Romantic Comedies, or romcoms, are feel-good movies that most people enjoy, even though they are very similar to each other... The basic plot of a Romcom is that two characters meet, part ways due to an argument or other obstacle, then at the end, realize their love for one another and reunite.
Romcoms are mostly popular between teenage girls and couples. For couples, it creates a nice atmosphere to enjoy each others company. Romcoms also often explore first love, friendship, and self-discovery, which are relevant for teenage girls.
Genre conventions - content
Romcoms crutial element is two loveable characters. These movies center around a romantic couple that the audience root for.
EX: Jenna and Matt (13 Going on 30)
A "meet cute" is when the two characters meet in a cute way. Usually, a meet cute will be awkward, an embarrasing situation, a funny misunderstanding, or mistaken identity situation.
EX: Wedding planner Mary gets her Gucci heel stuck in a manhole cover at the same exact moment a dumpster is barreling down a hilly San Francisco street, heading right toward her. Then, Steve, comes to her rescue by shoving her out of the way. (The Wedding Planner)
The conflict is the most stressful part of the movie. There's often a central conflict or a series of misunderstandings that keep the couple apart or make their relationship seem unlikely, adding to the story's drama.
EX: In the movie "50 First Dates", Lucy suffers from short term memory lost, which makes relationship with Henry seems almost impossible.
Grand Gestures are a huge part of romcoms. In the climax, one character makes a big romantic gesture to prove their love, often leading to a dramatic reunion or declaration of feelings.
EX: In the movie "Anyone But You" when Ben got over his fear of heights and flew on a helicopter to Bea to confess his love for her.
Genre Conventions - productions techniques
- Romcoms are usually centered around a female character. The audience follow the point of view of the female character instead of male since most of the target audiece is girls.
- The lighting would be high key lighting or natural lighting as these types of lighting bring out the bright atmosphere that is needed in romcom. Romcom's are less serious then other genres, and are designed primarily to entertain the audience.
- Romcoms films use various kind of editing and transitions. Usually the pace is not as fast as an action movie. Cross cuts and fade out would be mostly used.
Marketing
The marketing logic behind using characters faces on romantic comedy movie posters involves a few psychological and aesthetic factors: Character focus, emotional connection, showing the cast, and visual organization. Usually on a romcom movie poster, you will be able to see the two main characters looking at each other or interacting in some way, foreshadowing on their relationship.
EX: The Proposal (2009)
Samples
The film 13 Going on 30 (2004) is a feel-good movie about a girl named Jenna who turned into a grownup overnight and finds out the life she dreamed about are not that fun... The first thing she does as an adult is looking for her childhood bestfriend, Matt. Their "meet cute" is an awkward situation where Jenna had to lie that she's a pizza delivery guy so Matt will let her in his apartement. He helps her to find herself in this new reality that she was thrown into, and the more they spend time together, the more they realize that they are in love with each other and are ment to be together. But unfortunately, theres a problem... Matt is engaged to another woman, which creates a conflict where Matt needs to pick between Jenna and his fiancée. Luckly, Jenna returned to be 13 again and kissed Matt the moment she saw him. The kiss is a grand gesture because Jenna cares a lot about other peoples opinions and she was ashamed in Matt since his not popular. But after turning 30 and back, she didn't care as much and just wanted to be with him.
10 Thing I Hate About You (1999) is an emontional movie about an intelligent girl named Kat who doesn't attract many boys because of her sarcasam and unapologetic attitude. Unfortunately for her younger sister, Bianca, house rules say that she can't date until Kat has a boyfriend, so strings are pulled to set her up with someone, Patrick. The more time they spend with each other, the deeper Kat and Patrick fall for each other. The conflict happens when Kat finds out Patrick is getting paid to take her out. She is very upset and stops talking to him. Fortunately, Patrick gets her to forgive him by making a grand gesture and buying her the guitar she wanted, showing that he paid attention to her interests and genuinely cares. Another famous grand gesture from this movie is the serenade, when Patrick publicly sings Kat the song "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" over the school's PA system, complete with a marching band. This shows his feeling for her and the willingness to look foolish to make her smile.
Some Romantic Comedies To Consider:
She's the Man (2006)
Love Actually (2003)
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Notting Hill (1999)
27 Dresses (2008)
Clueless (1995)
