Exploring Film Openings for Our 70s-Inspired Love Story Adventure

Rom-Com Here We Come! Settling on Our 70s Plot

So, after tons of back-and-forths with my partner, we've finally landed on a plot! We're sticking to the 70s vibe—bell-bottoms, disco lights, and all that jazz—but with a twist. Our hearts are set on a romantic comedy now. Yep, you heard it right! Think about those awkward high school crushes we've all had—that's our goldmine. We’re gonna dive into that sweet, funny chaos, with a female lead trying to impress a boy who’s working at her grandparents' huge estate as a ranch worker. Picture the girl stumbling over her words, the guy is totally clueless, and lots of hilarious accidents that will make you cringe and laugh at the same time. We can totally relate to those awkward high school interactions, so we're drawing from our own experiences to make it feel super authentic.

At one point, we thought maybe we should go down the thriller route, but after a very short-lived exploration, we realized we know absolutely nothing about thrillers. Like, zero. So, back to rom-com it was! We're aiming for a very vintage feel, pulling inspiration from classic films' opening sequences to nail the mise en scene. We’re talking about that perfect blend of colorful, lively backdrops with a bit of nostalgic charm. We’re planning to film at my partner’s cousin’s ranch, which has the perfect retro vibe and makes our lives so much easier.

Film Opening Inspirations!

The grand entrance into the lavish world of "Crazy Rich Asians" sets the stage for the entire film's tone and themes.

The opening scene of Crazy Rich Asians (2018) portrays a luxurious, rainy night in London where a wealthy Asian family is denied entry to a hotel, only for them to later buy the entire establishment, setting up themes of wealth, power, and cultural clashes. Drawing from this, we can emphasize in our own story the stark contrast between our female lead's humble, awkward attempts to fit into her grandparents' grand estate and the sophisticated, lively 70s backdrop. By incorporating lavish settings and showcasing these humorous, heartfelt interactions, we can create a visually stunning and emotionally engaging story. This contrast will not only bring out the humor in our romantic comedy but also highlight the emotional depth of our characters’ journeys.

The opening scene of 27 Dresses (2008) introduces the protagonist, Jane, as she seamlessly manages multiple bridesmaid duties at different weddings on the same night, showcasing her selflessness and organizational skills. It humorously highlights her ability to juggle chaotic situations, setting the stage for her character's journey. This scene effectively establishes the themes of love, sacrifice, and the chaos of wedding planning. I plan on using this in my rom-com by highlighting the female lead's efforts to impress the boy while managing her own chaotic and humorous situations at her grandparents' grand estate. Just like Jane’s multi-tasking, my protagonist can be shown as endearingly clumsy yet determined, creating comedic and heartfelt moments that resonate with the audience. The contrast between her efforts and the elegant 70s setting can add depth to my story, emphasizing both the humor and the emotional journey of the characters.

The opening scene of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) introduces us to Andie Anderson, a columnist writing about how to lose a guy within 10 days, juxtaposed with scenes of happy couples and breakups. This sequence effectively sets the tone for the film, combining humor and romance while highlighting Andie's unique professional mission and personality. It gives a glimpse into her life, her job, and the ironic challenges she faces. In my rom-com, I can draw inspiration from this by having your female lead's attempts to impress the boy play out in similarly humorous and awkward situations. For instance, she might be trying to perform grand gestures to catch his attention, but they hilariously backfire, creating sweet and relatable moments. The contrast between her well-intentioned efforts and the comedic outcomes can set the stage for your story, emphasizing her charm and the blossoming romance in the glamorous 70s estate. By using this approach, I can create a narrative filled with humor, heart, and the delightful awkwardness of first love.