Come to think of it now, perhaps someone had mentioned the book to me before. But honestly, I probably would not have found the story, nor the character appealing at all: Being constantly stressed over various things that were falling apart in my life, I really did NOT need to be reminded how pathetic I was going to end up in the years to come.
However, one year living back in Taiwan AND dwelling with one's parents means all that was to fall apart would have done so by now, and it was okay, even, to pity oneself again.
So I was really getting used to the dull routines and would always look forward to weekly exchanges of juicy gossips with my singleton friends. And one evening, after the verdict of our gloomy no-futures, in terms of a functional relationship, was confirmed, Ting began to tell me about the book. The following week, with similar motivation that had driven me to read books after books by Haruki Murakami, I picked up 《Bridget Jones's Diary》in an attempt to learn what had been amusing Ting so much. Her giggles persuaded me.
That was quite a while ago now, when we'd sit next to each other in front of the television, watching "Sex and the City", and sighing over the kind of life, as well as the kind of friendship those sexy, not-entirely-commonly-seen creatures are enjoying— hopelessly hoping we'd be like them when we're over 35.
Nonetheless, I'd finished reading the book by the time of its cinematic launching, and we had already been enthusiastically anticipating for a girls' night out, which Wen was also quite excited about. So that evening, I packed as quickly as I could and left the office, hopped on the coach to Taichung, and arrived only in time to have an after-dinner with Wen and Ting, (as usual) way too late for dinner.
Floating in the evening conversations was an accentuated sense of excitement in every word and every laugh, as we moved towards Shinkong Department store on Chunggang Road, and later followed the crowds into UCI auditorium on the 13th floor. When we finally saw the opening scene of [Bridget Jones's Diary], my mood had been so well prepared for the "sad FM"- full of love struck sentiments and for the over-thirtys. Naturally, we weren't expecting much inspiration from Bridget. We were just out for fun. At any rate, I was there to be entertained and to indulge myself.
And indeed it was a good deal of hilarious scenes of appalling embarrassment; Bridget was completely hopeless, but somewhat endearing. I guess it's because she’s more real…?
Besides, I fancy Colin Firth, really. I think he was absolutely gorgeous, and loved his speech. In fact I went home re-playing several lines of Mark Darcy in my head, trying to imitate his accent and articulation. Most attractive were his incredibly charming eyes and almost-smiles (especially loved the dinner party smiles).
Although it was rather unbelievable that Mark Darcy would fall for Bridget just like that, and although I do feel the unfavourable portrayal of Natashia was utterly mean, I've enjoyed myself very much while viewing this soppy romantic comedy, forgetting all about political incorrectness and artistic values. Also felt glad that a heroine of Bridget's temperament and appearance had made it against the competition with stick-insect beauties Lara and Natashia, however unrealistic. Then again, I didn't come to the cinema for reality in the first place. I just wanted a good time and some vicarious experience.
Occasionally we all want to be told that we're liked just as we are, don't we?
At least Bridget's got her share.
source of image:
http://www.onestopenglish.com/Culture/newwriting/images/jonesdiary1.gif
