I love this guy's moniker; wonder what Ethel and Lucy are up to?;-) From Ain't It Cool News: Fred Mertz takes in a Screening of BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY Hey folks, Harry here with another look at an upcoming film from the amazing Fred Mertz... Fred has checked out the latest Miramax flick (coming April 6) and wanted to hate it. Me? Well Miramax just sent me a pair of panties with the stamp... "Property of Bridget Jones" on the right ass check of the Granny Panties... Now I'm not sure what the hell this has to do with the movie.... if anything... but if you are an attractive local lady and would like to see if these panties would fit you.... I'm going to be holding auditions --- kinda like finding the foot to fit that glass slipper... Meanwhile, here's a look at the film.... Bridget Jones's Diary I wanted to hate this movie. I'll admit, I heard all the rumors about Renee Zellwegger landing the part of the quintessential modern day self esteem challenged English woman because of her association with Jim Carrey. I wanted to get angry and scream "It should have been Emma Watson or Kate Winslet or Kate Beckinsale or even Dame Edna for crissakes!" because the thought of pawning off a corn fed Texas girl as a Brit just about enraged me. But then something happened. I saw the movie. I'll be honest, for about the first 40 minutes I was resisting Renee Zellwegger as the neurotic Bridget Jones...but then a scene hits you right in the face and all of a sudden you start to forget she's Renee and understand, she is Bridget. In a nutshell, there's a scene where Bridget discovers her boss/"boyfriend" (and I use that quote loosely) played by Hugh Grant (a ladykilling rogue who knows he's the cats pajama's) cheats on Bridget with a sexy long limbed American girl. Bridget finds the other woman in the bathroom and there's a shot of Bridget's reaction, where you just feel so much for her. After that, I forgot that Renee Zellwegger was in this movie. There was only Bridget. The film is based on the best selling novel of the same name by author Helen Fielding. Every woman's apartment I've been in who is in her 20's or early 30's has this book right next to the bed, like a bible. I haven't read it, since most men tend to stray to Nick Hornby for this type of subject matter, but after seeing the movie, I want to read the book. The supporting cast is nothing short of brilliant. Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver is so perfect as her sleazy, sex driven boss. He sends dirty emails to Bridget in the office and the wonderful thing about his character is that he is so sure that she won't scream sexual harassment because he just thinks he knows women, or even more, knows that he's their ideal. The greatest thing about this character is he's human. We see him vulnerable, we see him as a good guy at times and we see him as an absolute prick. Colin Firth plays Mr. Mark Darcy (hello, Pride and Prejudice anyone?) and he's Hugh's rival for Bridget's affections. When we first meet Mr. Darcy we hate him. He makes fun of Bridget and seems to cast a judgmental eye on her until later in the movie when we get a chance to see him through new eyes. Firth is one of the best actors out there. There is so much texture to his performance. It's wonderful to see an actor who can convey one emotion while his dialogue conveys the opposite. He's full of sub-text. This film is about how first impressions can change. It's about looking for love and trying to find that one person who accepts you for who you are. The way it deals with the relationship choices we all make and the mistakes we all make is very truthful in a funny way. The rest of the supporting cast, Bridget's friends, Mother and Father were so spot on. It's like watching a good basketball team full of role players all there to support the star player. The direction of the film was also top notch. I can imagine how difficult it was to make a movie out of a bunch of short journal entries, but director Sharon Maguire (a first time director I think) has a very sure hand. She weaves us in and out of scenes with great control and slows us down just when the audience needs it. Her attention to detail impressed me so much. The voice over narration seems to fit perfectly (it never stands out) and there's this wonderful moment when Bridget says something she shouldn't have said and instead of hearing Bridget say in voice over (oh fuck) she scribbles it across the bottom of the screen. I absolutely loved that moment. But what I enjoyed even more was that the entire story was from Bridget's perspective so the audience identifies directly with her. We feel her pain and joy and we really worry about her. A director who can make that work is something special. Romantic comedy is a dicey proposition in this day and age, but this is fresh and fun. My hat's off to you, Miss Maguire. Back to Renee--Her accent is spot on. She must have worked really hard to get this down. Yes, she did gain 15 pounds and she still looks gorgeous. I think all the weight went to her breasts. She's sexy and funny and when the movie was over, I wondered if Emily Watson could have done it the way Renee did. There's no doubt in my mind there will be bashers of this film based on her casting. For awhile I was going to be one of them. But give this movie a chance and more importantly give her a chance. She earned this part up on the screen and it's a much better than average romantic comedy with a lot of laughs and a lot of heart. It's a human story and it's not too often Hollywood hands us one of those. Go see this. Fred Mertz

Another v.g. review. Looks like they have a hit on their hands. Incidentally, can someone tell me the precise meaning of "stuffed shirt"? Pompous? Repressed?

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. Me thinks the man doth protest too much. :-) (Ben) can someone tell me the precise meaning of "stuffed shirt"? Pompous? Repressed? Definitely pompous.

Love the interview. It was a hoot, especially the part about the fight scene and having to strip off their shirts and finding oneself sexy. Wasn't aware of the controversy surrounding RZ's casting? Who is he trying to kid? ;-D 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. (Donna) Me thinks the man doth protest too much. :-) No kidding! So happy to see that the movie got a good review at AICN and wasn't written off as some lowlife chick flick. Feedback should be interesting. Will probably be about Jim Carrey. Mark, yes that party scenario does work, although it did confuse me to see MD at the doorway, as if he was coming in (had jacket on, whereas at the table, his jacket was off). The source of the snowman tie could be Natasha, although it could be whoever (in this movie not book) gave him the reindeer sweater and he wore it to be kind. The movie portrays a year in the life. It starts with post-New Year, Mark wearing the Christmas present sweater. It should end at Christmas time, with the party where Mark's engagement to Natasha is being announced. Ah well, we shall soon know. Ela, I think there are more than one black dress or scenes in which she wears them. One is the literary party and another looks to be a date with Daniel, culiminating in pants struggle on floor. Isn't her hair different for those two occasions? Thanks, Mari, for being so industrious this a.m.

I see that Catherine (with her Dick Van Dyke neurosis) has been to the AICN feedback to urge people to her site to read the "British" view of the movie. http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/tb_display.cgi?id=8460#267889

Yes thanks Mari for the interview and wonderful review, the best one for Colin so far, I think. How many more days to go...

Hoooeeeeyy, all this news! First, welcome and thanks for your analysis, Ela. Make yourself at home--we've all got experience watching videos frame by frame (ask Bethan or Lizza about 'Nessie'). ;-D About the fight vs. fights--agree with Mark and Ela, MD challenging a drunk and unwelcome DC after the blue soup dinner party sounds logical. They must crash through the window (which they definitely do) while fighting in the street. I hope there aren't multiple fight scenes; if the two of them start hurling fists every time they come in contact it would get a bit old (and would surely have been mentioned by a critic by this point). Re: the interview--thanks for sharing this and 'Fred's' AICN review, Mari. Love this: Firth is one of the best actors out there. There is so much texture to his performance. It's wonderful to see an actor who can convey one emotion while his dialogue conveys the opposite. He's full of sub-text. Not that we didn't know this already... Lastly (for now ;-)), I didn't find any real surprises in the interview. He was 'concerned' about playing Darcy but not to the point of nearly turning down the role. That's my interpretation of his response. About that H'wood line: it's called 'don't burn your bridges'. Keep the offers coming from the UK while expressing an openness to offers from H'wood, a perfectly logical approach, IMO. (Karen) I see that Catherine (with her Dick Van Dyke neurosis) has been to the AICN feedback to urge people to her site to read the "British" view of the movie. Catherine needs to get a life. Talk about missing the point...

Thanks, Mari! Finally getting some interviews! The part about the fight and shirts off was so funny. Can't believe F Mertz loved the film. And now for my classic comment: why can't he get his shirts and ties together? ;-) Welcome Ela, good observations!

Thanks Mari for reviews and interview.I'm reminded of a quote he once told a journalist:"If you asked me that tomorrow, you might get a different answer." Sometimes he talks about roles he wishes he could have...next time he's happy with the ones he's getting.But we take him as he comes ;-)) ", I was threatened with the prospect of having to take my shirt off, which was a chilling thought" Aw,for a minute there, I thought we would get the "towel scene". No such luck:-(

Popcorn has an article/interview with RZ, with quotes from the huge gnat as well. Nothing at all new, really, except HG's comment about the British being defensive. ;-) http://www.popcorn.co.uk/news/story.jhtml?id=46068 More importantly, ET has put up some of the RZ interview that was shown last night (which I missed and plan to tape today) http://www.etonline.com/cgi-bin/get-article.pl?section=spotlight&table=Interviews&id=8746&page=all&publish=yes ~~~~~~~ Though I hadn't planned to respond, our discussions re: CF's career ambitions should be no more mystifying or puzzling to you, Ben, than say my own mystification or puzzlement over the lack of concurrence amongst economists who, using the same data and methodologies, will publish widely varying projections of key indicators. And then my mystification and puzzlement is compounded by the fact that they are largely all inaccurate/wrong and yet keep their jobs to go on projecting useless data for another day. :-) Since we cannot know what CF really thinks about the situation, then his contentment is also speculation. I have only commented on what *I* would like to see for him. He may not want it. If people would like to continue beating this one-step-closer-to-dogfood discussion, please take it to 143. Thank you.

Karen, I was a little disappointed with the RZ interview in that the voiceover noted that Hugh 'plays one of two love interests'. No mention of CF (would it have killed them? Grrrr). The scenes shown were mostly from the trailer, except a longer shot of BJ in her bunny girl costume, walking up the lawn to the T&V party was added. Renee explained the 'butt cam' and how her modestly disappeared. She was v.g., alot less giggly than I've seen her in past interviews. Julie Moran looked so heavily made up she reminded me of Nora Desmond! 'I'm ready for my close up now...'

Nice bit from the ET interview: Julie: One of the most beautiful moments in the film is when Colin [Ed note: on first name basis] says to you, "I accept you absolutely for who are." It doesn't matter that you're 10 pounds overweight, or this or that. What a wonderful message to be putting out to society right now. Ren�e: Right. She's just fine. She's smart and she's accomplished inso many ways. She's funny, charming and really likable, has a beautiful heart, and she's pretty.

Agree, it's a nice bit but it didn't make it to the broadcast. :-(

(Eileen) Agree, it's a nice bit but it didn't make it to the broadcast. :-( [ever the optimist, HA!!] They're saving it and Colin's interview for a Sweeps period. ;-D Item in NY Daily News gossip column about RZ and her current glamorizing trend. She'll be on the cover of the April Vogue. Doubt will have any else re: film. However it would've been IMO far better if they had Colin in spiffy suit (with well-fitted collar) to pose with her.

Thanks, Karen. I would put any reaction against RZ (and, to tell the truth, I don't remember much) down to the s*it-stirring British press. I am a big fan - she's a terrific actress and a babe. HG's remark about the submarine seems a little off-beam. One objection was about inventing fact, another about who to play a fictionional character. On dogfood.....I don't have to predict things, thank God. And to link the two...one economists' dictum is that actions reveal preferences. In that sense, CF's contentment is not entirely speculative. The fact that he's not been battering desperately at Hollywood's door all these years must say something.

Oh, and the hits just keep on comin'! Check out the 2nd paragraph (emphasis mine:-). This is from Roger Friedman at Fox News (many thanks to Chris R. for spotting): Earnest Cast Revs Up Before Strike Add Frances O'Connor, the wonderful star of Mansfield Park, to the cast of Miramax's The Importance of Being Earnest. Oliver Parker, who directed another good Miramax Oscar Wilde adaptation, An Ideal Husband, has just placed her in a group that includes Judi Dench, Rupert Everett, Reese Witherspoon and Colin Firth. Firth, who steals Miramax's Bridget Jones' Diary, is the latest addition to the studio's repertory company.

Thanks Mari for the interview and Karen for all the links. This board is a veritable feast of delicious delights to dip in and out of, thankk you Ladies. The reviews are great. Mari , is the Catherine you mentioned the lady with the Brit BJD site? It was featured in The Sunday Times section "Doors" and says "Like the story, it is a one woman effort and not always as attractive as it would like to be, but for puppy dog enthusiasm it scores full marks." ASTONISH ME!!! IMO it is far inferior in layout, style, content and originality to our Karen's. It's rather akin to the RZ casting debate, in this case case too Brit is not best! Forget the "puppy dog" , we've got "Best in Show."

Yes, Catherine is the one with the www.bridgetjones.co.uk site. She's also the online editor for Empire. (very much the novice implied by The Times). ;-D Love Fox News' comment about Colin stealing the movie!!! Could this be the answer to all my prayers (not his, of course)? ;-D ~~~~~~~~~ From Neal Travis' column in the NY Post: EVEN Tom Cruise and director Cameron Crowe couldn't persuade Renee Zellweger to take off her top for a bedroom scene in her first big hit, "Jerry Maguire." The former girlfriend of Jim Carrey says she considers most sex scenes in movies distracting for audiences. Shooting even stopped on the "Jerry Maguire" set as she explained her objections against going topless, Zellweger tells the April issue of Premiere. "It's not like Cameron's big plan was to have this sleazy, gratuitous boob shot," she says. "That's not in him, and I'd do anything for him - with the exception of that." She thinks that, too often, sexuality in films takes away from the plot. "When a woman stands naked in a room, unless that particular moment is held up by the subject matter, all you notice is that there's a naked girl," she claims. Needless to say, there are no nude scenes in her upcoming "Bridget Jones's Diary," in which she stars opposite Hugh Grant. But there is plenty of Renee to see, because she put on 15 pounds to play the part, something not many other A-list actresses would be willing to do. "I'm so afraid that when ‘Bridget Jones' comes out, it'll all be focused on [the weight gain]. It was part of the character. I wanted to look like Bridget, and she smokes and she doesn't go to the gym," she adds. I guess Renee hasn't seen the press kit now being distributed for the much-anticipated movie. It manages to hint at both undressing and being a bit plump by including a pair of voluminous knickers, stamped "Property of Bridget Jones."

(Karen) Could this be the answer to all my prayers Never underestimate the power of a good novena (or was that rosary?) ;-) Let me see, how does that go again? Firth, who steals Miramax's Bridget Jones' Diary I could read that over and over and over and.... (will forgive Roger for inaccurately stating that CF is the 'latest addition' to Miramax's repertory co. Durr. Where the #*&^% has he been? Planet Zarg?)

Good news: have new and better version of snowman tie pic. :-) Bad news: suit has a definite pattern :-(

(Karen) suit has a definite pattern Ooh, do tell. Give it to us on the official 'badaBING' scale... Have just re-read the interview (you can tell am relegated to computer today with workmen climbing all over house). Besides the shirt-ripping comment, *this* is definitely the funniest part: 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. LMAO! Love that man's sense of humor.

Agree, Eileen. The man is cool. Karen, I your links don't work? Is that me or them? What's wrong with the suit?

Agree, Eileen. The man is cool. Karen, your links don't work - is that me or them? What's wrong with the suit?

Woops.

The links don't work fro me either. Thanks, Karen, for keeping us up on the latest.

They're not links--it's what happens when you type the word news. Try it.

Never mind, then. I know it happened to me once. Maybe they are [broken] links!

No, they are not links but exactly what Eileen described. The color version of the pic can't be done right now, but I can scan in the b&w a little later. Am not terribly good with fabric terminology, but is a window pane type check???? Love that part of the interview too. This guy is as witty and glib as HG and deserves to go on our talk shows.

Karen, You mentioned a literary party that Bridget goes to in your post. Does this happen in the book or only in the movie? I don't have my copy of the book available, but I can't seem to remember if she went to a literary party. Anyone know if this takes place in the beginning of the book?

Yes, Bridget goes to a literary party in the book as well. See April 18 entry. As promised, here's the suit detail. Will have color tomorrow.

Suit, g.; tie, downright silly; fit of shirt collar, v.v.g.! *humming the tune to 'Frosty, the Snowman'*

Dorky suit....I hope it's just a sport coat. Why did they cut off those beautiful hands. Thanks K.

Haven't even focused on suit, tie, collar, etc. Am too busy sitting here running my cursor over that lovely cleft in his chinny chin chin.:-) Thanks, Karen.

Lovely picture! Can't imagine that the lovely and snooty Natasha would ever condone a tie like that. Makes one wonder what the situation is. We don't have long to wait!

In addition to RZ on Leno on March 30, we now have: Monday, 4/2/01, Hugh Grant on The Today Show* Tuesday, 4/3/01, Hugh Grant on The Late Show with David Letterman *Perhaps can drop by and make faces at through window. Ideas for home-made signs? WE WANT COLIN!!

*Perhaps can drop by and make faces at through window. Ideas for home-made signs? WE WANT COLIN!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capital! Captial!

Ideas for home-made signs? But of course.;-) 1. Your 15 minutes are up! 2. Elvis has left the building . . .too bad he didn't take this guy with him. 3. Great hair--not! 4. Repent! The end is near! Grant dealt crushing blow! --Job

I will cut up my snowman tie as soon as I get home. The Telegraph is offering you the chance to "email Bridget Jones": http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=002291052247880&rtmo=rrrrrrrq&atmo=rrrrrrws&pg=/etc/etchome.html (If you can ignore the bizarre stuff about John Bayley - this man has made a life for himself out of the death of his better known, and more distinguished wife, Iris Murdoch. Rather sad.)

Aargh, aargh, is past 9 a.m. here in the east, and still no mention of the words 'Colin' or 'Firth' or even 'BJD' on the Today show. Have been watching since 7:30; sat through Laura Bush, Jennifer Love Huett, internet fraud, plus size fashions for women (didn't know you could wear camoflauge tee with spiky gold sandals even if not plus size), can recite my local news, weather and traffic backwards and forward...since this half hour is parenting and food allergies, it looks as though CF will be on in the final half hour. I hope.

Good Luck Eileen, keep tuning in, we're counting on you. Desperate to know what I am missing!! Just think of your payoff!

We haven't had plus size fashions yet but am getting worried.

We haven't had plus size fashions yet but am getting worried They're darling ;-) Thanks Eileen. Pays to have a Firthette in the Eastern time Zone. He must be on the last half-hour.

"Leave the best to last." Or however the song goes!

Turn off those VCRs, ladies, it's a bust. CF wasn't on. ;-( I was a bit hopeful in that one of the last segments was about magnifiers and other assistive devices for seniors--since we all know CF's fan base is comprised of very old ladies--but alas, he was bumped. *insert words too nasty to post* Perhaps his segment has been moved to next week?? *crossing fingers* Off to prepare my 'Isn't Hugh DEVINE?' sign for the day Huge Gnat is on the Today show (bet he won't get bumped). *pouting*

Have e-mailed the Today show asking if CF's segment has been rescheduled. Feel free to do likewise. The address is today@nbc.com.

This is v.v. disappointing. Any ideas how we can find out if it's been rescheduled? (I don't want to watch this every morning until 4/13!!) I've emailed them, but don't have an expectation of getting a reply.

Hey I've been lurking a while now, and I was really looking forward to CF's appearance today, but I checked the Today show's scedule on the internet, and for tomorrow they have Jennifer Love Hewitt. But as we all know, she was on today. Maybe they will have Colin on tomorrow. Who knows, but I was v. disappointed.

Since Jennifer Love Hewitt was scheduled to be on Friday, maybe Colin has been switched to then??? *disappointment has affected my judgment*

He's not listed in their detailed breakdown of tomorrow's show. One thing is certain, like Karen, I'm not tuning in nor taping 3 hours each day until the dawn of time (though did learn fascinating things about lactose intolerance *snore*).

Try calling Miramax. I tried calling the Today Show last week to confirm the appearance, but couldn't get past the recorded voice prompt messages. But maybe someone else may have better luck, or find a better number. I'll e-mail too, but I think that's useless. I'm sure he was not bumped. Rather, I think the scheduling info posted on the cyberspace sites that track these things was wrong. As I said from the start, the early scheduling of this (3 weeks prior to film opening) made no sense at all. They want the impact of having guest appearances right before the opening. So, I remain optimistic that it will happen. It just wasn't going to be Today.:-(

Thanks for answering what I posted at 143, should have checked here first.

Welcome Jennie and feel free to post. It appears we were thinking the exact same thing and our posts overlapped. :-)

*de-lurks, in a grumpy mood due to decided lack of Mr. Firth on Today show* In an effort to fill the gaping chasm left by the lack of ODB on TV this morning, I surfed over to the BJD site on MSN. They now have a page up for the soundtrack, with very brief soundclips from all of the songs. Hopefully, this link will work: http://entertainment.msn.com/bridget/page2/ Ben's list of uniforms had me laughing out loud at the office. It's a bit difficult to explain what's so funny when you work amongst the heathen masses who have never heard of ODB. *slinks back into oblivion*

Who's in NYC on the 6th of April??? I will be for my bday celebration (the big 33!!) can ya believe it??? Anyway, let me know who is around and lets hook up.. Karen???

Today Show: I'm hopeful that he will be in the lineup that is closer to the opening. That is usually the custom, and often stars are on sucessive days (if distributor's publicity machine is in high gear-which is obviously the case here). Meredith (with fingers crossed)

Imitation must surely be the highest form of flattery, as the UK Bridget site now talks about a Bridget Survival Kit, containing Chardonnay, chocolate, etc. Wonder if it's at all like the one I posted eons ago on the very first page? Thanks, Jennifer, for the heads up. Looks as if the Todd Rundgren song has definitely now been accepted. :-( Have new details: There is a Perpetua and she's played by Felicity Montague The minibreak (boating scene) was filmed at the Stoke Park Club, home of the Stoke Poges Golf Club, where the golfing scenes from Goldfinger were shot. If you go to their website, there are pictures of the lake. http://www.stokeparkclub.com/spc/fishing.html Other locations were the Cantina (Shad Thames) where Bridget and Daniel have their first date; the Tate Modern (an evening with her friends); the Royal Courts of Justice, where Bridget attempts to get an interview (WOO WOO, Barrister Alert!!); a loft apartment in Clink Wharf (Daniel's home); and Wrotham Park, Barnet, which serves as the Darcy family home. In addition to Salman Rushdie, Jeffrey Archer and Julian Barnes, there will be Sebastian Faulkes and Alain de Boiton.

I e-mailed Today as soon as it was over. Got a !@#%*%@ form letter in return thanking me for my interest. Bullhockey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm still in a bad mood after being awakened by the shuttle hitting the earths atmosphere over my house at 2:30 A.M. yesterday morning and geting up at 6:30 this morning.

and Wrotham Park, Barnet, which serves as the Darcy family home. This is the Pemberley equivalent....a Palladian mansion set in 300 acres. Makes Darcy v.v.rich!

Would appear they've overdone it, wouldn't you think?

Would've been funnier had they used Lyme Park... :)

Just a quick repeat from #143--Colin is scheduled to be on Today some time in the next 2 weeks.

He's not listed in their detailed breakdown of tomorrow's show. One thing is certain, like Karen, I'm not tuning in nor taping 3 hours each day until the dawn of time (though did learn fascinating things about lactose intolerance *snore*). Eileen, I could not have said it better myself! I will have to have it written in blood before I sit through that show again!

Mark: Does this guy look familiar?

Would've been funnier had they used Lyme Park... :) LOL Laura, great minds & all that! Saw the pic and had that exact thought! :-)

(MarkG) *.../ 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./... (Ela B.).../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./... This was answered by Isobel Fox, in her March 17 femail.co.uk article, when she gave out oall those spoilers, one of which was: .../ Darcy starts to develop 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. The Article is on Karen's BJD Review page. :-) (Mark G.) .../And the Arena picture...again from TEOR, Natasha has Giles dressed in her choice of clothes at a wedding.../ I'm picking nits today -- you're thinking Rebecca, not Natasha (though I suspect the scriptwriters sort of squooshed them together in their heads...) You'll have to pardon me. get to all this a day or two late and require another day to give rise to any response...I'm exclusively limited to 1-hr/day library time now. :-{ KJ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 145 of 146 [drool]: Bridget Jones's Diary - nowhere near the edge of reason (Part 3) Response 394 of 464: 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 :)

Sorry about that. I'd better resign this stuff permanently...[:-( KJ

This is nice. Many thanks to Silvie for this report! There are loads of gorgeous pix of RZ in April's Vogue "Ren�e takes Paris'. No BJD pix (19 pages all in all) but some quotes from and about BJD & Colin: "....Vogue flew her to Paris for the couture only hours after her triumph at the GG (Best Actress-Musical or Comedy Nurse Betty) but there are way bigger triumphs ahead of Ren�e Zellweger. The long-awaited film of Helen Fielding's best-selling comic masterpiece BJD, in which she stars, opens this month on both sides of the Atlantic. And about five minutes after that, Zellweger will be one of the biggest female stars in the world..... ....Because it's her movie. With every step she takes, with every adorable clunky bad life choice she makes, with every glass of Chardonnay she slurps, with every word she utters (in her perfectly pitched London accent), she is Bridget Jones. Yes, yes, she's got two fabulous leading men to play off: Hugh Grant, cast brilliantly against type as the silver-tongued slimebag Daniel Cleaver, is sexier and funnier than he's ever been without that foppish trademark--uh, stutter--getting in the way. And Colin "Mr Darcy in Damp Shirt" Firth - Helen Fielding's real-life pinup - is as sardonic and smoldering and rocklike as Bridget Jones's possible saviour ought to be. They're both great; the film is great. But it's Zellweger's movie.... Helen Fielding is thrilled with her. "Bridget's very human, which is why women respond to her. She is not one of those women like Liz Hurley, who never have a bad-hair day. Ren�e is the kind of actress who can look ordinary sometimes and quite beautiful at others." It's easy to see why people love working with her. She'll work until she drops. When I call her leading men to ask about Zellweger, both of them fall over themselves to get across how unbelievably grounded she is, how nice, how normal. Acting is a notoriously flouncy profession "for actors of either sex," says Colin Firth. "But Renee's game for everything. All the time. There was no preciousness, no sort of 'I'm feeling a bit brittle today, so you better not come near me.' She's one of the least precious people I've ever met." (Precious, in British English, does not mean 'adorable', I should say. It means 'revoltingly babyish and self centered") Zellweger's biggest fear in prepping for her role, she says, was that she would be "the weak link. Especially with those guys, you know?" Hugh Grant had been her pinup for years, ever since she was at the University of Texas Austin, taking journalism classes and making the odd TV commercial. And she knew all about Mr Wet-Shirt Darcy from A&E's Pride & Prejudice. "But they were fantastic. Fantastic," she says. "And completely supportive. From the beginning."....

Thanks, KJ, I thought I'd read it somewhere. ;-D And she knew all about Mr Wet-Shirt Darcy Don't you wonder if she had to watch the series? She did read the book...after she got the part. And Colin "Mr Darcy in Damp Shirt" Firth - Helen Fielding's real-life pinup - is as sardonic and smoldering and rocklike as Bridget Jones's possible saviour ought to be. And steals the film! *now, I'm crossing my fingers*

Would appear they've overdone it, wouldn't you think? LOL! Correction, MD is v.v.v.v.v. rich!

Karen: Mark, does this guy look familiar? Not to me, but I'm so bad at faces it's going to turn out to be my brother or something. Seriously, I expect you're going to tell me that he was the stuntman in Colin's clothes, but if that's the case his hair was very different indeed for shooting. KJ: you're thinking Rebecca, not Natasha Yup, thanks for straightening me out - as I was writing "Natasha", I was thinking this is not quite right - they must be all squooshed together in my head too. Who had the billiard-ball bottom? Which reminds me, the Comic Relief book, as noted, is very short but of course very funny. There's a glossary of terms at the back which defines Jellyfisher, Smug Married etc, and gives the meaning of Aargh as Aargh. Mari, loved your Top Ten list at #143. Nos 7 and 2 were my faves.

Gabrielle was on GMTV singing "Out of reach " Live this morning!! Clips of Cf that you are all familiar with from video included. But the very best bit was the interview, in which G says what a fantastic movie it is etc etc and when asked whether she prefers CF to HG says "I am totally in love with Colin Firth at the moment." When asked what CF has got that HG hasn't (WE know the answer to that one!!!) She said "He's just soooo lovely. Sorry Hugh." Then I think she said something like "I had better stop now before I embaress myself." What a woman of taste! Wonder if I can wait 3 weeks after all. Counting the days..... hours.....

(Mark) gives the meaning of Aargh as Aargh. Hee hee. It works for me! (Lizza)Gabrielle was on GMTV singing "Out of reach " Live this morning!! Glad you folks had better luck than us yesterday! Sounds like Gabrielle has excellent taste, and is worthy of the title track honors! Here's another review, from Dark Horizons: Bridget Jones Diary �by Scott Mantz��� Dear Diary, Today is Saturday, March 17, and I just got back from having breakfast--alone. That was after last night, when I went to the movies -- alone. Then I woke up this morning -- you guessed it, alone. Well, I guess that's par for the course these days, since, even at the ripe old age of 32, I'm still a single guy. Not that there's anything wrong with that (or so I keep telling myself), but I suppose things would have been a lot different if I had stayed in Philadelphia (my hometown), got married, had 2 1/2 kids, bought a house, and called it a day. But no, I had to take my chances, follow my heart, move out to LA, and try to make it in this crazy business called Hollywood. Well, I'm still working on that last part, but one thing's for sure -- I never thought I'd still be single at 32. While most of my friends are either involved, married with children, or heading for a divorce (probably the latter), my sad state of affairs was driven home last night when I attended a special advance screening of Renee Zellweger's new movie Bridget Jones's Dairy. Not only did I really enjoy the film, but I actually related to it in the sickest possible way (and I'm a guy!). I also found Zellweger to be even more charming and adorable than she was in last year's little seen gem, Nurse Betty. She easily puts to rest all the scrutiny that she was under when she signed up for the role of the chain-smoking, Vodka-drinking, weight-obsessed British heroine from Janet (sic) Fielding's enormously popular book of the same name. Bridget Jones's (Renee Zellweger) life is a mess. She's overweight, she chain-smokes, she's a 32-year-old "singleton," and she likes to drink alone while singing "All By Myself" at the top of her lungs. But she's had it! She's going to turn her life around once and for all, and she starts by keeping a diary to keep track of all her New Year's resolutions. The first of them is to stop dating slimy men who only have their good-looks going for them, but before the ink is even dry on that one, she starts shagging her sexy, playboy boss (Hugh Grant) at the publishing firm where she works. Now she's caught in a bind -- will she keep dipping her pen in the company ink, or will she go for an already involved barrister (Colin Firth) who keeps showing up at the most inopportune times? Talk about decisions, what's a neurotic, confused, scatterbrained British girl to do? Think of Bridget Jones's Diary as a British version of TV's Ally McBeal (but without the eating disorder). She may seem like she's out of her mind, but compared to everyone else, including her "smug-married" friends and dysfunctional parents, she's the one who's better off. Besides, why is it anyone else's business how her love life is doing? What's wrong with being picky and waiting for Prince Charming? Who cares what other people think? If anything, they're just jealous! As Bridget, Renee Zellweger is simply irresistible. Hot on the heels of her Golden Globe-winning performance in Nurse Betty, she gives another range revealing turn that capitalizes on her girl-next-door appeal. After raising eyebrows for being cast in a role that many in the British press felt should have gone to Emily Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, or Kate Winslet, Zellweger rises to the occasion, packs on the weight (almost 15 pounds), and puts to rest any fears that she couldn't carry the British accent (Kevin Costner, take note). In fact, if I didn't know any better, I would never have guessed that Zellweger was from Texas. Hugh Grant is perfectly cast as Zellweger's too good-looking for his own good boss. He takes the sleazy role he played in last year's Small Time Crooks to the next level, and as a result, he seems to be having a blast. Colin Firth sulks through most of the film as Zellweger's other potential love interest, and despite being in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong person and saying the wrong thing, it's obvious that they were meant for each other. My only problem with Bridget Jones's Diary is with the ending. Like last year's Mel Gibson starrer What Women Want, it starts out strong and loses steam towards the end. While it stays true to the book, it still feels weak compared to what preceded it. Then again, Zellweger is so darn charming and funny, and after baring her soul (not to mention her expanded frame), it's hard not to be won over by her immensely appealing performance. Given the nature of dating in this crazy town, it's easy to understand why I feel so hopeless. But, like Bridget Jones, I'm not willing to compromise and settle ("settle" being the key word) down with the wrong woman just to keep from feeling lonely. Like Bridget, I just gotta be patient. It'll happen when it happens. Well, Diary, I guess that's enough self-deprecation and over-analysis for one day! I'm outta here!

Thanks, Mari and Lizza. "I am totally in love with Colin Firth at the moment." I wonder how Livia feels about this. ;-) I bet Colin will be escaping to Italy very soon.

Would appear they've overdone it, wouldn't you think? LOL! Correction, MD is v.v.v.v.v. rich! Is this the home where Bridget used to caper about the lawn with no clothes? I had a slightly different image in mind. ;-D (Mark) I expect you're going to tell me that he was the stuntman in Colin's clothes Bingo!! (Reviewer) While it stays true to the book Must be the one by Janet Fielding where Bridget drinks vodka and is overweight. But otherwise, v.g. review.

From a humerously, Shazz-like (just as you said, MFP) response to the all the Talkback on AICN from a person called Rhyakitty: ;-D "On a side note, I think Renee must have picked up every pound that Colin Firth lost. What the hell did they do to him? She looks fantastic (what great breasts!) but he looks like a cadaver. I want Mr. Darcy from PnP back, dammit!" http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/tb_display.cgi?id=8460#268741

I'm guessing that Chrissy Iley is a former Time Magazine staffer. From The Scotsman: http://www.leisure.scotsman.com/living/headlines_specific.cfm?articleid=3006

Blimey. I suppose I sympathise with a milder version of the Iley view. But to say... "True love may exist in a moment, but rarely lives happily ever after unless it�s in a fairy tale, and Bridget Jones is as dangerous as Cinderella. A woman I know in her thirties, single of course, saw the movie and enthused: "It gave me such hope." And what was she hoping for? That even if you�ve made a mess of your life, you could still get Mr Right? She didn�t even temper this with Mr. Right Now." is simply wrong. I know a few people for whom it's "lived happily ever after". More generally, I think it's also wrong to identify Bridget's insecurities - which are deliberately exaggerated, of course - as exclusive to women.

Bugger. Does this do it?

MERDE! Sorry.

I am totally in love with Colin Firth at the moment." (Moon)I wonder how Livia feels about this. ;-) I bet Colin will be escaping to Italy very soon. LOL.The hazards of the trade. What the heck, it pays for the pasta. Mari....your "Ten Reasons Why".....you should publish. Getting caught up in the Refugee Demonstration...has to be my fave. Irreverent, but hilarious.

I see Chrissy forgot to take her happy pill the day she wrote that. Am sure there will be many more like it, just as there were when the book(s) came out. (Rhyakitty at AICN) What the hell did they do to him? She looks fantastic (what great breasts!) but he looks like a cadaver. I want Mr. Darcy from PnP back, dammit!" And the 'girls' were padded, were they not? Could've fooled me, though, by the looks of some of the pictures we've seen. Judging from the stills, trailer, and OOR vid, CF looks far from a cadaver though. Or maybe it's just that his shirts fit.

My friends, of which I'm going to NYC with, haven't a clue as to who CF is... Now they were over my house last week, and I was explaining to them the coup casting of CF as MD... They didn't get it... So I pull out the P&P and say.."This is Mr. Darcy in P&P"... Show pic of MD. The braniac says, "Hey, that's the same person..." See what I have to deal with??? EVEN Rebecca (bless her 10 year old heart) was giggling... :) She said, "even I knew what mom was talking about..."

That article from the Scotsman sounds like something Germaine Greer?(sp) would write were she reviewing the film!! and although I liked the second DH review I would have preferred the word "smouldering" to "sulking"!!

The CD cover: Have been checking out prices and HMV in Canada may be the cheapest (US$11.84) plus US$2 for shipping; it shows a new release date of 4/17.

There, you see - isn't she gorgeous? I saw an Underground poster for the film with this photograph; they seem to have ditched the one where BJ is bending over showing off her "great breasts" (Rhyakitty quote, before someone bites my head off..). Is it meant to be significant that HG is looking at the camera, whereas CF is genuinely interested in the diary?

The other poster, Ben, is the advance poster. It didn't have any of the detailed production info. In the US, we had one with her peaking over a list. Too bad they're going with this one too. I had hoped for another one. I liked the British quad far better for MLSF. :-(

Ooops, the UK poster is slightly different. It's the concerned Darcy/giggling Bridget pose:

Finally saw the trailer on the big screen last night (watched 'Enemy at the Gates'). Very embarrasing to find myself squealing the moment I realized what the trailer was...

Like the US poster better. MD looks a little paranoid in the UK one.

Lucky you, Winter. I too saw Enemy at the Gate yesterday and asked theatre management if they were showing the BJD trailer. They actually checked with the projectionist who said it was preceding The Mexican and Hannibal. Unfortunately, the timing was not good so couldn't get a peak, which they said I could do.

(Evelyn) MD looks a little paranoid in the UK one. Looks as though he's thinking *WOT?* I like them both. However, if his head was turned any further people would mistake him for Linda Blair. ;-)

UK Alert!! Free tickets to advance screenings of the movie on BBC1's website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/djs/movie_lounge_form.shtml 12 locations, but no dates given. Go register!

Karen-(slightly OT) I'm sorry, but IMHO even a glimpse of BJD trailer would not make it worth sitting through "The Mexican". Ugh! ;-) Enemy at the Gates...hmmmm. That might be worth a try!

I like them both. However, if his head was turned any further people would mistake him for Linda Blair. ;-) That is very funny. That film still terrifies me. "The sow is mine!" It was on telly here the other night. I turned on all the lights in the house afterwards. Thanks for posting the proper English poster. Also agree that the US poster is better. Apart from anything else, you can't see RZ in our one. In every picture, in every scene in every film he's in, in every appearance on telly, wherever he is, HG wears a black jacket on top of a blue shirt with a big flapping collar. I hope he has more than one.

so couldn't get a peak Before I get mountains of mail or postings re: geological formations... ;-D

I don't like the lipstick color on her... Oh and Ben, you should see the cover of Premiere Mag this month.. Oh here it is;)

I doubt if Ben will be noticing her lipstick color. And no more hiding behind Rhyakitty, Ben.;-) I think CF looks so handsome in the UK poster, Linda Blair notwithstanding (good one, Eileen!). *Make it stop, Mother, make it stop* Why does Colin have 3rd billing in the UK, but 2nd in US? Gift from Harve? (in lieu of Huge paycheck?;-)??

It's tiny. However, I can just make out a pouting face in the middle, and strategically placed strands of windblown hair...... So thank you. I'm off to Dorset (SW England) for the week-end. Very foolishly, I have promised someone I will go swimming in the sea at Lyme Regis. If I am still alive on Monday, I'll talk to y'all then. Have a good w/e everyone.

No more hiding, Mari, I promise. :-)