Bridget Jones Diary Witty? Yes. Funny? Definitely.

In the hands of director Sharon Maguire and writer of Four Weddings and a Funeral Richard Curtis, Bridget Jones Diary (2001) successfully appropriates Jane Austen s infamous romance (pride and prejudice) to a modern day romantic comedy. This Miramax Production set in London stars Renee Zellweger as Bridget Jones, Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver and Colin Firth as Mark Darcy. The film follows and is told through the eyes of Bridget- a thirty-two year old woman who decides to start a diary to turn her life around by attempting to lose weight, quit smoking, reduce drinking and to find her Mr Right. Her search leads to her charming boss Daniel Cleaver and the dull Mark Darcy who she concludes as arrogant and rude after meeting him at her parent s new year s gathering. A relationship forms between Cleaver and Bridget following a series of flirtatious emails. After leaving her job in publishing, she faces her parents troubled relationship and encounters coincidental, unexpected meetings with the much disliked Mr Darcy. Characterisation in the film adds up to perfection. Both the personalities of the characters in the film and the typecast actors chosen to play them compliment the film. The choice of Colin Firth as the actor to play Darcy is very tactical. Due to the fact that the character from the book and the movie are the same, his typecast and previous roles especially in the popular BBC series of Pride and Prejudice as Fitzwilliam Darcy, is well suited to the character in this film which is sophisticated, reserved and sensitive and he reflects and emphasises that this film is related with Austen s work. His dull tone and lack of facial expression enhances his performance. Bridget s personality is an interesting choice to cast in place of the Elizabeth character. She is clumsy and unsophisticated, very unlike Elizabeth. This change strays far from the original and viewers might not be able to make connections between the two characters. However it does not spoil the film but rather compliments it. Her contrasting character to the original Elizabeth makes her an easier character to relate to. She is spirited and has a sense of humour that makes her very likeable. She faces problems that many women are confronted with such as weight gain and being single. Zellweger fits her typecast as the female protagonist and as the love interest in the film as she has been in roles similar to this previously such as Jerry Maguire. This change of character in the movie from the film in the movie is essential as it gives originality to the story line and it makes her congruent with the society she is placed in. Zellweger s bold and bubbly performance uplifts the film giving it humour and making it enjoyable. Daniel Cleaver is played by Hugh Grant. This choice is obvious as his previous roles have been similar such as his role in Notting Hill. He plays the character of George Wickham in the film and reflects him very well due to his cheeky nature and laid back personality. His costuming reflects his nature as classy yet deceitful. Grant s expression was well played out. His droopy eyelids and superior tone in voice made his character more defined and his performance very effective. Bridget Jones Diary is an effective appropriation as it has many similarities in character and in key scenes. Darcy s proposal is a stand out. The way he tells her of his feelings but at the same time insulting her reflects Mr. Darcy s proposal to Elizabeth in Jane Austen s novel. He also demonstrated heroism when he saved Bridget from losing her job by providing her with an interview. This is used in place of Darcy s rescue in Lydia s elopement. It retains similar themes that are present in Austen s

novel such as class money and morals, marriage and pride and prejudice. The idea of class money and morals is shown through Darcy s occupation as a barrister as lawyers are regarded highly in society and earn a great deal of money. The push for marriage is present through Mrs Jones constantly urging for Bridget to get married and suggesting single men for her to consider. Prejudice is seen through Darcy and Bridget judging each other before having a proper conversation. Bridget s diary is the main symbol of prejudice in the film. Pride is seen less in the film than in the book. However, Darcy does not speak to Bridget during their first encounter as he acted very superior to her. There were many differences in the film as well which makes it more relevant to a modern audience. The most obvious change is the time frame the story is set in. This changes the film dramatically as the customs, culture and societal values are translated into turkey curry buffets in place of the Merryton ball, anniversary parties and birthday dinners. Women have more rights and identity and are able to do things that people in Austen s time couldn t. This allowed for Bridget to have a job and Mrs Jones to leave her conflicting relationship. This subplot was a major fault in this film as it was underdeveloped and unnecessary. Music in this film plays a major role. Each song has a meaning and a purpose in the film. They are carefully chosen to convey information of emotions of the characters, expresses their emotional state or to introduce a character. The music enhances the meaning of scenes, creates connections between characters and events and creates a mood suitable to the scene. The songs played in the film are very popular and well known. Soundtracks such as all by myself and RESPECT make the film all the more enjoyable. These perfectly selected soundtracks say so much about am event without the montage of sappy feelings and depressing life stories. Bridget Jones Diary retains the main storyline, themes and characterisations of the original and is cleverly put together. Although it has several faults such as an underdeveloped subplot and Zellweger s questionable accent, the film does have its merits and is definitely worth watching. It truly does justice to Austen s masterpiece. In search of a film that is witty, clever, charming and humorous? This is it.