Moments In Movie Romance
There is an article on CNN called The Screening Room’s Top 10 Romantic Moments. Sure, those are interesting. Even more interesting is the short list of most cringe-worthy moments. Here are a few of my favorites from the second list:
The English Patient (Anthony Mingella, 1996)
“I’ve watched you - on verandahs, at garden parties, at the races … ” Ralph Fiennes turns stalker in Mingella’s improbable mush-fest. And don’t even start us on the bit where he runs across the desert. As Seinfeld’s Elaine says, “Quit telling your stupid story about the stupid desert and just die already! Die!” [me: Happy to know I'm not alone in my thoughts on this borefest of a movie.]Titanic (James Cameron, 1997)
Timeless romance? We think not. As Leo slips away, Kate Winslet’s star-crossed lover cries, “I’ll never let go, Jack. I promise.” And then does — scurrying as quickly as her hands will paddle her to the safety of a lifeboat, a warm blanket and a nice cup of tea. Ah, the relief. [me: Okay, that's funny.]Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones (George Lucas, 2002)
“I’ve been dying a little bit each day since you came back into my life.” Any scene featuring Hayden Christensen’s moody teen has us wincing, but he’s most awkwardly shown up against Natalie Portman, who struggles nobly through Lucas’ plodding love-lines. Georgie, please, leave out the romance. We’re begging you. [me: I'm too busy being annoyed with the whole changing of the movie titles thing to even discuss how much I hated this Star Wars installment. The first movie became the fourth, the second became the fifth...it gives me a headache.]
January 26th, 2008 at 6:28 am
Yeah, but one of my FAVORITE romantic moments came from the REAL second Star Wars Movie, The Empire Strikes Back:
“I happen to like *nice* men.”
“I’m nice men.”
“No you’re not, you’re–”
*****KISS*****
January 26th, 2008 at 8:05 am
I loved the English Patient! I could listen to Ralph Fiennes’ accent forever. Elaine from Seinfeld is funny, though. Remember when Jerry got caught making out with his girlfriend during Schindler’s List?
January 26th, 2008 at 10:16 am
I haven’t seen the English Patient - heard too many bad things about it - but I definitely agree with the next two. I’ve also made fun of that scene in Titanic *a lot.* It’s perfect - Rose says “I’ll never let go, Jack, I’ll never let go!” … and then shoves his hand off the door she’s floating on. Nice. Very nice.
January 26th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
My favorite comes from The Empire Strikes Back, too (but I have Star Wars-mad kids who have conditioned me to call it “Episode V”:
“I love you.”
“I know.”
*swoon*
I hated Titanic and English Patient, but I must reluctantly admit to a dirty old woman crush on angsty teen Anakin.
I think my nominee for Most Cringe Worthy moment is Daniel Day Lewis screaming (and spitting a little) at whatsername in Last of the Mohican: “Stay alive, no matter what occurs!”…followed by “If they don’t kill you, they’ll…..”
The dialogue in that movie is definitely cringe-worthy in places.
January 27th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I’m not big on movies but I have to agree with you on the new Star wars Episodes. I didn’t like them very much either; though the newest Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith was interesting.
January 28th, 2008 at 5:17 am
well even tho it had it’s ‘cringe’ moments my fav is still English Patient, but then-since i keep my grandsons—-anything NOT starrin Sponge Bob is cool with me.
January 28th, 2008 at 6:33 am
I think Titanic is the better of the 3. Although that was the scene I disliked the most. But I guess it had to be that way so they could meet at the bottom of the ocean at the end. It’s still better then Star Wars.
January 28th, 2008 at 10:20 am
I have to agree the English Patient was such a spell binding moive, filled with true and raw romantic feelings. You know the once in life time raw love that toatlly consumes your every thought and motions. Wishing everyone a very wonderful Valentine’s Day filled with lots of love and happiness