Everyone Has Reversals

Story Lessons, Big and Small (Warning: Spoilers!)

May 27, 2008

One Bride's Redemption

Well, I'm newly engaged. Thank you. You're too kind.

To celebrate, let's talk about
27 Dresses, which I finally rented! I think there's a lot to like about this rom-com. I did laugh; thank God. And I liked that the hero had real choices to make (beyond "Hmm, do I pick the schmuck I came in with, or the mensch I just met?").

I also thought it was smart to have the rival/villain (the lying bridezilla sister) be redeemed in the end. Personally, I don't think enough villains get a shot at redemption these days. And I'm wondering if partly that's because it's tough to do.


So I present, for your consideration, 3 Easy Steps to Redeeming Your Rom-Com Rival (a la
27 Dresses):

1. Have the hero humiliate/punish the rival in a way that’s over the top (suddenly we feel badly for the rival, and upset at the hero – the hero doesn’t do this!). This creates sympathy for the rival, while providing a handy "darkest hour" for the hero.


2. Have the rival take responsibility for their actions, and have them acknowledge what it is that has led them to behave this way. Understanding + accountability = potential for change... and we'll hope they do.


3. Have the rival support the hero in the end. That's coming full circle, baby.


Now, go. Use this guide for good.

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5 Comments:

Blogger Averyslave said...

!!!

Congrats!

4:25 p.m.  
Blogger Jennica said...

Thank you, A!! I've missed you, be in touch!

4:49 p.m.  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congrats on the engagement!

I actually saw 27 dresses recently too (but being a guy will strongly deny that fact in court).

I had mixed thoughts on it. There were things in it that I liked - such as the sister's redemption like you mentioned. Still, at times it almost felt like a 'best of' of other rom-coms. For example, the everybody-join-in-singing scene (similar to best friend's wedding and many more) or the try-on-all-the dresses scene (similar to four weddings & a funeral etc.).

Still, I guess something doesn't always have to be totally original to be enjoyable.

9:00 p.m.  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have to say that I rented this movie because of your comments about the hero doing something awful... you're right, we just don't see this enough and I like that. I like that Jane does the thing that we all secretly wish we could do, and it's (for me) equal parts satisfying and totally awful. It was one of the complex, complicated moments that rom-coms don't usually have the guts to do.

And the movie was totally worth it just for the "electric boobs"... it kinda get me thinking...

11:15 a.m.  
Blogger Christina said...

Belated congrats!

I have to see 27 Dresses. My hairstylist loved 27 Dresses, and so did some other non-writing women in my life, so something worked in it. I'll watch it with your notes in mind.

7:19 a.m.  

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