Love Actually Actor Reveals Why Romantic Comedies Aren’t as Enchanting Anymore
Fans of romantic comedies have noticed a decline in the genre’s allure in recent years. Thomas Brodie-Sangster, known for his role as Sam in the classic film Love Actually, has shared his insights on this shift. He argues that the rise of streaming services has led to a dip in the quality of romantic comedies.
Romantic Comedies: A Bygone Era
Brodie-Sangster, currently 35 years old, reflected on the romantic charm of 1990s films during an interview with the Daily Telegraph. He described this period as a “simpler time” before the smartphone era, suggesting it made romance feel more enchanting.
Influential Filmmakers
During the 1990s, significant contributions from filmmakers like Nancy Meyers and Nora Ephron produced timeless classics. Iconic films such as:
- When Harry Met Sally
- You’ve Got Mail
- Sleepless in Seattle
These films set a high standard for romantic comedies, which Brodie-Sangster hopes will be revived in the future.
Shift in Industry Trends
Brodie-Sangster noted that the decline in mainstream romantic comedies correlates with studios investing heavily in action and superhero franchises. He pointed out that while films like Materialists, starring Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal, have performed moderately well at around $108 million globally, they still lag behind the success of earlier romcoms.
- Love Actually grossed over $245 million worldwide.
- Notting Hill earned nearly $364 million globally.
- In comparison, Avengers: Endgame topped the box office with $2.8 billion.
The Rushed Nature of Modern Scripts
The actor expressed concern that current romcom scripts often feel “rushed.” Writers may be pressured to respond to trends rapidly, leading to a decrease in quality. Brodie-Sangster mentioned that when productions rush to meet demands, the outcomes are frequently subpar.
He appreciates the ongoing recognition for his role in Love Actually, particularly its association with the holiday season. “It’s not something I get bored of,” he noted. “Love doesn’t really go out of date.” This sentiment highlights the timeless appeal of romance, even amid industry changes.
