Bridget Jones’s Diary is a popular British romantic comedy film. It was released in the year, 2001. The film is actually based on the novel of the same name that was written by Helen Fielding.
Bridget Jones’s Diary, the film adaptation starred Renee Zellweger stars as Bridget, Hugh Grant plays the character caddish Daniel Cleaver and Colin Firth who stars as Mark Darcy, Bridget’s ‘true love’.
Before the release of the film, a considerable amount of controversy surrounding the casting of the American Zellweger brewed up. However, her performance was widely considered to be of a high standard, she was also praised for her English accent.
The author also stated in her various interviews that her novel was based upon both the classic Pride and Prejudice as was the popular 1995 BBC series, Pride and Prejudice. Because of this Colin Firth was cast as Darcy, since he played Mr Darcy in the BBC adaptation of the Pride and Prejudice.
The film’s screenplay was co-written by Andrew Davies, who had written the BBC adaptation of the novel written by Austen. Also there was the co-writer Richard Curtis, who brought in the elements of Four Weddings and a Funeral and also the popular Notting Hill.
Sharon Maguire, the director of the film, is very good friends with the author. In fact the “Shazzer” character was reportedly based on the director. In the film the “Shazzer” character was played by Sally Phillips, however she originally auditioned for the role of Bridget, but she was not chosen as she was a big enough name for the part. Reportedly Kate Winslet also auditioned for the Bridget part, but was not chosen as she was very young at that time as compared to the character of Bridget.
Do watch this amazing romantic comedy.