Someone was asking (forgive me I've forgotten who) about online retail sites for BJD soundtrack . Am gobsmacked as have just received my copy from Amazon.co.uk (according to local conventional stores it's not out until Monday) so am V V impressed with their service. UK "Special Edition" cover has BJ looking up with giary on her lap and back has usual lovely promo picture CF, RZ and HG (CF scowling at contents of diary Mmmmmm).Inside booklet has stills but only one MD i.e. MD & BJ in snow. Have just finished listening to it for the first time though cannot recall some of the tracks being in the film, never mind is v good listen. Have done obligatory air guitar/drum solo and screeching at top of voice to "All By Myself" *apologies to long suffering neighbours*

(Minor Spoilers) Where can I start? What can I say? I love Bridget Jones Hip Hip Hooray! With her pudding cheeks And her eyes full of hurts With her bosom so ample And her shortest of shirts She is awfully winning So real and so plucky No wonder men see her And hope they get lucky. And what a great fight! It couldn�t be better! Two men so inept At socking each other! Our Colin looked gorgeous Darcy through and through Only now not on cable And not just for the few. He�s dressed in Saville And turtleneck sweaters No longer in breeches, Writing long letters. Cleaver is showy But Mark�s got the part That shows with his eyes, The thoughts in his heart. And bring on the drums Shout oceans of bliss! He finally shows us He really CAN kiss! For at the end, In snow and full view... �Barrister�s don�t kiss�� �Yes, they fucking do!� Murph

Loved the poem Murph - LOL! AnnW thanks for the direction to IMDB's reviews judging by reaction methinks we may have many many newbies before too long! Though one review puzzled me (I believe from KerryW: ) Firth too shows how far he's come from baring his backside in Pride and Prejudice. Hmmmm - wonder which version she's been watching??!!? "A happy thought indeed"

Has any British paper said anything nice about CF? Laura Tennant from The Independent, a 5 bottle review: Firth might as well have "good husband material" attooed across his forehead, but despite this, or perhaps because of it, he makes a devastatingly sexy Darcy. And ladies, I mean devastating. Your magazines have been far more complimentary. The newspaper critics are truly stuffed shirts. Alexander Walker, who didn't have Lottery money to carp about, chose to criticize the distribution of profits between the US and England. What has this to do with the film? It's as if there is something v. wrong about an enjoyable film. Sheesh, they can't all be Battleship Potemkin.

This link should work: http://apolloguide.com/mov_fullrev.asp?CID=3053 The problem was two p's in apollo.

Colin Firth's erect stick of a Mark Darcy. [Ed note: Andrew Davies script instruction, no doubt.] LOL. Editorial note noted. And who cares what the Financial Times says anyway. (Ann)Time between first lean in and actual lip contact, not counting 2 instances of prior neck nuzzling, 4 minutes 35 seconds. Goodie, will wallow in those 4 minutes again today. Did I read in one of the reviews that there were about 15 different endings? I didn't want the movie to end at all. Notice a definite schizophrenic tendency among the Brit press. The articles before the film's release were very nice, complimentary, promising, etc. Looks like the reviewers couldn't wait to get their talons on this to show they weren't pushovers like those feature writers. Ah, I feel much better about Ebert's review now that I see there was more to it. I hope he remembers to say those nice things about Colin on TV. People Magazine has their review in. Not enough of a Colin mention...Zellweger, who continues to impress as a contemporary incarnation of Doris Day (!), more than holds her own with her leading men, both of whom, glow and a strong supporting cast. It's their Featured Attraction but no pic of Mark though Colin is their Pop Quiz subject on page 22. Don't care for the pic.

Did the makers decide that Frank Capra had to step in for Helen Fielding as the closing master of ceremonies; that instead of taking satirical particularity up to the wire they must send the filmgoer home with a head full of snow, feelgood music and fadeout clinching? LOL! I admit I did think that too! Why the snow? But if they went all out for a Capra effect--more power to them! Tracy, lucky girl! Can't wait to hear your report. Karen, I barely noticed the street! I was too busy looking for Mr. Darcy. ;-) Thanks for all the reviews!

The Bridget/Mark love theme is Dreamsome by Shelby Lynne. Terrific sound track in the film. Wish they would have included an Elvis Costello,, though.

So you like Elvis Costello, Evelyn? Me too! I would have loved Todd Rundgren's "I saw the Light." Wasn't that supposed to be in the movie? A wonderful Easter to all! Chocolate eggs tomorrow, yum!

closing tag

Have just got back from my second of many viewings to come, much better audience response and a sigh when Colin turns round and shows off his reindeer jumper!! Full cinema which is very good for an Easter Saturday afternoon. I really can't wait for the video/dvd to come out, some many wonderful close-ups and don't you just love the little smile that creeps across Colin's face every so often especially when he is helping Brighet with the dinner. Also I just love it when he says "crickey", when Bridget tells him that she likes him too(at the Darcy's Ruby Wedding Party). Oh and thanky you Sharon Maguire for that lovely last long lingering kiss... Thanks Ann for finding the correct link.

(Ann W)Also I just love it when he says "crickey", when Bridget tells him that she likes him too(at the Darcy's Ruby Wedding Party). Ann, what does "crickey" mean?

All my men wear Burberry suits, or they wear nothing at all...

Ahem, one more time: All my men wear Burberry suits, or they wear nothing at all...

Donna! Did you have your James Bond cam with you? Brava!

That is some purposeful striding there, Mark! Well done. Can't wait to see what else Donna the pirate has in her stash.;-)

That is a Darcy stride if ever I saw one, Mark. Donna, you clever girl. Couldn't resist popping into the Bridget Jones message board on AOL when I saw it was featured when I logged in tonight. Some potential new fans for Colin or were these comments from you girls?: (CF is) "Oozing sex apeal at the end. Yum yum. More Colin Firth" "Collin (sic) is very sexy." "Colin Firth...what a doll! I'd like to meet that Mr. Darcy." There were even more. He definitely beat out Hugh in the raves.

Holy cow Donna!! What have you been up to? ;-D

I know *another* British review is the last thing you'd want to read, but the Sunday Observer has weighed in. Thought it had promise as had Colin's reindeer boy pic on front page, then clicked to read this: "The co-writers - Helen Fielding, Andrew Davies (in whose TV adaptation of Sense and Sensibility Colin Firth became a star)" Read the rest at your own peril, but is definitely going in my special section of the Review page under Fuckwittage. http://www.observer.co.uk/screen/story/0,6903,473234,00.html

Group sitting next to me tonight (viewing #4) had a woman in it who said she never goes to movies more than once, but this was her second time. I told them about COlin and that the part was written from the start for him :) TV station here called Mark Darcy a "businessman". My guess is the guy just read other reviews and didn't bother to see it himself.

unlurking once again..Just got back from seeing BJD for the second time....sigh x's infinity. I think I shall have to go back and see it once more, just so I do not forget a single moment. To move on..both the Rosie Odonnell and the Today show are acknowledging the appearance of Colin on Monday. Like I said in the last room..Lets cross our fingers shall we.

Finally, a realistic review from your shores. One with pretensions, no hidden agendas, no poses. Cosmo is probably just happy that a character has his name! http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/2001/04/15/sticulfil02005.html good, v.good: Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), a broody, moody hunk of manhood

That s/b without all those things. *oops is late*

Donna, I am all astonishment! The connections you ladies have.... Oh no, not another review, Karen! *groan* Love the lovely new review section complete with special effects. :-D

According to the Sunday Telegraph Renee has agreed to do a sequel as she will not have to put on so much weight and apparently BJD has broken UK Box Office Records for the first day and is expected to beat NH for the weekend. Hurrah. The report is online under UK news.

V.briefly as busy time looms ahead. Saw BJD last night with full house (and had to queue!!) and really enjoyed it. S-o-o nice to CF starring (and I do mean starring) in a popular mainstream movie!! Long article in the Sunday Telegraph on BJD. It took �1.7million in the UK on its opening night (twice as much as NH, the former record holder) and looks on course to be the most successful British-made film ever). Took �1.2 in US on opening night(is this good?), beaten only by SpyKids. STelegraph says RZ has agreed to do sequel, provided she doesn't have to put on weight. WT are going ahead with a sequel based on TEOR. It is hoped that the film's other stars will also appear in the sequel. Helen Fielding is working on the script. Eric Fellner, the producer, is "sitting down on Tuesday to plan in detail how to film the sequel starring RZ. It had already been discussed with the cast". Good review for BJD in the STelegraph. "CF manages a slow-burning transition from grumpy and stodgy to masterful and sexy, in classic Mr Darcy fashion" Only criticism..."I wish (Sharon Maguire's) influence had been a litle stronger to dilute that of RC...the whiff of the RC formula was the film's only real drawback." Our local paper also gave BJD a very good review (have part quoted this before) and they often slam movies. (Male reviewer)"CF is excellent as the stoic MD, playing his role with enough restraint and mystery to keep the plot bubbling in the final reel". (Female) "Number of times swooned over CF during film...47...CF is perfect as MD."

Oh yeah, there was a line outside the theater I went to tonight too--quite a long one. ANd the theater was packed. Audience seemed a little quieter through the movie than last night, but applauded at the end, which didn't happen yesterday

Just saw Ebert & Roeper's review. Had some good clips of CF. Brief glimpse of him smiling at dinner party, extended view of him singing happy birthday, and of course the "I like you" line. Ebert also mentioned he played Darcy in P&P. They liked it and talked about Renee and Hugh being great.

Donna ... I don't know how you did that - I am all amazement; thank goodness had just seen the film first so could recognise self. Karen: In the last scene, the store appears in very ritzy area, which wouldn't be a few blocks away from Bridget's flat. Did that street look familiar? Apologies if anyone has answered this already (I tend to skip chunks of the reviews I must admit): the shop and parade is a real one just beside the Bank of England in the City - to get there, MD and BJ would have had to run over London Bridge and then all the way up King William St - dramatic licence of course. Must just add: those early reviewers who asked why would either DC or MD find Bridget attractive - who were you watching? RZ is wonderful IMO, and exactly captures the Bridget of the books, with all her feist and imagination as well as the ditziness. Burberry Man

(Mark) I don't know how you did that - I am all amazement; thank goodness had just seen the film first so could recognise self. LOL, this was my second viewing, so I came prepared. I planted myself early so that I could get a good seat, then I obnoxiously flung my feet on the chair in front of me so that people were discouraged from sitting nearby. Didn't want a fat head to get in the way. :-) I waited for Cleaver to grrr/roar as he revved up his engine, then snap snap snap. *Nonchalantly sticks the camera back in the bag and continues watching the movie*

Lovely news, all! Thanks, Burberry Man, for the site identification. That's what I thought, in terms of being further away than it was made to appear. The Ebert & show had excellent clips. Lots and lots of Colin on view, especially during the fight. Many closeups of head on table, etc. It also seemed as though Ebert was going to say more about Colin (or just male leads) and then switched over to discuss how much he enjoyed Huge's performance from the first glimpse of him. Oh well, can't have everything.... BTW, you will be able to hear Ebert &'s comments online at their website shortly.

Ladies, please go to http://www.moviefone.com/ and to Feedback, and post your review, exulting Colin,of course. They have had the audacity to omit Colin from the credits, they have listed Honor Blackman for goodness sake and she was only in the film for 2 seconds!!

Actually, Honor Blackman was in all the scenes where the parents gathered. She only had a line at the T&V party, but you can see her at the turkey curry buffet and at the Ruby Anniversary party. But your point is well-taken, Ann. ;-D It's more important IMHO to email the Charlie Rose show now. They need to act quickly to get Colin on. I have likened him to RF, plus described the wonderful reviews for his first short story and plans for a Hamlet. Go to it, people!!

I saw BGD while on vacation in Santa Rosa the other night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Also noted, Karen R's BGD web pages our soaring off our charts!

FoF Dottie found this: http://www.sunspot.net/news/printedition/bal-to.bridget14apr14.story Chronicles of a true Firth fan Book: A Sun reporter compares a 'Diary' with 'Pride.' By Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan Sun Staff April 14, 2001 Thursday 5 April 7:25 p.m. Ohmigod. Have to attend advance screening of "Bridget Jones's Diary." Refused to read the book when it first came out. Seemed v. v. silly and demeaning, and Bridget sounded like an annoying, desperate nutbag. But Colin Firth (to DIE for) is in it. Was SO swoonworthy in BBC's "Pride and Prejudice" and should make "Bridget" not entirely a waste of time. 9:30 p.m. My life is complete. Film was most excellent - v. v. funny even though Renee Zellweger was v. v. annoying (as expected of nutbag Bridget). Love that dry Brit wit, Hugh Grant is a magnificent rogue and, oh, that Colin Firth ... I swear he has perfected the art of playing a dashing Darcy. Friday 6 April Noon. People say BJD is a modern "Pride and Prejudice," and it seems about right: Hugh's publishing whiz Daniel Cleaver possesses the smarm-charm of Elizabeth Bennet's initial love interest Mr. Wickham, Bridget's Mum runs off with a man just like Elizabeth's sister Lydia does. And Colin Firth plays a marvelous Mr. Darcy all over again! He's terribly adroit at conveying tormented passion without saying one word. Although, in BJD, Darcy is a wealthy, hardworking lawyer, unlike P&P's Mr. Darcy who was just born insanely rich and passes time shooting fowl, quietly performing good deeds for sport, and secretly desiring Elizabeth Bennet. (Not that that's a bad thing.) That Bridget, however, seems a lot more like Fanny Price in "Mansfield Park" than P&P's Elizabeth Bennet. Lizzy, at least, was a strong, intelligent woman. Bridget's more like Fanny, Austen's least likable heroine and a wimpy girl to boot. Note to self: Rent BBC series and read P&P again. Also, pick up copy of BJD. Sunday 8 April Am reading P&P and enjoying it v. v. much. Remarkable similarities to BJD, which am also endeavoring to read at the same time. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham both went to Cambridge University, so did Daniel Cleaver and Mark Darcy. Natasha, the wenchy barrister determined to snag Mark Darcy for herself in BJD, is a carbon copy of the conniving Ms. Bingley, who tries to scheme her way into becoming Lady Darcy. And Mr. Darcy makes his first appearance in P&P at a ball, where he sulks and refuses to dance. In BJD, Bridget first lays eyes on Mark Darcy at a party where he's looking all haughty and keeping to himself. She even notes: "It struck me as pretty ridiculous to be called Mr. Darcy and to stand on your own looking snooty at a party. Read so intently that did not leave the apartment for whole evening and had week-old brownies for dinner. Must alter behavior or will end up like Bridget. Note to self: Look into buying scale. Monday 9 April Noon. BJD is getting old. Read till 2 a.m. and Bridget is getting v. v. grating. If she does not improve, I fear I shall have to start smoking again to cope with her shrill whining. She worries about her weight, her smoking, her eating, and suffers an exasperating lack of self-esteem. (Just say "NO" to Daniel Cleaver, woman!) P&P's strong-willed and level-headed Lizzy would never have felt so sorry for herself at being so v. v. unattached. In fact, even though Lizzy is of marriageable age and her mother is pressing her to wed, she has enough self-worth to resist Mr. Darcy when he first proposes, retorting: "I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry." Now, that's girl power. Read in the BJD information kit that Andrew Davies, who wrote the P&P script, helped with author Helen Fielding and writer Richard Curtis with the BJD script. Also saw somewhere that BJD author Helen Fielding had a crush on Colin Firth. I have no doubt - in the book, Bridget pitches a story about Colin Firth when she becomes a news reporter. And then she ponders the Darcy-Elizabeth relationship: "I would hate to see Darcy and Elizabeth in bed, smoking a cigarette afterward. That would be unnatural and wrong and I would quickly lose interest." I know what she means. I'm beginning to lose interest in the BJD versions of Darcy and Lizzy. BJD offers TOO MUCH INFORMATION about what they both would probably be like in modern times. 5:30 p.m. Discover there are many Web sites devoted to Colin Firth. Momentarily feel guilty for looking them up at work. But I am doing it for a story, after all. Tuesday 10 April There really are an amazing number of Colin Firth Web sites out there. Wednesday 11 April Holed myself up indoors all day to watch the 1995 BBC P&P miniseries. It was so v. v. brilliant and definitely far superior to BJD. In fact, BJD seems rather silly and foppish in comparison - even as a modern homage. Smoked four cigarettes. v. v. bad. I fear I am Bridget, after all. Thursday 12 April 10 p.m. Finally finished reading BJD. Loathed how forced some of the similarities were. Mark Darcy traipsing all the way to Portugal and devoting weeks to finding Bridget's Mum? Puh-lease. I would've said, "Forget Mum, dear Darcy. What about your high-paying, tres glam barrister job?" Looking back, BJD seems a bit of a let-down. Midnight Do more v. v. essential Colin Firth research on the computer. Friday 13 April 9 a.m. BJD opens in theaters today, and I don't understand how anyone could deign to see it. It's so v. inferior to P&P. Although, it was a little enjoyable and funny. And it did have the Firth factor. 9:30 a.m. Spot Hugh Grant on "Live with Regis and Kelly" accompanied by hysterical Darcy-Cleaver fight scene from movie. Note to self: MUST see BJD again this weekend. Copyright � 2001, The Baltimore Sun

Good news on the US box office front. BJD came in third with $10.8 million for the weekend, just beat out by films which were shown on many more screens: 1. Spy Kids--$12.8 million, from 3,172 screens 2. Along Came A Spider--$11.3 million, from 2,530 screens 3. Bridget Jones's Diary--$10.8 million, from 1,611 screens Just saw Colin interviewed (as part of junket, wearing his red shirt and dark suit) on CNN Showbiz. He looked very relaxed and smiley, told a cute anecdote about the guys having to pump up for their roles vs. RZ having to pack it on, and one day, someone dared the three of them to raise up their shirts and display their abdominals so they did. He said it was a contest to see who really had a six-pack. Then he added, Renee had about a one-pack.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The children's thriller ''Spy Kids'' ruled the North American box office for the third consecutive weekend, while the British romantic comedy ``Bridget Jones's Diary'' opened strongly on both sides of the Atlantic, according to studio estimates issued Sunday. ``Spy Kids'' grossed about $12.8 million from U.S. and Canadian theaters during the Friday-to-Sunday Easter holiday period. The Morgan Freeman thriller ``Along Came a Spider'' held steady at No. 2 with $11.3 million in its second weekend. ``Bridget Jones's Diary,'' based on British author Helen Fielding's best-selling novel about a neurotic single London woman, opened at No. 3 with $10.8 million. The film, starring Texas native Renee Zellweger and co-starring Hugh Grant, also bowed at No. 1 in the United Kingdom with a projected three-day haul of $8.4 million, a record for a British picture, and No. 8 on the all-time rankings. ``Diary'' was budgeted in the mid-$20 million area, and directed by English rookie feature filmmaker Sharon Maguire. It was released in North America by Miramax Films and in Britain by Universal Pictures. The studios co-produced with France's StudioCanal. In North America, women predictably accounted for about 60 percent of the audience, often coming in ``large packs,'' said David Brooks, executive vice president of marketing at Miramax. Pre-opening research had indicated that only 3 to 4 percent of potential moviegoers had heard of Fielding's book, which was a bestseller in the United Kingdom, but strong only in New York and Los Angeles, Brooks said. ``Diary'' played across the board geographically, and will expand to more than 2,000 theaters next weekend. It is currently at 1,611 theaters -- about half the total of ``Spy Kids.'' New York-based Miramax is a unit of Walt Disney Co., while Universal and StudioCanal are owned by Vivendi Universal.

In North America, women predictably accounted for about 60 percent of the audience, often coming in ``large packs,'' said David Brooks, executive vice president of marketing at Miramax. I resent this reviewer's comment. Makes us sound like pack of singleton-devouring alsatians!

Just did my part at Moviephone. What F***wit at moviephone wrote the credits list???? Let's all get together and beat up Tom, who gave it an F!

He said it was a contest to see who really had a six-pack. Then he added, Renee had about a one-pack. Knew he had it in him to be cute. ;-D Had a great audience at my noon viewing. Pretty full and perhaps 40 percent male, who laughed at different bits. I could sense absolutely no audience sympathy for Huge yet there was horror when Mark left her apartment. Lots of "oh nos." Best news is that my older sister wants to borrow my P&P tapes, which I lent her ages ago, but she didn't like. She wanted to know all sorts of things about Jane Austen, when the book was written, and why was there such a cult following. Also wanted to know about Colin. I wonder why she thought I could answer those questions???? ;-D

Have another question. The TV camera man who couldn't say whether other reporters had gotten interviews, said he was off doing "slash." What is slash?

What is slash? Isn't it going off to do, *ahem*... #1? (Someone confirm this)

quite right Winter, well put.

*embarrassed*

Think BJD did gloriously well in US box office given last week's predictions. Ahahaha! Take *that*, Josie, Pussycats, and Joe Dirt! *long bronx cheer* *wiping monitor* Jen-Jen, will try to e-mail you so we might discuss the nuances of beet root cubes. ;-) About a hundred posts ago, there was something from AP about the fight and that Huge said it was his idea that they fight like girls, etc. etc. Just wait, ladies...any day now The Gnat will announce that he gave Helen Fielding the idea for Bridget. :-/

Just saw CF on the Today show. It was a great interview. I also happened to see that he will be on Live with Regis tomorrow. He looked great this morning, and I was glad to see he was finally on.

Karen, I think your e-mails might be working! Renee Zellweger is scheduled to be on the Charlie Rose show tonight. I've got my fingers (and toes) crossed that they'll add CF to the panel as well...

Wonderful news, Valerie. We're talking about Colin's appearances on television on Topic 143.

oops. Sorry about that! I'll see you over there. ;-)

No need for apologies. Just wanted to make sure you could join in with the rest of us.

Thanks for the offer Eileen, but have figured out reference upon second viewing. Feel rather silly, actually, for having totally missed the nuances of that scene the first time around. Hmmm...may have to go see it again, just to be sure. ;) Had my sister e-mailing me play-by-play of Today show interview--can't wait to go home and watch it!

(Jen) Hmmm...may have to go see it again, just to be sure. ;) A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do! ;-) Don't think anyone in my audience last Fri. understood anything about the cooking scene, even when Mark called Bridget Una. :-/

The beetroot cubes and such seemed to have been missed by all the audiences I've been in.

Local radio station was asking for callers to phone in with their opinions on BJD. First caller said that BJD was great, funniest movie and that it deserves to be remembered at next year�s Academy Awards. The second caller said same and that she fell in love with CF, that she�s now drooling over him. But Lara (deejay) steered conversation over to HG, and how he�s the type all women love and can�t resist, even if he is no good.

This is from David Poland of voicesofhollywood.com I was shocked at how much I enjoyed Bridget Jones�s Diary. I read the book at the behest of my 28-year-old niece and enjoyed it, though I wasn�t sure how it would play as a film. I listened to all the bitching and moaning about the hiring of American Renee Zellweger to play the quintessential British gal. And every appearance by Zellweger seemed to focus on her weight a lot more than it did on the movie. So, surrounded by a theater full of 30something women on Sunday afternoon, I didn�t anticipate much from the film. And as it started, I was still iffy. It seemed that first-time director Sharon Maguire was being a little too cute and trying a little too hard to match the structure of the book. But soon, that all fell away. Maguire is clearly not a great film stylist. But that slowly became the charm of the film as it went from being a big, hyped film to an art house find before my eyes. Zellweger�s performance had all the curves of real life. Hugh Grant gave the most restrained, game free performance I�ve seen for him in a while. And Colin Firth was drier than any martini. And all that was good. By the time I realized that things like Bridget having a Greek chorus of three friends and Hugh Grant to boot, I was already well past worrying that this was yet another homage to Four Weddings & A Funeral. (After the film, I realized that the producing team and writer behind Four Weddings and Notting Hill were behind this film as well.) I really like Four Weddings, but this one is gloriously different, choosing a level of imperfection that contrasts directly with the slick glibness of the progenitor. And for me, the message about the basic humanity of people trying to find a human connection was quite beautiful. Bridget is the clown princess of the effort. But the men around her are just as flawed, even without the extra weight and fashion faux pas. Even Bridget�s parents have to deal with the things that being people together and tear them apart. For me the film was, in the end, about the forgiving heart. And that is a message that I was certainly ready to embrace.

Great to read everyone's reactions to the film, plus reviews etc I envy you all a UK audience reaction, promising to go to later showing next time to get one guaranteed. fabulous news about beating NH on first weekend too. Tracy, am joining you in exuberant dance to soundtrack, holding whisk in one hand and Survival ticket in the other!

Lizza -am joining you in exuberant dance to soundtrack, holding whisk in one hand and Survival ticket in the other! All together now....*air guitar with drum accompaniment* All By myse-e-elf donwannabee....... What better way to spend a dull, lonely, Bank Holiday Monday than a third viewing of BJD (even if went alone in manner of confident singleton)? Maybe is just Medway mentality but profanities got the most laughs, plus "Have it Oeuf" - but all subtleties lost on crowd e.g FR Leavis plus they didn't seem to recognise Salman until he was mentioned in ill fated speech *hitting forehead*. Not unsurprisingly therefore crowd didn't get many of references (found myself the only one laughing way too loudly at beetroot cubes). Party of girlies in front let out a squeal of delight when MD turned up with cheeky grin and newspaper plus girl next to me shrieked "Oh No!" when DC arrives at party (forgave myslef a cruel chuckle at Huge's expense). Place went mad during fight scene - the audio was better at this cinema than on previous occasions so one got the full effect of the "Eow-ing" and "Oof-ing" during spazz-fight. Has ODB had more piercings recently - I counted three

And Colin Firth was drier than any martini. I'll have my Cosmopolitan martini now, TUVM! ;-)

Has ODB had more piercings recently - I counted three My what good eyes you have, Tracy! Do tell us where and don't keep it to the ears. ;-)

Do tell us where and don't keep it to the ears. ;-) LOL! Most evident in the Agani-Heaney (sp) interview, counted one in right and two in left.........ears! Also noticed huge boil on Huge Gnat's chin, Mmmm very sexy NOT, whereas MD, of course, flawless...but may have to inspect again ..in the name of research ;-)

CNN posted their interview w/ Helen Fielding: �A little bit of �Bridget� in most women? http://www.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Movies/04/16/bridget.qanda/index.html CNN: Did you visit the set very often? Fielding: Yes, and I especially liked watching Colin Firth playing Mark Darcy. When I was writing it ("Bridget"), "Pride and Prejudice" was on TV, and all the women in England were in love with Darcy -- or Colin Firth, as he's sometimes called. So, it was absolutely delicious to see Mister Darcy -- who is also Mister Firth -- playing Mark Darcy, who is also Mister Darcy. It was all very postmodern to watch.

Thanks, Marianne. How much material from the book ended up on the cutting room floor for the movie? And how can we get our hands on it! ;-) Her comment on the ending of the film tells us that she had written a different ending in her script. That's a direct question to ask her. I'm sure we would all like to know.

(Tracy) Most evident in the Agani-Heaney (sp) interview, counted one in right and two in left.........ears! So all of you were sitting in the first row, right? No girls in row in front of you, just screen, and lots of screen. Huge boil on Huge? Seems apropos somehow, but who is looking??? ;-D Thanks, Marianne, for the CNN link. Helen is looking v. healthy (tan). Must be because LA house has no roof.

Helen is looking v. healthy (tan). Must be because LA house has no roof. Took a walk along the beach yesterday, and passed a woman who I could've sworn was HF. But she wouldn't be in the States for Easter... would she??? (Had on sunglasses and black jogging suit-type outfit. Was with another gentleman, a bit older than her).

Why not? Do you think she had a turkey curry buffet to attend elsewhere? ;-D BTW, my last audience got a charge out of the way Colin pronounced buffet in the "I like you just the way you are" speech.

(Karen)BTW, my last audience got a charge out of the way Colin pronounced buffet in the "I like you just the way you are" speech. I noticed the pronunciation, too, although it didn't get any laughs, just a smile from me. (Whenever my DH and I take the train when we're in England, we always get something from the "buffy" car. It has become a joke for us since the first visit when the voice from the ceiling on the train announced that the "buffy" car was open and we had no idea what the "buffy" car was!)

oops! did that turn off itals? Am blurry bad at this computer stuff.

did that do it?

Audiences and Top Critics Embrace 'Bridget Jones's Diary' High Per Screen Average Has US Exhibitors Craving Up to 2500 Dates With 'Bridget' Next Weekend NEW YORK, April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- This weekend, America discovered and fell for "Bridget Jones," Britain's favourite singleton. "Bridget Jones's Diary" opened to the tune of a $10.7m box office gross, with an impressive $6,660 per-screen average in 1611 theaters. On the strength of this opening, which has theatre owners clamoring for more "Bridget," Miramax Films aims to expand to as many as 2500 screens this coming weekend, it was announced by Mark Gill, president Miramax-LA and Rick Sands, Miramax chairman of worldwide distribution. "Bridget Jones's Diary" is a Miramax Films release of a Universal Pictures/Studio Canal/Miramax Films presentation of a Working Title Production. "Bridget Jones's Diary," has become a word-of-mouth hit based on the strong audience response to nationwide sneak previews and opening weekend exit surveys which show that more than 80% of audiences rate the film as "excellent" or "very good" and more than 70% will "definitely recommend" "Bridget" to their friends. "Bridget" was also helped by widespread critical acclaim from top critics including Time ("Renee Zellweger shines and Hugh Grant is irresistible"), Newsweek ("tremendously funny"), Rolling Stone ("A-List all the way"), Good Morning America ("One of the Best Film's of the Year! It's great!), Today ("A smart comedy that's funny!"), New York Times ('The best and smartest film of its kind in a long time"), Los Angeles Times ("Cheerful, cheeky entertainment that smartly mixes knock-about farce with fairy-tale romance"), and Ebert & Roeper ("two thumbs up"). And it's not only American audiences that have responded to "Bridget"'s charm. In her native UK, with a release by Universal Pictures, "Bridget Jones's Diary" had the highest grossing opening weekend for any British film in history (approximately $10.4m). The film "Bridget Jones's Diary," based on Helen Fielding's international best-seller, stars Renee Zellweger ("Nurse Betty," "Jerry Maguire") in the title role as the dynamic, outrageously original Bridget Jones, with Hugh Grant ("Four Weddings and A Funeral," "Notting Hill") and Colin Firth ("Shakespeare In Love," "The English Patient") as Bridget's love interests. The film is directed by Sharon Maguire and produced by Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan and Jonathan Cavendish. Helen Fielding is the Executive Producer with Liza Chasin and Debra Hayward are co-producers. The screenplay was written by Richard Curtis, Andrew Davies and Helen Fielding based on the novel by Helen Fielding. SOURCE Miramax Films

I'm very impressed with the UK numbers. From all I can access right now, the movie is only playing at 273 venues (not necessarily screens) and generated $10.4m, compared to $10.7m in the US on 1611 screens. I think the UK numbers are estimates for a four-day holiday weekend (your Bank holiday too) vs our 3 days, but still they seem impossible. The analyst in me is astounded and wants to delve deeper.

One more thing, as the above was Miramax press release, I'm glad that Miramax can't be criticized for buying BJD's success as in Chocolat, Cider House Rules, etc. The numbers and the critics' praises are, this time, for real. ;-D

Have just read 118 User Reviews! (is that sad or is that sad) at Yahoo Movies, for BJD and there are so many nice comments particulary about Colin, makes me proud to be a Firthfan!

Just to let all UK members know that there are still tickets available for the special screening of BJD in aid of Survival on the 26th April which is being introduced by Colin. Had to contact them for an extra ticket myself this morning. Link is www.survival-international.org/film.htm We must make sure there is a full house to greet him!!!

Gabrielle is #4in this week's Top Ten with OOR.

Audiences and Top Critics Embrace 'Bridget Jones's Diary' How nice to read this. Typically for the UK where all the smarta**e commentators have been hoping it would bomb, the Times on Monday had a piece by Sean Macaulay in LA on Easter movie releases in the US. Sample comment "It may have swept the UK this weekend but it made only a modest impression at the US box office"!! He does go on to say that this was a "decent" performance and that the film is expected to have "legs" unlike the other top performers at the box office. He then goes on to quote some good reviews but can't help giving prominence to the (was it the only?) bad review in the Washington Post which dubbed it One Wedding and a Funeral Makes me so cross. There is plenty that our press ought to criticise in Britain but they only ever try and denigrate that which is good.

re the Rosie interview, I have read that the audience "booed" (sp) Colin, can this be correct, can you please enlighten me. Also apparently it was not a very responsive audience, they should be so lucky!

"re the Rosie interview, I have read that the audience "booed" (sp) Colin, can this be correct, can you please enlighten me. Also apparently it was not a very responsive audience, they should be so lucky!" Yes, when Carolyn said that she tried for Gwyneth'r role in SIL, he asked her if she gained wight for that role as well ( she said previously that she tried for BJD and gained weight for that). The audience booed and he tried to rescue himself by saying that he meant that she was too thin and had to gain weight to be Gwyneth size. Very cute. He was charming and relaxed and a joy to watch.

There is plenty that our press ought to criticise in Britain but they only ever try and denigrate that which is good. I would like to hear some theories as to why this is so. They should learn to keep their foot in mouth. ;-) I thought Colin was more relaxed in the Rosie Show than with Katie (note: I only saw the Today interview on line and they did not include the part in which she says she has a crush on him), but Colin did a great deal of laughing on Rosie. Maybe he thought it would be the fun interview vs the serious one.

(AnnW) I have read that the audience "booed" (sp) Colin There's more on this at 143, as well as our impressions of Today vs. Rosie. Cannot wait to hear about the appearance on Regis today.

From a Variety article on the BJD boxoffice: "The Renee Zellweger/Hugh Grant starrer is slated for Spain on June 8, Australia on July 26 and Germany, Latin America and Southeast Asia in August."

Regis - he's already been introduced at the top of the hour as "sexy Colin Firth" :-) Now on to the Chevy/Kelly drivel...

I still haven't seen it. I'm a bad girl... still haven't seen it... haven't seen any interviews. I vegged yesterday and did nothing... I'm a bad girl.

I'm going to see BJD TONIGHT!!!!! I can't wait, and also can't believe I waited this long, but I was home last weekend for Easter, so there were no friends around to go with. Can't wait!

Laura, you and Bill have to go when you're in England!

http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/fa/20010413.fa.02.ram Please forgive me if this has already been mentioned, but there is a commentary on BJD on the Fresh Air site. Loves Renee.... http://freshair.npr.org/ One of these should work.

Well, I never thought I would hear a news item about a Colin Firth movie, but it happened today on the BBC2 5 0'clock news, " BJD broke UK Box Office Records for opening weekend , beating NH by 2 millions pounds....." hurrahh, what a wonderful few days!

Just came back from 2nd viewing of BJD. This time, audience was limited to only about 10 people. Humph. Still did not hear anyone laughing as much as I did. Humph again. Next time will see it on weekend night when people with sense of humor go to movies. (Jenny) so there were no friends around to go with Why not go alone? I highly recommend it...saves the trouble of explaining all the in-jokes. ;-)

(Eileen) I highly recommend it...saves the trouble of explaining all the in-jokes. ;-) Yeah, but aren't you ever seized with the desire to turn around and tell someone, "Hey! That was funny dammit!"

(Eileen) I highly recommend it...saves the trouble of explaining all the in-jokes. ;-) Yeah, but aren't you ever seized with the desire to turn around and tell someone, "Hey! That was funny dammit!"

UK ALERT, The Making of BJD is being shown on Channel 5 on Sunday 22nd April, at 12 noon, Lizza, Aishling, Tracy anyone , Help, we do not get Channel 5 in my neck of the woods.

Eileen, I was home for Easter, and the closest theater that was even playing the movie was an hour and half away. My friends and I usually go there, but I didn't feel like driving all that way by myself. But I definitely can't wait to see it tonight!!!!

...closest theater that was even playing the movie was an hour and half away.... but I didn't feel like driving all that way by myself. ROTF.... That's a way of life for me. This time I was lucky....I didn't have to fly to Dallas:-)))))

Great box office. Waiting for it to be #1. What's the competition opening this weekend?

Heide, the competition this weekend is: 1. Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles 2. Freddy Got Fingered 3. The Low Down

I just got back from the movie. It was the best movie. I never laugh out loud, but my friend and I were in hysterics the whole time. The fight scene has to be the funniest, yet most pathetic thing I've ever seen. Can't wait to see it again, or even better--when it comes out on video!!!

I am very happy to say that I rented Fever Pitch (vhs) at Blockbuster last night. At last I have seen it. I get to keep it until Saturday. Donna

Saw BJD again with my sister-in-law tonight and she loved it too. Couldn't stop talking about it. Thought HG was good but not on the same planet as ODB. We decided that our favorite look was CF in the turtleneck and the to-die-for great coat. MD looked about 8 feet tall walking down the street in it. BTW, has anyone heard if there is to be published a making of or screenplay for BJD. I believe something of the sort was done for Four Weddings and Notting Hill, and just about every other film these days. If so, I hope they go for one with lots of color pix, not the type with the tiny b&w photos.

Rather strange column from Scotland on Sunday: Mr Darcy in novel twist BY WILLIAM HARE DIARY AS BRIDGET Jones's Diary hype continues to rage unabated in British cinemas, William Hare has discovered that a sequel based on Helen Fielding's second novel detailing the singleton lifestyle is lounging on the casting couch. Oh dear. The makers of BJD2 now have a new dilemma. The casting of Colin Firth as Jones' real (well, in the film anyway) boyfriend Mark Darcy, universally lauded as inspired, means that he can't really play himself as the real (well, fictional actually) Mr Darcy from the BBC's adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. An explanation for those who haven't read the Bridget Jones's Diary books and seen the first film: Poor Bridget lusts somewhat pathetically after Mr Darcy (Jane Austen's Mr Darcy, that is) in the second book, and when she actually meets him (well, meets the actor who plays him, Colin Firth) to interview him for a newspaper she makes a hash of it. But with Firth playing Mark Darcy in real life (well, in the film), who will the producers find to smoulder and fill those wet breeches when Darcy (well, Firth the actor) makes his appearance in the sequel? Now we all understand each other, here is Bridget's interview with Colin Firth from the book (it didn't really happen, it's fiction). [a bit of the interview] ~~~~~ Evidently Mr Hare doesn't realize they could do the same thing they did for the first, i.e., cut it all out.

Evidently Mr Hare doesn't realize they could do the same thing they did for the first, i.e., cut it all out. Exactly, but then again this guy doesn't even realize that the "interview" really did happen. No big stumbling block. EOR stands on its own without the interview.