Bridesmaids: The Movie that Broke Boundaries and Defied Expectations

The Pressure of Success

It isn’t fair for one movie starring all women to set the standard for all future movies starring women. But that’s how Bridesmaids director Paul Feig said he was made to feel in the weeks and months leading up to the gross-out comedy’s 2011 release.

“How much did the success of Bridesmaids mean to you?” Jesse Tyler Ferguson asked Feig on a recent episode of the Dinner’s On Me podcast. “Everything,” Feig answered. “It was everything.”

On top of the film being “predicted to not do well right up until the day of release,” Feig recalled being “told for months, ‘Another movie starring women all hinges on the success of this.’ And it’s like, ‘Really? So I’m just about to kill movies for women.’ So I was walking around like a dead man walking all day, like, ‘We failed, we failed, we failed.'” 

The Making of Bridesmaids

The 2011 comedy, about a bride’s messy best friend whose antics threaten to upend the wedding, was written by Annie Mumulo and Kristen Wiig, and starred Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, and more. Feig “knew we were getting really funny stuff” while shooting the film but understood that nobody sets out to make a bad movie intentionally.

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The Surprise Success

Despite the pressure and low expectations, Bridesmaids defied the odds. Feig was told that if the movie didn’t make $20 million in its opening weekend, it would be deemed a failure. Surprisingly, the film went on to earn $26 million in its opening weekend and continued to exceed expectations.

The studio’s initial doubts were soon replaced by excitement as the movie grossed over $169 million at the domestic box office and $288 million globally. McCarthy received a Best Supporting Actress nod at the Oscars, highlighting the film’s impact and success.

The Validation of Success

Feig, McCarthy, and their inner circle experienced a rollercoaster of emotions on the night of the release. From expecting failure to witnessing the film’s triumph, the journey was a testament to perseverance and the power of belief in one’s work.

The success of Bridesmaids not only changed the trajectory of Feig’s career but also revitalized the landscape for female-led comedies. It proved that audiences were hungry for diverse and authentic stories that resonated with them, regardless of gender.

Legacy of Bridesmaids

The impact of Bridesmaids extended beyond box office numbers. It opened doors for Feig and the cast, demonstrating that talent and dedication can lead to groundbreaking achievements in Hollywood.

The film’s success was a triumph for female-driven storytelling and a key milestone in the industry’s recognition of diverse voices and perspectives. Bridesmaids continues to inspire future generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.

Conclusion

The journey of Bridesmaids from underestimated to iconic exemplifies the resilience and creativity of its creators. In an industry often plagued by stereotypes and limitations, this film broke barriers and set a new standard for inclusivity and representation in cinema.

FAQs

Q: What was the budget for Bridesmaids?

A: The budget for Bridesmaids was $32.5 million.

Q: How did Bridesmaids impact the careers of its cast and crew?

A: Bridesmaids catapulted the careers of its director, Paul Feig, and its cast, including Melissa McCarthy, into new heights of success and recognition.

Credit: ew.com