By Kathleen OReilly
July 29th, 2009
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I read a blog entry from the Daily Beast that complained about the clichedness of chick-flicks, and listed five problems with the movies:
- Clumsiness doesn’t count as a character trait
- They promote industries that aren’t exactly booming.
- In real life, grand romantic gestures are creepy.
- Relationships are a lot more than that first declaration of love
- Judy Greer deserves better (apparently Judy Greer plays a lot of BFF’s).
After reading, the brain instantly went on romance novel alert, because in my mind, chick-flicks and romance novels are kissing cousins on the mother’s side. I went through the list, thinking: Romance Novel? TRUE or FALSE. So here’s my answers, and I’m curious about yours:
1. Do clumsy heroines still exist? FALSE. I think this got overdone in the 80s, and early 90s when our romance heroine tripped over one banana peel too many, fell down the steps (underwear showing), cracked her head open, brains spilling on the concrete, leaving the poor EMT (studly) standing there, thinking, “what a waste.” I haven’t read clumsy in a long time. Anybody know of recent clumsy heroines?
2. They promote industries that aren’t exactly booming. UNDECIDED. The article ragged on media jobs as the chick-flick profession du-jour, and yes, I confess, I’m about to write a heroine’s who a journalist, but I’ve also read cooks, nurses, cops, mothers, and vampire slayers (Is vampire-slayer recessionary-safe? You be the judge). To be fair, in historicals, you have a lot of ladies getting their D.U.C.H.E.S.S. degrees, but I think that’s too be expected, and I would argue that marriage is always a booming industry.
3. In real life, grand gestures are creepy. FALSE. For the record, if John Cusack showed up on my lawn, with those soulful brown eyes, and a boombox on his shoulder, I would not be CREEPED OUT. If anyone doubts my veracity, please send Mr. Cusack to New York, where we can test the theory. Grand gestures are high drama. And yes, if it was the UPS man, as opposed to John Cusack, creepiness would be involved, but we’re talking characters who are involved and probably in love at this point. In both books and movies, this is the big “PLEASE!” scene, and if the reader/audience is getting hinky about the hero this late in the game, Houston, the problem started a long time earlier.
4. Relationships are more than a declaration of love. SOMETIMES. From a critical literary standpoint, if the conflict is the man (or woman) being commitment shy, then I think the declaration has completed the character’s transformation. However, if the conflict is the heroine doesn’t trust the hero because all men are cheating S.O.B’s, then yes, I think a declaration of love is page 1 of the story, rather than page 400.
5. Judy Greer deserves a lot better. TRUE, with the caveat that at least in romance novels, you know the sequel is coming. 
What do you think? What are the cliches you love, and the ones you hate? Giving away a copy of HOT UNDER PRESSURE to one lucky commenter.
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July 29th, 2009 at 7:59 am
I know its a cliche but I can’t resist a cross dressing heroine. I think it started with my love of Twelfth Night. I can’t bring myself to read any romance that has an unexpected/unplanned pregnancy.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Agree with Lauren statement. I also find the “billionaire” plot just too overdone these days. Lot of wishful thinking going on.
Right now – way too many paranormals. Hate to think we have to fight all that evil and still deal with a recession
July 29th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Actually, yes to the clumsy ones — I’ve have to try to look through my books to give you titles, so I don’t remember them off hand, but there is at least a handful that I’ve read over the years — and I love them. But then, I identify with her so very much.
#2 – Well, I really couldn’t tell you one way or another. But wouldn’t someone want to write about something different too? There are many careers that are cyclical, sometimes they boom, sometimes they don’t. Some come and go, but there are plenty that aren’t glamorous and not booming per se, but still necessary. So here, I look at it that there is nothing wrong with being different in a story, and it could be one of those things that you can say, gee, learned something new today when seeing it.
#3 – I wouldn’t say creepy — but I think many of us would hate certain grand gestures in real life, but it’s fiction (print or screen), and we go aww to it. Probably not tired of it to a certain extent.
#4 – Well, the way it’s stated, sure, I agree (or write it like this too – Relationships are way more than just sex too).
#5 – ah, okay, sure, I’ll agree with it (who is Judy Greer? LOLOLOL)
Lois, who doesn’t watch many movies, alas.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:21 am
oh yea judy
does the best friend man. always have to be gay
yea clumbsy does exit i like chacters with flaws
congrats on the book and 4 1/2 stars from RT
:biggrin:
July 29th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Cliches… I do not mind them as long as I enjoy the characters and book! Give them a HEA! :cheerful:
July 29th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I don’t mind the cliches as long as the book is well written.
July 29th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I do agree with the list. I read a article recently that said Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey should stop making romantic comedies together.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
I dont mind cliches either as long as I am sitting down enjoying a good book. As long as the author writes a great and entertaining story Im all for it.
July 29th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
I am with kh. I noticed lately in a couple of young adult novels I have read recently that the male best friend of the heroine is openly gay. Can’t figure why that has to be. Do these authors think men and women can’t be just friends without the guy being gay? Talk about irritating.
I have to admit to a weakness for the fairy tale type plot, especially Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast.
July 30th, 2009 at 4:22 am
Usually I don’t mind the cliches, but it would be refreshing to not always fall back on the “safe” choice. Sure, a talented writer can make the mundane fun and interesting, but at the same time, predictability has its limits. I like when writers are daring enough to mix it up.
#5, the wise-cracking bff who never gets a guy of her own. What’s that all about? I think I know who this actress is – will have to google.
July 30th, 2009 at 5:07 am
It looks like the general consensus is that cliches are OK when done well.And picking a winner: It’s lucky number 3! Lois! Send an email to kathleenoreilly@earthlink.net, and I’ll get the book into the mail to you!
July 30th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Congrats Lois!