How to Ruin a Love Comedy: A Guide to Subverting Romantic Tropes
Love comedies, with their predictable plots and heartwarming endings, often feel like comfort food for the soul. But what if you want to shake things up? What if you want to take the familiar tropes of the genre and twist them into something deliciously subversive? This guide explores how to effectively ruin – or rather, reimagine – a love comedy, creating something both funny and unexpectedly poignant.
What are the classic tropes of a love comedy?
Before we explore how to subvert them, let's identify the usual suspects. Most love comedies rely on a set of predictable elements, including:
- The "meet-cute": A chance encounter that sparks an initial connection.
- The will-they-won't-they dynamic: The central conflict driving the narrative.
- Misunderstandings and comedic conflict: Obstacles preventing the couple from getting together.
- The quirky best friend(s): Offering support and comedic relief.
- The happy ending: The couple ultimately finds love and happiness together.
How can I subvert these tropes to ruin a love comedy? (and make it better)
1. Subvert the "Meet-Cute": Instead of a charming, chance encounter, have them meet in a bizarre or humiliating situation. Think a public meltdown, a disastrous blind date set up by well-meaning but clueless friends, or a shared arrest for a minor offense. The initial awkwardness lays a foundation for a more realistic and relatable relationship.
2. Embrace the Unresolved Tension: Instead of a neat resolution, leave the "will-they-won't-they" lingering. The film could end with them acknowledging their feelings, but not necessarily acting on them. Or perhaps they do get together, only to face the inevitable challenges of a real relationship, leaving the audience questioning the ultimate "happily ever after."
3. Make the Misunderstandings Meaningful: Don't use misunderstandings as cheap gags. Instead, use them to explore deeper character flaws and communication issues. These misunderstandings should have consequences that impact the characters' growth and development throughout the narrative.
4. Give the Best Friend a Story: Instead of a stereotypical sidekick, give the best friend their own compelling arc and even a love interest. This avoids reducing them to a plot device and adds layers of complexity to the narrative.
5. Reimagine the Happy Ending: A truly subversive love comedy might not end with a traditional happy ending. The characters might not end up together, or their relationship might be complicated and messy, reflecting the realities of modern relationships. This leaves the audience contemplating the complexities of love rather than simply accepting a neat bow on the narrative.
What if the characters don't end up together? Is that still a love comedy?
Absolutely! The focus shifts from the romantic relationship to the individual journeys of self-discovery and growth. The humor can still be present, but the emotional core becomes more nuanced and thought-provoking. The "love" in the "love comedy" can encompass a wide range of relationships – platonic, familial, and self-love. A focus on character development and relatable struggles is far more engaging than just another predictable romantic fairytale.
How do I make sure my subversion feels intentional and not just random chaos?
The key is to have a clear understanding of the tropes you're subverting and a strong thematic core. The subversion shouldn't be gratuitous; it should serve a purpose, whether it's to comment on societal expectations of relationships, explore complex emotions, or simply offer a more honest and relatable portrayal of love.
By understanding the classic elements of a love comedy and strategically subverting them, you can create a film that's both hilarious and emotionally resonant, leaving a lasting impact on the audience long after the credits roll. The goal isn't to ruin the genre but to elevate it, making it more insightful and engaging for a modern audience.
