Tuesday Night is Film Night is back to the genre that is, in its shortened form, the rom-com, for tonight we open;
Bridget Jones's Diary
Can I start with a problem? Can I?
The problem with Bridget Jones's Diary is that it is very popular. It has been seen and applauded by many. (Not by us at TNiFN, I might add). And so therein lies our little problemette, we have to deal with the preconceived idea that it is a good film. And alongside that preconception is the worry that we might not like it, all that glitters and all that. What if everybody was wrong, can we make a mini stand and say; "no! We don't like it"? Can we?
So we need to need to remove the preconceptions, take the movie at face value and make an honest critique of its content thereafter.
We needn't have worried, it has been lauded as a good film, because it is a good film.
So there we are. Problem solved, let us now take a look at the film.
Of course we know that Bridget Jones's Diary, is about Bridget Jones; single, thirtysomething, slightly fat, smoker of too many cigarettes and drinker of too much wine. And we know that this character is portrayed by the fabulous, narrow eyed loveliness that is Renée Zellweger. Bridget yearns for a better life and one new year decides to keep a diary, to help get her life back on track, but her honesty with her diary doesn't help too much.
She soon falls slightly in lust over her reprobate of a boss, Daniel Cleaver, played by Hugh Grant (who is actually just playing Hugh Grant, as that is really the only character he does play. Ooooh! Controversial, but true). However, the thing is Hugh Grant is perfect for this role, so that's fine and it fits in perfectly well with the big-knicker'd Bridget. Unfortunately, this love pairing is skewed by the introduction of some sideline shenanigans from Daniel and his fling with Bridget ends in a flurry with an accusation, a discovery of the 'other woman' and a disgruntled waggle of a fluffy bunny tail!
As one door closes, another one opens and interests are turned to Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Another ideal casting. Firth plays an old childhood friend of Bridget's, who re-enters her life at one of her Mum's famous 'turkey curry' parties. "Anyone fancy a gherkin?" And from here a strange on off friendship develops.
Ally all of this with a fantastic supporting cast and you have the makings of a really great film. To spin around the notables in the credits, we have the consistently brilliant Jim Broadbent as Bridget's father. The most wonderful Celia Imrie as Una (Bridget's aunt, I think. Don't quote me on that). Sally Philipps as Bridget's friend Shazza, who has a penchant for the "F" word! Some of you will know Sally Philipps from Miranda. Another friend of Bridget's is Jude, played by Shirley Henderson, who maybe better known as Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter films. There is a small appearance from John Clegg who was on our small screens regularly back in the 70's and early 80's as La-di-dah Gunner Graham in "It Ain't Half Hot Mum".
So far we have a great cast. A cracking storyline, based on the Helen Fielding novel, some brilliant acting and a fantastic soundtrack. I will say soundtracks are often overlooked as a key element to a movie. The incidental music adds much to the ambiance of any film and it is no exception here. And of course a romantic comedy must have some laughs and they are plentiful in Bridget Jones. Some cracking one liners, some brilliant scenes and laughs all the way, but it is done in such a way that you have multiple layers of story packed in, so you may have a laugh, but it comes on that back of a more melancholic moment.
In summation then and with reference to the first paragraph above, although the preconceived notions abound about the quality of this film, for the ones among us who have not come to terms with the notion of big knickers revealed in the throes of passion, Bridget Jones's Diary is a very good film and it's is a good film for the reasons listed here and more. We like a nice, warming story, with a few laughs to keep us amused on a miserable September eventide and this was ideal.
What about the TNiFN scores I hear you cry? We give it a pink and fluffy 8 out of 10.
See you next time.
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