Ooops. Sorry if I gave away too much.

No, really, this doesn't apply to your posting, Winter. Was meaning to post that last night, but was too lazy (read, buried under masses of unfinished stuff) to go look up the Spoiler topic number). I gave away more spoilers than you. You wrote your impressions. Not the same. ;-D (that being the case, I didn't mind the similarities at all, but saw more)

From Christopher Null (and Void) at filmcritic.com. He gave it 3-1/2 stars though: http://www.filmcritic.com/misc/emporium.nsf/ddb5490109a79f598625623d0015f1e4/ea1b11302849ded888256a250003aa29?OpenDocument

Hi, I haven�t quite recovered from last night�s high. The movie was funny, sweet, and I want to drag all my friends to see it � starting tomorrow night. Thanks Winter for getting the passes. It was great seeing Winter and Jana again, and meeting Moon and her husband. I hope he enjoyed the movie. First of all, I was going to like this movie anyway, so I was very pleased with how it turned out. I do have a few quibbles with it though: 1) Not enough Mark Darcy 2) Too much Daniel Cleaver 3) Not enough of Shaz, Jude and Tom 4) Bridget�s parents, ugh, I probably would have preferred they build up her friends� storyline 5) Why no mention of �fuckwittage,� and �Pride and Prejudice� 6) This is just my opinion. At the ending credits, when they�re showing a children�s birthday party (and it does begin hilariously), when you see little Mark Darcy giving surreptitious looks at little Bridget Jones, and then she takes off her dress to wade in the paddling pool, he begins to look uncomfortable and tugs on his collar. All I could think of was: please, no erection, and this could be a pedophiliac�s dream. Sorry, if I upset anyone.

The Sun (in the Life section) has a really nice picture of CF, RZ & HG, and it's wishful thinking on my part that he's smiling. Here's the accompanying article, his and hers opinion. http://www.thesun.co.uk IS BRIDGET JONES WORTH IT? YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Says EMMA SHRIMSLEY Sun writer BRIDGET JONES is the now famous thirtysomething who agonises over every pound she gains or loses, drinks too much, beats herself up over her infrequent trips to the gym, over-analyses relationships and constantly embarrasses herself. Oh my God. I am Bridget Jones - albeit a slightly less insane version. And if the screeches of laughter from every other female at the preview screening of the film were anything to go by, half the women in Britain will feel the same. Bridget Jones's Diary, which opens in cinemas on April 13, is based on the bestselling book by Helen Fielding. It's a chick flick which blokes will love too. The reason is that women will relate to Bridget and men will be fascinated at this insight into the sometimes bizarre workings of the female mind. The casting is also superb. U.S. star Ren�e Zellweger looks pleasingly podgy in the part - I should hope so too after all that Guinness, cakes and fast food, although it is a bit upsetting she lost the weight so soon after filming ended. The casting of an American to play everyone's favourite British singleton was greeted with scepticism but her accent is faultless. Hugh Grant is surprisingly caddish as Bridget's boss and love-rat Daniel Cleaver. This film could put his career back on track. And as for Colin Firth ... Well, I was never a fan before but watching him as the aloof Mark Darcy, all I can say is, I now am. And the soundtrack is great. It's a real feel-good, foot-tapping set of songs, including the Geri Halliwell cover of It's Raining Men. It's also a very, very funny and well-observed movie. For example, it's a well-known fact among women that if you shave your legs before a date and wear sexy undies, you will never see the bloke again. If, however, you don't shave and wear your biggest, least sexy knickers, it is guaranteed you will not go home alone. But watching this scenario played out by Bridget as she seductively writhes around on the floor with Daniel Cleaver, was brilliant. As his roving hands tease up her little black dress only to be greeted by a massive pair of bloomers, it is a classic comedy moment. Equally, the scene with her swigging wine in her pyjamas and singing along to All By Myself at top volume as she ponders her disastrous love-life, will ring bells with many women. Similarly, Bridget's run-ins with her "smug married" friends and her humiliation at the inevitable "how's your love life?" question is something we've all experienced. There are no great special effects, no epic battles and no tear-jerkingly moving scenes in Bridget Jones's Diary. Instead, there is an amusing and exaggerated look at the perils and embarrassments of your average 30-plus girl. It's the most enjoyable film I've seen in ages. NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Says GARRY BUSHELL Sun TV critic NO self-respecting bloke would endure a second date with Bridget Jones - and you shouldn't waste 90 minutes of your life watching the movie either. The woman is an absolute nightmare. Bridget, played by Ren�e Zellweger, is a dizzy, day-dreaming, self-obsessed lush who can barely string two words together. Think Ally McBeal with slitty eyes, hamster cheeks and cellulite. OK, you can see why middle-class metropolitan women who work in the media can relate to her. To them, Bridget is a vulnerable, confused every-woman. But to a man, she is a neurotic bore with poor dress sense who smokes too much and can't handle her booze. For guys the highlight of the film will be the fist-fight where barrister Mark Darcy (Colin "Mr Darcy" Firth) batters gormless big-head Hugh Grant. Although quite why two blokes with film star looks would brawl in the street over such an unexciting creature escapes me. In a departure from his normal roles, Grant plays not a stuck-up, floppy-haired fop, but a stuck-up, womanising cad, Daniel Cleaver. Beaver-eager Cleaver cheats on Bridget with a glamorous Yank, then mysteriously wants her back. A*sey Darcy, on the other hand, takes an instant dislike to her but inevitably falls for her too, despite being engaged to a bright, articulate woman barrister. Ho hum. Predictably, and the film is nothing if not predictable, Bridget doesn't end up on her Jack Jones. In the novel, Bridget is a lonely thirtysomething, desperate to settle down, whose only lasting relationship is with a bottle of Chardonnay. Imagine Coronation Street's Kevin Webster in a see-through blouse and control knickers ... The movie needs Bridget to be lusted and fought over, but doesn't give her the personality to justify it. Bridget is as dull as her winceyette pyjamas. She works in publishing, writing press releases, before inexplicably landing a job as an inept tongue-tied TV presenter. Not since Hilda Baker's Nellie Pledge has a fictional character been so stricken with foot-in-mouth disease. Bridget only attracts Cleaver's e-mail interest by wearing a short skirt, although it's difficult to see why a bloke like him would look on her as anything other than a one-night stand. Her mates are worse than she is - the foul-mouthed slapper, the obligatory gay guy ... they're like the antidote to TV's Friends. Seeing shallow people like this on the big screen just reminds me why it's a bad idea to frequent Soho clubs. Bridget is famously obsessed with her weight. Dramatically, the movie is as out of shape as she is and frequently as illogical. Much of the book's cynical wit has been jettisoned in favour of in-your-face jokes, while the showdown between Darcy and Cleaver at Bridget's birthday party - not in the novel - is straight out of soap opera. Punch-up aside, there is little in the movie for men to enjoy. Most of the laugh points come from shock. Like when Bridget's mum tells her: "You'll never get a boyfriend looking like you've wandered out of Auschwitz." Later Bridget asks Cleaver what he thinks of the situation in Chechnya, He replies: "I couldn't give a ****!" Roy "Chubby" Brown will not be eating his heart out. There is nothing wrong with cheap laughs, Lord knows, I've written enough of them. But it does irk when writers Helen Fielding, Andrew Davies and Richard Curtis are flagged up as such great sophisticates. Zak Dingle has more sophisticated burps. The one great thing about Bridget Jones's Diary is the film represents the complete defeat of feminism. Who knew today's women were so utterly insecure? But as a piece of cinema, it's as much fun as having your legs waxed. Fellas, if you've got 90 minutes to kill, do yourself a favour and watch Cockney comic Jimmy Jones instead.

me again ... found one with a big happy smile from peoplenews.co.uk http://www.peoplenews.co.uk/delivery/common/parties/index/party/0,2443,1-4560-24,00.html Single girls, smug marrieds, chocolate-covered strawberries and Colin Firth - where else could we be but the premiere of Bridget Jones's Diary? Star of the film? A gorgeous Renee Zellweger. Star of the night? Geri Halliwell in a jaw-dropping Julien Macdonald creation. Hugh Grant took his parents, as did Bridget author Helen Fielding; Colin Firth stayed close to his sister-in-law, who was deputising for his wife Livia, who has just given birth; everyone went on to party afterwards at Mezzo.

Thanks, Marianne. I think I have the good Sun pics up, but will doublecheck if I missed that one. Plus need to deal with PeopleNews one.... argh! Have more (including other candids) on the Premiere page: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdprem.html

Well done, Ann and Tracy! And interviewed on radio, too--Capital, Capital!:-) So glad he showed. Thanks everyone for the articles, reports and pics, and a big thanks to Karen who I know is working very hard to keep our Bucket running over!:-) A gentle reminder to those who have seen the film: there's a SPOILER TOPIC set up at 126 for specifics. By all means please continue to post your general impressions here; they're great fun to read.

Note the change in date. This sounds great--thought it was just going to be the music vids: VH1 Behind The Movie: Bridget Jones' Diary On Saturday, April 7 or Sunday, April 8 In this installment of Behind the Movie, VH1 prepares itself for a half-hour of fun with the highly animated, extremely "English" stars of BridgetJones's Diary.Hugh Grant, Colin Firth and director Sharon McGuire tease Renee Zellweger about her English accent, and the entire group talks about the strong musical soundtrack that that supports their new movie ... appropriately named after the best-selling book of the same name. From the new Shelby Lynn "Killin' Kind" video to two Sheryl Crow classics to never-before-seen movie scenesbolstered by Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman" and a Geri Halliwell rendition of "It's Raining Men," this is a Behind the Movie that can't be missed. (Premieres from 11:30a-12p) ***** I just bought the CD; Record Town is selling it for $15.99.

In my capacity of Scan Queen here are the SHE pix: - The comment on the picture is, I hasten to add, a quote from CF on women and not and editorial on ODBs physique. - I think this maybe the gangster picture, I seem to remember from the Guardian article that they had told him to look at his hands to which he said no � you can�t get much further away from looking at your hands than this can you? � the obligatory arty, weirdo �let�s just show his nose� shot. Cute but I�d rather see the rest of him too! Thanks for posting the Independent pic � to me it seems as if RZ is congratulating on the birth of Baby Luca and ODB is well, just brimming with pride (or is that just my romantic/maternal side creeping in) more likely its RZ saying- " Well, done Col, you managed to avoid that dodgy looking bunch at the entrance " :-)

I *love* the Independent Pic! And it's even better when you see it on the front page in all its glory. I agree with you, Tracy (and all thanks to our Scan Queen...I still haven't mastered the art!)...RZ has to be congatulating dad on the new arrival...those are very warm smiles!

Thanks, Mari, for the info on the VH1 thing. What is it with these TV schedules and times!! Wonderful scans, Tracy. I see you labeled No. 2 his Gangsta pose. Could be, although I don't think a look like that would've landed him a part in Snatch. ;-D Agree with all about what was going on in the Independent shot. It had to be congratulatory as she hadn't seen him since it happened.

Meant to add...the She magazine interview is terrific. Possibly the best I've read (is it available online?). Love the way the interviewer wants to call him "Col" and finishes by saying "see you soon" (before remembering that's she interviewing him). She makes perceptive comments about him...and for once, I think the interpretation is correct.

You may already have these pictures from The Mirror and ITN. And all the coverage seems to be about Geri Halliwell :( http://www.mirror.co.uk/ http://www.itn.co.uk/news/20010405/entertainment/02bridget.shtml

The She article is not online...yet, but if someone will tell me what the title is, I'll post it (have text, no title) ;-D

Karen, the title - "Man of the Moment. COLIN FIRTH. Prepare to swoon. The man who made breeches sexy is doing a Darcy again - this time it's breeches off (gasp) in hot new movie, BJD." Interview Elizabeth Wilson. Photographs Sean Cook.

Have just gone back to recheck something...Was Moon's DH there? Surely, he didn't accompany her to a film with il Cornuto? ;-D

Oh, those She pics are to die for! I like his hair shorter like that; makes hm look young(er);-) Tracy, I thought the same thing about the embracing pic of CF and RZ--definitely a congrats! Here's a new review form Ain't It Cool News: Hey, Harry. Capone here with my take on the above-average BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY... I�ve never read Helen Fielding�s extremely popular novel about the single, weight-obsessed, neurotic 32/33-year-old Ms. Jones, but I think it�s safe to say that every woman I know has. About the only thing I knew about Bridget was that many Brits were very upset when the filmmakers of BRIDGET JONES�S DIARY decided to cast an American in the title role. There may have been more appropriate actresses to play this role, but Renee Zellweger is absolutely charming as Bridget and her accent is pretty steady as well. Zellweger doesn�t play Bridget as cute; she�s actually a hard drinker, trash talker and all-around social misfit. Men don�t find her particularly desirable, and even though this shouldn�t bother her, it does�immensely. The current object of her fantasies is her boss (always a good choice), played with reckless abandon by Hugh Grant, who does a great job of casting aside his costume-drama, good-guy image by being even more crass and vulgar than Bridget. He�s also screamingly funny and walks away with every scene he�s in. Colin Firth is lawyer Mark Darcy, who has known and mostly despised Bridget since they were children, but not surprisingly grows fond of her during the year of her life that is the timeframe of this movie. The flaws in BRIDGET JONES�S DIARY are many, but not enough for me to level it. Some of the staples in romantic comedies are firmly in place: the publically embarrassing declarations of love, the main character running through rain/snow to catch up with a fleeing lover; the wacky and sometimes unbelievable cast of supporting characters, including Bridget�s utterly weird mother and her boyfriend ( I could have done without the sideplot involving these two) and Bridget�s gay best friend. I�ve said it before (mostly recently in my review for SWEET NOVEMBER) and I�ll say it again: you can�t have a movie about a single woman without her having a gay best friend and/or neighbor. And while the situations in BRIDGET JONES�S DIARY threaten to sink the film, it�s the stellar performances that keep things above water. This is about the least glamorous role Zellweger has ever played, and I don�t think she�s ever been better, not even in NURSE BETTY (it�s a close call). Grant is just plain awesome. And Colin Firth begins as a two-dimensional uptight character, but his is the role that grows on you until ultimately we root for his success in wooing Bridget. The film is smart, funny, and biting in its honest and sometimes painful look at a woman who wants to be loved so badly that she sometimes walks head-first into heartbreak; and I liked it.

E! News Weekend tomorrow (Friday) will have a piece on Huge. Nothing on the premiere today (maybe they had it on yesterday).

According to the UK BJD site, there will be a live chat with Helen Fielding at 6:30 p.m. GMT (1:30 p.m. EST, 10:30 a.m. PST) on Friday, April 6. It also says: Got a question for Helen? Send it to AskHelenFielding@hotmail.com One question writer will be selected at random to receive a copy of the film's soundtrack. (but US residents will probabbly be deemed ineligible after the fact) http://www.msn.co.uk/Page/34-612-696.asp

You have to read those Terms And Conditions, Karen.;-) ;-) Access Hollywood tonight briefly showed Colin arriving at the London premiere--huge smile and a big wave to the crowd. Looked fabulous. I love that style of suit, not stodgy at all.

(Karen)Was Moon's DH there? Surely, he didn't accompany her to a film with il Cornuto? ;-D YES! He was there, in the flesh. Even laughed quite heartily in a few scenes. Esp. the book-launching party. He was v. charming-- offered to stand in line for us if we girls wanted to sneak out and get coffee to warm up! ...he didn't know il Cornuto was in the film prior to the screening. When Moon gets back, she can tell you whether or not he realized it.

I didn't get to meet up with Jen-Jen, but... oooooooooh Yummy! I saw 'our' Mark! okay, the top of his head and a nice blue suit, but it had STAR written all over it. Very funny movie!!! (Winter) It seemed that the other audience members couldn't care less, this was merely a free screening and it could've very well have been "Josie and the Pussycats." *Shakes her head in disbelief* I felt that too! It seems that very few of them read the book or had just laughed at only what they saw in commercials... GAH! I just wanted to stand up and shout at them! Going to back up to read the rest of this topic, then the spoiler topic, then to dream about ODB!

Crispin Bonham-Carter is in the movie! I spotted him. But because he has no lines, he doesn't show up in the credits. In the scene where Bridget quits and subsequently tells off Daniel, a co-worker named Simon approaches to get Daniel's attention. Crispy is standing next to him; he has v. short hair and is not wearing breeches. Then there's a reaction shot and you see him again. My audience tonight laughed a lot (although not as much as the "connected" audience at the premiere). There was an very audible groan and group "ooooohhhhhh" when Colin/Mark starts to take his jacket off to help her save her dinner party. I think every woman in that audience wanted to take him home with her at that point. And "The Looks" at the Ruby Anniversary party!! Am melting. ;-D James Callis' Tom was an audience fav, and eveybody really picked up on Shazz's one-word-centric dialogue; they anticipated it and ate it up. Projector stopped at the beginning of the end credits so didn't get a chance to watch them as carefully as should. So that will mean I have to go back again. Hoorah!

Okay... now that i've settled down. we didn't see (or rather, they didn't show the scene that was 'supposed' to be at the very beginning with BJ and the panhandlers). what i chanted on the way home (all 63 miles) from the theatre... DC is an @$$, BJ shows her @$$ and MD kicks some @$$! excuse my language! you may delete me or quote me (if no one else has said it), but i was delighted! and the almost kiss... and the kiss! *siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh* That wasn't a spoiler, was it?

(Danielle) MD kicks some @$$!...That wasn't a spoiler, was it? Hmmm, am thinking. ;-D Will take my comments to 126 though. But on the fight scene, ladies, do pause to admire Cornel's work. When MD is done beating the s$%t out of DC, he stands there, shirt partially out, partially clinging to scupted physique. Mustn't miss that. Far better than transparent wet shirt on scrawny rat.

DC is an @$$, BJ shows her @$$ and MD kicks some @$$! excuse my language! That is really foul, Danielle; you've just called these people . . .money?;-) (Shades of Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau in Swingers;-) RE: missing panhandlers and other scenes critics may have mentioned--I was reading the interview with Sharon Maguire and she says she was editing until Friday to get the film ready for the premieres this week! These critics aren't writing based on what they saw at the premieres; they saw it at press screenings weeks ago, and obviously changes were made until the last minute (not unusual, BTW). Was listening to the BJD CD and by far the best track, IMO, is the old classic, "Stop, Look, Listen To Your Heart" from Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross. Could someone tell me if it made it to the final cut?

Re: Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross song Nope. I didn't hear it. The soundtrack CD is a fraud IMO. Diana Ross' "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" is one of the more significant songs, along with Van Morrison (who is not on the CD), and Gabrielle's (which plays over a great sequence...you'll see). Thank goodness we got Chaka Khan. Hopefully, the DVD will have lots of deleted scenes. *fingers crossed* Here's something from the Guardian. Am not sure if it qualifies as a review. ;-D Nice but dim Bad news about the Bridget Jones film - it's so last century by Shane Watson Friday April 6, 2001 Seen It! Seen It! Right, first impressions of the film of Bridget Jones's Diary - besides, isn't life just like a fairytale, what with Helen Fielding becoming a multi-millionairess and going off to live in LA, and best friend Shazzer becoming a movie director of the story of their lives, and ex-boyfriend Richard Curtis laying the golden egg once again? Well, despite being blurry good fun etc and showing London in blurry marvellous twinkly light with snowfall on cobbles and suchlike, the overriding impression is that the Bridge we knew and loved has been mislaid. For a start she is as fat as a puppy. Yes, I realise that in real life the actress Ren�e Zellweger, even after gorging on Patisserie Valerie cakes and piling on a couple of stone, only cranked herself up to a measly size 10. But nonetheless, she looks bigger than everyone else on screen, with the exception of Colin Firth, and let us not forget that Bridget was neurotic about her body image rather than actually remotely podgy - weighing roughly nine stone, give or take bingeing. Secondly, presumably because to the untrained American ear there's Hugh Grant, and then there's Australian, Bridget has become terribly posh in her articulation. This needn't necessarily scupper her credibility (after all, no less than Dido the singer, as in the Dido sampled by Eminem, as in the chainsaw-wielding white American rapper, was herself a posh publishing assistant once upon a time). But there's something about the combination of pony-club vowels and pink hamster cheeks, that gives Bridge an air of Nice but Dim that she never had in the Diary. The original Bridget was appealing not simply because she was single and hopeless and liked her chardonnay by the crate, but because she was sharp, funny, occasionally angry and adept at illuminating the highs, lows, hypocrisies and contradictions of being an unmarried woman in the late 20th century. Fielding outed the female-in-limbo, and the reason Bridget took off is because, at the time of writing, this particular social group was swelling so fast that it was metamorphosing from sad social embarrassment (in manner of winos and sexual deviants) to small majority in search of a voice. Bridget was seized on not because she was a lovable loser with a nice line in slapstick but because her uncertain world spoke to a lot of women. In the interests of clarity, this significant part of Bridget has been largely discarded by the film-makers, the better to focus on the "sweet dopey girl who ultimately gets the guy" part of the story. Well, it's still great fun, and Ren�e is rather adorable, but you would have to be quite sad to identify with her character. Or is it that we've moved on in four years so that what seemed somehow liberating - naughty Bridget's sickie hangovers - now seems so last century. If Bridget was the heroine of the mid-90s struggling thirtysomething you can't help but feel she couldn't get away with it now. We know this because of the recent success of Channel 4's Sex and the City, a New York ensemble version of the same story: single girls seek happiness and fulfilment in mixed-up world. What's interesting is how the focus changed during the course of the series, from Carrie vehicle (the kooky one) to Samantha showcase (the empowered, scary one). Ever so gradually, our allegiance shifted to the point where it would not be overstating it to say that Samantha - thoroughly promiscuous, old enough to be your grandmother Samantha - had become the role model of the piece. This is the crux of the problem with revisiting Bridget in 2001. She played her part in rebranding the modern singleton, but now we've grown out of her - or at any rate out of the infantilised film version, decked out in flannel pyjamas covered in pink piggies - and we want someone with a bit more edge. When Samantha exposes the silly girliness of her circle, forcing them to fess up to their baby talk approach to sex and their pre-war assumption that some day a man will come along to rescue them from all this, you can't help but blush when you remember how you empathised with Bridget swotting up on subjects to impress Daniel. BJ talks mini-breaks ("head is filled with visions of us lying in glades by rivers, me in a long white floaty dress"); Samantha talks blow jobs and the taste rating of sperm. Sorry, but it's true. You wouldn't catch Bridget's creator in Caf� Rouge these days: she's moved on a long time ago, and maybe we all have. A bit. Aaaargh. http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4166145,00.html

In looking at the latest review at the This is London site, it appears that BJD will actually be playing all over London (and maybe elsewhere) starting Friday 6 April???? There are tons of cinemas with times listed: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk:80/dynamic/hottx/film/top_film.html?in_review_id=377615&in_review_text_id=324094

Yep, the Ananova Event Selector found BJD playing at 264 venues in the UK.

Have checked out my local papers as well, it seems that although they quote from Thurs 6th when you read the showing times it seems that they're actually showing from 11th! Hurrah! That means that I DO get to see it early *leaping for joy* - have managed to 'blag' advanced screening tickets for the UCI Empire (where the Premiere was) courtesy of Radio 1 *leaping for joy*

It seems there are advanced sreenings next Wednesday and Thursday in most of our local cinemas. Yipeee! Agree with Bethan that the She interview was the best I have read. She really seems to get to grips with what it is in Colin's character that fuels his interpretation of the the Darcys, FitzW and Mark. Loved it.

From Thisislondon site: No mention of CF. Note: her new friend, HG! http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/lifestyle/londonlife/top_review.html?in_review_id=378675&in_review_text_id=324294

Let's put that into context. HG is currently unattached. ;-) So all those listings were sneak previews? Very good. Appeared to me as regular listings as our sneak previews are one showing on one night (Saturday night).

From one of those online reviewers; gave it 9/10. Talks a lot about the chemistry between Bridget and her guys. http://www.the-trades.com/column.php?columnid=649

Big advert for BJD in newspaper this AM. Sneak preview on Saturday night.

Just had to pop in and post before going over to the spoiler topic...I agree with Danielle, the audience in DC just did not appear to get the movie. Heathens, all! (excluding Danielle, of course!) I actually found myself stifling a few guffaws as the audience just sat there, slack-jawed. I even heard someone say she didn't think it was funny at all!?!? Aaaargh. At least my friends (who have never understood my Firth-mania) had the good grace to admit that he was absolutely divine in the film. And as for my opinion on Colin: To quote Bridget, "Mmmmmmm." Good job. MarkG, your Darcy-like stride down the street was the highlight of the scene--when are you sending out autographed photos?

Have put up the She article: http://www.spring.net/karenr/articles/she0501.html Thanks to Tracy for pics and AnnW. Let me know if I have it all, as am not certain.

This was just sent to me by the Survival people: Special charity screening in aid of Survival International introduced by Colin Firth Thursday, April 26th, 2001 at 8.45 pm. Doors open at 8.15 pm Odeon West End cinema, Leicester Square, London Tickets �15 in advance, �16 on the door Colin Firth, a long-term Survival supporter, will personally introduce a special benefit screening of his new film, Bridget Jones's Diary, in aid of Survival. As well as Colin himself, the film stars Ren�e Zellweger and Hugh Grant. This unique event has been arranged courtesy of Universal Pictures Working Title, United International Pictures and Odeon Cinemas. All profits from the screening will go to Survival's urgent work with threatened tribal peoples. Tickets, which are non-refundable, can be ordered by phone on 020 7242 1441, or online using a secure server at www.survival-international.org/film.htm. Tickets may be available on the door, subject to availability, but we advise that you book in advance as places are limited.

Last column of She article: He talks at length about the need to maintain a sense of humour in his profession (and he is genuinely witty,) but I suspect he veers naturally towards the earnest. He talks passionately about asylum seekers (he�s clearly spent time, not just money, trying to help them). At another point he tells me, �I could never read someone else�s diary�. He admits there are times when he would have kept �100 he found in the street, �but not now�. And when I ask if fidelity is an area where he finds it hard to maintain his integrity, he looks at me as if I�m mad and says an emphatic, �never�. Colin Firth is an old-fashioned guy. And that�s why he�s more convincing as a strong, silent leading man than as the snivelling toad (the Earl of Wessex, GP�s betrothed in SIL or the limp cuckold Geoffrey in TEP, much as it pains him � a serious thesp � to hear it. If big parts beckon, he won�t be disappearing to LA, although his son Will, 10, lives there with his mother, and Firth already spends a lot of time there. �I just can�t live there. I don�t hate LA, but if you�re an actor, it�s better not to be sucked into it�. Understandably, he won�t say much about Will. But when we get onto the subject of weeping buckets, he says he does cry and did so �not that long ago�. It�s pretty clear from the context that he was worrying about some aspect of his relationship with Will, although in typical Firth style, the only thing he�ll admit keeps him awake at night is �silly stuff, like parking on single yellow lines�. He works so hard at being ordinary that you forget the heartthrob stuff completely. Then it poleaxes you when you least expect it and you�re reminded that you�ve just spent the afternoon on a sofa with the fantasy figure of a large chunk of British womanhood. My moment comes when I go to say goodbye. Dressed in something black and expensive, he turns quickly towards me and for a nanosecond focuses his unsmiling attention fully upon me. It�s electrifying. I start spluttering like, well, like BJ �Bye, good to meet you, see you soon�, I yelp. A flash of panic crosses his eyes but he�s far too nice to do anything but smile. Of course, the only way I�m going to see him soon is if I start lurking around outside his home at odd hours. Relax Colin. You�re safe. I�d simply been Darcied. Again. See the film � you will be, too.

New review from Total Film magazine (4 stars): What's The Story? Paranoid about her career, weight, drinking, single status, parents' split, sex appeal, smoking habit and impending descent into loveless spinsterhood, 32-year-old PR secretary Bridget Jones makes a New Year's resolution. Next year there's no way she'll spend 31 December getting pissed up alone and singing along to miserable soft rock ballads. Next year she'll be thin, successful and will have grabbed a man who'll respect and love her. But getting off to an unpromising start, she begins to flirt via e-mail with her caddish boss, Daniel Cleaver... If the prospect of spending two hours with an insecure, completely average, office-bound single woman in London makes you scream in panic, then don't worry - you're not alone. The praise heaped on the book Bridget Jones's Diary by the women's press, the casting of Hugh Grant and the writing credit for Richard Four Weddings And A Funeral Curtis should make most blokes scarper: bundle them together and they ought to guarantee a male-free audience. Yet amazingly Bridget Jones the movie succeeds as a very funny rom-com. Not just funny to fans of the novel or Hugh Grant groupies or girls wanting an empathetic weep at the woes of the titular heroine... Just funny full stop. For everyone. If you had to speculate about how it's avoided being the intelligence-insulting mulch that Notting Hill was, the best guess is that this is not a solo Richard Curtis project. Sure, the Christmases portrayed are always white, Bridget's urban 'family' of bar-bound friends smack of those limp stereo-types from Four Weddings and the movie cherry-picks the most photogenic London locations without any concern for geographical accuracy - but Helen Fielding's original thirtysomething left-on-the-shelf angst shines through. No matter how much it's been polished for an American market (Jones vows to lose "20 pounds" rather than "a stone-and-a-half") or how often tweeness threatens to intervene, it remains refreshingly bitter and cynical in a way that Four Weddings and its tedious progeny never were. All worries that Yankster Renee Zellweger was the wrong girl for the job are dispelled in moments. With a spot-on plummy Brit accent, a tremendous capacity for pratfalls and those distinctly un-Hollywood extra pounds, Zellweger looks so ordinary that when she moans that she hasn't had "the faintest whiff of a shag in 18 months" you can believe her. Which makes Bridget Jones's Diary a date movie with a little bit of bite: an al dente romance with enough old-fashioned storytelling and big wobbly laughs to please anyone with a yearning to be entertained. And while not quite witty, observant or original enough to be the female equivalent of High Fidelity (which was a sort of male chick flick), it's definitely covering similar territory. It also, rather neatly, plays up Fielding's reinterpretation of Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice to the extent that Bridget quotes Austen's "universal truth" line while TV's Mr Darcy (Colin Firth) is cast as - a-ha-ha! - arrogant lawyer Mark Darcy. It's clearly no coincidence that co-writer Andrew Davies adapted Pride And Prejudice for the telly in the first place. Will it educate the masses that romantic doesn't equate with mindless? That Englishness doesn't necessarily mean stately homes and punting down the Thames? That film stars don't have to be so thin that their collar bones jut painfully from lollipop necks barely capable of supporting their own heads? Here's hoping the answer to all of these questions is yes... FINAL VERDICT Simple, joyful entertainment for all springing from a book about a woman who thinks her bum looks big in this. By making it a story first, a comedy second and a romance last, Bridget Jones's Diary manages to win as all three. It deserves to pack the punters in - including men. Cam Winstanley

If you No matter how much it's been polished for an American market (Jones vows to lose "20 pounds" rather than "a stone-and-a-half") or how often tweeness threatens to intervene, it remains refreshingly bitter and cynical in a way that Four Weddings and its tedious progeny never were. I think this comment brings to me a small concern. How do you really think this will go down in the States? Even my favourite 4W's had a smattering of schmulz and Notting Hill had it by the barrell load but this apparently has "bite", cynicism and filthy humour. How do you think that will play in middle America?

From Harvey S. Karten (the Compuserve guy and printed in the Arizona Reporter on 4/5/01): You can toss away your self-help books on the subject "How to Win a Mate," and for that matter you needn't keep the classic of the genre, "How to Win Friends and Influence People." Thanks to Sharon Maguire's witty, warm, charming and goofy film, "Bridget Jones's Diary" we know the secret of winning the affection of others, and it's not those three little words. The eight words you need to practice are, "I like you just the way you are," the key quote in this wonderful, heartwarming movie. But oh, it's not that easy; the most difficult task of all is not simply mouthing the terms but genuinely believing them down to your core. How many of us are that healthy psychologically that we maintain such a love of our fellows? Not many at all: therein lies the whole problem with the title character played by a remarkable performer. Renee Zellweger, introduced to a large audience with her role as an awestruck maiden in "Jerry Maguire" and delightful as the soap-addicted waitress in "Nurse Betty," has fleshed out a significant accomplishment this time around in a British production which finds her able not only to charm everyone in the audience (this was never her problem) but in holding on to an English accent throughout the story. Here is proof once again that the Americans (remember "Sweet November" and "Say It Isn't So")--compared to our English cousins--seem to have little competence to make romantic comedy. Since most of us are hip enough to realize that other people do not automatically like us just the way we are, we work out in gyms, we take courses to improve our diction and knowledge, we spend half our paychecks lying on the couch spilling our guts to professionals who are probably making out their grocery lists while we chatter. The Bridget Jones created by Helen Fielding's best-selling novel is the sort who, at age thirty-two, overweight, drinking and smoking heavily, believes that she has no chance of outrunning her biological clock much less even meeting her soul mate unless she does something about her flaws. Remarkably, while self-improvement is cool--cutting down on alcohol, tobacco and food is perfectly appropriate--her presumed race toward permanent spinsterhood has little to do with her bad habits but everything to do with the lack of available men. This is the very reason that women are more likely to go for "Bridget Jones's Diary" than men, given that while Bridget herself is a klutz, the men n her life are worse. Just before Ms. Jones begins to commit her daily experiences to a diary hoping her book will somehow communicate what she needs to do, her mum (Gemma Jones) goes through the usual maternal rites of trying to fix her daughter up with eligible men. This time around, Bridget, who is herself a publicist for a major London publishing firm run by Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), is introduced to a man she grows to dislike for spurning her, human rights lawyer Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). While she resolves to look for a down-to-earth guy, she instead winds up with her clever, flirtatious boss, Daniel, who is accustomed to writing coquettish e-mail to her, commenting on the brevity of her skirts. "Is your skirt out sick today?" is a sample of the publisher's repartee, an exchange which eventually results in their commencing an affair. Almost simultaneously with the dampening of the undertaking, her mother announces that she has left her father (Jim Broadbent) and has taken up with an unctuous fellow who hawks schlock on home shopping channel. Fortunately for a typical American audience, English romantic comedy does not rely on the often prosaic talkiness so common to French films. Director Sharon Maguire has a keen sense of pacing and of comic timing, in one case flashing a series of still pictures across the screen to sum up Bridget's love life for the year. She never lingers too long on a party, a bedroom scene, or a vista of her title character's depressed musings along in her flat watching everything from the shopping channel to "Fatal Attraction." Though Maguire takes us sharply from one scene to another, the entire movie is seamless, with Zellweger appearing in almost every scene in a variety of clothing from a bathing suit in the dead of a blistery winter's night (filmed with machine-made snow, incidentally, in the middle of a London summer) to some stunning formal wear when she makes a bumbling speech at a formal reception. Side roles of Bridget's well-meaning but not-at-all helpful friends fit in neatly as does a cameo with Salman Rushd e at a publishing party which features Bridget meaning to ask Mr. Rushdie something of significance but ending asking him for directions to the loo. If men are not as attracted to this film as women, they're making a mistake in logic. Men would do well to think of their own vulnerabilities. Despite our macho walk and gallant talk, don't we all feel a little like jello inside just like Bridget--that we have no chance in the world to be liked simply as we are?

Special charity screening in aid of Survival International introduced by Colin Firth Good for Colin! He will start to become a National Treasure if he goes on like this;-)

Agree with Bethan that the She interview was the best I have read. She really seems to get to grips with what it is in Colin's character that fuels his interpretation of the the Darcys, FitzW and Mark. Loved it. (Allison) And the pics! I grabbed my copy of She and rushed to the till, with an enthusiasm I've not shown since the heady days of P&P! Has he discovered the secret of eternal youth? He doesn't look a day over twenty five. Loved the interview as well, and now there's the charity screening for Survival. A man without fault, seriously. :-)

(Allison)... but this apparently has "bite", cynicism and filthy humour. How do you think that will play in middle America? I will let you know when my middle-America (read: Bible Belt)newspaper review comes out. This is a newspaper that would not take an advert for "The Vagina Monologues" ...because they would not print the "V" word!

take an advert for "The Vagina Monologues" ...because they would not print the "V" word! What do they do for physiology textbooks down your way?

Karen - thanks for the Survival Screening info....*flexing credit card* - will soon know route to Leicester Sq with eyes shut ;-) Wonder if anyone else will be there?

Is She a UK magazine? Wonder if I can get it here in the US....Sounds like a must have.

Yes, She is a UK magazine. Beware, there is another by the same name in the US and you don't want it ;-D I've checked with a Borders and they do get it, but it should take awhile to get over here. Tracy, I know of one lady who has already ordered tickets. Her name is Pam.

I had my ace photographer hard at work at the premiere, so a treat for you all. Looks like Colin has a new watch! ;-D

Ooops

Karen - I know of a couple of others so Drool should be well represented

Okay, so what is ODB doing that makes his legs go like that? ROTF!

Howdy ya'll Boy have I picked a good time to return to Drool after a 4 month absense, ( due to a having a crappy computer ) Anyhoo, I want to call my Mom in the UK and have her send me the SHE Magazine, with this delicious Colin article. Can someone give me some details please ? Is it still on newsstands ? What month/issue is it ? Who is on the front cover ? What is the model on the front cover wearing and is there a headline on the cover that jumps out at you ? Sorry to be so anal about this, but my Mom ( God love her ) can screw up even the smallest task and, I want to make this as easy on her as possible. Thanks everybody

I got back about an hour ago from the sneak preview... WOW is all I have to say... I loved it. Yes, it was predictable, but I think that is b/c I'm such a P&P2 freak that I know all the dialogue, all the looks, all the mannerisms, etc. The screening was very lightly attended...its raining here on LI (NY) tonight, but I doubt that had anything to do with it. But as people were leaving, I heard many of them commenting, "they cut too much," "the book is SO much better," I'm definitely going to try to see it again next week when it comes out for real. I'm so glad that I didn't have to wait till next week!!!

Hi Bethanne, re the SHE magazine, it is the May 2001 issue, I don't know who the person on the front is but the headlines on the front page are many and here are some of them "Men onf "sex"..."Summer's Hottest Celebs Penelope Cruz and Colin Firth" (yippee) and "125 Great Fashion Finds under �50."among others. I hope your Mum finds it.

Bethanne, the May issue is everywhere at the moment....you can't miss it. And I'd say it is a "must-buy"! You better tell your mum why you want it though, the CF interview follows on from an article on "well-endowed men reveal why size *does* matter"! :-) Thanks for all the reports on BJD! My bottom-line feeling about BJD is that it is finally a massively promoted movie which gives CF international exposure as a good-looking romantic alpha male and will (*fingers crossed*) make him a bankable name for future decent projects. But it definitely sounds like a Hugh Grant/RC driven project though, more Notting Hill than HF!!

Thanks for putting up the SHE article, Karen! I'll have a look in shops here to see if they have it. I love those pics. Re: Watch. It looks like a Swatch Irony.

;-D

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/movie-10000157/ 83% Fresh on Tomatometer so far. v.g.

I managed to get a copy if SHE magazine and Film Review. You were right, it's worth buying.

Have managed to come down off cloud nine at last, can't add too much more about NYC Prem. than Karen and Evelyn so thorougly reported. We did see Jamie O'Neal in a sort of "Days of Our Lives " get up (Karen's remark unprintable!) She is on the soundtrack , which I was lucky enough to purchase before I left. I think I prefer US cover, but it's marginal!! Thanks to everyone who has been busy scanning away, linking and typing articles so it will take a very pleasurable few hours to go through, it's much appreciated.Off to get some magazines first!

And the award for most bitchily deranged reporter in a BJD article goes to ------- Shane Watson in yesterday's Guardian. "Bad news about the BJ film- it's so last century." For a start she (RZ) is as fat as a puppy. Yes I realise that in real life Renee Zellweger, even after gorging on Patisserie Valerie cakes and piling on a couple of stone, only cranked herself up to a measly size 10. But nonetheless she looks bigger than everyone else on screen, with the exception of Colin Firth ......." Honestly there is no pleasing some people! It would be unprofessional of me to comment on her appearance (courteousy of top of page) but I am sure we could have a whip round in order to purchase some products to remind her that NOT using John Freida or Vidal Sassoon on your hair is just sooooo last century Shane! Lizza * retracting claws* and smiling!

(Meredith: Is She a UK magazine? Wonder if I can get it here in the US....Sounds like a must have.) She magazine and Film Review are available online if (like me ;-) you just can't wait for it to arrive in US newsstands. I've used both Britishmagazines.com and magsuk.com I think ordering online is about a dollar more expensive than buying from a newsstand. In the past, britishmagazines.com has been very fast. It usually took five days for my order to arrive in Chicago, but my last order took two weeks...

You're in Chicago? Borders gets those magazines and there's the European Book Store (on State near Chicago Ave), City Newsstand (biggest supplier; on Cicero north of Irving Pk), plus the new chain of Superstands. Film Review can be ordered online directly ($8.95 includes shipping), but it said it could take up to 28 days to receive and by that time I should be able to pick it up here. http://www.visimag.com/acatalog/VI_DIRECT_Catalog_Film_Review_2001_19.html

My Miramax rep tells me the screening of BJD in Middle America Okla was terrific. They had to turn people away. Audience roared from the beginning credits.( My fave too. ..RZ lip-syncing "All By Myself" is a hoot) I'd go to see this movie even if Colin wasn't in it. But it definitely sounds like a Hugh Grant/RC driven project though, more Notting Hill than HF Who cares how one arrives at success ... We want Box Office$$$$$. Thanks Tineke... the super sleuther at it again...:-)

Have just seen the VH1 Behind the Music. They had Sharon Maguire, RZ, HG and Colin sitting on a couch talking about the movie, music and making of. Colin said about 2 words. RZ kissed both of them on the cheek at the beginning and Colin gave a cute little surprised reaction. Otherwise, he didn't do much else, except look bored, played with his hair, leant his head on his hand, etc. Everyone talked about the music they liked (even Hugh who said he wasn't into music), but not a word from Colin. It was mainly RZ who went on and on about Sheryl Crow and David Gray. Hugh was definitely the focal point. Sat between SM and RZ and they kept bringing him into things. Colin tossed in a quip about HG wearing scary pants at that moment, but that's about it. No wonder he said he can't distinguish himself on chatshows. He doesn't even try. Lots of clips from the film beyond the usual trailer stuff with a good portion of Colin. You see the glance backward after the snub at the turkey curry buffet and more. Must rewind. According to VH1's schedule, the next broadcast will be Sunday at 2:30 pm Eastern

Just finished watching E! Behind the Xcenes look at BJD. At least CF was featured as much as Huge and came off quite lovely. Even managed to smile and chuckle for a second. Definitely an improvement on the VH1 special. Nothing exciting though, there were some scenes in the clips that AGAIN weren't in the movie. Or at least i don't rmeember them... Am intending to go see it again next weekend to make sure, of course.

GAH! Xcenes should Scenes! but you all know that, right? Did not mean to make it seems as X-rated. GAH!

Omigod, have been so busy forgot the E! thing was on today as well. Will catch next showing very late tonight (1:00 a.m.) or Monday.

Oh, the E! Behind The Scenes show is a real keeper! Lots of Colin, on the set, off the set, in the film clips, and in the studio. MUCH better than the VH-1 show. VH-1 was utterly dominated by Huge's incessant talking about me me me me--I kept yelling--Shut the -uck up and let somebody else take a turn already!! I think Colin's look was not bored, but more resigned, like, I know I can't get a word in edgewise with this guy here, so what's the use. But he looked great anyway; all of it was fillmed in the studio, with generous clips from the soundtrack. On a more positive note, the E! show is great. They all get an equal turn because they're interviewed separately. Interviews with CF, RZ, HG of course, Sharon Maguire, and Helen Fielding, who explains that she wrote Mark Darcy expressly with Colin in mind. Lots of footage from the film--but it's from a "behind the scenes and how they filmed it" perspective, which makes it new. Some great shots of Colin off camera. There's a very telling bit at the end in which they ask each guy if he keeps a diary. Colin says, oh no, because it's great to be able to re-invent yourself throughout life so why leave behind evidence. He says this with the cutest smile and a twinkle in his eye. Huge--predictably--has yet another tiresome anecdote about how he once read an old girlfriend's diary which stated she didn't have any idea why she was dating him, she didn't even like him, etc. etc. Utter and complete fabrication and bullshit, of course, but it makes for a very quotable segment. Same with questions on Renee's accent--Colin answering straightforwardly, but Hugh telling the old "sounded like Princess Margaret at first" story which *is* funny but he's told it so often over here, I'm getting weary of it. Doesn't he know that some of us watch a lot of these shows and he could at least start to vary the witticisms?;-) ;-) And that's the difference between Colin and Hugh. Colin is a very--dare I say it--earnest guy who will attempt to answer the question at hand. Hugh will always provide the jokey one-liner, the witty comeback, the amusing anecdote because he knows that that's what gets printed, quoted, filmed, whatever and, in fairness to him, he knows that's what these shows want. He even had the savvy during the VH-1 show to phrase some comments in a way in which they could then easily segueway to the music or film clip--he even kept saying, "clip please." Well, anyway, a very enjoyable afternoon of Colin viewing and I'm looking forward so much to seeing the film tonight!

Thanks, Mari, for the rundown on the Behind the Scenes show. Cannot wait. However, with the VH1 show, don't you think they did ask Colin about what music he liked, but it got cut? Everyone else was asked. Colin probably mentioned those obscure groups/people in the Mojo interview that made Moon heave. The VH1 people probably blanked out as they'd never heard of them as well and certainly didn't have any video clips to supplement. My guess is Colin was too dull and when he answered, they cut it out. Let's not all blame Huge. Both Sharon and Renee kept turning to him to elaborate on a point. Yes, there's a difference between Huge and Colin. But we know Colin can be witty when he wants to. He didn't seem to want to. *wanna spaz wrestle* Colin says, oh no, because it's great to be able to re-invent yourself throughout life so why leave behind evidence. He says this with the cutest smile and a twinkle in his eye. LOL! But there's lots of print evidence of his deliberate attempts to confuse everyone. Doesn't he know that some of us watch a lot of these shows and he could at least start to vary the witticisms?;-) ;-) Yes, can't say Arsenal all the time. ;-D

(Karen: No wonder he said he can't distinguish himself on chatshows. He doesn't even try. ) Awwww, I felt kind of bad for him because I thought he made a few shy attempts at banter that no one really picked up on. Must be hard to be interviewed with Hugh upstaging you all the time. ;-) This week has been the first time I've been able to see any clips or interviews and I really can't wait to see this movie. Wish I could make it to one of the previews. Many thanks to everyone for the reviews and reports from premieres! Do you think re-reading the book before the movie would spoil it for me? From what I've seen it looks like the movie incorporates elements from the newspaper column and sequel. Is that right?

Re-reading thebook won't spoil it for you, Valerie. I re-read the book as soon as I had the preview pass in my dirty little fingers! Remember the script went through several hands and writers and some things in the book you just can't put in film. I still would like to know why some of the film takes from the press preview were cut out of our preview...

Not sure if this is going to work...but, I must first compliment all the wonderful postings at this as well as the other Colin related sites...now for my reasoning...i had the Bridget Jones Diar with Colin in the turtle neck as wallpaper, Husband messed around with the computer last night, and to my horror it was gone this morning. The wall paper that is. Please oh please whoever had that up could you put it back up again? I am dying here..lol. Or perhaps I am not looking hard enough..HELP

Great review by The American Dreamer, review can be foudn by going to the IMDB.

Agree with Mari. To me, Colin just looked resigned and a little bemused by the whole thing on the VH-1 program. Loved his posture. ;-) (Valerie) I felt kind of bad for him because I thought he made a few shy attempts... Me too though I don't think he's shy, just reserved. Anyway, he's smart not to attempt to compete with Hugh in jokes. Hugh's a delight but I'm getting a little tired of the same SAS story. Colin's got him beat in the smile department anyway and there were plenty of them. Did you see Renee stroke his cheek at one point? That said, I liked E!'s program better.

Well, it doesn't sound like he was as bad as in the Survival Appeal Infomercial anyway.Small steps.... He was brilliant in the Berlinale FF, remember?

Heavens, the BJD topic has certainly spawned a lot of posts! Love the lovely articles, reviews, pics, and reports from the London premiere (thanks ever so much, Ann and Tracy). The SHE interview was to die for. I agree, Bethan, it may be the best one yet. I somehow missed the VH1 show, but caught the one on E!, which was really worth taping. I was glad to see interviews with SM and Helen. Did anyone notice that some of the interviews with RZ, CF, and HG were held in the same room as the BWTA interview--interview junket central. Could this mean there are more CF interviews to come? (Pretty please?) On a surlier note, I am about to throw the BJD CD in the dustbin. Why, you ask? I cannot figure out how to defeat the dreaded 'click me" icon and just play the tracks on my CD rom drive. I can listen to all my other CDs on my PC without a problem. Has anyone else run into this problem with the CD? I can hardly believe that next week I am going to see Colin on the big screen as a leading man. It must be thrilling and, until then, I am living vicariously through all of you who have seen the film. :-)

RZ is on the cover of the Sunday Times Culture magazine. Two articles. First is on Working Title (talks about the NY premiere; party was a Greenwich Village loft) and the second is about Jim Broadbent. http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/2001/04/08/sticulfil02006.html? BTW, I'm getting to like the soundtrack better, especially Shelby Lynne's Killin' Kind. The words are just so perfect.

Heavens, the BJD topic has certainly spawned a lot of posts! Love the lovely articles, reviews, pics, and reports from the London premiere (thanks ever so much, Ann and Tracy). The SHE interview was to die for. I agree, Bethan, it may be the best one yet. I somehow missed the VH1 show, but caught the one on E!, which was really worth taping. I was glad to see interviews with SM and Helen. Did anyone notice that some of the interviews with RZ, CF, and HG were held in the same room as the BWTA interview--interview junket central. Could this mean there are more CF interviews to come? (Pretty please?) On a surlier note, I am about to throw the BJD CD in the dustbin. Why, you ask? I cannot figure out how to defeat the dreaded 'click me" icon and just play the tracks on my CD rom drive. I can listen to all my other CDs on my PC without a problem. Has anyone else run into this problem with the CD? I can hardly believe that next week I am going to see Colin on the big screen as a leading man. It must be thrilling and, until then, I am living vicariously through all of you who have seen the film. :-)

Sorry about the twin posts.

Lisa, shut it down, and then start it (manually) from the CD Player option in Accessories (mine is under Entertainment; yours may be elsewhere). Heavens, the BJD topic has certainly spawned a lot of posts! Spawned? A typo, surely. ;-0

(Karen) Lisa, shut it down, and then start it (manually) from the CD Player option in Accessories. Boy, do I feel silly. I have always run my CDs directly from the drive. This is almost as bad as when I was first trying to post pictures on Odds and Ends....Good grief!

Just got back! At the airport, waiting to board the plane in LA, I see Colin on the TV!!! I run off insearch of close-up-is-he-really-being-interviewed?-moment. DH wanders where the .... has she gone, we are boarding now! LOL! Missed everything he said. :-( Good thing we have this topic! (Karen), Colin probably mentioned those obscure groups/people in the Mojo interview that made Moon heave. The VH1 people probably blanked out as they'd never heard of them as well and certainly didn't have any video clips to supplement. My guess is Colin was too dull and when he answered, they cut it out. LOL! Very good guess. I am surprised at RZ choice of David Gray, we like him very much. (Karen), Yes, there's a difference between Huge and Colin. (Heide), I don't think he's shy, just reserved. Colin and Hugh were born a day apart. Which means their horoscopes are very alike. ;-)

Just got back from seeing BJD, and I absolutely loved it! Laughed from beginning to end (and teared up once or twice too). Colin is wonderful (and looks mighty gorgeous too!), and people will really come to root for Mark Darcy. Cleaver is a too-smooth slimebucket from the start and the audience catches on a bit quicker than poor Bridge that he's a no-goodnick. Renee was unbelievable. Absolutely perfect. Theater was packed, only a couple of empty seats in the front row. Very, very enthusiastic response, continuous loud laughter throughout the film. Overheard lots of good comments on the way out. I cannot wait to see it again next weekend! Will take any spoilers to 126.

Yea!!! Seen it. Yippee!! Colin's best on-screen kiss since Valmont--and man! that's been a while. It's soooo nice to finally see him get the girl in a love-triangle. I'm sick of all of the terribly implausable movies in which the other guy wins! (AMITC, SIL, EP, etc.)

Wow, pant, pant - I have finally managed to catch up on all the posts at this topic. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to find articles and post information and pics. I just wanted to say what fun it was to see BJD with fellow Spring-ians. Winter, thanks so much for getting the passes. It was lovely to see you, Marianne and Moon again. Moon, how did your DH react when he discovered this was a CF film ;-)? I really enjoyed the movie although I wish that I could have let myself relax and just enjoy it more. I think I knew a little too much about it and found myself analyzing instead of just watching. That said, it really is a charming film and CF is to die for. Handsome, romantic and sexy so what more could I want ;-)? I agree with what others have said, though. I thought the film was too short and I really wish there had been more screentime for Bridget's pals and more time invested in developing their characters. Although I can't say I was too sorry that Shirley Henderson didn't have more lines. Sheesh - and some folks thought Renee's voice is too squeaky. SH sound like she's on helium. I also wish there had been a little more development in the Daniel Cleaver romance. It all seemed to happen a bit too quickly for me without enough of the requisite worrying, "will he call"... etc. I will say no more for fear of spoilers. And all that said, I loved the movie and can't wait to see it again :-). I'm so glad CF is in a winner that will get a worldwide release. Oops, almost forgot. MarkG, it was quite fun to see you on the big screen. We all let out a whoop and I'm sure the rest of the audience wondered what kind of pop idol we were cheering for :-).

There is a great picture of the end kiss, with a pic of EB & FD about to kiss. the address is: http://hem.passagen.se/lmw/bridget_jones_diary.html I'm not that skilled yet in doing the html stuff, so Karen, maybe you can pull the jpg and post it here? Its a great pic.

A larger version plus full article is here as well: http://www.spring.net/karenr/articles/filmreview501.html As much as I like this kiss pic, my new favourite is this variation of the reindeer pic: ;-)

Anybody know whether the E! Behind the scenes prog is to be broadcast in the UK ?

Just for comparison:

Almost too much promotion going on to keep up with. Yesterday, the Times magazine featured the costume designer for BJD on Renee's look, with this throwaway: �60,000 might sound a lot ... but when you're kitting out Huge Gnat ("a bit of a fashion queen") in Savile Row suits, Jermyn Street shirts and Paul Smith casual wear, "with a bit of Hermes and a bit of Gucci", there's unlikely to be tons of cash left for Colin Firth's Burberry suits. All I can say is ALL the best men in the film wear Burberry suits :-) And Radio 4's half-hour film programme, billed as a review of BJD, featured only a stupid 5-minute har-har slot on method acting, arising from Renee's stint at Picador, and a one-line review of the film: "I went expecting not to like it if only because of the all-friends-together cosiness of the makers, but found it impossible to dislike."

UK Alert. Apparently according to a friend there are some "never seen before"Colin BJD photos in The Mirror tomorrow, Monday 9th April.

Thanks for the tip Ann. Anyone in the Uk catch Huge Gnat on Parkinson? just finished watching the tape. What a *&^%$*!! Good Grief. The comments you have all made just recently about saying things for effect or as quoteable soundbites are true! The worst bit was when he went on at length about his mother inhabiting the voice/personality of their cat that has been dead for 18 years. Not funny at all. Perhaps his parents are used to being embarassed like this. Parkinson mentioned CF and the fight scene but the two clips shown were colinless! He also tried to get on another guests interview with more highly unlikely anecdotal quotes about him and doctors, and how one was always interested in whether everything was ok "downstairs" with him etc Ghastly! Give the serious, articulate Guardian reading Mr Firth every time! Huge did himslf no favours. In fact the best bit was Robbie Williams singing "Have you seen Miss Jones?" from the soundtrack.

Whoops! You know I meant to say "Give us the serious, articulate Guardian reading Mr Firth every time." I am personally glad Colin was not on Parkinson, but was gleeful at Huge showing his true colours to the Nation. He said that "I drink like a witch." I expect he went off to drown his sorrows!

(Jana2) SH sound like she's on helium. LOL! Shirley does have a weird voice, but after I'd heard Helen F read the part of Jude (sheep-like voice as it says in the book), I knew Shirley was just right. Unfortunately, her part was the most superfluous of the friends. The audience somehow connected with both Shazz's and Tom's characters. Not enough was given of Jude's to understand what she was all about IMO. (Jana2) little more development in the Daniel Cleaver romance...without enough of the requisite worrying, "will he call"... etc. You wanted more Huge? ;-D Without getting into details, that kiss is NOT actually the end kiss. :-) (Times mag as copyedited by MG) when you're kitting out Huge Gnat ("a bit of a fashion queen") LOL! Taped E!'s Behind the Scenes during the wee hours of the morning. Since they are interviewed individually, Colin does speak and does well for himself. Much better than the VH1 thing. You know how the MTV movie awards have strange categories? Doesn't it seem as though the fight scene is exactly the type of thing that would get an award?

(Jana), Moon, how did your DH react when he discovered this was a CF film ;-)? LOL! It was the realisation of why I had to see it on the night we had concert tickets. "How very sneaky". He loved the scene of the launch party (so did I), the big bloomies, the blue soup and the credits with the kiddies. He did find it unnecessarily vulgar at times. But, that's the most he's ever liked a CF film. I thought the film was too short and I really wish there had been more screentime for Bridget's pals and more time invested in developing their characters. I agree! It was great meeting Marianne and seeing both you and Winter again Jana. All I can say is ALL the best men in the film wear Burberry suits :-) Good point, Mark! Congratulations, you are quite visible. :-D (Karen), Without getting into details, that kiss is NOT actually the end kiss. :-) I noticed that too! RZ is wearing a scarf in that picture and she does not wear one at the end of the film. ;-) I am still trying to catch up on all the posts. I am off to mass to collect my palms.