Bridget Jones – The Edge of Reason

By Rebecca Williams, Thread

I read the book and hated it. So, despite how much I love the characters, when I went to The Edge of Reason I wasn’t expecting anything. It was good- perhaps even better than the first- and totally different. I left the cinema with sore cheeks, a big pair of tears in my eyes and my fingers crossed for a trilogy. 

It’s almost impossible to compare the films. Edge of Reason abandons the diary-hinged narrative and focuses on slapstick comedy. Bridget is more confident and a hell of a lot more goofy. Most of the scenes are achingly funny and the dire state of 30-something singles is barely explored. The only thing that has remained is the cast: Bridget (Renee Zellweger), Mark (Colin Firth) and Daniel (Hugh Grant). 

We find Bridget in the midst of her five-week relationship with Mark. Blissful, despite being total opposites, they struggle to come to terms with the vast socio-economic variance between them and attempt to ignore the fact that things are coming to a head. Eventually they give up on each other, unwilling to fight the good fight despite their obvious affection for one another. Bridget, alone again, reminds us all that breaking up isn’t easy to do as she bumbles through life at full speed – cue the imminent arrival of Daniel, The Cad. 

Because she is so dynamic, without ever meaning to Bridget charms all those around her. Ok, so the prison dancing scene was a little over the top but because we love her like a sister one can’t help but rally behind her, no matter how big a mess she is. In the first film she struggled with her weight, strived to be taken seriously and hoped to find the man of her dreams. This time round she tries to hold on to her dignity in the face of arrogant twits, stands up for herself despite the cost to her love life and doesn’t take crap from anyone. She is still vulnerable and a bit insecure, but Bridget has really let go, and it’s inspired. 

Colin Firth and Hugh Grant are effortlessly cool and undeniably handsome as they fight for Bridget’s affection. When Daniel compromises Bridget, again, Mark has to kick his ass, again. I love it when they hook into each other; Firth and Grant are one of the great screen tag teams, a contemporary Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon pairing. 

Supporting characters are, on the other hand, not so dreamy. Bridget’s neurotic mother, hen-pecked father and dirty uncle are basically ignored and her friends need a slap. What kind of person would leave their best friend at an airport surrounded by Thai cops and big guns? Their advice is flawed and unfortunately Bridget listens to it. This is no Sex and the City, her single friends are single for a reason; they really have no idea. 

The film is a huge departure from Helen Fielding’s best-selling novel. The ending is almost rewritten, significant sexuality issues are changed at will and many of the scenes that were important are brushed over or completely ignored. I was looking forward to seeing how they played out the serious interview Bridget has with Colin Firth, the actor, about the success of his role in Pride and Prejudice. The scene was not included. 

It can be a bit corny at times, but you can’t help but love Bridget and her handsome array of men. Zellweger outdoes herself in the role which famously launched a thousand (calorie-per-day?) diets. From dangerous excursion on ski fields, pregnancy tests and strange hairstyles to Thai prisons and magic mushrooms, Edge of Reason is a roller coaster of emotions and a delicious way to spend an evening. Put it in your diary.