This is the film version taken from
the books of the same name. It opened to mixed press reviews. Not having read
the book yet,I cant comment on the purists viewpoint that the film
version didn't do the story line justice. As with all book to films, the
highlights were condensed into a one and a half hour script which appeared to
have pulled it off. Filmed in the Elstree studios (UK) some of the scenes
didn't quite come off in authenticity, especially the snow and street scenes,
a few of which were meant to represent residential areas of apartment London.
The film tells the story of 32 y.o single
and looking Bridget Jones (Renee Zellweger) working in a publishing house in
London under her boss (Hugh Grant). Desperate for love and romance in her
smoke,overweight and drink filled existence, she turns over a new leaf and
tries to do everything right to ensure success, noting her thoughts and
failures in the diary!
My first viewing of Zellweger in the
opening scene, was "God, how appalling she looked".. I mean she is
so unattractive, I am not surprised she is 32 and with out romance.
Excellently cast for the role of Bridget Jones, she did convince the audience
early on that she was the hopeless bimbo she was portrayed as. Born and raised
in Houston (Texas) she has appeared in other minor roles in 'Gerry Maguire'
and 'Me, myself and Irene'
Her two timing boss (Grant) didn't carry
much weight with me. I was never a fan of Hugh Grant, who I regard
as over rated and whose success is measured in column inches in the tabloid
press rather than on screen performance. His opposite number in the love
triangle how ever did... very much so. Mark Darcy played by Colin Firth, the
suave, ever so appealing barrister at law carried off his role with style and
panache and really the whole film revolved around Bridget, Darcy and Daniel
(Grant) with a few interesting diversions which put some meat on the
bones of the film. Mainly revolving around Bridgets parents and in-laws
and her friends which should have either been expanded more or dropped in
favor of the goings on at the publishing house. Her mothers affair with the
shopping channel host had lots of scope for more fun, but the film was about
Bridget and her diary so I suppose they had to draw the line somewhere.
I regarded the film as entertaining, I
have mixed views on the story line but its worth going to see Colin Firths and
Zellwegers role in the film.
The best line of in the film for me, and I
think it has implications for all us gays out there,was said by Bridgets
mother.... "Dahling..you will never get a boyfriend if u go around
dressed like someone who has come from Auschwitz"
The sound track is worth buying though,
it contains some nice funky stuff from the 80's and 90's and is a nice
compilation. Available on the Mercury label.
Warning, don't leave the cinema as the
titles begin to role. there is a key punchline that is interspersed with the
credits that I am sure u will get a kick out of!!!
Reviewed
by Tomer Avshalom April 2001
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