Elle Woods vs. Bridget Jones: Comparing the Rise and Redemption of Girl Power Icons
Legally Blonde and Bridget Jones's Diary have both become beloved classics, offering modern narratives of female empowerment through their respective characters, Elle Woods and Bridget Jones. While these characters share some thematic parallels, their inspirations and journeys are unique. Let's dive into a comparison of these iconic figures and what they can teach their respective film franchises about reinvention and success.
The Characters: Determination, Resilience, and Personality
Both Elle Woods from Legally Blonde and Bridget Jones from Bridget Jones's Diary are determined and resilient women, challenging stereotypes in their own ways. Both characters exhibit a certain brand of humor and femininity that resonates with audiences. However, they differ in their core traits and stories:
Character Traits
- Both characters are portrayed as determined and resilient women who challenge stereotypes.
Elle Woods is known for her pink wardrobe and bubbly personality, embodying confidence and resilience as she navigates the male-dominated world of law school.
Bridget Jones is characterized by her relatable insecurities and struggles with self-image, her fashion choices reflecting her journey towards self-acceptance.
Themes of Love, Self-Acceptance, and Personal Growth
- Both stories explore themes of love, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of personal goals.
Elle’s journey focuses more on empowerment through education and breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.
Bridget's story revolves around her romantic misadventures and personal growth.
Cultural Context and Societal Issues
- Bridget Jones's Diary was released in 1996, while Legally Blonde came out in 2001. The cultural contexts and societal issues they address differ, reflecting the time periods in which they were created.
The Legally Blonde timeline had more modern perspectives on gender equality and the legal profession, while Bridget's narrative dealt with the 1990s' societal issues of career and relationships. Both times contributed unique contexts to their characters' experiences.
Costumes and Humor
- Elle Woods wearing a bunny costume in a memorable scene aligns with her playful and bold personality.
Bridget Jones's fashion choices reflect her struggles with self-esteem and societal pressures.
The costumes and humor in both films serve to underscore the characters' growth and development. These elements are key in making the characters relatable and endearing to audiences.
Lessons from Bridget Jones for Legally Blonde
While Legally Blonde and Bridget Jones's Diary share some thematic similarities, they have different paths to success. Here are three key lessons from Bridget Jones for the upcoming Legally Blonde 3:
Embrace Elle's Essence
Both Legally Blonde 2 and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason suffered from the dumbing down of their female leads. Legally Blonde 3 must bring back the original Elle—an unapologetically individual, fiery, and smart character. Much like Bridget Jones's Baby, which allowed Bridget to reach her full potential and embrace her neuroses, Legally Blonde 3 should revive the Elle we all loved rather than a half-drawn caricature.
Round Up the Original Gang
The success of Bridget Jones's Baby can be attributed to the return of the original creative team, led by director Sharon Maguire and screenwriters Emma Thompson and Helen Scales. Similarly, Legally Blonde 3 should bring back the original directors and screenwriters, Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith, who were not involved in the sequel. This consistency in creative vision and tone is crucial for resonating with fans and maintaining the franchise's charm.
Adapt to the Times
Both Legally Blonde and Bridget Jones's Diary worked because they maintained a grounding in reality, despite some fairytale-like components. Their sequels lost this grounding, often throwing out the rules established in the first films. Bridget Jones's Baby succeeded by adapting to a more realistic and relatable storyline, blending reality with a touch of absurdity.
Legally Blonde 3 can succeed by adapting to its current climate—giving fans real people and mildly-realistic storylines that showcase Elle's growth and challenges in a quirky, timeless way. By doing so, it can honor the legacy of the franchise and provide a satisfying conclusion character-driven sequel.