Blog Post #7: Subverting Rom-Coms: How 50 First Dates Sets Originality

 

“50 First Dates” is a romantic-comedy that follows many typical conventions of the genre but also breaks some of them in a unique way. Like most rom-coms, it starts with two characters meeting under lighthearted circumstances, uses humor to build their relationship, and focuses on whether they can overcome a major obstacle to be together. The film uses bright colors, warm lighting, and tropical Hawaiian scenery and mise-en-scene to keep the tone cheerful and relaxed, which is very common in rom-coms that aim to make the viewer feel comfortable and entertained. However, the movie starts breaking conventions through repetition in the visuals, like Lucy waking up in the same outfit, doing the same morning routine, and visiting the same café, showing how her memory resets every day. This adds a layer of seriousness not usually seen in the genre. The sound also follows typical conventions, using upbeat music, soft romantic songs, and playful dialogue to keep the movie fun and energetic, but the tone shifts whenever Lucy's condition becomes emotional. During those moments, the soundtrack becomes quiet and slower, breaking away from the usual constant humor of rom-coms and reminding the audience that there are real stakes in this relationship. The movie follows the familiar “boy meets girl” structure, but instead of a single misunderstanding or a dramatic breakup, the conflict is Lucy’s inability to remember Henry, which forces him to make her fall in love with him every single day. This flips the standard storyline because instead of the characters growing through one long arc, the movie creates many small arcs that restart every morning. All these elements together show that “50 First Dates” respects the classic feel good tone of a romantic comedy, while still “changing” the genre by introducing a repeating day structure that adds emotional depth and originality.

https://youtu.be/XP8nQGv4eKI?si=iLOKcBpPeRF2k4gl (from minutes 1-3)

In this scene, Henry shows Lucy the videotape explaining her memory loss; the movie briefly shifts away from its usual playful tone and becomes more serious. Visually, the scene uses close-ups and warm, soft lighting to focus on Lucy’s reactions as she realizes the truth, making the moment feel personal and emotional. The camera stays still, which contrasts with the more energetic shots used earlier in the film. The sound also changes; instead of upbeat Hawaiian music, the background becomes quiet and calm, and Henry’s gentle voice stands out, highlighting the importance of what Lucy is learning. Narratively, this moment shows how the movie subverts typical rom-com conventions because the “big reveal” isn’t a one time conflict, it’s something Lucy has to rediscover every day. The scene blends emotion, repetition, and love in a way that reinforces the movie’s main theme: their relationship requires constant patience and effort.