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Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason

From Alfawiki
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
Company typeFilm
IndustryEntertainment
Founded2004
Headquarters
United Kingdom / United States
ProductsRomantic comedy film

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason is a 2004 romantic comedy film directed by Beeban Kidron, featuring a screenplay crafted by Andrew Davies, Helen Fielding, Richard Curtis, and Adam Brooks. Serving as the sequel to Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) and the second entry in the Bridget Jones series, the movie adapts Fielding's 1999 novel of the same title. The cast includes Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Jim Broadbent, and Gemma Jones, centering on Bridget Jones (Zellweger) as she balances romantic difficulties with her partner Mark Darcy (Firth) while co-hosting a television program alongside her former lover Daniel Cleaver (Grant).

The film had its debut at Sydney's State Theatre on 28 October 2004, followed by releases in both the UK and US on 12 November. Although critical opinions were mixed, it achieved substantial box office success, earning over $265 million globally against a production budget estimated between $40 and $50 million. Zellweger received a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Comedy or Musical at the 62nd Golden Globe Awards.

Two additional sequels followed: Bridget Jones's Baby in 2016 and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy scheduled for 2025.

Plot

Bridget Jones is excited about her blossoming relationship with Mark Darcy, though her self-assurance wavers upon meeting his assistant, the alluring Rebecca Gillies.

While working on the morning television show Sit-Up Britain, Bridget encounters her ex-boyfriend Daniel Cleaver, who offers her a spot on a new travel series. Initially rejecting him—labeling Daniel as a "deceitful, sexist, disgusting specimen"—she eventually accepts despite warnings from friends.

Bridget remains optimistic when Mark invites her to his Law Council dinner, anticipating a proposal. However, the night deteriorates, especially after Bridget loses a trivia contest to Rebecca. Following an argument after dinner, Mark apologizes, professes his love, and invites Bridget on a ski vacation to Lech, Austria. During the trip, Bridget experiences a pregnancy scare and confronts tensions regarding their plans for starting a family. Upon returning home, a lunch with their parents leaves Bridget feeling hurt by Mark's indifferent stance on marriage.

After overhearing a voicemail from Rebecca on Mark’s phone, Bridget demands answers; Mark refuses to respond, prompting her to end their relationship. She then travels to Thailand with Shazza and Daniel to film The Smooth Guide. While reconnecting with Daniel during this trip, Bridget’s trust is shattered when she discovers he has hired a Thai prostitute.

Shazza’s casual relationship with Jed leads to complications when a fertility snake bowl gift in Bridget’s luggage tests positive for cocaine at customs. Bridget is arrested and detained in Thailand alongside nearly fifty female inmates. Despite her fear, she forms bonds by offering relationship advice and teaching them Madonna’s "Like a Virgin".

Mark arrives to facilitate Bridget’s release after confirming Jed’s culpability and dismissing suspicions about her night with Daniel. Back in London, Mark confronts Daniel over his treatment of Bridget; they engage in a public altercation, after which Daniel promises to stay away.

At Heathrow Airport, Bridget returns as an international human rights advocate and is welcomed by supportive parents planning their vow renewal ceremony. She learns that Mark tracked down Jed and proved her innocence. Feeling hopeful about rekindling their relationship, Bridget visits Mark only to find Rebecca there; Rebecca admits romantic feelings toward Bridget but is gently turned down.

Bridget asks Mark for another chance; he proposes marriage, which she accepts. As her parents renew their vows, Bridget catches the bouquet.

Production

Principal filming took place between 6 October 2003 and 15 February 2004.

Locations for shooting included Southwark, Primrose Hill, with the skiing sequences captured in Lech, Austria.

The confrontation scene involving Daniel and Mark at the "Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens" was mostly improvised, allowing the actors to spontaneously develop their altercation. A memorable fantasy moment depicts Bridget envisioning Mark emerging from water wearing a soaked white shirt, an allusion to Colin Firth's portrayal in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. The poem recited by Daniel near Ko Panyi is taken from "Phra Aphai Mani" by Sunthorn Phu.

The film diverges from the novel by excluding Bridget's interest in the BBC Austen adaptation featuring Colin Firth.

Sandra Gregory has proposed that the depiction of Thai prison scenes may have been influenced by her personal experiences, considering Helen Fielding’s familial proximity to her neighbors.

Box office

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason earned $40.2 million in the domestic market and $224.9 million internationally, culminating in a global total of $265.1 million against a production budget estimated between $40 and $50 million. It debuted with a limited release across 530 theaters on 12 November 2004, ranking fourth domestically and sustaining a Top 10 position for four consecutive weeks following its expansion to wide release in week two.

Critical response

The movie received mixed critiques, often described as a foreseeable sequel with an overabundance of slapstick humor. It was selected as the Evening Standard Readers' Film of 2004 and shortlisted for the Orange Film of the Year at the British Academy Film Awards. Renée Zellweger received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy and secured the 2005 People's Choice Award for Favorite Leading Lady.

Sequel

Reports surfaced in July 2009 about early development on a third installment. By March 2011, both Renée Zellweger and Colin Firth had expressed willingness to reprise their roles. On 11 August 2011, Universal Pictures, Miramax, and Working Title formally approved the project.

In April 2013, Colin Firth suggested that progress might be slow, hinting that production could face delays. Hugh Grant revealed in an October 2014 interview that although a script existed, he opted out due to dissatisfaction with its content. Filming officially commenced on 2 October 2015, with a scheduled release date of 16 September 2016.

Home media

Universal Studios Home Entertainment released the film on DVD and VHS on 22 March 2005, featuring multiple bonus materials.

Soundtrack

English vocalist Jamelia recorded a cover of "Stop" specifically for this film. Issued as a double A-side single alongside "DJ" on 1 November 2004, it reached number nine on the UK Singles Chart, marking Jamelia’s fourth straight top-10 hit while remaining on the chart for twelve weeks. The single also attained position 37 in Australia.

The album received three out of five stars from Uncut magazine, which commended its quality control. Meanwhile, Allmusic characterized it as "a generally enjoyable, if polished, musical accompaniment to the film’s lighthearted romantic antics."

Track listing

  1. "Your Love Is King" performed by Will Young – 4:05
  2. "Stop" by Jamelia – 3:37
  3. "Can't Get You Out of My Head" sung by Kylie Minogue – 3:49
  4. "Super Duper Love" by Joss Stone – 3:50
  5. "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" performed by Mary J. Blige – 3:44
  6. "Misunderstood" by Robbie Williams – 4:00
  7. "Everlasting Love" delivered by Jamie Cullum – 3:22
  8. "You're the First, the Last, My Everything" performed by Barry White – 3:24
  9. "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé featuring Jay Z – 3:56
  10. "I Eat Dinner (When The Hunger's Gone)" by Rufus Wainwright featuring Dido – 5:39
  11. "I'm Not In Love" performed by 10cc – 6:02
  12. "Nobody Does It Better" by Carly Simon – 3:44
  13. "Loaded" performed by Primal Scream – 4:32
  14. "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" sung by Amy Winehouse – 3:32
  15. "Lovin' You" delivered by Minnie Riperton – 3:46
  16. "Calling" performed by Leona Naess – 3:42
  17. "We'll Be Together" by both Sting and Annie Lennox – 3:53
  18. "Bridget's Theme" composed by Harry Gregson-Williams – 2:11

Charts

Chart (2004) Highest
ranking
Australia 8
Austria 11
Flanders 62
Wallonia 62
Canada Albums (Billboard) 35
Netherlands 38
France 37
Germany 25
New Zealand 7
Spain 33
Switzerland 24
US Billboard 200 72

Certifications

Region Certification Details
Ireland Platinum "Edge of Reason OST" — Various artists; certified Platinum with a maximum of 2 awards.
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