Just heard that the CD of the Week on Radio 2 next week is the soundtrack from BJD, also heard Out of Reach for the 3rd time on Radio 2. It will be good to hear some of the other tracks from the Soundtrack.

Sorry I made a mistake OOR is the "Single of the Week" and can be heard everyday on the Ken Bruce Show 9.30-12midday.

camera at the ready! Video, hopefully, Tracy?

Shame about the accent, if it's true. I doubt if it's true as no one else has dished out her "trying-to-be-cute-and-quoted" cheap shots. From what I've heard, she sounds decent enough and that is what matters. Regarding accents, we've beat that horse to death already.

From Rai, this one comes from femail.co.uk, which is the Daily Mail's site, and it gives us a good idea of the plotline. by Isobel Fox: Calling all Bridget Jones fans��she's back from the edge of reason and will be gracing a cinema screen near you soon. Based on the best-selling novel by Helen Fielding, the movie version of Bridget Jones' Diary is every bit as amusing as the literary one. It chronicles a year in the life of thirty-something singleton Bridget Jones, played by Texan Renee Zellweger, as she struggles with weight, work, men and her mother. Bridget gains 74 pounds (and loses 72), smokes more than 5,000 cigarettes and turns up at several parties where her married friends worry about her state as a single woman. That is until her charming boss Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) comes on the scene. Chiding her for wearing an obscenely short skirt to work, the pair embark on a relationship which after a heady start, spirals rapidly down hill when Bridget discovers he's been seeing someone from his publishing company's New York office. Refusing to let Cleaver get to her, Bridget decides on a drastic change of career, swapping publishing for TV news reporting. Her first bulletin from Lewisham fire station on Bonfire Night hilariously ends in disaster when he slides down the fireman's pole and lands on the cameraman, with the result that her bottom is broadcast live to the nation. Meanwhile second love interest Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) is lurking in the background. At first Bridget doesn't like Mark, in fact she can't stand him, mostly due to the fact he was rude to her at her mother's turkey curry buffet where he was wearing a hideous reindeer jumper. While at first the feeling is mutual, Darcy starts to evelop feelings for Bridget, which soon become clear on Bridget's birthday where her disastrous culinary skills means she ends up feeding her guests soup that's turned blue. But Darcy has competition � Cleaver also turns up at Bridget's flat after realising that he misses her and wants her back. Zellweger is perfect as Bridget. Having piled on the pounds for the role (and it shows) her natural breezy mad-cap style epitomises Bridget to a tee. Her English accent � perhaps slightly too upper-class � is convincing and doesn't slip once. Director Sharon Maguire made an excellent choice casting Colin Firth as the smouldering Mark Darcy, and a lean, long-haired Hugh Grant makes a surprisingly good anti-hero as Daniel Cleaver. Watch out for cameo appearances from Lord Archer and Salman Rushdie. Closely based on the events in the book, the film keeps up a level of humour throughout. There are certain points which are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. Like the time Bridget turns up at her relatives' tarts and vicars party only to find out that the theme party idea had been dropped. Or the time when her mother's new shopping channel presenter boyfriend is having his make-up touched up and he tells the artist to stop being so clumsy in words which are too rude to repeat here, but very, very funny. Bridget Jones is guaranteed to be this Spring's smash hit movie. More amusing than Notting Hill, it's light, entertaining and provides a couple of hours of escapism which are well worth the price of a cinema ticket. ~~~~~~~ Any Bridget responses????

BJD trailer featured on E Channel's Coming Attractions this weekend. Chekc your listings.

Sorry if the above was posted before-quickly scanned previous posts but didn't see it. I must have the shot of him grinning while his name is on-screen for a snappy. Interesting reading. I enjoyed this: The screen version is more romantic-comedy than situation-comedy, and the homage to Pride and Prejudice a lot more obvious British audiences will no doubt be dismayed at the Renee's wholesale butchery of the English accent Well, kind of expected this but have been lulled by other reports into thinking she was safe. Colin Firth - Can the man do no wrong? (K) *snort* Catherine has not read our boards. Darn, you beat me to it, Karen. ;-)

I received this e-mail today and thought you might be interested: Win a Trip for Two to London! Enter the "Find Yourself in Bridget Jones" Sweepstakes! Submit a photo of yourself by April 27th and you could be eligible to win a trip for two to London! (Travel provided by OneTravel.com) And while you're at it, tell us a story that illustrates how you relate to Bridget Jones. How to Enter: Visit the "Find Yourself in Bridget Jones" PhotoQuilt and follow the simple instructions to upload your photograph. Please submit only a photograph of yourself. When you submit your picture, don't forget to include your story. Click on the following URL or paste it into your browser address bar to enter, and for official rules. http://entertainment.msn.com/bridget/page3/ To make this even more special, you could become part of an image of Bridget Jones composed of photos submitted from all over the world! On March 27th, images from the PhotoQuilt will be collected and turned into a Photomosaic - an image of Bridget composed of selections from images submitted to the PhotoQuilt!

Director Sharon Maguire made an excellent choice casting Colin Firth Was it *her* choice?

Was at the cinema last night and there was a vv short trailer for BJD! That's the good news! Sadly ODB did not feature one iota. It was the scene with HG and RZ grappling on the floor when he discovers her "big pants" and says "I'm wearing something similar myself." CUT! Still although it was a mere snippet I can't wait for more. Hugh was very "Hugh Grant" as usual, hopefully this will not be the case as we get to see more of him. Like Ann and Tracy I also received the same letter about the premiere! Oh to belong to one of those "companies" they quoted.

Ha! A sight I thought I'd never see: BJD has moved up to IMDB home page under "coming soon". Since you all here at Spring were singlehandly responsible for even getting the BJD page there going and "populated" with info, I thought I'd point it out.

Thanks, Heide, for the heads up on the BJD trailer on Coming Attractions. Taped it in the wee hours of the morning and cannot stop rewinding it. Oooooh, so much better than on the computer (even cable connected type). Only one thing better (though lacking rewind quality) will be on huge screen in a movie with entire audience laughing appropriately. Loved the face after Mrs Jones introduces them at the party, and again when he responds to DC's comment about swords and pistols. Tried to match up the taco-stain picture with fight scene, but pattern of tie is not evident in photo, as it is in trailer. Is wearing muted pinstripe, not of the badabing variety. ;-D Wonder if they'll be a Behind the Scenes program? *fingers crossed* (am already worried re: punch; detect need for learned coach)

(am already worried re: punch; detect need for learned coach) LOL! Should we add that to need for expert tailor. ;-) How very lucky you to be able to rewind at will, Karen. I am waiting for that on screen experience. I know I will have to sneak back to the Theatre to see it again. Don't think DH would approve.

Darn, missed the E! coming attractions. Does anyone know if it will be repeated? Lizza, apparently they're showing that truncated (i.e., no CF) trailer in the theaters here, too. Wot gives?? Maybe they'll roll out the longer one as the time draws nearer. I have to say: the rowboat scene with HG looks very funny. I'm sure they were going for the contrast with Leo DiC's "I'm the king of the world" in Titanic, then here's this drunken ass in a rickety rowboat shouting the same thing. Well, *I* think it's funny.;-) Did anyone catch Joe Fiennes and Jude Law on Today this morning? Their interviews were pre-taped, done as part of their Enemy at the Gates junket, no doubt, and I'm guessing CF's appearance on Thursday will be the same thing. Was probably taped this weekend.

Here's the url for the program guide on E! Unfortunately, you have to look at each day for Coming Attractions; the show listing doesn't provide all the dates and times as it does for other shows. Also they put a new one up each Monday. Don't know if that means the program content changes as well. Next broadcast will be 3:00 a.m. Sunday night (or Morning morning), then Monday at 1:00 pm http://www.eonline.com/On/Guide/ (Mari) I'm sure they were going for the contrast with Leo DiC's Absolutely. There's also the double entendre of "I'm boarding you, Bridget." ;-D (Mari) Did anyone catch Joe Fiennes and Jude Law on Today this morning? Grrrrrrr You can lead a horse to water but....

apparently they're showing that truncated (i.e., no CF) trailer in the theaters here, too. Wot gives?? Maybe they'll roll out the longer one as the time draws nearer. Could they be thinking that no one would leave HG for CF??? How could they leave Colin out? And we thought they might try that on the poster, sheesh!

I believe it is in order to avoid spoilers and preserve the surprise ending. a A lot of people (in the US have not read the book.

I believe it is in order to avoid spoilers and preserve the surprise ending. I have to disagree. Trailers in this country give away not only the entire plot and ending but typically toss in the kitchen sink as well. Miramax probably hasn't felt the need to mass produce it and distribute it to theatres across the country, but will do television - the source of its target market.

Don't worry if you missed the Coming Attractions on E. They often repeat the trailers of films for several programs until the film opens. Wouldn't be surprised if it was shown again next week. And soon, gah! can hardly believe it, we'll see entire film in all his glory..er, its glory. Saw the short "big pants" trailer too but thought it was because my backwater town is always behind with the new stuff. I think that trailer does a disservice to the film...if I didn't know anything about Bridget Jones, don't think I'd want to see a movie about Hugh Grant trying to wrestle a girl's undies off.

(Heide) don't think I'd want to see a movie about Hugh Grant trying to wrestle a girl's undies off. But the guys in the audience might. ;-D

Very, very good reports on BJD in today's Times (Viewpoint in Times2), from journalists who attended the preview at the Empire. One male, one female. Two page spread, colour pics. Both say they were not looking forward to the film, were fed up with the whole BJ thing and expected to hate it. But they both really liked it..."it's good oldfashioned comedy".."unashamed happy ending"..."I had tears streaming down my cheeks when Darcy finally pulled his head out of the sand and smouldered in Zellwegger's general direction" (this from the male journalist!} RZ seems to be a big hit with them, and they seem to think "Hughie and Col" are okay as well. Is this available online?

It's most amusing to see the scenes I saw being filmed come together. The Times today mentions that Bridget "...serenading her empty apartment with a rousing rendition of Celine Dion's All By Myself made my heart melt in almost Capraesque fashion." Whilst the Gabrielle video shows HG & CF crashing through the plate-glass window of Kalispera (the Greek restaurant) - hence the need for elbow-padded body doubles - stuntmen no less. There must be 2, if not 3, fight scenes.

Now I'm really looking forward to it. (Here's the link to the Times piece: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,7-100906,00.html) When is the London contingent planning on seeing the film? How about a drink?

Here's a link to the second article by James Christopher: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,7-100913,00.html Liked this from the woman's article: (Colin Firth as Darcy may be wasted on US audiences, but to UK women he�s brooding masculinity personified). Wasted...not on all of us. ;-D Were the pictures all we've seen before?

(Lassie) I believe it is in order to avoid spoilers and preserve the surprise ending. a A lot of people (in the US have not read the book. Pardon me, but did you just beam down from the Planet Zarg? BJD was on every kind of bestseller list in the US; in fact, EOR is currently #5 on the Washington Post's list (just in front of SWTA). (Singletons review) Pernickety viewers may think that Colin merely reprises his role from TV's Pride and Prejudice Call me pernickety, then. Am prepared to suffer through it ;-D but in this humble reviewer's opinion, Colin Firth is bound for leading man stardom as a result of this role Hurrah! *turning cartwheels* *oof, can't do cartwheels* Moon, I can't remember reading that CF almost turned down the part of MD. Where did you see this? (Bethan) "..."I had tears streaming down my cheeks when Darcy finally pulled his head out of the sand and smouldered in Zellwegger's general direction" (this from the male journalist!} Hurrah again! Ooh, things are looking *very* good... Off to program the VCR for this afternoon's Coming Attractions on E!. Thanks for the tip, ladies. ;-)

Not that I'm complaining, but it seems v. odd that even your broadsheets are publishing reviews of BJD so far in advance of its opening. [Can understand internet nobodies jumping the gun.] All critics get to see the films earlier, but they don't publish them until the opening week. About your scenes, Mark. Am glad to hear that RZ is seranading an *empty* apartment. The thought of her seranading HG didn't sit well with me. What makes you think there are 2-3 fight scenes? Colin's wearing his v. pronounced pinstripe suit for all snippets I've seen. BTW, after he first punches HG in street, looks v. pleased with self. [Eileen, will need to slo-mo to catch all nuances of street fight.] Heide: For snappy consideration, I'd take the one where Tom is making the toast "to Bridget, who we all love." That may be THE Look from this movie. BTW, I think it not coincidental that Colin does the Meryton look at RZ. As Sharon Maguire is Shazz, she would be a *student* of the original and know it well. (He Said) What on earth was happening? How did this podgy clown reduce me to a puddle? I�m still trying to work it out. Fool. That is Zellweger's unique talent for which none of you figured out well in advance.

(Karen) As Sharon Maguire is Shazz, she would be a *student* of the original and know it well 'Natch. I'll take 1,000 Meryton looks and other FD-MD similarities in light of the fact there's no wet shirt. Thank goodness they saw fit to leave that alone!

(Eileen) no wet shirt Was probably in his contract. ;-)

Hmmm, was think about above, as Hughie goes into the lake (with shirt unbuttoned down to navel), am surprisd/shocked that no one has mentioned *his wet shirt* [not really]

From Ananova: Zellweger got her English accent from Ali G videos Renee Zellweger says she perfected her English accent for the role of Bridget Jones by watching Ali G videos. The US star had to learn how to speak with an English accent when she was in the UK last year making the film of Helen Fielding's novel. Ali, created by comic Sacha Baron Cohen, is known for his urban slang and catchphrases like 'innit' and 'booyakasha'. Speaking to Sky News, Zellweger said: "I watched a lot of sitcoms, news and Ali G." "I think it's a beautiful book. I think Helen Fielding did a great job. I know the book is very important to men and women and I wanted it to be right."

Eileen, I was talking about Pride and Prejudice, not Bridget Jones Diary.

Review from Screendaily: Bridget Jones's Diary Sheila Johnston in London Dir: Sharon Maguire. UK. 2001. TBCmins. Bridget Jones's bestselling diaries made the fictional thirtysomething singleton Britain's most successful under-achiever of recent years, and the screen version of her intimate journal bears all the signs of becoming the UK's biggest film hit since Notting Hill. Domestically, massive advance publicity and media attention will guarantee dazzling opening figures, while the reputation of the books in the US should secure equally healthy business there. If the film is to build this into solid longer-term box office, then it must establish itself as more than a chick flick with appeal to the obvious demographic. Instead, it will need to position itself more broadly as a modern social satire-date movie that can attract those men lured along earlier this year to What Women Want by the presence of Mel Gibson (but without a comparable male character for them to root for). The diaries have been published in some 30 countries, but in territories where the book has been less of a cultural phenomenon than on its home turf, the film's performance will, to a greater extent, be review-driven, aided by the names of Renee Zellweger in the title role and Hugh Grant as the second male lead. Prospects in all ancillary media are, as Bridget would put it, v. v. good. A character invented by journalist Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones herself is a none-too-effective publishing PR in her early 30s with a mass of addictions - cigarettes, drink, junk food and lottery cards - who aims to achieve happiness by losing weight and finding true romance. Her diary chronicling the ongoing chaos of her life and her farcically unsuccessful struggle to realise her modest ambitions made a low-key debut in 1995 as a weekly column in UK national newspaper The Independent, but gathered momentum after Fielding was encouraged to rework it as a book. When it did go into paperback it became a cult success, spawning a sequel, The Edge Of Reason. Like such American TV sitcoms as Sex And The City and Ally McBeal, and Hollywood movies such as Waiting To Exhale, its success has been generally attributed to the swelling numbers of single thirtysomething women experiencing difficulties in reconciling the conflicting demands of love and career. Structured much like the novel, the movie traces a year in the life of its heroine, beginning with Bridget's ghastly Christmas-New Year celebrations with her parents and their neighbours. During the following months, she has an ill-advised fling with her flirty caddish boss (Grant, offering an enjoyably acerbic variant on his usual bumbling screen image); observes her parents' marital problems after her mother makes off with a sleazy presenter from a home shopping channel; makes her own foray into television when she swaps her publishing job for a gig as a news presenter; spends many a long, boozy evening with her gaggle of sweet, but hopelessly dysfunctional, female and gay friends; and gradually warms to the subtle attractions of Mark Darcy (Firth), a stuffy, though ultimately charming (and extremely rich), human rights lawyer. Boasting the same production company (Working Title), star (Grant) and co-screenwriter (Richard Curtis) as Four Weddings And A Funeral and Notting Hill, Bridget Jones shares those two earlier films' comic tone and similar themes of the peculiarly British knack for self-deprecation and underachievement, both professionally and romantically. As in Fielding's book, there are also deliberate parallels with Pride And Prejudice, both in the name of the leading man and in the presence of Firth (who played Mr Darcy in the recent BBC adaptation of Jane Austen's classic) in this role. Grant also has his own indirect link with the original novel, which takes a passing potshot at the actor's real-life dalliance with a Hollywood hooker. Curtis's co-scriptwriter, along with Fielding, is Andrew Davies, distinguished for his television adaptations of literary classics, including that same BBC version of Pride And Prejudice. And the film's director - the documentary film-maker Sharon Maguire making her feature debut - is a friend of the author, acknowledged at the front of the novel, as well as being the model for one of Bridget's best friends, also called Sharon. The in-casting extends down to relatively small roles such as the lecherous tabloid news producer played by Neil Pearson, who UK audiences will remember as much the same character in the TV comedy series Drop The Dead Donkey. The writers Salman Rushdie and Jeffrey Archer contribute cameos as themselves. At times, this all threatens to add up to an air of smug and incestuous London media-set clubbiness, so the choice of an American actress for the leading role - greeted, when it was announced, with some hostility in the British press - turns out in many ways to be a shrewd decision. The film stands or falls by whether one accepts Zellweger's central performance and, sporting a credible British accent (if one several social notches above the level you would expect of her character), she lends Bridget an exuberance and sexiness undiminished by the fact that she gained at least 14 pounds for the role. Some fans of the book may find her too sweet and fluffy for the character (Bridget had a sharp tongue on her when required). Still, it's refreshing to see a weight-obsessed heroine who really is on the pudgy side, even if the actress is often shot in a way which does her no favours, with stringy hair and a flushed, bloated face. Grant and Firth are well-placed as the male leads, although in its anxiety to present itself as a romantic comedy, the film gives short shrift to the other supporting characters - notably Bridget's three best friends and sitcomy mother (Jones) - although Jim Broadbent stands out as her gentle, brow-beaten father. It could also be argued that, in cutting many of the books' topical references to current events of the mid-1990s, the focus of the film has been further narrowed. Maguire's comic touch is a little heavy at times, but technical credits are, overall, polished. Prod co: Working Title. Co-prods: Universal Pictures, Studio Canal, Miramax. Domestic dist: UIP. Exec prod: Helen Fielding. Prods: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jonathan Cavendish. Scr: Fielding, Andrew Davies, Richard Curtis. Cinemaphotography: Stuart Dryburgh. Prod des: Gemma Jackson. Ed: Martin Walsh . Music: Patrick Doyle. Main cast: Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Gemma Jones, Jim Broadbent

Just wanted to say Karen, that in answer to your earlier question, all the photos attached to the 2 articles are know to us except one of Helen Fielding, who looks very nice indeed, but mostly I am so glad that they have included the lovely picture of Colin and Renee and I must say that Colin does seem to be getting an equal amount of exposure as Hughie, which is wonderful. It is a 2page spread and very impressive. As well as the afore-mentioned photo there is the one with Rnenee in a restaurant smoking and the two CF & HG on the floor. By the time the film opens there won't be any need for reviews!

(Screendaily) Bridget had a sharp tongue on her when required *am thinking*

(Lizza)Like Ann and Tracy I also received the same letter about the premiere! Oh to belong to one of those "companies" they quoted. Find out which companies....and call marketing. They just might part with a set. This is all toooo exciting.Have changed my tickets too....but have a sinking feeling about London/NY premieres being tooooo close.Though Miramax did send Gwynnie over on the Concord once....yipes!

Ann has already explained which photos were used, but I want to practise some HTML. On the front of the Times2 section was a cut down from this: and inside the following three were used (+ the one of Helen Fielding): The ciggy photo was half-page-size.

v.g. Mark

(Lassie) I was talking about Pride and Prejudice, not Bridget Jones Diary. *scratching my head* Grr, just watched my E! Coming Attractions tape and they have changed the content. No BJD this week.

Working Title are handling the publicity for BJD very cleverly...creating an excellent buzz {although the liking for the film has to be genuine). They did the same for NH, which took �10million on the opening weekend in the UK. But I'd still be rather wary of our hostile, teeth to the jugular British critics. Over the page from BJD in Times2 there's a headline - "British actors bomb on Broadway" - a reference to the less than sympathetic reviews received by JE and Alan Cumming (hardly "bombing"). Further on, there's an article about how the new movie by the "past-it action hero" Steven Seagal has opened first at the US Box Office with $20million, while the Jude Law/Joe Fiennes hugely expensive war movie only took $14million. And JL/JF have not had good reviews - "Wiped off the screen by Ed Harris". So fingers crossed for Hughie and Col! :-) But so far, very good!

(Bethan)...a barrister's outfit..the high white collar, the well cut suit..is far more alluring than an exposed bare chest and black leather. It's the aloofness, intellectual superiority, the apparent unattainability (but with some hidden promise)...it's the difference between erotic and "sexy". You may well have a well-considered point, Bethan. My problem being, as I am a rather provincial American, is that damn silly wig barristers wear. What's up with that? What's the thing made of -- horsehair. If so, it must have certainly looked better on the horse. Even the delectable and handsome Mr. Firth can made that silly wig look good.

(Bethan) But I'd still be rather wary of our hostile, teeth to the jugular British critics Yes, good point--however, a bad review(s) will surely pale in comparison to a flood of good ones, no? *thinking positive* Am anxious to see how it fares with US reviewers. the new movie by the "past-it action hero" Steven Seagal has opened first at the US Box Office with $20million Yeah, I heard about that this morning. Haven't we sunk to a new low? :-D

But all the trades were quick to point out that Enemy at the Gate, which came in second, was on far fewer screens and had a huge per screen take.

Yes, Bethan, your critics are tough and your press does seem to emphasize the negative. Karen makes a good point--Enemy at the Gates actually did very well, playing on about half the screens that the other flick did, and in fact they are expanding it to a few hundred more screens next week. Its per screen take far exceeded the Seagal film. Again, the press seems to only tell half the story. As for Design For Living, the reviews were mixed, but certainly as you said, not bombing. Critics seem to either like this particular staging or they don't. There are traditionalists over here, such as at the NY Times, who feel that Coward's work should always be staged as it was in Coward's day. But, getting back to BJ, everything so far seems so positive, and I think James Christopher would be hard-pressed to call back his words about being moved to tears!:-)

In the April issue of Movieline, they have BJD spotlighted as one of their top 5 films to see next month: Helen Fielding's best-selling novel comes to the screen with Renee Zellweger starring improbably as the thirtysomething English diarist. As Zellweger fans, we'd go to see her play this 21st century everywoman in any case, but we're especially curious to check a few things out. How well has she done with the British accent on which she was coached by the same woman who gave Gwyneth Paltrow her perfect pitch for Emma, SIL, and Sliding Doors? And what does she look like with extra pounds packed on? Colin Firth, as Mark Darcy, and Hugh Grant, as Daniel Cleaver, are added incentives. Even if the film turns out to suffer from too many screenwriters and a first time director (Sharon Maguire, best pal of Fielding and the inspiration for the character Shazzer, neither of which explains why she's directing) there's plenty of entertainment value here.

Wigs and blancmanche. I'm slightly drunk, so I spoolgise in advance. 1. Wigbs. They add authority, in principle. I've no iade what they do tyo sexiness, as far as the female observer is concerned. A couple of years ago year I spent a week wathcing a (female) friend of mine taking on Cheri Booth (Mrs Blair) in a big labour law case. She was bedecked in a barrister's wig and was impresivelu weighty, IMHO. She also kicked Cheri's a*se, bigtime. The wig provided another thing to be ripped off in the heat of passion (not that it was - she is now happily engaged to someone else), and looked pretty cool. 2. Blancmanche. More discrimintaing judges may be able to tell (re:Times piece) the difference between high quality cleavage and "balncmanche" cleavage. In my current state I cannot. RZ is v. alluring in the BJD posters. 3. Repeated querstion: when is the London branch of this webnsite going to see the film? MarkG, as the insider, when are you going? Our American cousins are prepared to trudge 3,000 miles to see each other - are we to baulk at 1,000 yards???

Over the page from BJD in Times2 there's a headline - "British actors bomb on Broadway" - a reference to the less than sympathetic reviews received by JE and Alan Cumming (hardly "bombing"). Once again, your critics enjoy decapitating their own.The NY times and Daily News were critical of DFL. But USA Today gave it 4 Stars and called JE a "triumph as Gilda".Variety calls it a "sensational show".The AP and Clive Barnes of the NY Post were complimentary too.Sold out for the run;hardly a bomb. I will rest easy about BJD when all the reviews are in...on both sides of the pond.

Thank you Ben for elucidating on the subject of wigs and blancmanche. I thought the latter was a dessert. Now I have been enlightened, sort of.

From the Mar 20 FT: SURVEY - CREATIVE BUSINESS: Soundtrack albums By PAUL SEXTON For every soundtrack that enjoys the perfect commercial symbiosis with its parent movie, countless others come and go faster than a 30-second trailer. For every Four Weddings, there are 40 soundtrack funerals. But the achievements of the most prosperous film tie-ins live long in the memory of record companies, who fantasise about big, fat cash cows like Titanic (so huge it even spawned a sequel soundtrack, Back To Titanic) and the grandaddy of them all, The Bodyguard, all 30m-odd copies of it. That�s why Mercury Records has such high hopes for its companion release to one of this year�s most widely-anticipated flicks, Bridget Jones�s Diary, due at your local megastore on April 16, three days after the Renee Zellweger/Hugh Grant vehicle arrives at the multiplex across the road. London-based soul singer Gabrielle�s track �Out Of Reach� is out on April 2 as the Bridget theme tune single, and just to underline how such a tie-up can fuel promotion plans for an individual artist, she has bolted on a tour, starting on April 17. [...] But the Bridget companion will offer temptations such as never-before-available recordings by the likes of Robbie Williams and Geri Halliwell, who has taken it upon herself to remake the Weather Girls� �It�s Raining Men�, prominently featured in a street fight scene in the film. The success of soundtracks like this one is governed in part by how well the film overlaps with the fan bases of the artists who appear on them. Mercury UK managing director Howard Berman, one of the men behind the Four Weddings and a Funeral album, which sold 3m copies worldwide, says: �If there are two separate markets for this film and the soundtrack, they overlap enormously. The film is aimed at a very similar demographic to that which constitutes the core audience for artists like Robbie and Geri.� [...] �A lot of soundtrack albums underestimate the taste and intelligence of the public,� says Berman. �In virtually all cases of a successful soundtrack, it�s where there�s been a successful film and music has played an integral part in it. If you haven�t got music playing a significant part in the film, even if it�s a blockbuster, it�s very difficult to join the dots. �The score in Titanic plays an incredibly important part, and that fantastic Celine Dion song would have been a smash with or without the film association. In Bridget Jones, the music is almost a sub-plot.�

Check out "Bridget's" reviews of her reviews on Karen's page; I'm LOL! Hmmm . . .Yahoo US is listing BJD as opening in NY and LA on April 6, then nationally on April 13. Not sure if that's very out of date or very up to date.

I wish I was really an insider, Ben, but having mysteriously been left off the list for premiere tickets, I guess I shall be seeing the film on Easter weekend like many others. However, I'll be out of town. Why I think there might be more than one fight scene: one fight obviously breaks out in the restaurant, whereas separately MD offers DC out, prompting "pistols or cutlasses?" Also the knockout blow somehow looks like a one-punch fight, perhaps similar to the scene in The Edge of Reason, where MD goes downstairs to DC, slugs him, and then apologises to him and explains it had to be done. But I expect I'm wrong again. Love the reviews of the reviews, Karen!

Yes, Bethan, your critics are tough and your press does seem to emphasize the negative Our TV and theatre critics are okay, but I would quite happily ban most of our so-called movie "critics", who are merely destructive, especially when it comes to British films or British actors. I usually prefer reading US reviews...they are longer, more considered (you get the impression they've actually watched the film) and the criticism is constructive, not personally abusive. I really hope CF makes an impact in the States, and does quite a few talk shows. IMVHO, the only success that matters in the movies is success in the States. That's how careers take off. Not Hollywood megastardom, just appearing in decent roles in movies that actually reach the screen! (cf MLSF 3 screens in the UK, SLOW 2 screens, DQ and Londinium - no distributor...I rest my case! Go to it, Col! :-)) Signs are v. good for BJD though in the UK! Will BJD be a big opener in the States, or will it have a limited number of screens? BTW, the comment in the Times about kisses in the snow and the unashamed happy ending sounds very promising!

Cheryl - the blancmanche reference is from the Times piece (see links), which begins by being less than flattering about the heroine. Do film critics matter? I'm prepared to believe that theatre reviews affect audiences - though less than they once did, probably - but film reviews? There seems to be almost an inverse correlation between a film's commerical and critical success. The current spate of pre-opening publicity for BJD is not being conducted through conventional film critics, over here at least. Perhaps its fans should hope for a pasting once the "experts" get to see it.

You're quite right, Mark, there's the restaurant and there's the apartment (as in TEOR). While MD and DC are in the street, you can see Bridget, Shaz and Jude huddling in a doorway watching it all. Why would the other two be at Bridget's when Daniel's there and Mark calls him out? Lots of questions. No definitive answers. (Bethan) Not Hollywood megastardom, just appearing in decent roles in movies that actually reach the screen! I see you've finally come around, except I would hope for better than merely decent roles (important/starring roles in important films more like). Will BJD be a big opener in the States, or will it have a limited number of screens? As I predicted it shows all signs of opening v. wide (e.g., over 2000 screens). kisses in the snow Hopefully more than the kiss in the carriage. Films critics have no impact on the younger crowd in the US, but can affect the older people, who actually read and have developed taste. It also depends on the promotional campaign. (Ben) The current spate of pre-opening publicity for BJD is not being conducted through conventional film critics, over here at least. True, as would be any advance publicity. However, James Christopher is one of your real critics.

BTW, Jay Leno mentioned RZ in his list of upcoming guests for the next couple of weeks.

There's a review on Dark Horizons: "Bridget Jones' Diary" - A Review by 'Paul Fischer' (Positive, Very Minor Spoilers) At the start of the New Year, 32-year-old Bridget decides it's time to take control of her life-and start keeping a diary. Now, the most provocative, erotic and hysterical book on her bedside table is the one she's writing. With a taste for adventure, and an opinion on every subject-from exercise to men to food to sex and everything in between-she's turning the page on a whole new life. "Tuesday 3 January 130lbs. (terrifying slide into obesity - why? why?), alcohol units 6 (Excellent) cigarettes 23 (v.g.), calories 2472 9a.m. Ugh. Cannot face thought of going to work. Only thing which makes it tolerable is thought of seeing Daniel again, but even that is unadvisable since am fat, have spot on chin, and desire only to sit on cushion eating chocolate and watching Xmas specials". Thus are some of the memorable verbal utterances of one Bridget Jones, created by ex-journo Helen Fielding. Bridget is one of those wonderfully rich characters seemingly impossible to translate to film, but first-time director Sharon Maguire, with some help from Brit scribe Richard Curtis, has crafted an irresistible and deliciously funny film. Fielding's character epitomises all our fears, hopes, romanticism and upbeat optimism as we trip through life's seemingly eternal obstacles. Yes, she is a single woman of her time, trying to find love and career while fighting endlessly over her comic mistakes. But in this wonderfully rich satire on the pangs of single-hood versus 'smug marrieds', Fielding has struck a broad nerve that places this material beyond the simplistic realms of the 'chick flick' and into a wider context. On many levels, what makes the film incarnation of the novel work so beautifully, is its ability to travel beyond gender-specific clich�. We can all relate to many facets of Bridget's inability to communicate, be herself and play by the rules. A recurring line in the film is 'I like you exactly t e way you are', and this is a recurring theme. We all have our flaws and our idiosyncrasies, none of us are perfect, and in searching for that often elusive partner becomes a matter of acceptance. Bridget Jones epitomises our strengths and weaknesses, coupled with our hopes and ideals. She is a remarkable character. As played by Zellweger, an initially controversial casting choice, Jones comes alive with an added depth, humour and luminous quality rarely seen on screen. The actress completely embodies the character, and imbues her with subtle nuances that enhance the actor's skill. To watch Zellweger here is watching a screen presence, who is uproariously funny and yet gently emotive when not saying a word. This is Zellweger' s film all the way, and it's a masterful, brilliant performance. In some ironic casting, Colin Firth is playing another Darcy, both literally and metaphorically. Adept at being the stuffed shirt, Firth gives a subtle performance playing a difficult character. Hugh Grant excels at playing the prize villain of the piece, and does so with effortless, comic aplomb, while the rest of the film's marvellous British cast provides added support. Beautifully shot on location in London and featuring a strong soundtrack, Bridget Jones's Diary is funny, sexy, poignant and sharply observed, as only the Brits can do. Zellweger steals the film and through it all, comes off as both star and shining comedienne. This is one Diary worth reading more than once. http://darkhorizons.com/reviews/t010319a.htm#Rev2

Excellent review, except for one major lapse in judgment, in Popcorn by Jane Crowther: cast: Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Ren�e Zellweger,Sally Phillips Book-to-screen adaptations are notoriously difficult to pull-off. It's hard to mess with the collective imaginations of millions of readers and the results can range from the phenomenal, 'Trainspotting', to the unspeakable, 'Rancid Aluminium'. Lovers of Helen Fielding's hugely successful literary creation can breathe a sigh of relief, for the movie version of 'Bridget Jones's Diary' is faithful to its source, perfectly cast and even funnier than the book. Bridget (Ren�e Zellweger) is a thirtysomething 'singleton' who spends her days worrying about her weight, smoking too much and dreaming of the perfect man. But the only blokes she seems to bump into are her sexy, predatory boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), and haughty, dull family friend Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). So, armed with her trusty fags and her ultimate confidante - her diary - Bridget makes her way through a year of heartache, embarrassment and calorie counting. The casting of skinny Texan Zellweger as the supposedly tubby, English Jones caused a minor kafuffle pre-production, but her performance is a revelation. Although her accent occasionally wobbles, her conviction is absolute and the 'Jerry Maguire' star has never been funnier. She brings warmth to the sometimes brittle character and offers a welcome reality check to the acres of stick-insect waifs that usually populate films. Firth is also impressive as the glowering Darcy, but the real star is Grant, who's suddenly... well, frankly, gorgeous. He's deliciously sly and flirtatious, proving he can play more than posh, eye-fluttering wimps. Another element from 'Four Weddings And A Funeral' is the screenwriter - Richard Curtis - who provides a script bristling with wit, slapstick and spot-on, horribly relatable, observations. Hilarious, sweet and romantic, 'Bridget Jones's Diary' is must-see viewing for anyone who's ever drunkenly sung power ballads or had a scuffling scrap over a girl. Superb. http://www.popcorn.co.uk/cinema/review.jhtml?filmId=19668

There was an item about BJD on the radio just now. The guy who saw it liked it very much and interviewed Hugh afterwards. Nothing was said that I didn't already know (CF was mentioned though, WOW), except that I'll have to wait till the fall to see it!! Isn't this wonderful? They whet our appetite, then tell us that we'll have to wait a looong time.*grumble*

Hmmm, I'm a real misery...the reviews are great, but..... "the real star is Grant, who's suddenly... well, frankly, gorgeous" and "and haughty, dull family friend/stuffed shirt Mark Darcy"? Has Hughie been given all the aces?

I quite agree Bethan, normally I would be thrilled to read that " Firth also impresses" but it was somewhat negated by her saying Hughie is "gorgeous". Still it is only one person's opinion.

I would have thought the opposite from a British reviewer. Didn't think they considered Hugh a "hunk".

Yes, I know. Was all prepared to highlight the *impressive Firth* comment and then read on... Probably should've been forewarned that the reviewer was not all that knowledgeable, as she called Zellweger a revelation. Obviously, she's not that familiar with her work, possibly only has seen "Me Myself and Irene." ~~~~~~~~~~ And a treat for those who might want the new US BJD poster: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdposterinfo.html

This from a friend of mine. Lovely article about CF in current issue of "Elle" (may not be on newstands yet). First Buzz column: "Firth Among Equals". Think ODB may not be averse to becoming a big Hollywood star at all! v. interesting.

I called Miramax (don't ask *what* I called them;-), and the film is indeed opening nationwide here on April 13, no early opening for NY or LA. It will open on "1500 plus" screens; that's considered a wide opening, although the blockbuster popcorn type flicks typically open on 2000--2500. They can certainly add screens as they go. In any event, no one here will have any difficulty finding this one at their local multiplex. RE: Hugh's good reviews--well, we knew from the start that this would be the showier part of the two male leads. We're probably lucky that there's as much Mark Darcy as there appears to be, considering his small, albeit pivotal, role in the book. I'm sure Richard Curtis wrote Hugh a juicy role, as HG has helped to propel Working Title to some of their biggest successes. HG has headlined wide opening films all over the world; he has global name recognition. Plus, Hugh is very shrewd about his career; there was no way he'd take a second banana role to another young male actor. He doesn't have to. Those are the spoils that box office success brings, and it's the position that I think many of us hope that CF is eventually in--not "fame" or "success" for its own sake, but being in a position to have a pick at the best roles.

Thanks, Mari. 1500+ is very respectable for a non-alien-invasion-type movie, especially one whose audience is gauged to be women over 20something+ years (second class and undesirable). Can't wait to see the backhanded comments in the trades about the boxoffice prospects. Also can't wait to see this new issue of Elle!!

Wickham was never witty, funny and charming, I think they have made Hughie too attractive but even so how could anyone resit those lovely brown eyes. Thanks for the news about Elle magazine Meredith, is that the UK or the US?

kisses in the snow (Karen) Hopefully more than the kiss in the carriage. *heehee* Better watch those P&P spoilers, though...;-) (Popcorn Jane) Grant, who's suddenly... well, frankly, gorgeous. *cough* *choke* Pass this woman a new set of peepers! (Ann) Still it is only one person's opinion. Quite right Ann--hardly anything to become depressed about. There has to be a dozen reviews up so far and this is the *ONLY* one gushing about you-know-Hugh. (Meredith) Lovely article about CF in current issue of "Elle" Thanks for the tip, Meredith. Am still in search of April's Premiere and will add this one to my list. Think ODB may not be averse to becoming a big Hollywood star at all! Has to do with smelling coffee, surely. ;-)

gaah!

Thanks, Meredith! Did a quickie recon mission and I've got it here. It's the April issue of US Elle, Uma Thurman on cover. Nice article--but they've got him in the 3-year fugly sweater! Gah! Karen, I can scan and send; is long to type, but I can do that too.;-)

Mari scanned the following pics in from a Coke ad (note product placement in second pic). The print ad had very poor resolution but Mari did excellent job given the tiny and blurry one of Colin:

Ooops, wrong second pic. Titles nearly same. Will try again. Re: typing of Elle article Only if you have time. *winkie winkie*

It really isn't that long. Part 1: FIRTH AMONG EQUALS In the tradition of Anglo-hunk imports, Bridget Jones' heart throb Colin Firth has a few surprises up his sweater. If you're a woman who's even a little like Bridget Jones--and judging by the success of her self-titled diary (actually written by Helen Fielding), it's a good bet you are--then when you lay eyes on Mark Darcy as portrayed by Colin Firth in the upcoming movie, you'll be as confounded as the chronically hopeful heroine herself. Thick-haired, square-jawed, steely-eyed, Firth's Darcy thrums with alpha-male magnetism when Bridget (played by Renee Zellweger, with a plummily perfect English accent) spots him at a Christmas party. She gazes at his self-possessed mug, imagines romance, possibilities, love. She glances from his steady, kind eyes, to his strong neck, his broad shoulders, his . . .reindeer sweater?!? It's the first comic jolt in a performance that Firth molds into a slow, hilarious, oddly moving revelation. Mr. Right turns out to be Mr. Wrong, who turns out to be Mr. Not So Bad, who transmogrifies into Mr. This Can't Be Happening, who shape-shifts into . . .well, you'll see. "The discovery we make," says Firth, "is that this pompous individual ends up having a generous and entirely sincere side. That's what warms the cockles of our hearts." For Firth (and Bridget, and us), the key word is "discovery." Darcy, Firth says, "takes himself very seriously and therefore like anyone else who takes himself very seriously, is full of comic potential." "Colin was always looking for a surprise because that's what's exciting for him," says Sharon Maguire, who directed Firth and Zellweger (along with Hugh Grant) in "Diary," her first feature film. Firth agrees: "The greatest joy of acting is to reveal the hidden reservoirs in a character--much more than the obvious challenges of transforming yourself. The degrees of what you conceal or reveal--that's what makes the biggest call on your judgment and your ability." To be continued . . .

Part 2: What's unlikely to remain concealed after Diary is the silent strength that has earned Firth hunky-icon status in his native country. In '95, he played another Darcy, in the BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. "The nation's females went into a standstill," says the British Maguire. "Every woman in England fell in love with him." Herself included. "He played that hero so well," she says. "A patriarchal fantasy figure in a way; aloof, but burning with fire." Maguire detected a similarly quiet, white-hot intensity in Firth's approach to Diary. "I didn't think those kinds of men existed in life," she says, "but Colin is it." Since Pride & Prejudice, Firth has played a doomed husband in The English Patient and a scheming aristocrat to Gwyneth Paltrow's Viola in Shakespeare In Love, among other film roles. Those parts and a steady stage career (he will take the lead role in a London version of Hamlet this year) have brought the forty-year-old critical acclaim, but not the leading man lucre that, say, Jude Law and Ralph Fiennes command. Not that Firth spends time worrying about that. He lives in Tuscany and London with his wife ("which is really very gutting," says Maguire), Livia Giuggioli, whom he met when she was a production assistant on the set of the BBC's 1997 miniseries Nostromo (in which he starred). He also goes to Southern California to visit his ten-year-old son, William. (Firth and William's mom, Meg Tilly, were together for five years after meeting on the set of Valmont.) Though Firth admits he's had "very litle success in Hollywood," he's aware that Diary could change that--and complicate things in the process. "Brits absolutely devour Ameican culture," he says. "Yet there's a suspicion of Hollywood--an idea that it's vulgar and that if you court it you're selling out. Endorsement from America can be double-sided." Does he think Bridget Jones's Diary will bring him that endorsement? "It might. I've been at this point so many times before," he says. "But I enjoy the surprises. They keep me alive and going and kind of interested." --by Steve Friedman The End. (In addition to full-page fugly sweater photo, there's a small pic of Mark and Bridget, i.e., the turtleneck pic.)

Thank you, Mari!!! "I didn't think those kinds of men existed in life," she says, "but Colin is it." Yes! That's what warms the cockles of our hearts." It certainly does! ;-)

Fantastic article!! And it says that Hamlet will be *this year* She glances from his steady, kind eyes, to his strong neck, his broad shoulders All things we've scrutinized and admired. What's unlikely to remain concealed after Diary is the silent strength that has earned Firth hunky-icon status in his native country. We might have more visitors here. ;-D A patriarchal fantasy figure in a way; aloof, but burning with fire Oooh...and needed to take a dip to cool off. Not that Firth spends time worrying about that [not having leading man lucre] No, we do it for him. ;-D Thanks, Mari.

Yes, thanks very much Mari and Karen and everyone for keeping us up to date.

Well, am back from shopping spree with both Elle and Premiere mags only to find that *someone* has been v.v. busy! ;-D At least I'll have something to thumb through later. Can't believe Elle used the fugly sweater pic. *groan* (Karen) We might have more visitors here. ;-D Ooh, you might have to charge admission. ;-)

OK, today Radnor, PA, is closer to me. ;-D Have checked listings for next week and ALL morning, afternoon, and evening news and talk shows (Today, GFM, Rosie, View, Leno and Letterman) are having the three stars from Someone Like You, culminating with all three (Judd, Kinnear and Jackman) on The View on Friday, the day it opens...precisely what should be done for BJD. If you've seen the trailer on TV, it talks about Mr Right, Mr Wrong, etc., and the clip they showed on Leno last night was v. good. Not wacky Bridget, but an intelligent woman. Should be interesting. RZ is booked on Leno on Friday night (March 30) before the premiere.

the clip they showed on Leno last night was v. good. When did they sart showing the clips on Leno before the gueststar is on? I can't continue to miss these things! RZ is booked on Leno on Friday night (March 30) before the premiere. RZ does Leno and flies to NY for the April 2nd premiere, right? There is nothing in LA, right? HG will probably be on Letterman, don't you think? They usually promote on both shows. Where will Colin fit in?

Thanks Mari for *taking the time* to type out the long article;-) "Firth agrees: "The greatest joy of acting is to reveal the hidden reservoirs in a character--much more than the obvious challenges of transforming yourself. The degrees of what you conceal or reveal--that's what makes the biggest call on your judgment and your ability." That's what makes him a better actor than most. "he will take the lead role in a London version of Hamlet *this year*)" We *knew* it couldn't be 2002!!Time to call Riverside Studios. So we can start clipping coupons and playing the lottery:-)

I didn't think those kinds of men existed in life," she says, "but Colin is it." Nice one. Though Firth admits he's had "very litle success in Hollywood," Refreshingly honest. The usual line...I've read it so many times in interviews with British actors....is that Hollywood beckoned, but they said "no" (why?). Hamlet "this year"...from the horse's mouth. Good! Thanks for all the info, Mari and Karen!

Ben - When is the London contingent planning on seeing the film? How about a drink? I expect I'll see it on opening night but as it's Good Friday am unlikely to be in town as getting back home again to Kent will be hellish (Sunday services et al) but wouldn't say no to an 'nth' viewing a bit later with drinkies to follow *hic*

Have we seen that tiny pic from Arena here yet? Here it is (scanned by Threedeers):

(Moon) RZ does Leno and flies to NY for the April 2nd premiere, right? There is nothing in LA, right? Not that I'm aware of. Marianne, do you have any info on this?

What happened to my pic??? It WAS there, I saw it. Try again:

Sorry, my computer must be playing up! It seems to have a strange hiccup. If the pic is not showing in the usual HTML way (and I don't know why!!!), try this link: http://www.geocities.com/threedeers/Archives/bjdarena.jpg

WOW! now it's back again! Apologies, but it must have been geocities who had a hiccup.

Geocities does not allow "remote loading" anymore. That means you cannot post pics that reside at a Geocities site anywhere else but on that site.

I'm actually a newbie who has been lurking here for some time now. But, I saw a couple of postings previously where some posters were talking about the number of fight scenes in BJD. So, I went back and slowly replayed the last 30 seconds of the trailer. I realized that when Mark Darcy makes his "outside Cleaver" speech and then punches him out in the next scene, this is the same night as when Bridget has her "blue soup" party. If you look at what the characters are wearing at her party: Tom, Bridget, Shazz, Jude, and Mark they are all wearing the same clothing at her party, and then outside on the streets when Mark punches Daniel in the face. Did anyone else notice this or am I going completely crazy?

Geocities does not allow "remote loading" anymore. Oh, fantastic! :-/ So what do I do now? I guess Threedeers will have to upload to colinfirth.com directly. Or something. Bear with us... :-) Welcome to the madhouse, Ela! We're all crazy here... ;-)

It's the first comic jolt in a performance that Firth molds into a slow, hilarious, oddly moving revelation. Ooooh, don't you love this?? He lives in Tuscany and London with his wife ("which is really very gutting," says Maguire Could someone explain what she means by this? Over here, gutting is what we do to fish.;-) (Eileen)Can't believe Elle used the fugly sweater pic. *groan* I know. Maybe the Elle budget didn't allow for that newfangled invention, the photo shoot.;-) The uninitiated might look at this and think, "ok, here's this dude from MTV, now where's the 'Anglo hunk import'?";-) Actually, that's probably fine with CF. Moon, Karen was referring to the Someone Like You clip on Leno. I thought it was funny when Jay forgot SLY's title at the very end--it's *so* memorable. (Bethan)Refreshingly honest. The usual line...I've read it so many times in interviews with British actors....is that Hollywood beckoned, but they said "no" (why?). LOL! So true, Bethan, I was thinking the same thing. I don't think Colin has it in him to be disingenuous. Such nice comments from Sharon Maguire. I'm sure that having such a professional and non-egomaniacal cast on her first film meant a lot to her.

Gutting = (Brit?) slang for bitterly disappointing; deeply upsetting.

To make it easy, I'll just post it for you ;-D Hi Ela! Good observation about the clothing. But if MD is at the birthday party, did he leave and come back, finding drunken Daniel there with the rest? v. confusing

Karen: Hi Ela! Good observation about the clothing. Hear hear. If it's done like TEOR, I suspect DC turns up at the party uninvited, MD makes him leave the flat, knocks him out to the amazement of the onlookers, and apologises, before returning to the flat to be treated like a hero. And the Arena picture...again from TEOR, Natasha has Giles dressed in her choice of clothes at a wedding; I remember some sort of comment like "Don't put your wallet in your trouser pocket, Giles, it makes your leg look enormous" - so this relationship may have been transposed to MD. Because that is a seriously fugly tie. Like the sweater, hard to believe that MD chose it.

Karen, I agree with Mark - I'm assuming that Daniel arrives unexpectedly, a conversation takes place which ultimatly leads to MD punching Daniel in the face outside the apartment. What I don't get is haven't there been pictures of both Mark and Daniel lying face down on the pavement with shattered glass beneath them? Is this fight supposed to last a long time? Another clothing spot that I noticed in the trailer - when Daniel and Bridget are on the ground and he makes his remarks about her huge panties, she is wearing a black dress right? About 30 seconds later when the trailer is talking about how Mark is "Mr. Wrong", she passes him at a party wearing the same black dress. So, I'm guessing that both of these things also happen on the same night? Can you tell that I watched the trailer about 20 times, and each time that I watch it, I still laugh and giggle uncontrollably whenever Mark Darcy has any scenes - especially the fighting one at the end!! Go Mr. Darcy :)

The Hollywood line..... I don't understand the general consternation that CF, or any other actor, should shy away from Hollywood stardom. We live in an age where you are somehow deemed mad not to take all the fame and money on offer. Some Firthettes have said CF should court Hollywood roles more assiduously in order to get the good parts. But (i) these are not always the lead roles - in fact, they're often not the lead roles - and (ii) maybe there are better roles beyond Hollywood anyway! Don't get me wrong - anyone who pursues an ambition is to be admired, and the English are too often disingenuous about their lack of it. But why need it be Hollywood? As an actor, there are other goals. The most admired actor of his generation in England is Ian McKellen. He's done a few films, but not much. Perhaps this is only because he's not been offered things - perhaps all this time he's been anxiously waiting for the call. But I don't think so. If you have regard for someone surely the most important thing to wish for him is that he's content in what he's doing. I am genuinely MYSTIFIED about the projected ambitions for CF when (i) you don't know that he wants these things - in fact, the most natural thing to assume is that he IS content in what he's chosen to do, and (ii) it would be quite understandable if he was wary of Hollywood in the first place.

Ben I agree with you. We do not know his ambitions for himself - only what we read on the media.

Ben, you are absolutely right. As a man of 40 and an actor with 16-17 years of experience he certainly knows what is best for him. Hollywood is not the end all.

No one said it was the end all, but it's an option that he'd be short-sighted, IMO, to exclude. And no need to be mystified either; everyone is entitled to an opinion, even you all.;-) Oh, let's just listen to Colin, in this new interview : Dark Horizons Presents... Colin Firth: Darcy Returns in Bridget Jones's Diary Colin Firth/Bridget Jones Diary Interview by Paul Fischer in Los Angeles British sex symbol Colin Firth became a star following his pivotal turn as the cool Mr Darcy in the TV version of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Now, in the eagerly anticipated screen version of Bridget Jones's Diary, Firth plays another Darcy, reluctantly falling for the film's pudgy central character (Renee Zellweger). For Firth, this movie affords the classically trained Brit the chance to send up his famous literary character. Adept at playing the proverbial stuffed shirt, it clearly an unstuffy Mr Firth who talked to Paul Fischer in Los Angeles about the two Darcies, coping with unexpected stardom and dealing with the British press. Q: Colin, how reluctant were you to play yet another Darcy? A: A little bit concerned. Concerns like that are answered by just accepting it and doing it. It had to be a good script and had to be done in the right spirit. As far as I'm concerned, the exercise was almost entirely tongue-in-cheek. Q: Were you satirising that [Austen] character? A: I was having fun with it for my own sake. I didn't want to satirise the FILM by satirising it and appropriate it for that reason. For it to work as a romantic comedy, you have to invest something in it, but nevertheless, the whole Darcy thing has followed me around to such an extent now, that it has made far more sense to have fun with it than try to vainly shake it off. Q: You seem to be very good at playing stuffed shirts. How much of those characters are within you? A: The business of acting is taking parts of yourself and reorganising them a little bit. You take some very gregarious and passionate aspects of your character, put a mask on it and see how that comes out. I find the results of that kind of thing rather interesting. I think those conflicts and paradoxes in people ARE fascinating; you know, the unhappy clown or the little speck of good in the cruel person or the reserved man who's in fact passionate. I think those things ARE fascinating and very polemic to the English. Q: There was a lot of initial controversy surrounding the casting of Zellweger. A: I was neither aware of it nor would I have any tolerance with that, I think it's absolutely ridiculous. She's a good actress, which is far more important than actually finding out where you were born. I know there IS an issue of being specific about a culture, but if someone has a talent for acting on the scale that SHE does, one of those talents is the ability to recognise and appropriate a culture, other than her own. Q: Why do you think Mark Darcy falls in love with Bridget? A: I think that, again, there are all sorts of contradictions in that relationship, and on the face of things, you'd think they were nearly opposite: He has poise where she has none, he is pompous where she has low self-esteem, he is taciturn, where she can't stop talking. But on some level, I think they're quite similar. He recognises her agony in certain social situations because he shares that, and I think he also recognises her vulnerability. She's also wry about her own clumsiness, which he finds appealing. Q: I read that you decided to lose weight for this movie. A: No, I did not decide to do that at all. What happened was, I was threatened with the prospect of having to take my shirt off, which was a chilling thought. So I thought that rather change profession, I will get a trainer and try and do something about it. Actually, what was going to happen was that during the fight scene with Hugh [Grant], it was going to culminate with our shirts being ripped off from our rippling, sweaty backs and have our dynamic torsos unleashed upon the female population of the world and they would barely recover. Q: What was it like to fight Hugh Grant? A: It was a delicious experience. Hugh will tell you that I fight like a girl, which he's been saying a lot lately. All I can say in response, is that it takes one to know one. He was the first one to pull my hair; I would never have dreamt of doing that. And he scratches as well. So that should give you an idea of HIS character. Q: Do you think you're sexy? A: I don't find myself sexy, and I don't have an erotic experience when I look at myself in the mirror, or think about myself. But does anyone find himself or herself sexy? Q: But Pride and Prejudice did something to your image, yes? A: Well I DEVELOPED an image is what happened. I'd been working away in this business, to my OWN satisfaction, for a very long time before that, and I felt I was benefiting from an EVASION of an image, in that I didn't think I had one. Q: How did you cope with the media intrusiveness? A: There wasn't much to cope with. The media intrusiveness in terms of paparazzi attention was intense, but brief. It was new to me and attached very quickly to the fact that I was getting married, and I think I found it threatening because of THAT. If it were to happen now, I think I'd take it more in my stride, but I got paranoid, simply because I didn't want paparazzi at my wedding; I didn't want my wedding day spoiled with THAT. And they were absolutely determined to find out when and where I was getting married and storm the wedding. So that was unacceptable. Q: Did you avoid them? A: I did by taking pains to do so, by not being overheard, not talking on the telephone; you get paranoid. Q: Is it because of that that you moved to Italy? A: No, but it's because of that I enjoy Italy very much; I'm completely unknown there which I take great pleasure in. Q: Which parts of Italy do you love? A: My favourite spot is in Umbria. Q: In Bridget Jones, Bridget peruses a lot of women's magazines. Do you ever read any with your wife? What do you think about them? A: I have mixed feelings actually. I often find that if I'm at an airport and I want to and I want to read a magazine, however destructive it might be about projecting images that women might feel they might have to conform to, they are usually fairly free from racism and sexism and abhorrent political polemics that I cannot stand. But for that reason if you're trying to avoid English tabloid newspapers --- Q: Yeah but they're different to those magazines. A: True, but we have some truly noxious press in my country, and I think that the women's magazines are very harmless by comparison. I mean we had 15 journalists who came t Italy for our wedding and threatened and bribed the Portieri' of our flat in Rome. Abhorrent stuff. Q: So do you read much about yourself in the press? A: Less now. Basically if I enjoyed the interview and I fell that the journalist is a sensible person, then I might be inclined to have a look. But it's like reading about someone else, so it's almost not worth bothering. Even when the person is intelligent and well disposed, it's difficult to read what's written about you; it always FEELS reductive, because you don't ever feel that you could be defined in that particular way. Very often it's going to be wildly inaccurate. Q: Outlandish? A: Sometimes it's just EXTRAORDINARY fabrication. Q: Can you give an example? A: One paper serialised my LIFE after I did Pride and Prejudice and there was hardly anything in it that bore ANY relationship to my life. I remember friends of mine phoning me up and saying: I didn't know this and that about you. Part of this was they invented a story about a passion I supposedly had with an actress who I never knew and never met. They said I knew her but I didn't know her from Adam. Q: Maybe you just don't remember. A: Don't remember meeting and falling in love? Maybe not. The trouble is denying something like that just makes you seem terribly ungallant. Q: If they do the sequel to Bridget Jones, will you do it? A: That has to get the most resounding no comment'. Q: Why? A: Because I don't know if they're going to make one, I don't know if I'd be well disposed to it or not. The possibilities are endless. Q: Do you have plans to work more in the US? A: No, I don't have plans to work more in the States, though I'm open to it. America to me is a foreign country with an abundantly fertile film industry and of course I would love to profit from that. In one way or another, but I'm not going to cut off any ties and come here to seek work, because what I get from home, serves me well. Q: What are you working on next? A: A film version of The Importance of Being Earnest is going to start next month. Q: Any plans to return to the theatre? A: Yes, at the end of this year I'll be involved in an independent production of Hamlet.

Okay. Mystified is too strong. Puzzled, maybe. The interview is inconclusive. He would "love" to profit from America's fertile film industry, but it [America] is a "foreign country" to him and, before P&P, he'd been working away for fifteen years to his "own satisfaction". To me this does not sound like someone whose every happiness depends on a call from a big H'wood producer. (Forgive the hyperbole). In fact, he comes across as someone who is distasteful of celebrity culture, and all the instrusiveness and distortion it brings with it. He also sounds v. funny, which we knew already. I liked the bit about Hugh Grant.

My only interest in seeing CF do more "Hollywood" type things is being able to *see* more of his work. Sometimes, his stuff is pretty hard to locate! CF is, of course, free to pursue any interest of his own.