A chat about Bridgerton
Recently I've been watching Bridgerton. Which, If you haven't heard of, is a Netflix reimagined period drama taking place in 1813, focusing on regency London and the upper class. I enjoyed learning new words and listening to the pop turned classical music so much that I'm now re-watching it and listening to the music on repeat nearly every day.
So naturally as I always tend to do, I turned to my keyboard and wrote down all of my thoughts about the show...because what's the use in falling down the rabbit hole of excitable thought if you can't share it with others who might have liked it as much as you?
Spoilers below
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Sweet on the eyes and ears-
What first drew my attention was the bright colours. I was expecting dark tones from lighting, costume and interiors like a traditional period drama but this drew me in. I have a thing about bright colours and naturally prefer to watch films and tv shows that are bright, so this was definitely one aspect that kept me watching- especially since I watched it the week outside my window was dreary.
Every visual is so lovely and sweet, It reminds me a little bit of a princess Barbie film I watched as a child. Such a great world to zone into.
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| (location and colour aesthetic) |
The music, it only took me a couple of seconds to realize that I knew the song being played by a quartet. It made me smile hearing Ariana Grandes Thank you Next as the ladies were trying to find a romantic match. From then on I loved guessing what song was being played via string quartet. Since watching this show I've found calm in listening to covers played using classical instruments.
Costume-
The costumes were so detailed and so beautiful, especially Daphne's. She wore such delicate colours with fine floral details which matched her elegant calm manner and natural beauty. She didn't need her clothes to draw attention with bright colours and loud textile features, it was her beauty that spoke a thousand words.
On that subject, I recently watched an interview with Phoebe Dynevor (Daphne) in which she spoke about having low self-esteem which reappears every now and then. She mentioned the scene where she had to walk down a flight of stairs whilst everyone turned to gaze at her, and that day was a particularly bad day since she wasn't feeling her best. I admire so much that she said this. Sometimes your brain can tell you that you don't look good and that isn't necessarily true. Phoebe looked breathtaking in that scene which wasn't true to what she felt. I must admit, I'm surprised since she seems like such a beautiful person in many ways.
Societal roles-
I find myself wondering if these type of events actually occurred at this time. It's so interesting to me to see that they all follow the same social rules which seem to be understood by all. Yet they have trouble talking candidly and acting differently to how they must.
Seeing women's roles at this time makes me think about how much has changed for us now. It's shocking to me to think of women being told so little about the world, given decisions with little importance to their greater world and hardly any freedoms. How can a woman's role be to find a husband and raise a family when we now know that we are more than capable of nurturing our mind and being successful in a career- as well as raising a family if we so wish. In today's world, men are still named bachelors if they aren't married by a certain age later in life. Whilst women are called spinsters for the same at as little an age as 26. I must admit, the latter I haven't heard in conversation but Bachelor I have, and it's often under a positive light. It all makes me wonder why these roles have come to be.
Obviously, I understand that the show is scripted but I admire how well each character converses. They have something to say immediately that's elegant and clear. I'm very envious. I'm also hoping the language will rub off and I'll be talking fluent Bridgerton. Trying to casually slip in words like 'haste' and 'rake'.
Characters-
For Penelope to be Lady Whistledown makes sense in many ways and at first I was sure she couldn't be but a mere communicator to her. However, upon reflection I've figured reasons it makes sense for Penelope to be Lady Whistledown:
- She's friends with another household, of whom are popular in social circles so she'd gather information through various avenues.
- Penelope's kind and I imagine she's close to staff that work in her house, of whom know everything.
- She's a people watcher. At parties, she's most likely to be stood off of the main space taking everything in, with her sisters or alone.
- Because she's often alone at big social events, it gives her chances to escape to the printers (like Eloise did) without being noticed. But surely this means that her carriage drivers know she is Lady Whistledown.
- In the first episode, she's reading and shows a clear interest in her studies, meaning that she's intelligent and more than capable of writing.
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| Sister Support- One of my favourite moments |
Eloise; She's a bit of light relief from the drama and absurdity of their actions. She's the character that sees sense and sees herself as worthy of her own life regardless of being a woman. It's nice to see this female strength and imagining how it may have taken place at that time. Also, she's got a brilliant sense of humor and wit. Very intelligent. I imagine season two will see her grow and do amazing things, unexpected in society.
Bridgerton the Musical-
As a final note, I wanted to briefly mention the amazing creativity that has come out the show: Bridgerton the musical. Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, have written original songs, imagined for a musical. I admire their creativity which is constantly playing in my head and so lovely to sing along to.
Using social media platforms Is such a new way of showcasing your talent and making opportunities for yourself. I'm all for it (and Bridgerton the Musical)
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Thank you for reading my rambles about Bridgerton. I genuinely expected to stop watching after the second episode but curiosity pulled me back and I watched the whole series- which I can't normally say for period dramas.
Big love,
Buddy xx
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