Sure, we’ve all seen the Meg Ryan/Julia Roberts/Jennifer Aniston romantic comedies, and we know the exact plot of Jennifer Lopez’s from rags-to-riches cheesy romances, or even the recent trend in ensemble cast romantic comedies like Love, Actually and He’s Just Not That Into You. While these films can be fun on a first viewing, the way they represent women and their role in relationships is problematic. The days when women were socially expected to be housewives, mothers and subservient to their husbands are gone, so why are these stereotypes still presented on film?
‘Alternative’ Romantic Films
The following films are ‘alternative’ insofar as they refuse to portray the woman-character as necessarily submissive to the man-character. The romantic heterosexual relationship these movies show is one in which both the woman and the man occupy an equal place in the relationship hierarchy – without any of the usual stereotypes of women as very needy, desperate, insecure and submissive. All of the following films are readily available on DVDs and are easily accessible. So why not pick up some of these films and finally watch the depiction of an equal partnership on film!
Before Sunrise (1995)
- Directed by: Richard Linklater
- Starring: Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy
The film starts off in a train in Europe, heading to Vienna. Jesse, an American, and Celine, from France, meet on the train and decide to kill some time walking the streets of Vienna. They have about 24 hours before they each have to head off to their respective destinations. They spend the day getting to know Vienna and each other. The film is very dialog-heavy, but as it progresses we cannot help but fall in love with these two. It’s a refreshing look into the beginning of a relationship without the games and the petty concerns typical of other romantic comedies.
Before Sunset (2004)
- Directed by: Richard Linklater
- Starring: Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy
The sequel to Before Sunrise takes place 9 years after that day in Vienna. Jesse and Celine are reunited in Paris, older and wiser – but faced with the opportunity to be together. Sunset was written by Linklater with Hawke and Delpy and the collaboration of the three really shows in the final product. The chemistry between Hawke and Delpy is unparalleled, and the film flows into a great final scene.
Away We Go (2009)
- Directed by: Sam Mendes
- Starring: Maya Rudolph, John Krasinski, Maggie Gyllenhal
Academy Award winning director Sam Mendes constantly makes great films and this is no exception. This is the story of Burt and Verona, who find out they’re pregnant and go on a road trip across North American to decide where they would like to build their family. The film was written by Dave Eggers and his wife Vendela Vida somewhat based on their experiences. The fact that this was a product of a real-life couple really shines through, the film is sincere, romantic and comedic – all without losing its soul. A great date movie!