bridget jones: the edge of reason

Much like many other opening sequences, the opening of Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason begins with showing the audience the names of the production companies involved in creating the film. This is particularly significant when major companies, such as Miramax and Universal for this particular film, are involved, as it allows the audience to deduce that this may be a film worth watching due to having a large amount of money invested in it, which often means that the quality may be higher in comparison to independently produced films. Having a major film company invest in a film means that with a larger budget, the film can utilise a cast with familiar names, therefore showing how it aims to target a mass audience as people are more likely to watch a film with an all-star cast. Camera shots used in this opening sequence begin with a high shot looking down at Bridget's diary as she narrates. Writing in a diary is often a private moment where someone reveals all their thoughts, so it allows the audience to feel more of a connection with the main character as it seems she is sharing her personal thoughts with them also. A two-shot involving Bridget and her mother is used to show the affection and close relationship between the two characters, establishing it as being a mother/daughter relationship to the audience. The use of a high angle shot looking down at Bridget gives the audience the impression that she feels inferior and uncomfortable in this environment, as it is overpowering her and the surroundings seem to be more attention-grabbing and dominating in the shot. A fade transition is used to move from the party to an outdoor environment. There is a significant contrast as high key lighting is used and the effect gives the scene a more whimsical and romantic feel, which is befitting of the romantic comedy genre. The names of the cast are clear in a handwriting typography in a pale, pastel colour. This suits the romance genre as well as emphasising that the film will revolve around personal matters of the main character. Hearts and devil signs that are present near the cast's names subtley lay out the antagonist and protagonist of the story, so that the audience can then associate the name with the character. An establishing shot revealing the greenery of their surroundings as they are in an embrace contrasts the initial snowy setting that the audience was introduced to. This could be to emphasise that this is simply Bridget's fantasy and not reality