Though they may giggle at her pratfalls, they see themselves in her, too. The unlucky-in-love Brit wraps herself up in bed comforters to down a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, sings karaoke poorly but wholeheartedly, and generally feels uncomfortable in her own skin – that’s an everywoman audiences can relate to. It’s right there in the genre’s name, and comedy is essential to a romantic film’s success – audiences want to be charmed, not reminded of their own relationship woes.Ī rom-com heroine who falls flat as often as she falls in love, Bridget Jones is endearingly embarrassing. If romance is the beating heart of a film, comedy is every other organ that supports it. See also: Judy Greer in “27 Dresses,” Kathryn Hahn in “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” DeWanda Wise in “Someone Great” But Everett elevates the role to nearly run away with the film. True, George fills the stereotypical “Gay Best Friend” role, and faking heterosexuality for much of the film is the punchline to most of his jokes. He may be miffed at Julianne for dragging him into her mess, but he goes along with the facade and takes it to the nth degree. Here is a companion so willing to meet his friend at her most deranged that he pretends to be her extremely eager fiancé. Were it not for the charming George, deliciously portrayed by Rupert Everett, Julia Roberts’ Julianne would be completely unsympathetic, the villain of her own story, a selfish conwoman trying to break up an innocent couple. George ( Rupert Everett ), “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (1997) But, in the end, they do – a rekindling made all the more fiery by the work it took to get there. Will they actually get together? There are moments where we’re unsure. Over the show’s first season, the audience sees the way the couple is held back both externally and internally, their subtle relationship insecurities revealed slowly across six episodes. The obstacles that plague this couple are endless, and a product of the different worlds they inhabit: His glitzy movie star lifestyle clashes with her broke, odd-job existence. When Jessie (Rose Matafeo) gets on that bus to the airport, she is going home, far away from the arms of Tom (Nikesh Patel). Victory tastes sweetest when it’s fought for, and the rivals make it a battle. Nevertheless, as exhibited by “Coming to America,” to appreciate the goodness of Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy), we must have the counterweight of Darryl (Eriq La Salle). ![]() ![]() Of course, sometimes this trope is slightly averted, like in “You’ve Got Mail,” where Tom Hanks seamlessly takes on the role of both love rival and interest. It’s what makes the movie, and any good rom-com, work.ĭarryl (Eriq La Salle), “Coming to America” (1988)Įvery rom-com needs a romantic rival – a person at whom we can joyously jeer while rooting for the main couple. The couple isn’t just believable, we believe in them. It’s not just the script: Lathan and Diggs sell the deep friendship in their mutual casual manner – a nonchalant hand on a shoulder, a secret smile. At a bridal shower, Sidney knows more about Dre than his betrothed, an uncomfortable moment that shows how skewed the situation is. Their love is a playful one, and though he’s with another woman, they are experts in each other the way only long time friends can be. Lucky for us, Gere and Roberts swim in it.Ĭhildhood best friends make the most believable couples, and nothing exhibits that more than “Brown Sugar.” Sanaa Lathan’s Sidney is a passionate hip-hop journalist and Taye Diggs’ Dre an idealistic talent scout for a record company. Good chemistry can’t be manufactured, but audiences will immediately know if it’s not there. The tension between them crackles the improvised scene when Gere snaps a necklace box shut shows an easy playfulness between the two. Who could deny Roberts’ Vivian? She melts both the icy Gere and the audience. Gere reportedly refused the role initially, but he was eventually talked into it by Roberts – her charm was apparently irresistible, and it spills onto the screen. ![]() Together, Richard Gere and Julia Roberts hum synchronously even their chemistry has chemistry, were it possible.
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