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Bridget Jones's Diary 2001 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by Sharon Maguire
R, 95 min. (language, strong sexuality) |
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Starring: Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, Embeth Davidtz
Producers: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jonathan Cavendish
Screenplay: Richard Curtis, Andrew Davies
Cinematography: Stuart Dryburgh
Distributor: Miramax Films
Released: 4.13.01 (Wide) |
Rating:
 (out of ) |
Bridget Jones's Diary, which is adapted from the book by Helen Fielding, is nothing short of pure entertainment and
fun. Wonderfully acted and painfully honest, this film takes a humorous, yet earnest look at the life of a thirty-something
single woman living in a couples world. Renee Zellweger, once again proving she is a talented young actress, delves into
her role with passion and zeal, making it worth your time to view the sometimes crazy and depressing role that she plays.
Because of the film's British locale, it conjures up memories of another successful film, Notting Hill, which also dealt with the
life of a lonely thirty-something, but of a man instead. Consequently, Hugh Grant, who starred in Notting Hill, appears in this film
as one of Zellweger's love interests.
Zellweger plays Bridget Jones, a frustrated woman in her early thirties, who is beginning to feel the hands of time taking hold
of her. She realizes she has to make a concerted, albeit resistant, effort to find a serious relationship before it's too late.
Enter Hugh Grant (Daniel Cleaver), her boss who is sexy but known as somewhat of a scoundrel. He begins to notice her when
she starts wearing provocative clothing to work, and attempts to begin a relationship with her. Resistant, Bridget realizes she
could get hurt, but is determined to give it a go. Their relationship seems promising, but is invariably doomed by several
factors, one in which involves another man, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), who at one time was Daniel's best friend, until a woman
came between them. Mark, laboring under a false impression created by Daniel, tries to convince Bridget that she's all he
really wants, while trying to warn her that Daniel is not a honorable person. Meanwhile, Bridget's parents are going through
crisis in their marraige when her mother runs off with a television personality (a home shopping network salesman). She must
balance her own love problems with her care for her father's dilemma.
Zellweger's work in this film is impressive; she gives her best effort and it shows - it's her best performance on the screen
to date. She added about 20 pounds to play the slightly overweight Bridget, while also developing a believable British accent,
although some people in England may argue that point. You can't help but be reminded of her turn in Jerry Maguire, where she
played a somewhat similar role (minus the added weight). But while she was swept of her feet by Tom Cruise in that film,
she is not toting a young child or just smiling in this film - she is forced to convince the audience that she is depressed, moody,
and somewhat disenchanted with the whole idea of love. The fact that she does it well, outshines her co-stars, and makes the
film an overall success is proof that she has fully arrived as a bona fide star in Hollywood.
Both Hugh Grant and Colin Firth are effective as well - it's a bit of a departure for Grant, who usually plays the lovable single
person himself, instead of a self-absorbed scoundrel. Firth plays his part to near perfection - he is enamored with Bridget
even though she is nothing of the sort of woman that he is expected to marry. He falls in love with her, ignoring her flaws
and obnoxious attitude at times, wishing his current girlfriend could exhibit even a hint for the love of life that Bridget imbues.
They are both extremely effective at helping push the story beyond the simple boundaries of their characters.
Director Sharon Maguire, making her directorial debut, is especially impressive in presenting the audience with believable
and likable characters. The film is paced well, and doesn't get knocked off track by some unecessary scenes or bad jokes -
she tells the story from Bridget's perspective, and then lets the audience decide for themselves.
I would venture to say that this film will be cherished by many singles who can identify with the plight of Bridget Jones, but,
unfortunately, because of demographics I'm not sure it will do as well with younger audiences. Films like this deserve to
be rewarded though, and even if it doesn't do well in theaters, I'm sure it will find a hearty following in video stores in a few
months. Bridget Jones's Diary is one film that doesn't disappoint, and for all those single people out there, it shows that your
time will come when you least expect it.
© 2001 Jonathan Cornwell
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 |
 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
 | Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
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