Task 2.1 Comparing and contrasting the opening of two romantic comedies

In this excercise we were shown two different rom-com film openings. We were first shown 'How to lose a guy in ten days' directed by Donald Petrie and starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughy; later we viewed 'Just like Heaven' directed by Mark Waters and starring Reece Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo.


Similarities of films:
- Both films have replaced the studio logo's theme with non-diegetic music, which is stereotypically feminine, pop music.
- The lettering of the title and cast credits are pink/ purple and also have rounded, soft shapes.
-Both films are set within large, busy American cities; 'How to lose a guy in ten days' being set in New York and 'Just like Heaven' located in San Francisco.
- The female main protagonists appear to be stereotypically blonde bimbos, however both characters are shown to be very intelligent. In 'How to lose a guy in ten days' Andie (Kate Hudson) is a journalist who works for female magazine 'Composure'. Nontheless she thrives in writing political and hard hitting reports. On the other hand, Elizabeth (Reece Witherspoon) is a doctor, portrayed as being considerate and hard-working, the job itself proves how much of an intelligent female she is.
- Both female protagonists have aspirational careers.
- Also both females leads are single and career motivated.
- Not only do the female protagonists connect, but the male protagonists also share similar attributes. For example, neither male lead, fits into the conformity of society. In 'How to lose a guy in ten days' Benjamin (played by Matthew McConaughey) makes his initial entrance on a motorbike and wearing a leather jacket, therefore giving off a 'badboy' image. David (Mark Ruffalo) in 'Just like Heaven' shows himself to be incredibly lazy, constantly drinking beer and eating Chinese food, rarely going out of the house too.