Post by Bethany
Mark Darcy is dead!
Oh, sorry... What I meant to say was:
*SPOILER ALERT* Mark Darcy is dead!
Yes, that's better.
If you have been living under a rock (or possibly if you just aren't as pop culture-obsessed as some people) and don't know what I am talking about, let me break it down for you:
Bridget Jones's Diary is novel written by Helen Fielding, and that novel became one of the most successful (and in my opinion wonderful) romantic comedy films of all time. It is a modern-day take on Pride and Prejudice, and, brilliantly, in the film, the character of Mark Darcy is played by Colin Firth, who famously and fabulously played Mr. Darcy in the BBC's 1995 adaptation of P & P.
Mark Darcy is dead!
Oh, sorry... What I meant to say was:
*SPOILER ALERT* Mark Darcy is dead!
Yes, that's better.
If you have been living under a rock (or possibly if you just aren't as pop culture-obsessed as some people) and don't know what I am talking about, let me break it down for you:
Bridget Jones's Diary is novel written by Helen Fielding, and that novel became one of the most successful (and in my opinion wonderful) romantic comedy films of all time. It is a modern-day take on Pride and Prejudice, and, brilliantly, in the film, the character of Mark Darcy is played by Colin Firth, who famously and fabulously played Mr. Darcy in the BBC's 1995 adaptation of P & P.
Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy
Colin Firth as Mark Darcy
Colin Firth covered in coffee...just because I can.
Now, of course those who have read Abigail Phelps know that Helen Fielding's Bridget stories are essentially just Abigail Phelps fan fiction, but still...they have a devoted fan base. And this devoted fan base has been hankering for another Bridget book/movie since the first sequel Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason left most people less than satisfied.
I for one loved the book, and really enjoyed the movie - if only for this scene:
I for one loved the book, and really enjoyed the movie - if only for this scene:
Anyway...the long-awaited third Bridget book, entitled Mad About The Boy, is finally coming out this month. And in the very beginning, we learn that Mark Darcy is dead and has been for five years. Bridget is a widow with two children.
Umm...what?!?
Who would do that? Why would an author kill off her character's beloved husband just when readers finally get to dive back in to their relationship? We've waited so long! We never got to see Mark and Bridget married, having kids. There is the gold that readers/viewers want! Why, Helen Fielding?? WHY?!?
But then I think... Oh. I didn't exactly give everyone the outcome they desired in the Abigail Phelps books either, did I? Some of you yes, but some of you definitely no. And while I could argue that I had no choice - after all, history decided many of my resolutions for me - the fact remains, we read a book with expectations, and when the author doesn't see the story the same way we do, we feel let down. Disappointed. Betrayed.
I certainly feel betrayed by Helen Fielding.
But it is still the author's story to tell. As a reader, I can choose to read it or not. If I do read it, I can recommend it to my friends, or not. I can give it a five star review, or not. But the author tells their story, and we have to respect that.
Forgive me if that sounds preachy. Truthfully, I'm just trying to convince myself. I am trying to decide if there is any room in my heart for a Bridget Jones book without Mark Darcy.
And I choose not. And Chaka Khan.
Umm...what?!?
Who would do that? Why would an author kill off her character's beloved husband just when readers finally get to dive back in to their relationship? We've waited so long! We never got to see Mark and Bridget married, having kids. There is the gold that readers/viewers want! Why, Helen Fielding?? WHY?!?
But then I think... Oh. I didn't exactly give everyone the outcome they desired in the Abigail Phelps books either, did I? Some of you yes, but some of you definitely no. And while I could argue that I had no choice - after all, history decided many of my resolutions for me - the fact remains, we read a book with expectations, and when the author doesn't see the story the same way we do, we feel let down. Disappointed. Betrayed.
I certainly feel betrayed by Helen Fielding.
But it is still the author's story to tell. As a reader, I can choose to read it or not. If I do read it, I can recommend it to my friends, or not. I can give it a five star review, or not. But the author tells their story, and we have to respect that.
Forgive me if that sounds preachy. Truthfully, I'm just trying to convince myself. I am trying to decide if there is any room in my heart for a Bridget Jones book without Mark Darcy.
And I choose not. And Chaka Khan.
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