by Michael Hoffman
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, the movie theaters will commence their inevitable release of several romantic comedies, most of which will likely stick to a formulaic and predictable plot that is dictated by the conventions of its genre. Although the genre has seen innovative streaks in recent years from films such as (500) Days of Summer (Webb, 2009) or Silver Linings Playbook (Russell, 2012), perhaps more than most genres, the modern mainstream romantic comedy ends up limiting itself to a rather common template. So if you decide to attend one of the recently released romantic comedies with your significant other to celebrate Valentine’s Day, be sure to keep your eyes pealed for these conventions of the romantic comedy genre:
1.) The “Meet Cute” – This plot point of boy meets girl is obvious and necessary to facilitate the relationships developed during the course of the film, but it is often presented in a contrived and unusually awkward manner. This humorous sense of awkwardness is only heightened by the fact that the two potential partners are always depicted as having some form of contrasting personalities or beliefs, which contributes to the notion of “opposites attract” (I know, it is exceptionally corny). That means that if the guy is presented as a testosterone-laced bro, the girl will always be a more sensitive and understanding figure.
2.) Reflective Friends – Both the boy and girl tend to have their respective best friends that are secondary to the plot of the story, but guaranteed to provide humorous commentary on how ridiculous the situation is between the two leads. In addition, these friends typically attempt to offer advice that is usually of little value.
3.) The Exit and Chase – At some point towards the end of the second act in the film, the boy and girl will encounter some sort of plot complication as a result of miscommunication. Due to this miscommunication or some previously made commitment, either the boy or girl will decide that they must immediately leave whatever location the movie is centered around, casting doubt on any hope that their relationship can be restored. But fret not, because along with the certain exit comes the inevitable chase. In this section of the film, whichever character is not leaving will be required to make a mad dash to wherever the other character is in order to stop them. Typically the ridiculousness of this chase will be the most humorous part of the film, whether or not it was intended to be funny.
4.) The Speech and Kiss – When the “chaser” eventually catches up to the “chased,” an epic verbal declaration of love is sure to follow. In fact, the speech will likely be so epic that it will dispel any remaining notions of such events actually occurring in reality. This will then lead into the grand conclusion where any trace of the miscommunication will be forgotten and the rest of the movie will be filled with lengthy kisses.
1.) The “Meet Cute” – This plot point of boy meets girl is obvious and necessary to facilitate the relationships developed during the course of the film, but it is often presented in a contrived and unusually awkward manner. This humorous sense of awkwardness is only heightened by the fact that the two potential partners are always depicted as having some form of contrasting personalities or beliefs, which contributes to the notion of “opposites attract” (I know, it is exceptionally corny). That means that if the guy is presented as a testosterone-laced bro, the girl will always be a more sensitive and understanding figure.
2.) Reflective Friends – Both the boy and girl tend to have their respective best friends that are secondary to the plot of the story, but guaranteed to provide humorous commentary on how ridiculous the situation is between the two leads. In addition, these friends typically attempt to offer advice that is usually of little value.
3.) The Exit and Chase – At some point towards the end of the second act in the film, the boy and girl will encounter some sort of plot complication as a result of miscommunication. Due to this miscommunication or some previously made commitment, either the boy or girl will decide that they must immediately leave whatever location the movie is centered around, casting doubt on any hope that their relationship can be restored. But fret not, because along with the certain exit comes the inevitable chase. In this section of the film, whichever character is not leaving will be required to make a mad dash to wherever the other character is in order to stop them. Typically the ridiculousness of this chase will be the most humorous part of the film, whether or not it was intended to be funny.
4.) The Speech and Kiss – When the “chaser” eventually catches up to the “chased,” an epic verbal declaration of love is sure to follow. In fact, the speech will likely be so epic that it will dispel any remaining notions of such events actually occurring in reality. This will then lead into the grand conclusion where any trace of the miscommunication will be forgotten and the rest of the movie will be filled with lengthy kisses.
