Conventions of the Romantic Comedy genre A Romantic Comedy, also known as a ‘Rom Com’ are also, alternatively known as ‘Chick Flicks’ The Romantic Comedy genre are films which contain light-hearted humor, they centre around this idea that true love can overcome any obstacles which are thrown at them. The definition of a Rom Com, can be summarized as ‘a funny film with a complicated love story, that somehow ends up with a happy ending’. The screenwriters, and Director of the Rom Com, will make it obvious that the two protagonists were meant for each other. This then makes the audience feel as though the two protagonists were also meant for each other, this is because the Director will create different hints that suggest this theory, such as: them having a common interest, constantly bumping into each other, making one another laugh..
Evolution and sub genres Extreme Circumstances – Some Romantic Comedies have adopted an extreme or strange circumstance for the main characters. This is shown in ‘Warm Bodies’ whereby the protagonist is a Zombie who falls in love with a human girl, just after he has eaten her boyfriend. This makes the film stand out from other Rom Coms as it has a unique storyline. Serious Elements – Other remakes of Romantic Comedies include plots with similar elements, however, they explore more adult themes, such as marriage or disability. For example, the film ‘Knocked Up’ contains these adult themes mentioned. Flipping Conventions – In other romantic comedies the conventions of a traditional Rom Com can be flipped. For example, in ‘500 days of Summer’ the two love interests do not end up together and do not receive their happy ending.
Codes and Conventions The plot of a Romantic Comedy • There is the typical ‘boy meets girl’ scenario, these are the protagonists of the film. This hybrid genre stays true to the original plot of a ‘Romantic’ film. • The film is usually set in a location that the audience can relate to, for example, an office or just in their general day to day life. • Due to the fact that this genre is a hybrid of, Romantic and Comedic elements, there are a lot of funny sexual innuendos, this stays true to the original plot of a ‘Comedy’ film. • In most Rom Coms, we see the film from the point of view of the female protagonist, this is because the target audience of a Rom Com is mainly females. This is true to the ‘Romantic’ genre. • Throughout the film, there will be obstacles that will segregate the two protagonists until they realise their love for each other. This results in the film ending with a happy ending, either a marriage, a relationship or a baby.
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