Before I start, a few notes: first, a shout out to Meredith at Forever Classics for this great meme. I've had a lot of fun answering these questions. Second, there are so many great films, scenes and actors that it becomes extremely hard to choose only one. Therefore, I've come up with a simple way to include as many as I can: if I've mentioned a film (or anything) in one answer, I won't be mentioning it again, unless there is absolutely no doubt it is my one favorite pick for another question.
Example: Atonement for best score - it could've made it in the most romantic scene category as well, but by this method, it didn't.
I hope you have as much fun reading this as I had writing it. Make sure you answer this meme too!
What is your favorite romantic comedy?
First, Hugh Grant haters to the left - the man is simply irresistible. An adorable dork with a british accent and fluffy hair is leading man material. Not to mention those geek (now seen as hipster) glasses. Always meant to sweep the classy woman off her feet with his facial expressions of panic, his apparent speech problem, and that state of constantly being on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Until reality strikes, and he knows he must do something or the girl will never be his. So he calms down, stops talking nonsense, and tries to avoid digging the awkward holes he frequently buries his head in - and as he finally speaks, between one thousand and twenty three apologies, he manages to say just what she wanted to hear.
On that matter, he almost resembles a Woody Allen character - and indeed Allen must have noticed that himself for they worked together in the hilarious Small Time Crooks - except most people don't see Woody Allen, or his films, as particularly romantic. Well, here goes another possibly unpopular opinion: I do, very much, so Annie Hall had to be here, too. It's hard to think of a more intelligent, funny, and yes, romantic film.
On that matter, he almost resembles a Woody Allen character - and indeed Allen must have noticed that himself for they worked together in the hilarious Small Time Crooks - except most people don't see Woody Allen, or his films, as particularly romantic. Well, here goes another possibly unpopular opinion: I do, very much, so Annie Hall had to be here, too. It's hard to think of a more intelligent, funny, and yes, romantic film.
What is your favorite romantic drama?
Again, an unavoidable tie. This time between the classic Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Before Sunrise.
What I love most about Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is how most of it consists of passionate and intense arguments between all the characters, and it is through these interactions that we discover its story, gradually. It would never work if not for all the actors involved - and for the purpose of this meme, I'll only mention the two leads, and lovers, Brick (Paul Newman) and Maggie (Elizabeth Taylor). Their deep couple issues, that go far beyond his drinking problem, are clear from the start and it is from this low point in their relationship that the plot is built. Every scene between them is bursting with emotion, whether it is concealed or furiously unleashed. It's like they have been waiting for years to pour their hearts out, and now they finally did. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is a clever, sensual, and gripping romance, that could have only been written by the great Tennessee Williams.
Then there's Before Sunrise, a film that takes story development through dialogue to the extreme - the entire movie is one single conversation between a man and a woman that just met. It's hard to pull it off, and said like that I'm sure it sounds incredibly boring. Yet, it is not. In fact, the moment I finished watching it I had to see the sequel, and I did! I watched Before Sunrise and Before Sunset on the same night, and I wished it never ended. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy make a compelling portrait and have such chemistry that nine years later it's still there. And it is one of the few examples of sequels that were as good as the first installment (or very close). I can only imagine what it must have been like for those who actually had to wait nine years until Before Sunset came out.
Worst romance film you've seen?
Gigli. I don't care how you look at it, unless you're mocking it, it will never be funny nor romantic. It's cheesy in the worst way, it tries to be tough but comes through as ridiculous, and it's just... wrong. Everything in it is so, so wrong. To clarify: I don't have anything against Jennifer Lopez, nor Ben Affleck (though I am a much bigger fan of his work as a director than as an actor). The issue I (and every sane person) have with Gigli is not them... it's everything else.
How do you feel about the majority of romantic films being labeled "chick flicks"?
I think it's commonly acknowledged that women are the ones who most watch and like romantic films, read romantic books and dwell in love songs. And that may very well be true, but it is also true that some of the greatest romantic pieces were directed, written and sung by men. I just mentioned Tennessee Williams above. The film, also directed by a man. A more recent example than everyone can relate to, Jane Eyre. The book may have been written by a woman, but look at the way Fukunaga retrieved small details and displayed them in such a gorgeous, romantic way. Same thing goes for Pride and Prejudice. Also, look at Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin... there's no denying there.
So yes, we, women, watch and love those films - but you, men, are the ones who make them.
So yes, we, women, watch and love those films - but you, men, are the ones who make them.
Favorite on-screen couple?
Though they've done only three, and I've only seen two, they sure are the best: Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail are delightful, particularly the first one: they never actually meet until the very end, and yet there so much going on there. How they achieved that is simply unbelievable. I wish they worked together again.
Favorite off-screen couple?
I've answered Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward on the last survey... And I'm going to choose them again! Sorry, but there's no one like these two.
Best kiss in a movie?
Faye Dunaway and Steve McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair: by far, the sexiest film moment I've ever seen. Beautifully shot, capturing the smallest details that display such intense sensations it makes us feel them; outstandingly performed by Dunaway in all her exquisite elegance, silently seducing McQueen's character who tries to resist her with that rugged but charming look, but inevitably fails to do so, and gives in with the best line, let's play something else. All this creates enormous anticipation, so when the kiss finally happens... just watch.
Favorite romantic scene?
There were several candidates here, it was not an easy one. But I have to answer the opening scene in When a Man Loves a Woman. I found it original, for a change, and a nice way to start the film. And it was the first time I saw Andy Garcia outside the gangster scenario. At first I didn't like his character, honestly. I though it was too perfect, like Nora Roberts leading character in Midnight Bayou, Declan Fitzgerald - I'll hold a grudge on that one forever. You see, he had blondish hair, gray eyes, and a very manly jaw. He worked hard, was sweet and smart. And for all that, I hated him. And so I hated Garcia's character too - his lavish looks, kind eyes and successful career as a pilot were despicable. Even when he lost his temper, it was just too good. But in the end, it got better - they worked around it, somehow. And Meg Ryan's character is the perfect counter-weight, she's an alcoholic mess of a mother, but still, you can't hate her. When a Man Loves a Woman is funny at times, but mostly filled with drama, for their lives are far from perfect. And yes, Bolton's cheesy hit is the main theme.
-- watch it --
Who are 2 film characters you wished had gotten together, but never did?
I know it's a movie meme, but I gotta say Ally McBeal and Larry Paul. He was charming, handsome, and crazy enough. That show should've ended in the fourth season, while they were perfectly happy, acting like adorable fools. But if you want a movie answer, it has to be Jack and Ennis, from Brokeback Mountain - that was just cruel.
Two actors you think would have great chemistry, but have never done a film together?
This is really hard one. I'm not sure if this counts, because they did work together, and they even kissed, but he was gay and not meant to be with her, so... it should be fine right? Because Colin Firth and Julianne Moore in A Single Man got me craving for more between the two, and like I said, he was playing a gay man, so imagine what would happen if there was in fact meant to be a romance between them! here's proof
Favorite romantic song in a film (doesn't have to be from a musical)?
Best score from a romance film?
Ah that's easy! Dario Marianelli. Anything he has ever done, and he did some good ones: Atonement, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, all of which are personal favorites. But I'll choose Atonement. I've developed this topic in the first Murmur of Film post. The typewriter is something else.
Most romantic film quote?
I might be the only person on the face of the earth that knows you're the greatest woman on earth. I might be the only one who appreciates how amazing you are in every single thing that you do, and how you are with Spencer, "Spence," and in every single thought that you have, and how you say what you mean, and how you almost always mean something that's all about being straight and good. I think most people miss that about you, and I watch them, wondering how they can watch you bring their food, and clear their tables and never get that they just met the greatest woman alive. And the fact that I get it makes me feel good, about me. (fast forward) You make me want to be better man.
-- Melvin Udall, As Good as it Gets
-- Melvin Udall, As Good as it Gets
A film you'd recommend to watch on Valentine's Day?
But knowing that probably every single person on Earth has watched it already, I'd recommend... Garden State, for those who are looking for something out of the ordinary. I know it may seem depressing at first, but I promise it won't end that way. For oldies lovers, anything with Cary Grant or Paul Newman - but if you are an fan of that time, you probably knew that already. Now there is one film... I honestly can't remember if it has a happy ending... in fact I'm not even sure if you can call it a romance, but I'm gonna say it anyway: I enjoyed The Young Philadelphians, despite of the some negative feedback I've received - not to mention how few people I know have seen it, hence the recommendation. Hum... I kind of suck at recommendations don't I...?
Alright, I'll try it again: if you need something that is clearly happy and recent, then I'd recommend Leap Year. I didn't notice it when it came out, so chances are some of you missed it too. It's sweet, charming, and entertaining. It's not a masterpiece, but I don't think it deserves that nasty one star rating at Rotten Tomatoes either. And it stars Amy Adams, and Matthew Goode, with a lovely accent. Oh and Adam Scott makes an appearance, so if you're a parks and rec's fan, you'll be satisfied. Plus, it's set in Ireland, so it instantly becomes a must-see, at least for me.
