Task 2: Research into Existing Products

Romantic Comedies

A romantic comedy was a hybrid which has now been turned into a genre, based on the two genres romance and comedy. Romantic comedies usually begin with what is known as the "meet cute" situation. This involves the two protagonists; a man and a woman who meet due to an awkward, humerous situation or are involved in a disagreement of some sort due to a personality clash. They are usually hesitant to become romantically involved with each other because they believe that they do not like one and other. The ending of a romantic comedy is the most important part of the film, it is where either the man or the woman usually goes running after the other to declare their love for one and other.

The top 10 most successful romantic comedies according to boxofficemojo.com are;

1. My big fat Greek wedding



2. What women want



3. Hitch



4. Pretty woman



5. There's something about Mary



6. The proposal



7. Sex and the city



8. Runaway bride



9. Knocked up



10. As good as it gets

Romantic comedies are made to look like an everyday life situation. They are set in suburbia but it is always a nice, clean location. It is usually in a big city where work is everyone's motivation and a hectic lifestyle is normal.

The weather is sunny and the lighting is bright to give off a sense of happiness. The only occasions a dark or rainy atmosphere will be created is if the two lovers experience a stumbling block in them realising their love for each other.

A lot of close up shots are used in romantic comedies to show characters feelings and emotions. The films are mainly based on conversation so shot reverse shot is a common feature.

The making of a romantic comedy is not as easy as it sounds though, because the ending is a cliche and the audience are expecting it, the other areas of the film have to be excellent to keep audiences watching. For example the factors that get in the way of the two potential lovers being together have to get more extreme and exciting. Every new romantic comedy made has to be a touch better than the last one made or people won't watch it due to the fact it is too similar and predictable.

Bridget Jone's diary

I found out my information using these sources;

www.filmbug.com/romanticcomedies

www.boxofficemojo.com/romanticcomedies