Chiwetel Ejiofor went to see Bridget Jones' Diary in 2001 and was totally hoping to be attacked by female energy.
Instead, he left the theatre surprised at how much of a relationship she had, he said: “For a moment, a little bit away from the world, but somehow Optimism, Hope and a kind of fake – Til – You-Make-It Spirit.”
So when director Michael Morris asks him to discuss Bridget Jones: Mad a Boy, the franchise's latest film, London's Tee Over Ejofall, makes nothing fake It wasn't necessary.
“I loved the whole world of it,” he said.
This time, René Zelweger's Bridget is the mother of two widows, and Egiofor is his son's science teacher and potential love interest Mr. Warakar.
It's not that he dares to replace Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) and Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). “They're symbolic,” he said.
But drawing clear characters at different, perhaps more challenging times in Bridget's life “has been a lot of fun to play,” he said. “You obviously can't hold onto your 30's self, but if you still maintain a bit of that quality, it will help you navigate through these waters.”
On a video call from Amsterdam, Egiofor explained how John Coltrane and Shakespeare's works changed his life and why he was angry with London.
These are excerpts from the conversation.
John Coltrane's “The Best of Love”
I remember being an early teenager listening to “love.” It really means a lot to me to pass on a love letter to a human spiritual experience and make it a success. With just being completely dominated by this instrument, I feel that it is truly possible to truly achieve such things with the dedication and obsession he had in his practice.
Crystal Palace Football Club
I was born in East London, but I moved south at a very young age, so Crystal Palace was the first local team I really came to know. I think Crystal Palace fans love the fact that we are always underdogs. As long as it's okay, you don't mind having a difficult season.
British Library
There was a time when I started going to the UK library without a plan, and it became some of the most fascinating adventures of my life. Open this huge database and see where you're going. And these books, these ancient books, arrive. Some of them had not opened up for God how long God knew, so the dust is still out of them.
Paul Cezanne
I have always been connected to Impressionism. Who doesn't like to look at these pictures? But there is something about Cezanne that took me farther than anyone else. Because without art, I think he'll place you as an audience. You are in the picture. Your eyes are his eyes.
London
After walking through the streets of London for 40 years, I found so many friendships, felt joy, and never got bored.
The Dutch barge
I bought a Dutch barge years ago and now I'm sitting in a marina by the Thames. As a cancer person, I have always loved this real water. When I was traveling a lot and there was no permanent place in London, I lived on a barge and it was great.
Paul Simon's “Graceland”
As music, it's extraordinary. As a political statement, it is extraordinary. The song “Graceland” is one of the most beautiful sounds and the most harmonious combination of musical traditions in a way that celebrates Africa.
“Holiday,” directed by George Kucole
It was the first time I realized that being an actor is what people did. How Carrie Grant and Katherine Hepburn got engaged to each other, how they fell in love. These two have a magical quality.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Nigeria has a rich tradition of accomplishments and beauty. Sinua Achebe, Wau Soyinka, Ben Okli – I was always excited about Chimamanda. When I read “Half the Yellow Sun”, it was very important to hear someone talk about our parents and grandparents and our lives, with this kind of wealth and poetry. I was excited to be part of the film.
“Henry IV, Part 1” Shakespeare
It ultimately revolutionized my life path. The feeling that this person is talking to me is when it makes a great sense to hear a voice or to hear all kinds of guidance. “Henry IV” represents this idea that you don't know if you'll become anything or not. But that sense of accomplishment and self-love is somewhere in your future, even if you haven't achieved it yet.
