Romantic Comedies: Are they always THAT cheesy?
One of the sub-genres in film considered most “comforting” and a favorite for many including myself is the romantic comedy sub-genre, also further known as a rom-com. Rom-coms are films made to lighten oneself and to believe in the fantasy of a happily ever after in real life. It is typically a sub-genre that seems overlooked, overdone, or cheesy as there is a specific formula to it that works everytime and seems to be used every time by filmmakers. Classic rom-coms like Rob Reiner’s “When Harry Met Sally” and Gary Marshall’s “Pretty Woman” have marked a before and after in the sub-genre, leaving 21st century filmmakers to the challenge of perfecting the rom-com scheme!
What most of these films have in common and is a prime characteristic, if not, the formula to these rom-coms, is a humor or comedy oriented movie with a side of romance. At first we see a very lighthearted movie, filled with lines to make one laugh like there is no tomorrow, after that or even during, we see two individuals that meet, cue the meet cute, one of the staples to these movies. Then after they meet, we the audience then follow a series of events that make these two characters come upon an event that then drives them away from each other for a period of time. After that, we then later see how a turning point allows for them to get back together, and voila, they are back together again! But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves shall we?
Content:
As I’ve previously mentioned, the “meet cute” is a staple and a huge part of these films, as they foreshadow or even introduce the relationship between character A and B or simply the protagonists of the film. Most of the time, these “meet cutes” occur during accidental encounters that lead two characters into misunderstandings, a good laugh, or even love at first sight. In films we have seen “meet cutes” such as the young American superstar walking into a small, local bookstore in England and casually meeting a young man like seen in “Notting Hill” or the rushed wedding planner being saved by a pediatrician who is of her interest as seen in “The Wedding Planner.” During this moment, we see through a series of either close-ups, medium shots, or shot-reverse shots, the obvious attraction between both characters, which then leads us to begin this story.
(Ex: In Peter Chelsom’s 2001, “Serendipity,” audiences see how both characters come forward and eventually encounter each other through the simple “need” to buy the same (and convienently) pair of black gloves in one of the biggest department stores in the city. From this medium shot, audiences can see how the young woman seems content at what can be inferred to be due to what the young man may have said to her.)
During the film and after a series of events, there is a bump in the road that tends to divide the characters for some time and tests whether their relationship is going to be worth fighting for. This small bump, typically is not so small, as during this time we find out about some hidden secret, betrayal, or factor that leads to character A and B not being able to be with each other. Within this time, viewers are able to see disussions between both characters and a series of shots demonstrating their feelings of frustration, confusion, and sadness that was caused by that disruption in their relationship.
(Ex: In Wayne Wang’s 2002 “Maid In Manhattan,” when the young man on the right recognizes the woman (other protagonist in the story) on the streets of the city, they both enter into some type of confrontation due to indifferences between the two.)
As the end of any dreamy and ethreal fairytale, the story not only comes to a close, but has to wrap it up with a happily ever after. Typically during this period of the film, acts of love for one another, whether it may be confessing feelings, or simple forgiveness, the ending of rom-coms typically end on a good note. More recently are we starting to see films that don’t end on a “happily ever after” trope such as “(500) Days of Summer,” but films that stay true to that “happily ever after” trope are the ones that audiences go back to, even 20-30 years after their initial release.
(Ex: Although the 2004 film, “Ella Enchanted”, is not considered a “rom-com,” it does have elements within it, like those mentioned previously, that make it somewhat similar to one. In the ending of the film (sorry for the spoilers!), we see how the lovely couple gets their happily ever after, as they are captured happy and in the midst of their wedding day.)
Production Techniques:
Most of these romantic comedies, if not, all of them rely on four key pieces of production. A well structured storyline, thought out dialogue, great camera techniques, and editing. For starters, romantic comedies do not always go from romance to comedy and vice versa, a good amount of times, we truly need to understand a character to understand where their actions may come from. An example of a well thought out storyline is from “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” where we meet a character A and B and see how their story develops. After having this whole romantic comedy scheme be executed and audiences may feel happy for the couple, we meet a character C, that eventually has audiences debating whether they are thinking in the place of a good or bad person, as that character C causes for the storyline to diverge into an unexpected outcome. By the filmmaker giving us the point of view of both characters, we then further understand why both of them would do what they would resort to in times of anger and frustration in the film and we are left to our own judgment who is the good or bad person in this film.
In addition to a well thought out storyline goes dialogue. Dialogue help enhance the storyline and further explain the plot more than body language, costume, setting, or even context can do so. Without dialogue, and the drama within it, audiences wouldn’t be able to appreciate or immerse themselves in the fiery feelings that either character may be feeling at the time.
(Ex: In Donald Petrie’s 2003 film, “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” the use of this scene filled with dialogue between both characters, allows for viewers to completely comprehend their anger yet humor when brought together.)
Lastly, camera techniques and editing are another pair that go hand-in-hand when carrying out the story of any romantic comedy. Close-ups and medium shots are constantly used as this sub-genre is carried through by emotions, may it be of happiness, heartbreak, or even pettiness. Throughout close-ups, audiences can see and analyze the facial expressions of characters. Through medium shots, audiences can also analyze the body language of characters and determine if they feel nervous or confident in that scene. Besides camera shots, editing is also a very important part of making these films, as how they tend to be very dialogue heavy, the use of techniques like shot reverse shots, are needed for continuity and for viewers to completely engage in what is going on.
Marketing:
One of the main marketing strategies that characterizes a good and even classic romantic comedy are the movie posters. Although due to the lack of movie posters of any kind as the world is modernizing and gearing towards streaming services instead of theatres, the romantic comedies that millions enjoy even years after they were released, share unique posters that become part of their memories. In addition, due to the popularity of these films, the genre, trope, and typically the actors casted for these roles, that entire scheme allows for marketers to not have to reach above and beyond to sell a romantic comedy. Typically, a clever and memorable poster, alongside a star studded cast/protagonists allow for these movies to sell.
(Ex: The 2006 film, “Failure to Launch,” was marketed by both schemes mentioned above. With the help of the casting of Academy Award winning actor, Matthew McConaughey and icon for many, Sarah Jessica Parker, hence their names standing out, allows for people to be attracted to his romantic comedy. In addition, the clever way in which Parker attempts to “launch” McConaughey, adds cleverness into the first impression towards the film.)
Samples of great romantic comedies:
“When Harry Met Sally” begins when Harry meets Sally way back when in college in order to go on a car ride from Chicago to New York. Within that extensive car ride, they get to know each other but eventually go their own ways. From that point to the next ten years, their relationship contains multiple of those bumps I mentioned earlier, which also puts it to the test. During these years, we see how they run into each other in different parts in their lives, as if they were to have multiple “meet cutes,” how they come across bumps along the road, and reach a happy ending. Not only does that make it a classic rom com, but it stars both Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, two outstanding actors, who would have contributed to the success of the film in its moment.
“Pretty Woman” was a modern day Cinderella-like story in its time. When businessman Edward look for extra company on the streets of Hollywood, Vivian appears into his life. After Vivian agrees to Edward’s proposal for her to stay with him during the weekend, they both come to find out their similarities and differences, and from there is history and a happily ever after, of course! What works well and makes this film fit in perfectly into the glass slipper of romantic comedies (no pun intended), is the Cinderella trope it follows. The protagonists being from two differentt worlds, one being in a bad situation and the other being the prince charming to save her, is what makes this film such an archetype within this sub-genre. Alongside the iconic poster that perfectly describes the dynamic between both characters, the ongoing and fluid dialogue between them both throughout the film, and the protagonists consisting of the one and only, Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, allows for this film to be a classic in the romantic comedy field.
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