Romantic+Comedy+-+Plot+&+Theme

= Romantic Comedy - Plot and Theme = Romantic comedy refers to films that involve the ups and downs of love and dating in a comical way. In most romantic comedies, there are two main characters, male and female who fall in love. Usually, both are very attractive and charming. Various obstacles such as miscommunication or misunderstanding between the two characters keep them from being a happy couple. These obstacles are used to create humour during the film and to build up the sense of relief which the audience experiences during the film's final resolution. This is usually very effective since generally, romantic comedies have happy endings.

'Pillow Talk' and 'The Holiday' are the two films which our group has chosen to represent this genre. Despite the fact that these films are from two different time periods, they both include the characteristics commonly found in romantic comedies. Romantic comedies often begin with a peek into the lives of the leads before they have met. (show clips) The characters are always connected in some way. The story of 'The Holiday', centers on four characters who are all connected. There are two female leads who swap houses as part of a house exchange vacation. One woman, Amanda, falls in love with the brother of Iris, her exchange partner. Meanwhile, Iris ends up with a business associate of Amanda's. In the film 'Pillow Talk', there are two central characters who have spoken to each other quite often as they share a party line. The argue over phone usage, and they dislike each other intensely. True to the genre, they do not meet in person until later on in the film as the result of a coincidental event, also known as a "meet cute". (clip from films) Once the audience realizes that there is a potential romance between the two characters, new dilemmas and obstacles are introduced.

Obstacles in romantic comedies create hilarious situations, as well as suspenseful complications in the relationships between couples. In both of our selected films, dilemmas such as misunderstandings, deception, and other potential partners stand in the way of relationships. (show clips) Eventually, closer to the end of the film, one major incident occurs which causes the audience, and characters to believe that the relationship is over. (show clips) This is when the main characters undergo a change, usually as a result from the fear of losing the other person. (show examples)

One major theme reflected in many romantic comedies is that true love can conquer all barriers put in its way. Another common theme is that a happy ending is a possibility for everyone,especially for those who are willing to grow and change. Finding a soulmate is not an impossibility. All of these themes require a happy ending which nearly all romantic comedies have. There are often secondary characters who find their perfect match as well.(show clip) But most importantly, the couple which the audience has watched go through highs and lows of love with a comical air, finally is united. The ending is of these films are usually quite hopeful and cheery. The message is often quite shallow and predictable leaving the plot more significant than the theme.