Bridget Jones's Diary
- 2001 film
Film based on Helen Fielding's novel about an unlucky-in-love Londoner who decides to take control of her life and start a diary. Stars Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones and more.
Streaming rank this week: 149
Bridget Jones's Diary trivia
Helen Fielding, author of Bridget Jones's Diary, got some of her inspiration from classic novel Pride and Prejudice, with a series of similarities running throughout the film and book.
The most obvious link is the character Mark Darcy, based on Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. At first both characters are portrayed as snobby individuals who the heroine doesn't like, but gradually develops feelings for. In the popular film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice Colin Firth also plays this role.
A more subtle similarity is that Bridget works for Pemberley Press, which is the name given to Mr Darcy's estate in Pride and Prejudice.
Renée Zellweger prepared for her role as Bridget by working at a British publishing company for a month.
The character Shazza is based on director Sharon Maguire, a friend of author Helen Fielding.
Renée Zellweger reportedly put on 17 lb to play the part of Bridget. This involved working with a dietician to develop a regime of no exercise, three full meals a day and snacks.