. It's exactly the kind of street where you feel his work is appreciated, even if the BBC1 poster at the end of the road advertises Walking With Beasts. There's a Lexus in the forecourt, but no other signs of great wealth, although he did buy and knock through to the house next door. He works there. You look at the books casually cast around his diningroom and assume that's what you'll be watching on TV within a couple of years. There's a Le Carr�, Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem, and an Italian dictionary, none of which he is adapting. But he is adapting The Edge of Reason, the second Bridget Jones. Davies is doing the first draft. So Renee Zellweger has signed up to put on several stone again? "She understandably doesn't want to put on all that weight again, so I'm trying to make fewer references to Bridget's weight." Occasionally, people tell him what he should adapt next. A woman in a shop told him Villette was the best novel by a Bronte (whom, as with Dickens and Hardy, he has never adapted). He read it and it confirmed his view that the Brontes' novels are "little more than young girls' fantasies". I tell him if he's so hard he should have a crack at War and Peace. It would be a good way to see in his 65th birthday. "You think two things about that at the same time: 'Wow, that would be great', and 'I'd love to see the finished product'. But the idea of doing all that work ..." The Way We Live Now, 8.45pm, Sunday, BBC1

An interesting review of BJD: http://www.chicklit.com/paperjam/paperjam16.html I disagree w/ several points, but might be nice for discussion.

Ooops! The person who told me he lived in Cardiff won't be getting any CF "exclusives" again from me ;-)

(Mari) : "But he is adapting The Edge of Reason, the second Bridget Jones. Davies is doing the first draft." Was lurking on one of the other CF boards on the w/e. There was a post from somebody who wrote to HF enquiring about sequel. Apparently, HF recently wrote back to say that there is definitely going to be a sequel and EoR adaptation is now being drafted. Sorry - couldn't remember which board it was on.

They'll probably change the title to BJD2 ;-)

BJD has received a nomination for Best European Film by the European Film Academy. Full listing on 148. The previous nominations were for popularity, audience-type awards to be voted on by the public. These are academy members.

Just had to come out of lurkdom to say I just bought a DVD and the main reason I did was to watch BJD. my poor daughter just shakes her head and says "Again" :). I think I've watched it everyday for the last two weeks. ;) I just love this movie. If I don't have my MD fix before going off to work, the day just drags by. I miss some of the posts off and on so just wanted to ask, sorry if's it been mentioned already. Is CF going to do the second one? Does anyone know? I do remember someone saying that MD and BJ split up in the second one, if so how much of Colin are we to see if they do? It won't be as good if he's not there.

I just discovered this web site about my fav actor, CF. I can't believe how many women are crazy about this man. I have eight pictures of him on my desk to get my motor started each day. I go through the video stores looking for movies to rent. How can that be at my age? I'm a grandmother for heavens sake! I just watched A Thousand Acres this past weekend, but missed his accent. He was lovely to look at none the less!

Welcome, ladies. It's always a pleasure to have new droolers come aboard. Especially those who know how to start the day right! In the beginning of the second book, Bridget wakes up early just to watch MD sleep so she can drool without interruption. A kindred spirit, n'est-ce pas? If they don't put that scene in the movie, it'll be a crime, IMO. And if CF isn't in the second movie, well, it just won't be Mark Darcy, will it? We must just trust that Andrew Davies (and whoever else works on the script) will do such a superlative job of writing it that ODB wouldn't dream of turning it down. (And we must also light the votive candles just in case.) ;-)

Don't fret. Colin will do it. What else has he got lined up? ;-)

Yeah, but I'm gonna sacrafice a few dead chickens, get out the voodoo dolls and incense and make a trip to Lourdes just in case.

WELCOME SANDEE We love new members. Don't worry about age...several grands around;-) This is an "Equal Opportunity" board!! (Louise)We must just trust that Andrew Davies (and whoever else works on the script) You better light a few candles for Richard Curtis too, Beth. The first time around AD couldn't make it on his own.

(Evelyn) The first time around AD couldn't make it on his own. Didn't he say at the U of W that he was only called in to work on a couple of scenes? Welcome Sandee! Come join us on 155 to talk about your Firthfatuation. :-)

Can anyone tell me when and in what newspaper Bridget Jones first appeared? Thanks

It first appeared in The Telegraph back in the autumn of 1997....am I right in saying '97 fellow Firthologists ? There is a link to the original columns in the BJD section of Karens wonderful site, The Bucket

Actually that's not the case.

(Evelyn) The first time around AD couldn't make it on his own. (Karen)Didn't he say at the U of W that he was only called in to work on a couple of scenes? Ad hoc he wuz CUA;-)))

I think prior to the publication of BJD -- the book, the columns appeared in the Independent. Haven't found an online site for those yet. Has anyone else?

Yes, the columns ran in the Independent each week for about a year, and then transferred to the Daily Telegraph. The book (both books) re-used a fair amount of stuff from the columns, although they were obviously more fully plotted.

(KJ) Haven't found an online site for those yet. Has anyone else? You don't have to look very far--Karen has links to the columns up at the Bucket. Click on the BJD page. The one with the Christmas shopping discussion is my all-time fave. ;-)

Whoopsie, I'm wrong. Karen has links to the Telegraph columns only.

Eileen - Crhistmas shopping dialogue was classic. If I recall, did not make that to EoR. Wonder whether they will resurrect for the script. If not, hope they retain the scene in the book where R Finch telephones and interrupts a very *critical* moment bet BJ and MD. LOL when MD answered! ;~)

The Independent never put the columns online. *fools*

The one with the Christmas shopping discussion is my all-time fave. ;-) Mine too. That would be such a great scene for BJD2--a classic: "It's very hard!" Swooooon!

Tanks for the information about the link. I'm going to read the column as soon as I find the time for it.