First off: I want to apologize for having taken so much time to write a new entry (it’s inexcusable, I know). It’s been a long and fun-filled FIVE MONTHS, but the more time that past my previous article, the harder it became to get back into writing regularly. Forgive me.
Now, let’s talk about romantic comedies…
The Blockbuster formula goes like this: boy meets girl (and they usually don’t get along at first), boy somehow charms girl, they fall in love, something gets in the way of their relationship, but in the end love prevails, and they live happily ever after. Oh, and occasionally there’s a funny line or two somewhere in there to meet the ‘comedic quota.’ This formula works for some movies, but it gets pretty boring when you see so many that follow this exact direction. Do not think that all romantic comedies are like this (and that Hugh Grant stars in each of them); some are actually good!
“I'm lookin' at your face and I just wanna smash it. I just wanna fuckin' smash it with a sledgehammer and squeeze it. You're so pretty.”
That’s not your typical pillow talk, and that’s what makes it funny. Here’s a list of great titles--in chronological order--you can watch on your next movie date (I won’t spoil them in the unlikely event that you haven’t already seen them):
- Harold and Maude (1971): Dark humor. Strange romance. This classic film is about a wealthy death-obsessed teen and a quirky eighty-year old lady; I guess love knows no age limits.
- Annie Hall (1977): Woody Allen’s best movie (in my humble opinion). It’s about the complexity of love, and how people come to fall into it. Do opposites really attract?
- When Harry Met Sally (1989): Another classic, and I’m sure you’ve seen this one too. Can men and women be friends without there being any attraction?
- Groundhog Day (1993): I never used to think of this as one, but it has everything a romantic comedy should: a metaphysical struggle, self-improvement, and Bill Murray.
- Mr. Jealousy (1997): A very honest (possibly exaggerated) account of a jealous man and his new lover.
- There’s Something About Mary (1998): We’ve all seen this one, so I’ll spare you my attempt at introductory witticism.
- High Fidelity (2000): A great adaptation of the book by Nick Hornby. And an honest account of coping with heartbreak.
- Punch Drunk Love (2002): Adam Sandler’s best performance ever. Here’s a romantic comedy about to check into a mental institute.
- Intolerable Cruelty (2003): Another offbeat romance story, featuring a divorce lawyer and a professional gold-digger.
- Paris, Je T’Aime (2006): Although a collection of shorts, of which some are not even comedic and others not romantic, these are beautiful stories set in the ‘most romantic city’ of all. My favourite is “Tuileries” by Joel and Ethan Coen.
That concludes my list. If you can think of titles that should be on the list, please let me know; I would love to hear your suggestions.
Here are some titles I am looking forward to seeing: True Grit by the Coen Brothers, the animated My Dog Tulip, and though his last few have let me down, I am excited to see Woody Allen’s You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger. That’s all for now. I’ll be back before long.
