Romantic vs. Slacker
I'm not sure this is the right place for this discussion (or if anyone is interested!), but David Denby has a good article in this week's New Yorker about the difference between the "classic" romantic comedies of the 20th century and the "slacker" romantic comedies of today. (http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/07/23/070723fa_fact_denby) I thought it was interesting in light of some our discussions about what roles Ioan prefers (or we prefer) and what he would like to do in the future. Basically, Denby compares films like "It Happened One Night" (Clark Gable/Claudette Colbert) and Adam's Rib (Katharine Hepburn/Spencer Tracy) with "Knocked Up," "The Wedding Crashers," and "You, Me and Dupree." His thesis is that the classic comedies were funnier and more romantic because they featured men and women who were equal to each other in character, intelligence, wit, while today's popular films show strong, financially secure, but unoriginal (dull) women pairing up with underemployed, unmotivated but witty (charming) men. I haven't seen enough of the current films to know whether or not this is true, but it got me to thinking about Ioan and whether or not he could play the lead in a film like "Shallow Hal" or "Failure to Launch." Do you think he'd ever be cast as this type of slacker character that is prevalent in romantic comedies? Is this the kind of role that he needs to become "famous"? Do you think he is (or is seen as) too "earnest" to succeed in this kind of role? I don't see it myself, but maybe he'd surprise me! FloMo

Well, that is a question for the ages. A master's thesis could probably be written about whether or not modern audiences would accept an old style romantic comedy like Hepburn and Tracy, particularly the sort of upper class, sophisticated settings, language and acting style. If shot in that manner, I think current audiences would say it was unrealistic and laugh for all the wrong reasons. Now if a witty, sophisticated comedy with equal level male and female characters was written and filmed stylistically in a way that would appeal to modern audiences, it might work and I could definitely see Ioan in that type of role. Of recent films, the closest to that I can think of is Music and Lyrics, both characters had quick, understated, funny lines and something to bring to the relationship. Certainly it would have to go a little further to be like the Classic Romantic comedies. I do think Ioan could play a slacker type if he got cast in that type of role, but I think he is better suited for the classic, sophisticated romantic comedy types of yesteryear. Perhaps if his character Richard the BBC executive from the TV Set (he was quite funny) was involved in a Romance with a smart and sassy American executive from a competing company that might work. Now, there's an idea I may have to pursue. Great topic, FloMo. GG

I'm one of those would laugh for all the wrong reasons in front of a "classic" romantic comedy, but I admit I have a problem with old films because of the acting style and the way they are shot. However, I'm not much into today's romantic comedy, which are really slack and would benefit from the more sophisticated scripts of yesteryear. I agree with GG that Ioan could play a slacker type of role, but he is better suited for more sophisticated kinds of comedies.

Maybe we'd get to see the long, loose curls of Hornblower or curly hair and beard of Lancelot, if he played a slacker. In that case, I'd have to go just for the way he looks. After seeing The TV Set, I think he could do the quick quips and reactions of the older Romantic Comedy. They'd just have to come up with a really strong female lead. I'd like to see Kate Winslet or Helena Bonham Carter, maybe. I'm trying to think of a funny, smart and sophisticated American actress. And no, it can't be Jessica Alba. Drew Barrymore might have the timing. :???: I'll have to think some more. Any suggestions? GG

I must go for the oldie time romance. I've never really understood the other type "romantic comedies" for me, they're neither romantic nor comedy. Something more like Kate and Leopold (was it that, the one with Hugh Jackman) to name something more recent.

I didn't get a chance to see Kate and Leopold in whole, only little parts of it. I may have to check it out. GG

I like the idea of Ioan in 'How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days'...does that count? He might be able to do Hugh Grant type movies but I think he's probably best suited to older romance types, the comedy genre in general doesn't sit right for him with me. Great topic though, FloMo. GG:I'm trying to think of a funny, smart and sophisticated American actress. And no, it can't be Jessica Alba. No, it can't, because she doesn't fit any of those descriptions. :hide2: :wink:

Meryl Streep is good at just about everything. On the younger side, Julia Stiles might be a possibility or Jodie Foster if she could relax a little. I'll agree Kaitlyn, there haven't been too many opportunities to see Ioan in a funny role, but he was funny in that sophisticated way in THE TV SET though very few people saw it. What I saw of the Chaplin scene in ANOTHER LIFE makes me think he can do a bit of slapstick. I do see him more closely aligned to a Cary Grant or Gregory Peck than Jack Black or Seth Rogan or even Matthew McConaughey. GG