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The Contrasting Display of Emotions in Bridget Jones’s Diary

Stjernholm, Emil LU (2014) In Journal of Media, Cognition and Communication = Tidsskrift for Medier, Erkendelse og Formidling 2(1). p.21-36
Abstract
This article examines how Sharon Maguire’s romantic comedy Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) both thematically and stylistically foregrounds the relationship between the protagonist’s voluntary and involuntary displays of emotions. It explores the use of cinematic techniques, underlining how the film speaks to our emotions, appealing both to high-level cognitive processes and low-level affective responses, and how this affects Bridget’s agency. The reading yields the conclusion that while Bridget’s body is utilized as a site of affect, the feeling of embarrassment is primarily aimed at the audience. Furthermore, since her feelings do not transform into stronger emotions of shame, Bridget’s agency remains strong.
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
keywords
Embarrassment, shame, affect, agency, romantic comedy
in
Journal of Media, Cognition and Communication = Tidsskrift for Medier, Erkendelse og Formidling
volume
2
issue
1
pages
21 - 36
ISSN
2245-9855
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
d287bc4e-aff6-4b4d-ab3c-5e7c3124d960 (old id 4467196)
alternative location
https://tidsskrift.dk/index.php/mef-journal/article/viewFile/69399/126981
date added to LUP
2016-04-04 09:05:01
date last changed
2025-04-04 15:06:43
@article{d287bc4e-aff6-4b4d-ab3c-5e7c3124d960,
  abstract     = {{This article examines how Sharon Maguire’s romantic comedy Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) both thematically and stylistically foregrounds the relationship between the protagonist’s voluntary and involuntary displays of emotions. It explores the use of cinematic techniques, underlining how the film speaks to our emotions, appealing both to high-level cognitive processes and low-level affective responses, and how this affects Bridget’s agency. The reading yields the conclusion that while Bridget’s body is utilized as a site of affect, the feeling of embarrassment is primarily aimed at the audience. Furthermore, since her feelings do not transform into stronger emotions of shame, Bridget’s agency remains strong.}},
  author       = {{Stjernholm, Emil}},
  issn         = {{2245-9855}},
  keywords     = {{Embarrassment; shame; affect; agency; romantic comedy}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{1}},
  pages        = {{21--36}},
  series       = {{Journal of Media, Cognition and Communication = Tidsskrift for Medier, Erkendelse og Formidling}},
  title        = {{The Contrasting Display of Emotions in Bridget Jones’s Diary}},
  url          = {{https://tidsskrift.dk/index.php/mef-journal/article/viewFile/69399/126981}},
  volume       = {{2}},
  year         = {{2014}},
}