Winter Films - 8

Continuing our exploration of films set in winter—the goal being to inspire you to write your own winter film—let’s move to the lighter side with Bridget Jones’s Diary [2001].

The character of Bridget Jones came to life with the book of the same name. I remember being given the book by friends of mine, a romantic comedy writing team, who were up for the job of adapting the book for the screen. The book was a big hit with readers so, of course, Hollywood wanted to capitalize. But my impression of the book? Even though the character had the same insecurities most of us have in one way or another, I just didn’t get why it was SO huge. So I’m afraid I was no help to my friends who were crafting their pitch for the movie. [They didn’t get the job.]

So when the film came out I didn’t rush to see it, having not been a huge fan of the book. And let me be clear—the book was a BIG success. But the movie? It’s one of the few times when the movie was actually better [by far in my opinion] than the book.

The film starts at Bridget’s mom’s holiday turkey curry buffet and ends at a golden wedding holiday party. Both parties are highlighted by her relationship with Mark Darcy. AND both parties are swathed in snow.

In fact, snow swirls through this film. It’s kind of a metaphor for the coldness of our relationships as we make our way through life. This is a really fun movie to see, but when you do, keep one part of your brain focusing on the snow scenes. You’ll see Bridget being poured onto the cold sidewalk [literally] out of a cab by her friends on a cold winter night; you’ll see snow swirling around her as she walks from work—you’ll see lots and lots of winter.

My favorite scene is the snow swirling around Bridget and Mark as they kiss—it’s like a reminder that in the coldness of winter, and of life, really, it’s love that will keep us insulated from the cold, will keep us warm.

You might think, if you’re writing a romantic comedy, that summer is the time of year to set your film—in fact, most rom-coms are set in warmer months and even warmer climes. But setting your film in winter gives your characters yet another obstacle to overcome. And isn’t that always the point of character development? To provide your characters with obstacles they can tackle and then overcome? That’s what provides the drama, the laughter, and the fun of your story.

When you think about it, a romantic comedy is all about bringing two characters together despite all that’s against them, whether it be family, social status, jobs, personality, etc. And adding winter to that mix makes it that much tougher for the two of them to come together—and that’s what a romantic comedy is all about! Next week, another rom-com example as we hunker down into a chilly January.

Copyright © Diane Lake

13Jan19

Email Diane a question to Diane@DianeLake.com