Formulaic can Rock
I just saw the movie The Proposal and I really loved it. There were a few shocking scenes but otherwise I was laughing throughout the entire movie. And feeling teary during some parts too.
In so many ways, this movie was formulaic. It stuck to the romance formula with some wonderfully spunky dialogue. There were several plot points that I could identify and I could even wedge the characters into their "types".
Yet, I really, really enjoyed the movie.
In a romance, the reader has to wonder how the two main characters will ever overcome their issues and hook up. This movie epitomized tension. I KNEW they would end up together, but the beginning conflicts were so strong I didn't know how.
But I allowed myself to get involved and to enjoy the relationship because I knew that, in keeping with a romance, these two would fall in love and live HEA. :-)
Do you write "formulaic"? Is it a box to you, or a safety net?
In so many ways, this movie was formulaic. It stuck to the romance formula with some wonderfully spunky dialogue. There were several plot points that I could identify and I could even wedge the characters into their "types".
Yet, I really, really enjoyed the movie.
In a romance, the reader has to wonder how the two main characters will ever overcome their issues and hook up. This movie epitomized tension. I KNEW they would end up together, but the beginning conflicts were so strong I didn't know how.
But I allowed myself to get involved and to enjoy the relationship because I knew that, in keeping with a romance, these two would fall in love and live HEA. :-)
Do you write "formulaic"? Is it a box to you, or a safety net?
Comments
Okay, why aren't you writing the post where we'll find out if you sold or not? LOL!
I don't think my writing follows any formula, but I could be completely wrong.
I think I sort of use a formula in my devotional writing: tell a funny or touching story, apply it with a Biblical principal, end with a tie in to the original story.
Who are the actors in "the Proposal?"
Bless you,
Jen
Audience of ONE
I like to think that my books don't follow traditional formulas, but I think The Surface of the Deep kind of did. Analyzing it, I think it loosely fits mythic structure. But I'm hoping that I made my characters and situations unique enough.
And I'm glad the movie was good! I've been wanting to see it. :)
So yours has a sequel? What genre are you writing? It's probably on your blog. I'll look. :-)
Mine too! LOL I completely need my fix.
I'd be curious to know. Does YA have a "code" like romances?
HEA is Happily Ever After. After a good romance, you want to close the book feeling like the hero and heroine will still be in love when they've been married forty years. :-)
Your formula sounds great! Nice job breaking it down.
The actress was Sandra Bullock and she did an amazing job. I don't know the actor, but he was cute.
:-)
I loved the movie!
I know, I was in awe. That's one thing I like about her though, that she looks like a healthy woman and not a scarecrow. :-)
It sure is. :-) I love reading other people's blogs. I learn so much just from their thoughts and experiences.
Thank you for stopping by!
And I'm still excited to someday see The Proposal. :D
I'm with you. Sad endings are for real life, not pleasure reading. I'm looking forward to reading your book soon! :-)
Thanks for the compliment *blushing* No one ever told me I rawk before! LOL
It's such a cute movie! You'll have to let me know what you think when you see it.
Have a great day.
You said it perfectly! :-)
I hope it comes to your theaters soon.
I've only recently come around to the "formulaic can work for me, too" way of thinking. I understand now that if I want to be a professional writer, I have to meet certain expectations of the readers buying my genre.
It took swallowing some pride and rethinking my plots a bit, but it will be worth it in the long run to have happy readers that will become faithful fans some day. :-)
And now I am thinking I definitely need to go see The Proposal. Chick flick, right? That means I need to find a girl friend, cuz hubby probably won't want to go. *sigh*
I have to check this movie out now.
Now I want to go see that movie!
I think a formula can work, as long as it is given a few fresh twists. For this movie I thought it was interesting that they put the woman in the position of power, and made the guy the lowly assistant.
Does that make sense?
smooches,
Larie
I think we like formula--in a movie and a good book. I hate bad endings and prefer to have that hope at the end:)
It's true, I don't always like predictability either. I just like to know things will be okay.
You're funny. :-)
It is a chick flick, but the dialogue (I thought) was pretty funny so your hubby might like it. Beware though, S B shows off quite a bit of skin, though no privates.
Thanks for stopping by. :-) Which lines do you target?
I liked that twist too, and it really adds to the funniness! ;-)
It makes a certain sense, I think. *grin*
So you're a rebel? LOL
Formula sells, no doubt about it. But sometimes I think the books that break formulas are the ones that really Bestsell.
Good luck with your hubby. :-)
Have you heard how Donna is?
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment! :-)
I'd agree. Certain genres do need the formula. Romance, esp. :-) I hope you enjoy the movie.
Never thought of it like that before, but it's a little disturbing since I always did my equations wrong. *snicker*
I really enjoyed that movie, too. Formula or not you get caught up in the characters and that's what makes it so much fun.
Great post!
Thank you for stopping by. :-)
Exactly! I'm going to do a post on that, because that's what pulled me in right there. The characters.
Thank you for stopping by!
Great post and discussion. :)
I've read several books lately where I knew the hero and heroine would live HEA. Like you, I find the journey to that point fascinating. The author gets the characters into some jams, and you wonder how they'll ever find happiness.
My experience is mostly in the area of suspense. I do have a romance novel started, but at the moment it's sitting on my hard drive taking up space.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I really love suspense. My favorite books are almost always historical romance or romantic suspense.
I can't wait someday to get a peek at yours! :)
I'm sure I can use my angst/loneliness/yearning as research somehow!