It's been ten years since Bridget Jones hit cinemas. But is the thirty-something singleton still relevant? In this week's Stylist, writer Bryony Gordon questions whether Bridget is now out-of-date - read her take on the issue is below. But what do you think of Helen Fielding's heroine - is she past-it, or does she remain a poster girl for women in 2011? Let us know your thoughts by commenting on the article.
I was 18 when I read the book that defined much of my adult life.
I wish I could say it was Anna Karenina, but instead it was Bridget Jones, a chainsmoking singleton whose ineptitude with the opposite sex made her a literary sensation. Three years later, Bridget became a film heroine thanks to a big budget adaptation that saw Renée Zellweger pile on the pounds to play her.
Hard to believe it was 10 years ago wasn’t it? Even harder to comprehend, there’s a third film in development, a stage musical and author Helen Fielding is writing a third book.
I really wish she wasn’t. As much as the first two books made me roar with laughter, we’re now a decade into the 21st century. Put simply, Fielding’s heroine is now obsolete. The books were brilliant because they succinctly captured the mood of a generation of women. But rather than remain a parody of us, Bridget has become a parody of herself. I’m now 30 and single but while I’m still labelled with the Bridget Jones tag, I’m far more likely to obsess over my career trajectory and Index Tracker Fund than my daily calorie count.
"I'm more likely to obsess over my index tracker fund than calories"
Like Sex And The City, Bridget Jones’s Diary was once bang on the zeitgeist; today she jars with the ethos of the 2011 woman who concentrates more on career progression and self-improvement (of the improved intelligence, not self-help book kind) than relationships and weight. And just as the once-empowered Carrie was turned into a pathetic pulp in the films, I really hope Bridget isn’t turned into a lonely
mess in the new book. Although on hearing the plot for it – desperate for a baby, fortysomething Bridget finally becomes pregnant, but is unsure whether the father is Mark Darcy or bad boy Daniel – I suspect my fears may be confirmed.
Last week I went to see Bridesmaids, a new film written by comic actor Kristen Wiig. It’s funny, smart and brimming with characters who are defined by more than their marital status. Basically just like us…”
Do you agree or disagree with Bryony? Comment in the box below.
Follow author Helen Fielding as Bridget Jones (@bridgetjoneshf). Picture credit: Rex Features.
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