The funny side of being single

When I got hold of a copy of Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary, and read the first few paragraphs of the British novel, I couldn’t put it down. The candor, wit, and honesty of the way it was written got me hooked. Every page invited me to fall deeper and deeper into the extraordinary worldview of Bridget Jones. The heroine was single, overweight and near desperate to find a boyfriend. How many single people do you know would be willing to confess that they’re actually lonely for a partner? Thirty-something Bridget wasn’t afraid to admit that singlehood could be the pits.

It didn’t take long before the acclaimed and popular fictional diary jumped from paper to the silver screen. The film starring Renee Zellweger as Bridget Jones, Hugh Grant as her boss Daniel Cleaver, and Colin Firth as the barrister Mark Darcy, perfectly and succinctly captures the book’s fun and zany spirit. What’s even great is that the movie isn’t merely a visual hodgepodge of the book’s highlights, it embellishes and provides exciting surprises.

As in the book, the film begins at a dinner party where Bridget meets the haughty barrister Mark Darcy, a son of a family friend and a divorcee whom Bridget’s mother is shamelessly trying to set her up with. Wanting to get a grip on her life, Bridget writes the following New Year’s resolutions in her diary: to lessen cigarette and alcohol intake, lose weight and find a "suitable boyfriend to go out with."

The rest of the film presents how Bridget copes with the difficulties of being a singleton. There’s her flirtatious boss Daniel Cleaver, head of the book publishing firm where she works; nosy relatives and conceited married friends who insist on prying into her love life; Bridget’s absurd mum who has left the conjugal home to hook up with a home TV shopping host and the somber Mark Darcy whom Bridget manages to keep bumping into during the most embarrassing moments.

With loving, supportive friends to lean on to and to keep her sane, Bridget maintains and treasures her quirky ways; never afraid to admit when she’s wrong, always fearlessly free to be herself.

While a number might be curious to see Bridget Jones’s Diary to gawk at a 20-pound heavier Renee Zellweger with a flawless British accent, many would be kept entertained by the comical developments and interesting characters. Topping the list is Zellweger, who went to great lengths in portraying the uninhibited, lovable Bridget Jones. Watching her go through ridiculous situations like dressing up in a Playboy bunny outfit and prancing around in underwear with her dignity intact. Zellweger deserves nothing but applause. She’s the perfect choice for the role.

It’s difficult to imagine hating a matinee idol like Hugh Grant. Yet, as the user-friendly Daniel Cleaver, the British thespian is both appalling and pitiful. Completing the triumvirate of excellent lead performers is Colin Firth who makes a splash as the detached-but-cool-as-ever Mark Darcy. His quiet sophistication goes well with Zellweger’s frantic character.

Some say the story of Bridget Jones’s Diary is unoriginal. Sure, the search for love is an overused topic. However, this particular movie presents the searcher with all her imperfections and hang-ups, while keeping the audience laughing. I’d call that a remarkable feat for a romantic movie. Maybe, those who cannot relate to Bridget’s plight do not have trouble finding dates and have never experienced being home alone on a Saturday night.

Bridget Jones is the single girl’s extension, alter ego, bolder and funnier version, and loudspeaker. She shares with singles – and everybody, for that matter – the following insights: admit your mistakes, accept yourself, don’t settle for second best and it pays to invest in sexy underwear.

Bridget Jones’s Diary is probably the most important British contribution to modern pop culture, next to The Beatles, of course. At least that’s what a crazy single girl like me thinks.