Crafting a Unique Romantic Comedy: How to Dodge the Clichés
Romantic comedies, affectionately known as rom-coms, have been a staple of cinema since the genre’s conception. Over the years, audiences have been treated to the warmth and laughter that comes from these feel-good films. However, despite their popularity, rom-coms have also garnered a reputation for predictability, often following a well-trodden path that can lead to cliché territory. So, how do aspiring writers and filmmakers craft a unique romantic comedy that stands out? Here are some innovative strategies to help dodge the clichés and breathe fresh life into this beloved genre.
Flip the Script on Traditional Character Roles
One of the first ports of call for a fresher perspective is to reexamine the archetypes traditionally prescribed to characters in rom-coms. The genre often relies on the “damsel in distress” being saved by her knight in shining armor, or the man who only realizes what he’s missing after a grand gesture. Flipping these roles, or better yet, creating characters who defy these binaries altogether, can offer a more interesting narrative direction. Why not have the protagonists save each other, or themselves? Characters that possess depth and defy expectation make for a more compelling story and can lead to unpredicted plot twists.
Explore Unconventional Settings and Contexts
Much of the charm in romantic comedies comes from their settings—an enchanting foreign city, a cozy, small town, or a bustling urban metropolis. While these settings can provide a scenic backdrop for romance to bloom, they can also venture into the realm of predictability. To create a unique rom-com, consider placing your story in less conventional locales. Imagine a romance blossoming on a scientific expedition in Antarctica, amid a political campaign, or within the confines of a virtual reality game. Unusual settings not only provide a new canvas for storytelling but also introduce unique challenges and dynamics for your characters to navigate.
Incorporate Diverse Relationships
The landscape of love and relationships in the real world is rich and varied, encompassing more than just the heteronormative narratives traditionally explored in romantic comedies. Exploring a wider spectrum of relationships, including LGBTQ+ love stories, interracial couples, or relationships involving people with disabilities, can offer fresh perspectives and experiences. Diversifying the kinds of relationships portrayed not only makes rom-coms more inclusive but also opens up a myriad of new storytelling opportunities.
Subvert Expectations with Plot Twists
A classic rom-com formula often involves some sort of misunderstanding or conflict that the protagonists must overcome to find their happily ever after. While conflict is a necessary component of storytelling, the nature and resolution of these challenges can be ripe for innovation. Introducing unexpected plot twists, or having the characters resolve their issues in unconventional ways, can subvert audience expectations and keep them engaged. Perhaps the resolution doesn’t involve a grand gesture at an airport, but a quiet and sincere conversation. Or maybe the real love story wasn’t the focal point but a subplot that took the audience by surprise.
Expand Beyond Romance
At its core, the appeal of a romantic comedy comes not from the romance alone but from the combination of romance with comedy, as well as other elements that can engage the audience. Expanding the scope of your story to include themes such as self-discovery, familial bonds, or social commentary can enrich your narrative. By weaving these elements seamlessly into the love story, your rom-com can offer a multidimensional experience that resonates on multiple levels.
Crafting a unique romantic comedy requires a balance of innovation and adherence to the aspects that make the genre so beloved. By challenging traditional norms, exploring new settings and subjects, and enriching the narrative with depth and diversity, filmmakers and writers can create thought-provoking, laughter-filled movies that defy cliché and capture hearts.
