The basic plot of a romantic comedy is that two protagonists, usually a man and a woman, meet, part ways due to an argument or other obstacle, then ultimately reunite. Sometimes the two characters meet and become involved initially, then must confront challenges to their union. Sometimes they are hesitant to become romantically involved because they believe that they do not like each other, because one of them already has a partner, or because of social pressures - One of the best examples to illustrate this is When Harry Met Sally (1989). The screenwriters leave clues that suggest that Harry and Sally are, in fact, attracted to each other and that they would be a good love match. The characters often separate or seek time apart to sort out their feelings or deal with the external obstacles to their being together.
While the two leads are separated, one or both of them usually realizes that they are ideal for each other, or that they are in love with each other. Then, after one of the two makes a grand gesture/effort to find the other person and declare their love, or due to a coincidental encounter, the two meet again. Then, perhaps with some comic friction or awkwardness, they declare their love for each other and the film ends happily. The couple does not, however, have to marry, or live together "happily ever after." The ending of a romantic comedy is meant to affirm the primary importance of the love relationship in its characters' lives, even if they physically separate in the end. There are many variations on this basic plotline. Sometimes, instead of the two lead characters ending up in each other's arms, another love match will be made between one of the principal characters and a secondary character e.g. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997). Some comedy films such as Knocked Up (2007), combine themes of romantic comedies and stoner comedies, creating a subgenre that appeals to both men and women.
There are certain actors that are linked to the Romantic Comedy genre, as with other genres (i.e. Christopher Lee, Vincent Price, Janet Leigh and Jamie Lee Curtis are associated with the horror genre). Probably the two most popular Romantic Comedy actors are Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.
Hugh Grant is a British actor that is probably best known for his breakthrough performance in Four Weddings and a Funeral. After the huge success of the film (written by Richard Curtis), Hugh Grant became an overnight star. It could also be argued that this film is the reason he is typecast in so many romantic comedies including:
-Notting Hill
-Bridget Jones’s Diary/Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
-About a Boy
-Love Actually
Julia Roberts became well known during the early 90’s after starring in the romantic comedy Pretty W
oman (1990) opposite Richard Gere. She was the first a
ctress to receive $20 million for a film. The film was Erin Brockovich, this is also the film that earned Julia Roberts her first academy award win for Best Actress. Other romantic comedies she has done include:-My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
-Notting Hill (1999)
-Runaway Bride (1999)
It is estimated that her net worth is around $140 million.
In terms of box office income, Julia Roberts is the most successful actress in the world. As of February 2007, her films have grossed $2,204,631,930 at the American box office making her the biggest female movie star in history and she did it with only 31 films to her name. She was also placed at the pinnacle of the Ulmer Scale, a comprehensive guide to the global star power of actors and directors in independent and studio films created by James Ulmer, ahead of other actors such as Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks. This was partly owing to her ability to attract filmgoers solely on the basis of her name's appearance above the title and without the support of a male co-star, something few other actresses have been able to do.
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