ON looking through this month's Total Film magazine, the best bit is towards the back advertising "Next Month Coming Soon.." It looks as if RZ will be on the front cover "Bridget Jones' Diary. Worth the weight. RZ counts her ciggies and knocks back the booze as the BIGGEST BRITISH COMEDY OF THE YEAR ARRIVES" (I like that bit). On sale Friday 30th March.

Karen, LOVE the title!;)

BIGGEST BRITISH COMEDY OF THE YEAR ARRIVES" Not that I wish to dampen enthusiasm but this is surely not a particularly overcrowded field:-)

LOL!

You people have no appreciation for hyperbole.;-) Ann, we'll look forward to the article!

Hyperb*ll*cks ;-)

I probably missed this, but do we know what label the soundtrack will be on? Karen, I just love your music page. I must have this album! Love the title of the new topic BTW. And so true...

VCR alert for the West Coasters: Colin is seen and heard in a BJD clip on Entertainment Tonight, er, tonight.:-) The one stinkin' night I miss it . . .will get more details.

From Jackie (thanks!): It shows Colin at a picnic, paper plates in hand and someone says something and he says "Daniel Cleaver". Then a woman says something about him being good enough for "our little Bridget." Colin says (and there's a closeup) "I think I can say with absolute confidence- absolutely not". Then follows a bit with Bridget in a boat and Hugh Grant standing with his feet each in a different boat. Of course he does the splits and falls in, surfacing with a wet cigarette in his mouth. (Colin appears to be in another boat.) ********** Consensus: gorgeous!:-)

Argh!! How do I keep missing these snippets? They used to rerun ET late at night but no more. *boo hoo* Then a woman says something about him being good enough for "our little Bridget." Colin says (and there's a closeup) "I think I can say with absolute confidence- absolutely not". That's from the book. The Tarts & Vicars party. Una to Mark (p.171) Consensus: gorgeous!:-) Hoorah!!

Meredith: Haven't seen anything about the label for the soundtrack and have been searching around. Was thinking it might be Polygram, as that was the parent company of WT and is still in the music biz.

Have combed through my TV Guide and ET is rebroadcast here tomorrow afternoon at 2. That has to been the repeat showing. Am putting fresh tape in VCR for all the Bridget promos. Mari, was Colin's name mentioned? Or was it just RZ and whatshisname?

Yes, Colin is mentioned right after RZ and *before* Huge Gnat.:-) HG's big line after falling into the water is "F**k me!" BJ responds, "you stupid ass." I hear it's a funny scene.

Colin on a boat. Does he wear a bathing suit? Sounds very promising. I hope you get it all on tape Karen. Are you set up to put the clip up on your BJD page?

CF & RZ are in one boat with HG rowing towards them ... then this is where it gets confusing as CF just disappears from the screen. HG tries to board RZ's boat, yelling "I'm the king of the world" then tips over into the lake.

Ugh, my mistake - CF doesn't disappear from Bridget's boat, he's on another boat w/ Natasha? But, it did seem as if the clips shown showcased HG's comedic talents.

RZ on the cover of UK's Marie Claire magazine out today, headlining an article "the new Bridget Jones on Sex and the Singleton Girl". Cover shot looks very good.

OOOHHH!! It's hotting up. Thanks for all the tantalising snippets everyone.

Friend of mine (who I "forced" into watching P & P now at least semi-hooked) emailed me: "Watching ET tonight -- they had a little clip of BJD and CF is going to be wonderful."

RZ will feature in this week's Sunday Times (an interview about BJD).

Oooooh, cannot wait for repeat showing. Thanks for clarifying, Marianne. I thought it odd that Bridget and Mark were in the same boat. Sorry, Moon, I don't have the ability to snappy from video. Maybe I'll ask around. How about inside the magazine, Mark? Anything good? Thanks for the heads up, Bethan.

*doing the dance of joy* For once, I was in the right place at the right time having tuned into ET last night (now I know why I endure night after night of crap stories such as 'Dani the Download Queen'). It was v.v. nice to hear CF's name mentioned. Hurrah! My impressions of CF's MD based on this micro-clip: - Tall. Big shoulders. - No fluffy hair in this scene. - Mr. Darcy lives! Same character, different costume (hope this impression is proved wrong by rest of film). Agree with Marianne, Hugh Gnat (keep 'em comin', Mari) was funny and was very un-foppish. Am glad the Tarts and Vicars party made the final cut. It's one of my favorites. *counting the days until April 13th*

Eileen, thanks for the above but why do you hope your impression of Mr. Darcy is proved wrong by the rest of the film, we want Mr. Darcy, don't we?

(Ann) we want Mr. Darcy, don't we? We do? I want Mark Darcy, not simply a Mr. Darcy reprise (though one could argue there's enough similarity already). If all he does is bring Mr. Darcy back in 21st century costume, I'll be very disappointed indeed. He has more range than that!

How about inside the magazine, Mark? Anything good? I'm sure Mark won't mind if I answer on his behalf! Well spotted Mark! I've already had a quick browse at the newsagents (I can see why they encase magazines in cellophane so you actually have to buy them!) Skimmed the interview. RZ talks about filming sexy scenes with HG, and HG improvising lines. Is asked what she thinks of Englishmen. Replies that they are "funny and charming". Journalist writes that this is no surprise as the only other Englishman RZ got to know very well was CF, "superbly cast as the aloof Mark Darcy". Also says that that the movie has a terrific cast and "contrary to expectations, it is very, very funny". Cast includes Neil Pearson (Young Paul's dad in "Fever Pitch")...can't think who he would play. There's a competition to win tickets to the premiere April 10th.

Thanks for the above Bethan. One question, was the journalist who wrote this interview a woman, only if it is its the first comment on CF's MD by a woman, I think. I just wish she had said "superbly cast as the aloof and SMOULDERING"!!

Heard the teaser for tonight's Access H'wood noting a story on 'Renee Zellweger's controversial role'. Must be referring to BJ and the whole non-Brit thing. Tune in! 8-D

Ooooweeeee!! Have seen the ET clip and rewound, paused, slo-mo'd numerous times. That first picnic scene, sort of reminiscent of another *picnic* scene (wonder if Una made tabbouleh??), yes, he is Mr Darcy. Hands down, exactly Mr Darcyspeak Celia Imre (Una) is saying to Bridget (who you can see from back is in bunny outfit) 'What a shame, Bridget, you couldn't bring your boyfriend. Bridget, what's his name? David, Darren...' Then MD says his thing. The blue-white checked shirt is OK, but definitely liked his rowing outfit. Dark crew-neck sweater and shirt. Yummmmmmmm!! BTW, this pic is from the boat scene: and you hear RZ speak twice. "Don't you dare" (a few times, while the huge gnat is crossing over into her boat) and then after he falls in she is laughing and calling him a stupid ass. Her accent is v. la-di-dah.

This is the picture that accompanied Baz's article last Friday, thanks to Aishling:

Ooooweeeee!! Have seen the ET clip and rewound, paused, slo-mo'd numerous times. Snappies! Snappies! WE-WANT-SNAPPIES!!!

(Eileen) If all he does is bring Mr. Darcy back in 21st century costume, I'll be very disappointed indeed. But don't you think that's what HF had in mind? If not, they could have had any ole Brit bloke play MD.

Karen and everyone thanks for the info. on the BJDclip, you are so lucky to have seen it. Karen did you like Colin's portrayal of MD and are we all going to like it. Does he look good and does he smoulder. Finally do you think he will be eclipsed by Hughie who has a more comical role, I know you will be impartial!!

Does ET ever put their clips on their site? I am absolutely desperate to see it ;-)

The Access Hollywood segment was much longer and was definitely bits and pieces from the film trailer that will be shown in the theatres (the voiceover with story plot, title, etc.). Showed nearly everybody! Colin is shown maybe 5-6 times (once in checked shirt, others at literary party wearing lovely suit from RV premiere). There's one shot where Bridge walks away from him and there's this gaze after her. Not THE LOOK, but nice. No dialogue. We get to see all the others, from Geoffrey asking her about dates to Jude and Shazz, even Tom doing the karoake (sp?) with her. A few others were shown who are probably Magda and Jeremy and ???? Also full shot of Bridget in Playboy bunny outfit. Unfortunately it builds up to the man she's interested in and then it's nonstop Hugh. :-( Very very cute. Can't wait to see the entire trailer.

And, Ann, Colin's manner at the T&V party clip was very Meryton Assembly. It sort of reminded me of "I'd sooner call her mother a wit." But from what I remember of the book, MD was very sympathetic to BJ at the party, telling Una to get Bridget something else to wear and siding with her against Natasha.

Oooh, I just saw it on Access Hollywood. CF as MD is lovely! That sideways glance you mentioned, Karen--vintage P&P, as at Netherfield ball and Darcy first realizes Lizzie is in the room! Then later when he's talking with her (at the party for his parents?), he looks so serious and concerned I half expected him to ask "what has been done to recover her?";-) Yum! Hughie's parts are funny. As they're driving away on their mini-break, he guns the car's motor and does a growl, growl type thing with his mouth, in time to the motor gunning. Hey, we knew HG was not going to take a thankless second-banana role so I'm not surprised he has the juicy bits and that they're emphasizing the comedy. Hard to get a feel for how Mark will turn out based on what we've seen. It really looks like a lot of fun. There's a part where she's talking about gaining inner poise while turning on the blender and of course the top isn't on right and everything splatters all over the place. Then she and Shazz side by side on the exercise bikes. They showed quite a bit of footage, as Karen said. Agree that this has to be from the full trailer. Bet they show it with The Mexican this weekend (Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt). Great exposure. Renee sounds great to me (but am not good judge of accent, obviously). She looks very loose, animated, expressive--seems like she really had fun with it. LOL at the saucy bunny wave she does arriving at Tarts & Vicars!!

Have been reviewing Tape One of P&P and is not 'I'd sooner call her mother a wit." But that glance is the same as at the Meryton Assembly when Lizzie overhears his snub and walks past him. It's that look. Then later when he's talking with her (at the party for his parents?) Could be. All the little lights. she's talking about gaining inner poise while turning on the blender and of course the top isn't on right and everything splatters all over the place. But right before that, she's pedaling up a storm on the exercise bicycle, gets off and promptly falls down. the saucy bunny wave she does arriving at Tarts & Vicars!! Did you catch the Rolls convertible behind her? MD's car, perhaps? Except there is somebody behind the wheel. Maybe his driver. The Access Hollywood announcer described BJD as about a "portly" girl. Omigod! Did HG look sleazy to you? In the boat scene, he might even be drunk. And then there's his shirt again. Did all but one button come off?

The shots of Colin on AH were great. Two of just him to begin and then the one with the look out of the side of his eyes reminiscent of the P&P "dangerous Darcy shot." He's really looking good.

Did you catch the Rolls convertible behind her? MD's car, perhaps? Except there is somebody behind the wheel. Maybe his driver. Possibly. Can't be Sleazer Cleaver, can it, just dropping her off and refusing to accompany her into the T&V party at the last moment? Of course in the book it's not that way . . . Did HG look sleazy to you? More than usual?;-) Not really. I think the audience needs to believe that she could fall for this guy; I'm sure the sleaziness increases as the film progresses.;-) Next to Mark Darcy, though, he looks like a bum. The first scene we see MD in (outdoor shot in checked shirt)--is that part of the picnic/boat ride scene? Though you said he wears in sweater in that . . . Am no longer worried about his hair being too poofy. Looks good to me, v.v. natural. Thanks to Eileen for the heads up on this, BTW!:-)

Checked shirt is the BBQ (formerly Tarts & Vicars Party) at the Alconburys. Yes, I thank Eileen and my VCR thanks Eileen. :-)

ATTN: Check out the Observer on Saturday. Found this hint: Free in tomorrow's Observer...Unique monthly sport magazine Steve McManaman, Kelvin MacKenzie, Magic Johnson and much more. Plus Peter Preston on Rupert Murdoch at 70, Amanda de Cadenet's fresh start, Alexander McQueen tells all, Gaby Wood on the new Bridget Jones film

Thanks for all the info on BJD. Things are really hotting up. They're going to give this the full promotion. Sounds very, very promising! Hughie's parts are funny. As they're driving away on their mini-break, he guns the car's motor and does a growl, growl type thing with his mouth, in time to the motor gunning. Hey, we knew HG was not going to take a thankless second-banana role so I'm not surprised he has the juicy bits and that they're emphasizing the comedy. Oh very true. He wouldn't take this role as a favour...there'll be a lot in it for him. MD is more of the straight man...doesn't fool around. But it is a *romantic* comedy...hope the trailer stresses the *real* romance as well as the comedy. Sounds not. Unfortunately it builds up to the man she's interested in and then it's nonstop Hugh. : Boo! One thing sticks in my mind is a comment that Sharon Maguire made about the film being about loneliness, and also Baz's comment about the scene where MD tells Bridget he likes her just the way she is. Good "funny" films need an underlying seriousness. Hughie may provide the tomfoolery, but I think there'll be a lot more to this film. (cf the excellent "Frasier"...very funny, but often poignant, very good on relationships)

We shouldn't worry too much, as trailers can oftentimes misrepresent the actual movie. All they're intended to do is attract people. With BJD, they're using Hugh. Showing him to be Bridget's object of desire. Her perfect guy...and then "but is he?" is the tone.

the karoake (sp?) Well, don't look at me... ;-) ***** Snappies! SNAPPIES!!!!

In the boat MD is wearing a navy blue crew-neck (polo neck?) sweater. A "wooly-pully". Picnic scene he's wearing subtle-checked (gray?)long sleeve sport shirt.Sounds just like Mr. Darcy in this one. V. funny scene with HG in the boat. Only two scenes with MD in the ET segment.

Hee Hee, I just watched an advert for Max Factor Makeup and guess what at the end it said as worn in the forthcoming BJD film!!

Link to Sunday Times article on BJ (RZ really): http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/2001/03/04/stistlstl02004.html There is a memorable scene in the movie where Bridget is about to have sex with her boss, Daniel Cleaver (played by Hugh Grant), and he is trying to get past her giant bloomers. "Modesty went right out the window," says Zellweger. "I mean, at one point the camera is right up my skirt and the whole crew is looking at my big pants." "He improvises all the time," she adds of her co-star. "In that scene, he was adding lines and making me laugh. I felt so big in that dress, and the poor man had to carry me across the room about 20 times. I'm sure he's still seeing a chiropractor to this day." Most surprising of all is that her accent turns out to be flawless. "I just wanted to get it right," she says. "The book meant such a lot to so many women that I didn't want to be the one to bodge it up." ~~~~~ Only one mention of Colin: Zellweger is now officially a singleton, and says she finds British men funny and charming. Mind you, that is probably because, apart from Grant, the only other one she really got to know was Colin Firth, who plays Mark Darcy. Her enthusiasm for all things British extends beyond men. As we finish talking, Geri Halliwell walks into the lobby of the hotel and, in the way famous people do when they have never met before, they kiss as if they were twins separated at birth. It turns out Halliwell has written a song for the film's soundtrack. "Oh my God," Zellweger screams, after the former Spice Girl has made her way to another table. "I've just met Ginger Spice. Bloody hell." But apparently, the best thing about London was Marks & Spencer. "I got so big, and I bought this great pair of trousers in there. And their chicken sandwiches!" she exclaims breathlessly. Ren�e Zellweger is Bridget Jones after all. The film is going to be v.g.

From the "I knew it" department: The movie was directed by first-timer Sharon Maguire, who says her leading lady seemed completely devoid of Hollywood ego. "Ren�e was keen on showing us her cellulite and flab," she says. "She developed a flat-footed walk, her thighs grew so big." In the end, the waif got up to a curvy size 12 (but she had to resort to falsies for the part, as the "girls" refused to play ball). "I didn't look at my naked body in the shower, that's for sure." ~~~~~~~ Even with the way Playboy bunny costumes are constructed, knew it couldn't be real! ;-D

Just recieved my Entertainment Weekly today and there's a small picture of RZ in bunny ears. The article is about the varios production studios. It says BJD will be Miramax's high hope for this year. We could've told them that.

The Sunday Times article is an edited down version of the Marie Claire article...exactly the same same text, only shorter. One example.....MC had "CF, superbly cast as the aloof Mark Darcy", the Sunday Times has "CF, who plays MD". Signs of editorial bias?! :-) Will try to check out The obsever. The new HF/BJ "book" is more household hints/how to live your life sort of stuff. Extracts not riveting.

Very large interview in The Observer, "A Bridget just far enough". by Gaby Wood. Not much about Colin but I like this bit "And in a twist of self-referential genius, Colin Firth plays Darcy, as an updated version of what we have come to see as himself - a Jane Austen hero, scripted once again by Andrew Davies" She also liked RZ's accent and the film.

Bethan, I noticed that omission in the Sunday Times, typical. One thing that surprises me in all these articles/interviews is that people seem to be surprised but pleased that Colin has been cast as the modern-day Darcy, to us it seemed the only possible casting.

Ooh! Have just been rereading the MSN.co.uk BJD NY premier competition gumph. "every single person who enters the competition will be entered into a draw to win a pair of tickets to the UK premiere, including accommodation in a top London hotel. Now, if only I had some imagination ;-)

Ann, thought the Observer article was okay, but it's also typically Observer, rather "let's put it down, it we can". Too long (for me) to type, but the basic gist is "does the movie live up to the hype". Recounts all the negative rumours, and so-called set backs, and states how every new Brit film is met with a chorus of disapproval. Says that BJD was tested in, well, Reading and "now we can exclusively reveal that BJD is not a total embarrassment (British undertatement at its worst!!!!) Positives...Editor of "Empire" really liked it..."It's just really funny...I was surprised the guys I saw it with liked it so much". "Sight and Sound" ed also "was impressed...it was much more interesting than I thought it was going to be". RZ has a very posh Sloane-y accent and "impeccable comic timing". "It is a tribute to Sharon Maguire that the set of three films (4W , NH) seem seamless...you would never know that the film was by a first-time director". "Hardcore fans (of BJD) may not be so keen because a lot has been cut from the book" Richard Curtis hopes that the good stuff from the book is still there and they've fulfilled the brief of "what made BJD a phenomenon". There's a scene with Mark Darcy's family, and a scene in which BJ tells MD that he goes out of his way to make her feel a complete idiot. Enough for now. Must dash! Good that "Empire" likes it...needs positive endorsement from film mags and lads' mags to do well!

I take back what I said...the Brit press doesn't seem to be carving- up the accent.Thanks everybody for film reviews. (Karen)Even with the way Playboy bunny costumes are constructed, knew it couldn't be real! ;-D LOL. Don't try to sneak by 'ole eagle-eye- Karen' with your falsies;-)

*hee hee* That buxom ones does not get with a mere 15 pound weight gain.

The Observer article is online (no pics): A Bridget just far enough In our exclusive sneak preview of Bridget Jones - the movie, that is - we find the nation's favourite neurotic still wallowing in good old British self-loathing. All the more impressive for being played by Texan Renee Zellweger... Gaby Wood It is a truth universally acknowledged that nothing is more likely to strike fear and xenophobia into the heart of an English person than a national treasure being appropriated by an American. This can usually be avoided by ensuring that what we choose to call a national treasure is a figure so self-deprecating that Americans couldn't possibly want her. Sometimes, however, the plan goes astray. Enter Bridget Jones, the international bestseller. It is a truth universally avoided that nowhere is our curious mix of national pride and national shame more in evidence than in our film industry. We want to take Hollywood by storm, but we don't want Hollywood to take our jobs. We want to win all the Oscars, but every new British film is met with a domestic chorus of disapproval. Could all these fraught elements of the British psyche ever come together in a single project? Enter Bridget Jones, the movie, due out next month. The filmmakers were never in the position of simply making an adaptation of a mere book. From the very beginning, they were adapting a phenomenon. Screenwriter Richard Curtis says this actually made it easier: 'At least in Bridget Jones you kind of know what the big subject matter is. So it was convenient being able to say, "Well, have we fulfilled the brief of what made it a phenomenon?"' It also means, however, that fans were oversensitive from the start. Ever since 1998, when Working Title, the production company responsible for Four Weddings and Notting Hill, began their search for the Bridget of the silver screen, the media have been set to pounce. And when, after a full two years, they lighted not on Kate Winslet or Helena Bonham Carter or even the Australian Cate Blanchett or the flatteringly glamorous Cameron Diaz, but on... Renee Zellweger, the British newspapers had a field day. Zellweger is a Texan blonde, not a glamourpuss but a soft-centred, round-faced actress, best known at that time for her role as Tom Cruise's love interest in Jerry Maguire and, more recently, for her deadpan performances in the high-profile Hollywood comedies Me, Myself and Irene and Nurse Betty, for which she won a Golden Globe. Zellweger was a high school cheerleader who is said to have worked in a topless bar without taking her top off, and whose first acting job was an ad for Texan beef. She is, it would seem, as wholesome and un-Bridget-like as they come. In the words of a former school friend, 'You couldn't find anyone more American than Renee'. As it happens, Zellweger's mother is Norwegian and her father is Swiss. Nevertheless, as if criticism of the casting wasn't bad enough, rumours began to circulate early on about the quality of the film itself. The script was co-written by Helen Fielding (of original novel fame), Richard Curtis (of Four Weddings and Notting Hill fame) and Andrew Davies (of BBC costume drama fame, and Pride and Prejudice in particular). The film is directed by Sharon Maguire, of no fame at all. It is Maguire's debut feature; her ostensible qualification for the job is that - apart from directing TV documentaries - she, like Curtis, is a friend of Fielding's, and is acknowledged at the front of the novel. In fact, Shazza, a character in the novel itself, is a fictionalised version of Maguire. So, to all intents and purposes, she found herself turning her life and her friends into a movie, and casting Smack The Pony 's Sally Phillips as, broadly, herself. Inevitably the rumour mill began to turn: Zellweger was so bad Hugh Grant, her co-star, was threatening to drop out. Sets were being struck too early and had to be rebuilt. Scenes were re-written, re-cut, re-shot. Everything was way behind schedule. Whether or not any of this was true makes hardly any difference. Because it's just a symptom of what is always hoped: it is a matter of honour in England to prepare for the bitterest shame. If 'The Making of Bridget Jones's Diary' is ever filmed, it ought to be called Pride and Prejudice . The fact is that most films are subject to such complications. The rumours may have persisted, paradoxically, because the film is such a closely guarded secret. The PR firm in question has a stranglehold on it, and is letting few people see even an early or a shortened version. Sharon Maguire can be reached but not interviewed: she has been placed under a gagging order. The soundtrack, which features songs re-recorded by Geri Halliwell and Robbie Williams, is still being worked on. But a few intrepid adventurers, including The Observer, have succeeded in sneaking a preview. A leaked memo shows that the film has tested well in... Reading. And now we can exclusively reveal that Bridget Jones's Diary is not a total embarrassment! Zellweger has mastered the nasal sing-song of a self-defeating Sloane. Some may not have imagined Bridget to be quite this posh, and those who found Gwyneth Paltrow's accent in Emma, Sliding Doors or Shakespeare in Love jarring may think this one (trained by the same dialogue coach) unbearable. But, particularly in the voice-over, it does enhance the story's Jane Austen overtones, and Zellweger has impeccable comic timing. Her appalling speech as publicist to the inauspiciously titled book 'Kafka's Motorbike', and her stumbling reprise in front of Mark Darcy's family, will elicit a heartfelt cringe from the most stony-faced observers. Hugh Grant, her boss and 'fuckwit' lover Daniel Cleaver, plays a version of himself in which the familiar charm turns out to be entirely phoney. And in a twist of self-referential genius, Colin Firth plays Darcy, as an updated version of what we have come to see as himself - a Jane Austen hero, scripted once again by Andrew Davies. The film has been spoken of as part of a trilogy, with Four Weddings and Notting Hill as its predecessors. All three have been scripted at least in part by Richard Curtis, they share the same producers, they all star Hugh Grant, and all of them feature an American as their female lead. It is certainly a tribute to Sharon Maguire that the set of three appears so seamless - you would never know that this film was made by a first-time director. But, despite their obvious similarities, Bridget Jones is if anything an inversion of the others: the American actress, more of a focal point this time than Hugh Grant, has adopted an English accent; rather than being an exotic import, she is meant to be an unremitting home-grown loser; and Grant turns out to be a bastard - an effect which works precisely because we are used to thinking of him as the harmless hero. Nick James, editor of Sight and Sound, was impressed: 'It was much more interesting than I thought it was going to be, because no other country in the world would make a film about a woman who hates herself for being womanly in this way. I think the Helen Fielding/Richard Curtis crowd have changed self-deprecation into self-hatred. It used to be that the English gent abroad would always be self-deprecating, but there is a qualitative difference between that and self-hatred.' A turning point comes in the film when Bridget confronts Mark Darcy with the words: 'You seem to go out of your way to make me feel like a complete idiot every time I see you. And you really needn't bother. Because I already feel like an idiot most of the time anyway.' At another point she is jilted, with perfect irony, by Daniel Cleaver, when he explains his attraction to another woman: 'Lara... being American... well, it's something to do with confidence.' In fact, one of the central problems the filmmakers must have faced was how to portray self-loathing on screen. We are familiar with the Bridget Jones drill in print, but how do you deal with having to make her concrete? Is she really fat, for example, or does she just think of herself as fat? If she is not fat (as seems clear from the body weights given with each diary entry), then how can the way she feels about her body, an intangible self-doubt, be put across? Richard Curtis thinks that portraying a state of mind is 'the most interesting thing about adapting a book. It surprised us how much we had to portray her loneliness, and stuff like that. The book is her talking herself out of it, whereas in the film we found we had to show it at times, and that was quite interesting - it did change it, even though I hope that all the good stuff from the book is still there. I think that probably is the secret of adapting: how to stand outside a character who you've got to know from the inside.' Renee Zellweger chose to put on weight for the part. This in itself wouldn't necessarily reflect a state of mind, but a mishap unrelated to the film turned out to prove that she had somehow morphed into her character. While in England to rehearse her British accent before shooting started, she was subjected to a diet of omelettes, bacon, milkshakes, burgers, pizzas, Guinness, and lots of desserts. Eventually she put on a stone. Some months later, Harper's Bazaar wanted to feature Zellweger as their cover girl. They took some pictures, but when the editor saw the results she was horrified. Zellweger was pulled from the cover. The reason given was not that she was too fat, but that (in the manner of Bridget Jones) she 'looked uncomfortable' with her weight. Emma Cochrane, editor of Empire magazine, thought Zellweger just 'looked like a normal English person'. She too was pleasantly surprised by the film. 'It's just really funny,' she says, 'This film doesn't alienate the guys like the book did. In fact, I was surprised that the guys I saw it with liked it so much. But hardcore fans might not be so keen, because a lot has been cut from the book.' Cochrane has a good feeling about the film's prospects: 'It's being released in the same slot as Four Weddings and Notting Hill - the pre-blockbuster season - so they obviously have a lot of confidence in it, and there's every reason to suppose it will do well'. Zellweger, for her part, doesn't seem to have totally relinquished her Jones-like habits. When Hugh Grant got up on stage a few weeks ago to present her with a Golden Globe, the actress almost missed the occasion because she was in the ladies, trying to get some lipstick off her teeth. Bridget Jones's Diary opens on 13 April

I had just read the Observer review myself. Sounds good. Last night I also saw the first BJD posters in London. One's immediate reaction is that RZ is far too gorgeous to play the doubt-ridden BJ. She has an adorable face. But that's part of the point, I suppose - the fact that when one's self-confidence is down (chronically, in the case of BJ) it has little to do with one's external circumstances.

(Ben) One's immediate reaction is that RZ is far too gorgeous to play the doubt-ridden BJ. She has an adorable face. Have you read the book? Nowhere does it say that BJ is homely or worse. Nor is she 'portly' as the American TV said. It's all about self-image and a thin, pretty girl can have a poor self-image too. But as we said long ago, when RZ was chosen, she's perfect because she can emit that vulnerability we saw in the book. Gorgeous? No. Cute, yes. But that's fine, as a cute girl would naturally feel inferior to gorgeous types.

I have read the book, yes. I'd read the diary in the newspaper, and I read the book a couple of days after it came out. I liked it v. much. I suppose all I meant is that RZ is prettier than Helen Fielding. She (RZ) is a film star after all. And gorgeousness is in the eye of the beholder. This beholder thinks RZ is gorgeous!

Yes, you are entitled to think RZ gorgeous. Wait until you see *most* of her stuffed into that bunny outfit. ;-D

Is that the bit where she gets the fancy dress wrong? Can't wait. I was surprised about the bit of the review, by the way, that claimed most men didn't like the book. That's quite untrue, in my experience. All the men I know loved it. Mostly because it was funny. But also because it rang true. Men's insecurities aren't that different to women's.

Ben, stop! Stop before you say that men and women aren't that different at all... Every psychologist, psychotherapist and any damn psycho-something else has been working his b**ls/her t*ts off to convince the humanity that we come from different planets. Deny it and you'll deprive a sizable proportion of the world population the pleasure of passing large amounts of money around purely on the basis of how they perceive those differences.

God. Sorry. In that case I should warn you that I am planning to write a book called "Men are from Earth and so are women." Radical stuff.

God. Sorry. You're right. And you're forgiven... ;-) "Men are from Earth and so are women." You're still absolutely determined to destroy my illusions, aren't you!!! ;-D

Ooh, I like this -There's one shot where Bridge walks away from him and there's this gaze after her. Meryton Assembly you say? Yes, I like this very much indeed. Missed both snippets. Will try to do better next time.

LOL. Ben you are right....my -son-the-psychologist read the book (as well as the sequel [before he gave them to his mother for Christmas]), loved it. Agrees with you on men & women having similar insecurities. Looking forward to your book ;-)

Ahem!! Did the actual Times article have other pictures or the same shown at the website (Marie Claire cover and red PJs)? because the film is such a closely guarded secret. The PR firm in question has a stranglehold on it, and is letting few people see even an early or a shortened version. Makes me feel much better. Shouldn't take all those snubs personally. ;-D

UK tabloid The Daily Mirror reports today that, as the BJD film makers already try to secure actors for the sequel, Renee Z. refuses to agree.

UK tabloid The Daily Mirror reports today that, as the BJD film makers already try to secure actors for the sequel, Renee Z. refuses to agree. Is she holding out for more money? Or is she waiting to see how many millions in makes worldwide to also set points. She was Jim C. girlfriend, she must have have learnt something in that department. I can't imagine any other reason for refusing at this time. She agreed to be BJ when other British actresses were hoping for the part, now she better show good faith. (Karen), Shouldn't take all those snubs personally. ;-D Keep trying, Karen! ;-)

I assume Colin WILL sign, but I don't take it for granted. :-( Why would HG be back unless they have changed the story to leave it open-ended?

Here's the item from the Mirror. I'd bet all of it is made up. BRIDGET MOANS DIARY STAR SAYS NO TO A SEQUEL BRIDGET Jones has never been our sort of girl. She doesn't get out much, is a frump who moans about her weight and can't get a boyfriend ... so not our scene, dearie. Nor, it seems, has the fictional character endeared herself to Renee Zellweger, the unlikely American actress who plays the whinging English rose in the film based on the best-selling diaries. So much so that Renee, who appears opposite Hugh Grant and Colin Firth in the movie, does not want to repeat her role as chain-smoking, over-indulging and desperate Ms Jones. Bridget Jones's Diary is out next month and the 31-year-old is already refusing to sign for the sequel. The actress hated piling on (shock, horror!) a whole stone and smoking cigarettes for her role as the neurotic single woman and has told film bosses nothing can persuade her to repeat the role. Despite positive early feedback, Miramax boss Harvey Weinstein, who is distributing the movie, has ordered some scenes to be re-edited. "The producers, Working Title, are trying to sign up the sequel already even before Bridget Jones comes out," said an insider. "But Renee doesn't want to know. She hated having to stuff her face and didn't like living in London for eight months." During filming she would moan every day: " I'm so fat, I'm so fat." Renee said: "It gets dark really soon and it's cold. It was the no-exercise part that killed me."

I can't imagine any other reason for refusing at this time. I can: there's no script!! It's like buying something sight unseen. None of the principals would re-up without having seen a script. I'd bet all of it is made up. So do I. Early word on the film seems to be very good, and they don't know how else to fabricate a problem.

Despite positive early feedback, Miramax boss Harvey Weinstein, who is distributing the movie, has ordered some scenes to be re-edited. So if it's all made up, we don't have to worry about the Harvey cut, right?

Right. This one is in the can. They're alrady having press screenings.

(Me) If all he does is bring Mr. Darcy back in 21st century costume, I'll be very disappointed indeed. (Evelyn) But don't you think that's what HF had in mind? If not, they could have had any ole Brit bloke play MD. True, true; I've been arguing for years that the character of MD is nothing more than an updated FD *but* I was hoping for something more from CF than a complete reprise of his P&P2 performance. As a student of P&P2 ;-) I fully expect to see endless similarities, i.e., line delivery, looks, etc. (such as those already pointed out above). My point is, I hope CF adds something else to MD to make the role the same as FD, but different. Got it? I'm being as clear as mud ;-P As for the AH clip (which I also have on tape and must re-watch)--thought CF's face time was excellent but was miffed that his name wasn't mentioned in the voice-over as it was on ET. Would it have killed them to say 'in which Zellweger stars with CF and HG (or even HG and CF)'? Harumph. Movie looks v.v. excellent, though!

(Eileen)My point is, I hope CF adds something else to MD to make the role the same as FD, but different. Got it? I'm being as clear as mud ;-P No I understand what you mean....and I agree. We don't want character -clones. And actually, IMO sequels are seldom as good as the first one. Dilutes the original. I also like to hear him speak in the ET clip of BJD.

I'd say the Mirror is leading the charge for all press that weren't invited to that early screening (Empire, Sight & Sound, Observer). Mirror wants to trash the movie and has started anti-RZ backlash.

I see that the Film Unlimited site has picked it up, quoting from the Mirror--and then adding its own embellishments. They write she "apparently hated the part so much . . " and "apparently hated filming in London so much . . ." Apparent to whom? To anyone making it up as they go along? Does use of word "apparently" preclude a lawsuit, in manner of "allegedly" in mob stories?;-)

(Mari) Apparent to whom? To anyone making it up as they go along? Well, if they said it in the Mirror, then it *must* be true. *phooey* Shades of the 'HF didn't want RZ and wanted to play BJ herself' hoo-hah. Let's see how many more tabs/websites propagate this nonsense in the coming days.

OK...I don't take it back...maybe some of the press is going trash Renee after all. But they do that to Gwynnie too. Remember they said she was anti-British because she said she didn't like a dessert called"Treacle".

Decided to check the other tabloid and found this item: Geri Fame-ous HERE'S Geri Halliwell giving it some belly in the video for her new single It's Raining Men. She goes totally Eighties for the film, donning tracksuit bottoms, biker jacket and fingerless gloves, as my exclusive snap shows. The promo pays tribute to the era of yuppies and dodgy haircuts through clothes, clich�s and a storyline inspired by the popular Eighties TV show Fame. It even features a Leroy character plus an irritating troupe of actors dancing about on top of cars, echoing the series about a New York music and drama school. The song, released next month, is a remake of the Weather Girls' 1984 hit and features in the movie Bridget Jones' Diary, also out soon.

(Eileen)My point is, I hope CF adds something else to MD to make the role the same as FD, but different. Got it? It was always my impression that Mark D. had more self-confidence (except RE; whether Bridget really could like him) and a strong sardonic sense of humor, something FD hadn't managed to develop at that time. Also MD previously married and with a strong work ethic. Lots of points to differentiate the character, as no doubt ODB will.

Lucky girls! Ann, I do hope you plan to attend. And with your camera as you did for SIL. :-)

Go to it, Ann!

Thanks Ann. Where is the venue?

Hot off the wires... (note poor insertion of old item toward end) This is possibly response to tabloid items yesterday. Man-Hunting Bridget Jones Heads to Movies LONDON (Reuters) - Helen Fielding's best-selling novel about a dieting, smoking, man-hunting singleton hits the silver screen next month when "Bridget Jones's Diary" aims to captivate world audiences with a very British charm. Never mind that a Texan blonde gets to play the eponymous heroine -- the theme is British through and through. Hugh Grant plays the baddie, Colin Firth is the love interest and Bridget smokes and drinks for England. "No other country in the world could make a film about a woman who hates herself for being womanly in this way," said Nick James, editor of Sight and Sound film magazine. The movie of the international best seller which began life as a tongue-in-cheek newspaper column, opens on April 13. Behind the adaptation is the hit team who created "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Notting Hill." Now Working Title, the production company, hopes the neurotic diaries of a single 30-something will provide its third low-budget British film hit. At the core of the book is Bridget Jones's die-hard attempt to get thin, smoke less, drink fewer alcoholic units and meet the man of her dreams. Hardly a modern tale, it nevertheless captured the public's imagination and became a must-read for a generation of modern career women seeking an old-fashioned happy ending. The Bridget Jones of Fielding's imagination opened each diary entry with a tally of how many cigarettes smoked, pounds lost or gained and drinks drunk. The quest was to get beautiful and find a man -- with plenty of navel gazing along the way. "How is it possible to put on four pounds overnight? Could flesh have somehow solidified, becoming denser and heavier (repulsive, horrifying notion)); alcohol units: two (excellent) cigarettes: 21 (poor but will give up totally tomorrow); number of correct lottery numbers: two (better, but nevertheless useless)" is just one typical entry. TEXAN ROSE? Yet it is an American, rather than a hip Londoner, who grabbed the lead and Fielding admitted to fierce jealousy that her screen character would have an affair with Grant, whom she describes as "hilariously wicked, sexy charming and delicious." Renee Zellweger, best known for playing Tom Cruise's romantic sidekick in "Jerry Maguire," is a corn-fed Texan with a moon face: a far cry from the English rose of Fielding's mind. Zellweger's mother is Norwegian and her father is Swiss, but critics will be listening hard to see if an American of European extraction has mastered the London accent. Her past credits include the comedies "Me Myself and Irene" and "Nurse Betty," which earned her a Golden Globe award. Fielding won't let Zellweger steal all the limelight. "I'm keen on the idea of turning up on set and in enormous sunglasses and a gold lame turban shrieking 'it should have been me!' and having to be led away and given a trinket," she told Sydney's Daily Telegraph. The script was written by Fielding, Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and Notting Hill) and Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice).

Now THIS is what I call a poster!!

Could have been a better image of Colin though, thanks Karen.

...and they say I'm picky! ;-D Anyway, Teletext picked up the other item. Liked use of "it's suggested." Shame they didn't say "who suggested it"...The Mirror Zellweger won't do Jones sequel Renee Zellweger is not interested in making the sequel to Bridget Jones's Diary, sources at Working Title claim. It's suggested she is reluctant to have to put two stone in weight on again and disliked living in London for eight months. A non-smoker, she also had to puff on herbal cigarettes which made her "smell like dung". Early previews of the movie are favourable with critics impressed by her Sloaney English accent.

"It's suggested" by the Daily Mirror. The "smell like dung" bit is straight out of Marie Claire. Feeble re-tread of a cobbled story. I reckon IF there's any truth in the Mirror's story, it could be proof of RZ backing the film. If it's a success, her worth for a sequel will shoot up. I'm sure she didn't love London and gaining weight and not exercising, etc, etc, but I guess she'd do the role again for its sheer artistic integrity - that and a (few) million dollars.

According to Annova, the soundtrack for BJD goes on release on the 16th March, which seems a little strange as some of the individual singles aren't released until the beginning of April, i.e. Gabrielle and Geri Halliwell's Raining Men.

Is it me or does Geri GingerSpice look like she's anorexic? I like that pic of MD, Ann (same as the one on cupid during that Valentine's Day promo). Hair: v.v.g., jawline: v.g., fit of shirt collar: v.v.g.! Also like that he appears to be peeking at the diary. Think this is the *official* poster? *hoping*

Hi all... (delurking on this board) stupid question, which I should know, but don't: when is this supposed to open up in theatres here in the US?

About the sequel, there was talk about the other WT hits (4Weddings and NH), but they've never chosen to pursue the sequel route with those (yeah, like they could get Julia to do another!). All hype, making it a huge hit before it even opens. I agree, Ann, it seems a bit early to release the soundtrack. I would think it would coincide with the release of the movie. Perhaps, they meant April 13 not March 13 as it is not listed at a couple of music sites I've checked. The item from Ananova: Bridget Jones soundtrack set to be a hit The soundtrack to the forthcoming film adaptation of Helen Fielding's bestseller Bridget Jones's Diary features exclusive tracks from top artists. The film is tipped to be one of the biggest international movie hits of the year. Tracks include new material from Robbie Williams, and Geri Halliwell's cover of The Weather Girls' 1980s hit, It's Raining Men. There are also contributions from Alisha's Attic, Shelby Lynne and Gabrielle. Bridget Jones's Diary premieres in the UK in April, while the soundtrack album is due for release on March 16 through Mercury.

Liz: check the Bucket for all the dates: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjd.html and it's April 13th

The poster for Bridget Jones is now on the Tube in London. (has anyone reported this before?) It is the one with RZ sitting, legs out straight, with a ciggie in the ashtray to her side. Says something like "it's Monday and BJ wakes up in bed with a hangover and her boss". Sorry if that is not correct but have not time to go back to Green Park to check:-) Much better than tht creepy picture of CF - looks straight out of RV!!

tht creepy picture of CF - looks straight out of RV!! LOL! I thought it looked familiar... Btw, what are responses 85 to 88 supposed to mean exactly? I see nothing in 85 and I feel like an extra in a remake of The Emperor's New Clothes...