When romance meets comedy, I’ll have what she’s having

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, there is no better week than this to present the best classic romantic comedy. While the winner isn’t exactly deemed an “older” film, this movie had all the aspects of a champion. When Harry Met Sally only made the No. 6 slot on AFI’s 100 Years…100 Laughs list; however, I believe this romantic comedy is the most enjoyable for both men and women.

This 1989 classic broke the icky unrealistic-love stereotype romantic comedies are almost always doomed with. The plot revolves around Harry Burns and Sally Albright, a mismatched pair who end up driving from Chicago to New York together after college graduation. Throughout a span of 12 years Harry and Sally try to answer the age-old question: Can men and women really be friends?

Filled with witty dialogue written by the late Nora Ephron, Harry and Sally partake in the ultimate battle of the sexes. What works so well in this movie is the fact neither the male or the female is favored in the fight. While written by Ephron, the movie is directed by Rob Reiner. By having a female writer and male director, gender balances each other out. There is no moment where it is clear the female is right or vice versa. This creates a movie relatable for both men and women, the perfect Valentine’s Day date night.

Another great aspect of the film is the precise characterization of not only the leads, but the supporting cast as well. In typical film cliché fashion, the lead character’s best friend is goofy and eccentric, providing mainly the comedy in the genre romantic comedy. However, in When Harry Met Sally, comedian Billy Crystal plays the leading man, delivering a load of laughs with Harry’s pessimistic charm.  Meg Ryan, queen of romantic comedies, doesn’t back down to Crystal as Sally, uptight “thinks she’s low maintenance but really is high maintenance” working woman. The added quirkiness to this film is that the best friends are also just as humorous. As shown in the clip below, Sally and Harry’s friends Marie and Jess shine right next to Crystal and Ryan.

I highly recommend this movie, if not for Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart, then with a group of friends, or alone with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Finally a romantic comedy with the perspective of both genders, this film is not one to miss. I dare you to watch it and try not to quote it in everyday situations afterword.

What do you think? Is When Harry Met Sally the greatest romantic comedy of all time? Can men and women be friends? What are some of your Valentine’s Day favorites?

Prepare for a fright and a bump in the night as horror movies become truly psychotic

One of the more controversial genres of film, horror movies seem to be around for one purpose: to bring our deepest darkest nightmares into the light of reality. The worst feeling after viewing a horror movie is the shock of thinking it could happen to you. The best horror movies are the ones that make us check behind our shoulder in a dark parking lot or peek out our window when things are getting just a little too quiet. Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho creates such a reaction out of us. This 1960s horror flick filled with suspense and conspiracy tops AFI’s scariest films of all time.

Beginning on a typical Friday afternoon, Psycho follows Marion Crane, a Phoenix secretary filled with anxiety over the stolen $40,000 lying in the purse next to her, as she travels to California. Along the way she checks into an isolated Bates Motel, run by a strange young man and his controlling mother.

The way the audience can relate to themes and aspects present in Psycho helped this film reach the No. 1 spot. Before the 1960s, horror films rarely or never touched on real-life situations such as murder, conspiracy or human behavior. Instead, horror films consisted of werewolves, Frankenstein, Dracula and other creepy-crawly monsters. By the ‘50s, horror films adapted to the growing interest in “outsiders,” specifically aliens. Films such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers became popular thrills.

But with Psycho, filmmakers took inspiration from both real-life occurrences, such as the serial killer Ed Gein, and modern-day issues. Audiences respond better to scare when they connect with the situation. Having common characters in common locations causes the audience to picture themselves in the movie. For instance, the iconic shower scene takes a regular everyday task and causes movie viewers to think twice about what’s behind the shower curtain.

My view on the film is similar to those of many past critics. Even watching it today, with the black-and-white cinematography and quick camera shot changes, Psycho presents a suspenseful edge-of-your seat thriller with a twist ending for all to enjoy. I appreciate a film that gives me the chance for an “A-ha!” moment, and Psycho’s startling ending did just that. Using themes such as dominance over others, trust and conspiracy, Hitchcock guides the audience through twists and turns, and it does indeed get bumpy. Through a notable score of screeching music chords played on various string instruments, viewers will literally jump in their seats at the surprises that await them at the Bates Motel.

While not currently available on Netflix, Psycho can be rented from your local library. If you haven’t seen it, give this dark thriller a chance. If you have, I’d love to know your thoughts on the film. And for anyone dying for a more inside look at the Bates, check out the TV series Bates Motel. The second season premieres March 3 while the first season is now available to stream on Netflix.

Comedy week ignites a fire of farce and mistaken identity

The 1959 comedy Some Like It Hot may not cause actual burns, but the film has scorched its competition for AFI’s 100 Funniest American Movies of All Time. Some Like It Hot follows the story of two male musicians who disguise as women after accidentally witnessing the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Never seemingly outdated, the plot stays fresh and relatable to a majority of comedy lovers to this day.

Not only does Some Like It Hot feature a strong and historical cast, including Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, the film also contains multiple types of comedy, making it suitable for all different kinds of viewers. If you are a fan of slapstick, you will enjoy the charming banter and physical comedy between main characters Joe and Jerry. For viewers who marvel at ironic situations and observational humor, watching the short, plump man named Beanstalk and listening to Sugar’s conversations with the two men she presumes are women companions will sure have you rolling.

This film has excelled at using screwball comedy to pull the viewer right into the time period and farcical situations these characters present.  Screwball comedy is described as a new take on the everlasting battle of the sexes.  This form of comedy usually depicts a central male character’s masculinity challenged.  A technique of doing this is fast-paced repartee and slapstick.  The clip below demonstrates the screwball humor and challenge of mistaken identities.

 

While many films set in the Great Depression era involved the screwball comedy genre, Some Like It Hot, exclusively inspired current films we view today such as the 2004 crime comedy White Chicks.  This is interesting considering Some Like It Hot was actually extremely similar to the 1951 German film “Fanfares Der Liebe.” Director Billy Wilder made note that he had not seen the previous German film before creating Some Like It Hot; however, multiple similarities between the two films could possibly suggest otherwise.  Whatever the case, this plot has managed to catch on with the ever-changing modern audience.

I would agree with AFI’s selection of Some Like It Hot for best classic American comedy, and I only recently viewed this film. The light-hearted humor creates a film appropriate for young and old viewers. While considered a comedy, I think the film touches on all different genres for all movie fans. Along with the humor, romance and crime are interlaced into the action-filled 1929 gangster setting.

One of the most important elements to this film would be the underlying message of how women were treated in this era. The film shows how men viewed women as objects over equals. A great example of this can be seen in the bellhop’s persistent flirting with “Josephine,” Joe’s disguise. Watching Joe and Jerry experience this treatment is a humorous take on showing the unjust gender roles of the time.

Now it is time for your input. Do you also believe Some Like It Hot is the best comedic classic? If not, what are some classic American films you deem as funniest of all time? Take the poll below to vote for your favorite!