“The basic elements of romance never change. We watch these movies because we are interested in the characters and the dialogue.”

Admitting the truth of this statement may be hard for many who class themselves above the ‘soppy’ romantic movie-goers, and wish to extol the seeming fact that Romance movies never change: not the basic elements, and not the characters or dialogue. This statement: “The basic elements of romance never change. We watch these movies because we are interested in the characters and dialogue.” may seem like a sweeping motion of defence for romantics. Yet displeasing as it is to admit as such, contains truth of a most solid nature. The basic elements of romance will never change. Two people who fall in love, overcoming obstacles, relying on fate, outrageous fortune and amazing coincidence to bring them together. Then there are the other love interests, spurned partners, great misfortunes, humour, and symbolism (often disguised as the work of ‘fate’) thrown around with ludicrous abundance. So, what draws people back again? Obviously the human patience can stand only so many of the ...