Welcome to the first entry in our new “Unexpected Physics” section, where we explore scientific principles appearing in the most surprising cinematic contexts. While most of our blog examines deliberate visualisations of physics in sci-fi films like Interstellar, this section celebrates those delightful moments when physics concepts pop up where we least expect them.

This month, I will be exploring Newton’s Laws. And what would be more surprising than Newton’s Third Law of Motion emerging in a Bridget Jones film? Indeed, you read correctly: one of the fundamental concepts of physics finds expression in one of the most popular romantic comedy series when a science teacher specifically refers to Newton’s Third Law as a metaphor for love, so offering the ideal opportunity to investigate how filmmakers use scientific ideas to highlight human connection.

These crossovers really fascinate me since, as someone approaching physics through the prism of films rather than science, they show how profoundly scientific ideas have permeated our cultural knowledge and evolved into metaphors allowing us to make sense of anything from relationships to development.

Let’s investigate how “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction” might apply to Bridget’s life.

From Physics Classroom to Relationship Wisdom

In “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy”, our beloved protagonist finds herself in conversation with Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Billy’s science teacher, who makes his feelings known to Bridget. Using Newton’s third law as a framework, the teacher explains that in relationships, like in physics, every action prompts a reaction of equal intensity.Originally reluctant to accompany her for cocktails, he later declares love that deftly combines physics:

“Mr. Walker references Isaac Newton’s third law of motion – for every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction – and says Bridget is that opposit force to him”.

This is especially significant since:

It references a character who is a scientific instructor, thereby making the reference true to his nature.

• It takes place during a pivotal emotional breakthru.

• It marks the result of their different personalities striking harmony.

• It shows how elegantly scientific ideas could capture complex emotional dynamics.

Understanding Newton’s Third Law

Before exploring its application to Bridget’s love life, let’s refresh our understanding of Newton’s third law: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

In Physical terms, this means that when object A exerts a force on object B, object B simultaneously exerts a force of equal magnitude but opposite direction back on object B. It’s why rockets can launch (exhaust pushces down, rocket goes up), why we feel pressure when leaning agaisnt a wall (we push the wall, the wall pushes back), and why birds can fly (wings push air down, air pushes wings up).

This principle is fundamental to understanding how forces work in our universe. Nothing exists in isolation – every force creates a counterforce. No action occurs without consequence in the physical world.

When Physics Meets Relationships

The exceptionality in the Bridget Jones moment is how effortlessly Newton’s physics theory turns to emotional dynamics. Saying that every interpersonal activity has an equal and opposite reaction, the science teacher stresses a truth that surpass physical objects to human connection.

Within relationships, this idea shows up in many different forms:

• Show love, and usually you will get love in return.

• Show your wrath, and often find yourself facing it pointed back.

• Withdraw emotionally; your spouse may also withdraw emotionally.

Human emotions, of course, are not controlled by exact mathematical formulas derived from physics. Individuals are not billiard balls or rockets with exactly predicted reactions. Personality, past experiences, cultural environment, and many other factors that physics equations overlook filter our responses.

Still, this metaphorical application has a great truthfulness. The movie uses the idea as a prism to grasp patterns of human interaction, not that relationship dynamics exactly follow Newton’s third rule. It’s science as metaphor, not actual science; and good metaphors don’t depend on precise correspondence to provide insight.

This moment works so nicely since it doesn’t trivialise the emotional complexity or the science. Rather, it links them by illuminating the occasionally muddy seas of human connections using the clarity of science.

Science as Cultural Language

Identification of Newton’s third law in Bridget Jones reveals something crucial about the way science runs in our more general society. Not exclusively found in labs and textbooks, scientific ideas become our common language for understanding the world.

Filmmakers using a long history of scientific framework to make sense of human experience are placing physics concepts like Newton’s Third Law into non-science fiction scenarios.

As a film studies student, what fascinates me is how these scientific ideas change when they enter other genres. In science fiction, time dilation generates visual spectacles and narrative devices based on physical principles. But in romantic comedies like Bridget Jones, these same ideas start to be instruments for emotional understanding and character growth.

Physics in Unexpected Frames

Newton most likely never dreamed his Third Law of Motion would soon enable a fictional British woman negotiate her romantic life, but here we are. This surprising application shows how really physics ideas are everywhere in our perspective of the universe.

From action films that precisely show the conservation of momentum (sometimes precisely, sometimes not) to horror films that play with ideas of light and sound, we will find more examples where scientific concepts appear in unexpected cinematic settings as we keep exploring physics in unusual frames.

Have you noticed other physics concepts appearing in unexpected films? Perhaps thermodynamics in a cooking movie or optical principles in a fashion film? I’d love to hear your examples at editor@physicsinfilms.com or in the comments below.

Next, in our “Unexpected Physics” series, how “The Italian Job” showcases Newton’s first law through its thrilling heist sequences and precision driving.