Bridesmaids Film Analysis

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Recommended: Women portrayal in movies

For my second media critique, I chose to focus on the 2011 film Bridesmaids. Bridesmaids is a comedy written by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, directed by Paul Feig. With grossing almost $300 million worldwide, 44 nominations, and 11 awards won, Bridesmaids has been a relevant film in popular culture over the last three years (“Bridesmaids”). Bridesmaids centers around six female leads: Kristen Wiig as Annie, Maya Rudolph as Lillian, Rose Byrnes as Helen, Melissa McCarthy as Megan, Ellie Kemper as Becca, and Wendi McLendon-Covey as Rita. The plot centers around Lillian’s engagement and the roles each of these women play, specifically her lifelong best friend Annie and Helen who comically struggle over who gets to perform the maid of honor duties. Annie is a single, down to earth woman in her 30s who is struggling to pick up the pieces after her bakery failed, and breaking up with her self-absorbed boyfriend. Whereas Annie’s efforts for the wedding planning are simple and thoughtful, Helen’s are extravagant and completely over the top. Lillian and the other bridesmaids praise Helen’s ideas making Annie feel neglected and like she has been demoted from best friend/maid of honor status. As the film progresses, Annie’s jealousy intensifies and Helen shines through as the star bridesmaid through a series of misfortunate events. These events include a dress fitting from hell, bad Mexican food, Helen giving Annie sedatives on an airplane, and Annie flipping out at Lilian’s bridal shower, thus ruining her and Lillian’s friendship. Throughout these events, Annie befriends, and has a romantic involvement with a cop, Nathan. When Nathan encourages her to re-pursue her baking dream, Annie shuts him down ruining that relationship as well. Whe... ... middle of paper ... ...ereotypes and patriarchal norms (Annie baking, Helen being a rich step-mom, the wedding itself), it also undermines patriarchy at the same time. At one point or another throughout the film all of the female characters go against the common conception and portrayal of women being proper and passive. They can be raunchy, drink, use vulgar language, and show they aren’t that different from men. Overall, I think that this film is beneficial for how how women are portrayed in film, and the film industry in general.. It’s funny, portrays women in a positive light, and shows that women are contenders with men when it comes to comedy. It reinforces that women are indeed as funny as men, and shows they can have a role a male developed, dominated field. While Bridesmaids certainly isn’t the ideal example of ridding patriarchy, it definitely is a step in the right direction.

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