Comparing Comedies

In class we studied both screwball comedies and romantic comedies, both type of comedies have many similarities and differences. A good example of a screwball comedy is His Girl Friday (Howard Hawks, 1940). On the other hand a good example of a more recent film that is a romantic comedy is Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind (Michael Gondry, 2004). Before going into each particular movie it is important to understand the components of what makes each.
A screwball comedy puts emphasis on funny and comedy in all senses. Romantic comedies focus a big part of the movie on love. With a screw ball comedy comes: satire on the romantic process, the woman character is usually dominant, there are often pieces of dark comedy, often the characters are quirky, and often the climax of the plot is near the end. On the other hand a romantic comedy is often: it puts emphasis on love which is more real, the emotional and physical pain is a real threat, more traditional gender roles and interactions, and the ending of the movie is often slower with the characters debating if they maintain their relationship.
In His Girl Friday it exemplifies a screwball comedy because the plot is fast and often twisting. It is filled with dark comedy when Molly attempts to commit suicide is unsuccessful and yet no one cares. By them ignoring her suicide and focusing back in the newsroom it takes a more blissful approach. It has a much lighter tone then most romantic comedies. In Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind it portrays a more typical romantic comedy. Both of the characters emotions seem more real. They fight just like real couples and it shows love as a learning experience. They also take each others pain seriously.
In summary both types of comedies are tolerable but I prefer romantic comedy. It is easer to relate to and it always seems to be more of a true story.