I'm a big fan of romantic comedies, but while I like many of recent years, I tend to draw my inspiration from the screwball comedies of the '30s and early '40s, films such as "My Man Godfrey," "Libeled Lady," "Twentieth Century" and "His Girl Friday" and stars such as Carole Lombard, William Powell, Myrna Loy and Cary Grant. Anyone else here have that predeliction?
Screenwriting : Writing romantic comedies -- old school? by Vincent Paterno
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Vincent: Those late 30's early 40's screwball comedies are great. I like 60's and early 70's westerns and action movies by directors like Sam Peckinpah and Don Siegel. The Wild Bunch, The Getaway, Coogan's Bluff and the first Dirty Harry are some of my favorites.
Aren't all romantic-comedies "screwball", at least to some degree? Those chemicals and emotions sure can make us do some crazy things.
I just saw "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2". Love it. Critics don't know jack. The audience does. and the movie is a hit. Movie fans want simple honest laughs. Write something u believe in or experienced. Good Luck
I've read Mermit's blog for some time and also appreciate his fondness for the genre. And I should also note there are some superb romantic comedy actors of more recent generations that I admire, such as Goldie Hawn, her daughter Kate Hudson, Anna Faris ("Mom" is my favorite current sitcom) and Bill Hader, to name a few.
Avoid the "chick flick" stereotypes and write strong characters of both genders, and things should be easier.
chick flicks? everyone is a Mary Sue type character, kick ass female. my suggestion write for the future. what will people do in 3 years from today? I say 3 years because thats how long it takes to make a studio movie from script to screen. and 3 years is a fast movie production!
Preferably the funnier ones -- and such books do exist! The genre is more than bodice-rippers.