Pooja Sharma
Entrusted to envision a seamless structure and problem-free nuptials, the role of a Maid of Honor in a wedding remains primary. In austere director Paul Feig’s ‘Bridesmaids,’ the truth turns out to be the opposite. Released in 2011, the comedy film follows the story of Annie, a woman run down on her luck, whose laborious efforts to envisage the perfect marriage for her best friend turn horrifyingly funny. So, instead of smooth-sailing nuptials that help embark the bride on the road to forevermore, ‘Bridesmaids’ features the undulating events that keep entangling everyone in a fit of whimsy, humor, and gags.
The star-studded ensemble features Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper, Chris O’Dowd, Rebel Wilson, and Jon Hamm. In addition to its eccentric elements, including inappropriate jokes, drugs, alcohol, violent diarrhea and projectile vomiting, ‘Bridesmaids’ also features the revelatory expression of human error and friendship. The movie epitomizes that even in the face of cascading disasters, one thing that can be eternal is friendship. While its familiar themes offer true similarities, several other elements in the movie leave viewers wondering about its basis, questioning whether it is based on actual events or purely fictional.
Bridesmaids: A Fictional Tale of Friendship
No, ‘Bridesmaids’ is not based on a true story. The screenplay for the movie has been penned by actresses and best friends Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig. While the duo’s friendship helped jilt the script into equally dramatic and comedic tones, the input given by producer Judd Apatow further helped tie the storyline. Renowned for her acclaimed sketches on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ Kristen Wiig took center stage in the story as the woman whose dilapidated life contributes to the avalanche that reigns down during the wedding preparations. However, her struggling character is not the only facet of the story that rivals reality.
Ambushed by a person who might be better suited to run the show, Annie feels compelled to do just about anything in order to retain her power as Maid of Honor. The essence of wedding planning is captured when Annie’s efforts lead to disastrous results. Moreover, the outright battle to win the bride’s affection also depicts a number of real-life situations. Another central theme in the movie that can be construed as a real-life story is the vitality of friendship. Shining as a beacon for female friendships, ‘Bridesmaids’ showcases that despite the disorderly misadventures, the true things that matter are the people you entrust to stand by you in the most important moments of life.
Relegating her duties to the Maid of Honor is one of the most common features of wedding planning. ‘Bridesmaids’ does not just depict the trust and love that define this role but also showcases that in the most pivotal moments of your life, it is friendship and camaraderie that holds everyone up. As such, the movie signifies the invisible thread that binds people together, naturally making ‘Bridesmaids’ a realistic representation of love and friendship.
Additional elements that add to its realness are the begrudging rivalry between Helen and Annie. From trying to one-up each other at every turn to feeling overwhelmed at the level of extravaganza, ‘Bridesmaids’ also showcases the excessiveness that easily reels brides into a whirlwind of profligate expenditure. As a Maid of Honor who will have to be prepared for massive disasters, ‘Bridesmaids’ continue to ring relevant themes and tones.
Naturally, with its realistic portrayals and an even more realistic storyline, it is possible for viewers to think that ‘Bridesmaids’ is based on a true story. However, despite its relevant storyline, which may seem like a true story, the movie’s story is fictitious. As such, the movie remains a work of fiction, giving creators enough room to embellish the premise and accentuate the storyline.
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