1. Bridget Jones’s Diary, directed by Sharon Maguire

Bridget Jones’s Diary and the Familiar Insecurities

 

What better way to kick things off than with a classic? If you’ve seen this movie and didn’t love it, then watch it again. There’s something wrong with you. If you haven’t seen it yet, then watch it. There’s something wrong with you.

Sharon Maguire’s Bridget Jones’s Diary is the definition of a “rom-com” and highlights why it is such a popular and valid genre. Yes, it may be a rom-com, but you will go away holding your head high; be assured, there is no shame in watching this. Bridget Jones: 30-something, borderline alcoholic, non-borderline smoker, slightly overweight, single. Bridget Jones: witty, sometimes clumsy, often socially awkward, always cringely embarrassing. Bridget Jones: completely lovable, completely relatable. Rarely has one character nestled their way so deeply into the hearts of women everywhere. Regardless of age and background, Bridget represents all of us: flawed, insecure and multi-faceted. In other words, normal women. For example, her neurotic internal dialogue during that notorious underwear decision is not only hilarious, but also resonates with many of us. And think about it! She gets drunk at work functions, humiliates herself on a daily basis (doesn’t that one hit home) and is, like many women, constantly preoccupied with her weight.

The story itself is loosely inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, in which an unmarried woman must drop her preconceptions in order to find contentment (and her man!). At times, BJD references this connection explicitly, but always in a very tongue-in-cheek manner. Colin Firth, for example, who famously played Mr. Darcy in the acclaimed BBC series, plays another ‘Mr. Darcy’ in a hilarious parallel universe. Like the novel, pride, prejudice and hasty judgments tangle the characters into an amusing mess that must no doubt be sorted.

 

The cast as a whole is perfect. Each nails their role: Renée Zellweger as the endearingly awkward Bridget, Firth as the stiff and shy Darcy, and Hugh Grant as the character he does best – sparkly-eyed, charming dick-head. The supporting cast are equally as excellent, from Bridget’s parents and foul-mouthed friends to her repugnant co-workers. These additional characters help construct a well-rounded and believable world. So go ahead, grab some friends and re-watch this classic. Or, if you want to do it in true Bridget style, grab some wine instead! (Friends optional.)