By Open Book
Is it chemistry, longing, anticipation, love lost then found again? Is it the love scene that makes a romance realistic? We are going to focus on romantic drama’s to figure out what makes a romance believable on screen.
Chemistry is the most important ingredient above all else in making a romance look convincing. The ability to lure an audience into the moment takes talent plus gravitational pulls at work that makes it hard to turn away. It can be the two are complete opposites? How do directors know if two actors will have good chemistry on screen? Here is a great explanation by actress Helen Mirren from an interview for Nine to Five[1] for the film Arthur she states,
“Chemistry is a really weird thing and people may love each other off screen, but it can be terrible chemistry on the screen and people who hate each other off screen, can have fantastic chemistry on screen, there’s no rules. And film makers are constantly looking for that lightning in a bottle, that moment when you have chemistry between two people. I think it’s often to do with opposites actually; genuine opposites and the funny thing about Russell and I is that we are very, very different personalities.”
A passionate longing and anticipation scene is great to see in a romantic drama. Some of the best films for this would be Dr. Zhivago, Unbearable Lightness of Being, Reds, The English Patient, Atonement, The Age of Innocence and Mrs. Soffel.
After seeing lovemaking by two consensual adults why do some people believe it’s dirty? Love making is an art form between people unafraid to share their vulnerability with each other. To see that depicted on screen makes a romance more authentic. The MPAA gave Blue Valentine a NC-17 because of its love scene. What makes a love scene too explicit? Do you believe the MPAA has become more severe over the years when rating love scenes in films?
Here are some romantic dramas coming out or out in theaters soon.
Tell us what is your favorite most believable romantic drama of all time?
Please join us for a discussion Tuesday June 28th@ 7pE/12 UTC
comicreleaf
comicrelief2
Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
I like it, Open Book! I think making love is an art form as well. I don’t mind it. It’s beautiful and passionate. However, when it becomes raunchy Fury Umbrellas Catching Kangaroos-ing, it bugs. Of course then I can exercise my right to stay and watch or close my eyes. Most likely FWD.
Ooo!!! I can’t wait to discuss this!!!!! 🙂
I saw Jane Eyre this summer for the first time. Starring Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, and Jamie BellI the movie was really fantastic. Though there were two possible love interests for the leading lady, the prolouged longing really made the movie smoke.
I can’t wait for the discussion either.
Hi CR & LB!
All interesting comments. Of course there are alot more romantic dramas that have come out this year or scheduled to come out soon. I was hoping everyone had some other films in mind they would like to suggest. Now, considering romance can and has appeared in action, thrillers, sci-fi and of course comedy. I would like to focus on romantic dramas because this is where most filmmakers struggle with getting an R rating without compromising the integrity of the film. So alot of things to talk about tonight see u @ 7pE/12 UTC.
I’m mad, I will not be able to join tonight. And I so love this topic. But before I board the plane. How about Taylor and Burton?
I believe as well that lovemaking is an art form. Each person has there own inner moral compass as to what they want or can tolerate when it comes to movies.
What about the act of malnipulation with respects to on screen romance/lust. Remember 9 1/2 weeks?
Will check back and comment when I get settled.
Hi Francesa! Have a safe flight. Yes, Taylor and Burton are great!
Hi everyone! I just barely made it through the door and am trying to get a late lunch going, organize my 2 year olds birthday party in two days, and chat with you. AAAhhh!!! hahaha!!!
Just know I am here. 🙂
Hi LB!
Wow it sounds like u are on skates today. LOL!
Hi Francesa-
Sorry u can’t join us tonight we will miss u. But do weigh in would love to hear your thoughts. I love 9.5 weeks. What is is about Taylor & Burton u like?
Have u ever seen Butterfield 8 with Taylor & Lawrence Harvey? Now that was quite romantic/ lustful for that time.
Welcome!
New and returning visitors to our discussion tonight. Please join in and feel free to comment or ask Q.
Hi Everyone!
Open Book, great article. 🙂 Francesa, have a good flight and be safe.
Hi Paris-
How are U?
I’m great! how are you?
I have a slight cold but doing very good.
I hope you feel better soon!
Well let me begin by asking everyone. What do u think makes a romance believable? In other words what solidifies a real relationship on screen between two adults?
For me a believable romance all depends on the actors and how far they feel comfortable committing to the “relationship”
Can u elaborate on this? Do u mean on or off screen?
Yes I can, I mean both ways. IMO, actors need some type of relationship between them. For example, they could go out to lunch and discuss their characters and leave it at that. They formed some type of bond. Another example and this has nothing to do with romance but it could be applied. I was watching The Queen the other day and listening to the commentary/interviews. Helen Mirren made a schedule for all the actors that played her family members to get together and have “family time” so that they looked like a family on screen.
Aah! Yes, I’ve seen actors do this alot and it works out so well for all involved. It makes the set so much more stress free when u know the actors who need to work closely together works things out.
Also, I think for the actor who is the lead it really shows respect and seriousness for the project when they take the initiative to set the tone for everyone. It’s a very professional show of leadership as well as responsibilty etc…I can’t say enough good things about it.
ITA, I think that when actors have respect for each other and what their craft it shows on screen.
sorry i completely garbled that. I meant to say when they have respect for each other and their craft.
Open Book,
Is The NoteBook considered a romantic drama?
Hi Paris! I’ve missed you here!!!!
I love the Notebook. That is one of my top fav romances. And I agree: if the actors aren’t committed to the “relationship” the romances and chemistry is going to be awkward and boring. It’s not believable.
Hi LB,
I missed you too!
Yes! I would consider it a romantic drama.
Do u agree with Helen Mirren’s assesment about good chemistry between actors?
Yes I do agree with it. Sometimes people just go in to a character not really caring to get to know the other person on any type of level but again that all goes down to how well do the actors understand their characters and can they have some believability? All in all, its a job some people are just better fakers then others. IMO.
Haha!! “some people are just better fakers then others.” Love it and so true. Do u think it boils down to how does one prepare? Meaning some prepare differently. If u are the lead actor and u are not very organized person it really makes the set uncomfortable. IMO!
ITA. Its not just about organization though one can tell when someone doesn’t want to be in the workplace. Its painfully obvious and distracting to people who do want to be there and are serious about their work.
O.k. ITA! I’ve seen actors who can make the set unbearable if they hate what they are doing. Do u find if an actor is hates the job they can rise above it and focus on the work regardless of the situation?
It’s hard to pinpoint what makes two people “click” and have great chemistry. STay with me, my brian is trying to form a thought…..:)
Yes, I agree with Mirren and this is my grand thought (LOL), I dated a guy who was very similar to me and it was fine. For a while. Then it became incredibly annoying, followed by “get me out of this relationship!”. My husband and I are very different, yet the differences seem to have a positive affect on the other. I think this can apply to people in a real relationship as well as just playing opposite each other in a film or play.
LB! I agree opposites attract but polar opposites makes for unhappiness long term IMO!
Agreed. yes, you do need to have similarities. It’s finding the right balance. 🙂
I think it’s like mixing the perfect martini. When it’s good it’s really good! LOL!
Paris-
Do u think having complete disdain for a person u are acting opposite of can read as intense passion on screen?
IMO, no. I think that because if you have complete disdain for someone you’re not going to give your all to the scene “come to the party” “bring your A game” whatever saying works. The disdain will show, you can act with that person and perform a scene but I can guarantee you it will show one way or another. People aren’t that good of fakers.
LOL! Yes! I ultimately agree. I imagine u have to have some level of trust between each other would u say? If u can’t trust the person then u can’t let go and be in the moment.
Yes exactly!
Francesa-
Can u explain the act of manipulation. I know what u mean but can u elaborate for those who may not?
Dr. Zhivago with Keira Knightly has some beautiful love scenes. Lawdy, lawdy!!!!
I’ve not seen the one with Keira Knightly? I was talking about the 1960’s film.
Here’s a trailer
O.k. what do u think makes a love scene too explicit for u?
to much sex. I don’t need to see the entire act to know they dig each other.
THAAAAAAAANK YOU!!! I get that they are doing it, but I don’t need to see it all. The scene with Rom Cruise and Kelly Preston in Jerry McQuire bothered me. I just…eh, didn’t dig it.
(Sorry I disappeared there for a while. Went to the park.)
O.k I have lamented about this in other discussion’s. Anyway, I find directors today are not very good with foreplay in love scenes in films. They seemed to rush into the act rather then spend time setting it up. The reason I think Dr. Zhivago, Atonement, The English Patient etc…. are so great because they spend more time on set up. What are your thoughts?
I agree. Foreplay is extremely important. Anyone can have sex and not feel a thing for each other but you throw some foreplay in there and well wow. LOL
For example, In Remember Me when Tyler and Allie are in the tub that is their foreplay, IMO. They almost kiss but they don’t.
Oh! Yes! love that scene. ITA! Great set up and anticipation etc….
Now I’m not sure what u think? What did u think about the scene when Tyler get’s Allie a cab? I thoght that was well done. Do u think this was foreplay?
I think he just wanted a kiss, to see where he stood with her. I can see how that can be considered foreplay though.
Build up is HUUUUUUGE! Sxual tension is a must. But it needs to be just enough time. If foreplay is too short or too long…it just…shoot, I’m sorry ladies. Apparently my vocabulary decided to go on a vacation today.
LOL! That’s o.k. LB u said it perfectly!!
ITA there needs to be the right balance.
Agreed!
LOL! O.k. can u name some films as of late that u found to be too explicit and why?
OK. its not a film but True Blood. I love True Blood but to me its like vampire scene,werewolf scene, sex. vampire/human scene, sex. I could go on but I won’t.
The entire world does not revolve around sex.
I have to admit I never saw the series and decided to rent the full set on netflix. I’m sorry I just don’t see the appeal? After watching one I sent all of them back LOL!
LOL. My brother watches the show so i decided to watch it one episode with him. I liked it for storyline but I got up and walked out. To much sex. I’m not prudish but I don’t need to see sex every 5 seconds.
LOL! ITA….. I guess my thing was the over emphasis on the act. Like I said I think there needs to be balance and there needs to be some spiritual connection for it to be interesting. Otherwise why not just make a porn film. Where story is not important. LOL!
EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Never got into it for that reason alone. I agree with everything you have been saying ladies. 🙂
I think that is what I loved about Twilight (the books). The sexual tension was so strong, and although they kept things relatively chaste, it was perfect. By the time they kissed, I was dying!!!!!
Me too! I was like FINALLY!
Is it sad to say i was totally turned on by a kiss????!!!! LOL!
LOL! U are big fans of suspense and anticipation I see. Hmmm! Foreplay there’s nothing like it! U get that wrong well then forget it if u want to satisfy women.
no that’s cool. I don’t think you were the only one. 😉
I like true blood, lol! I just skip the bits I don’t want to watch. The books are better in the sense that it’s Sookie’s point of view so you’re only getting her sex scenes!
Open Book,
You should get a copyright for your saying about foreplay. LOL
That would make a great bumpersticker.
Now have any of u ever seen Reds or 9.5 weeks? I know Francesa has already said they saw 9.5 weeks. I like both films because they have a great balance of longing/anticipation and the act. What are your thoughts?
I haven’t seen either film but isn’t 9.5 weeks the movie with Kim Basinger?
Yes! Have u ever seen Unbearable Lightness of Being?
no I have not seen it. I’m gonna need a night in with NetFlix I see. 🙂
Yes! LOL!
Anyway, I watch alot of films so don’t worry about it.
Hi all! Sorry I’m late. My head hasn’t quite come back round from my holiday. I thought it was Monday for some reason!
LOL! Hi Ozzie glad u could join us. Better late than never.
What are your thoughts about this topic Ozzie?
Hi Ozzie!
Hi OB and Paris!
This is hard for me because I hardly ever watch romance movies! Plus it’s hard to narrow it down to it’s elements. For me a good romance is when I don’t see the actors but the characters they’re playing and the story be good enough for me not to be thinking of other things, but that works for movies in general.
It’s an odd choice but I like the romantic element in V for Vendetta. The fact that I want the two main characters to stay together even though one is wearing a mask is very good acting in my opinion.
Ozzie-
Have u seen “Eye’s Wide Shut”?
I have. It was a good film.
Was that with Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise?
yes.
That was good but I’ve only seen it once. A few other films are starting to slowly come to memory. I’ll be trying to sleep tonight and I’ll shout one out, I know it!
Isn’t that how it always is!!!! I swear whenever I need to bring something up, it’s on the tip of my tongue until I’m alone and nobody is around to hear my answer. hahaha!!!!
*nods head* That’s exactly what’s happening now!
What did you think of it? It was a good film, yes, but for me, the subject matter was too much. I ended it feeling kind of dirty. And not in a good way. But that’s just my opinion!!! 🙂
I was like oh hell there’s an orgy going on! LOL
Lol, all I remember is Tom Cruise going to a masked orgy and Nicole Kidman smoking joints!
Hi Ozzie! I’m still waiting for your vacation report. 🙂 Don’t worry, no pressure or anything. haha!
Oh jeez, I’m all over the place at the moment! I feel like I’ve left my brain behind! I will get round to it. I haven’t even put the photos on my computer yet!
Ozzie-
Can u name any Romantic Drama’s u like?
Let me look at my dvd collection!
Um, does Practical Magic count? How about the Tudors (I don’t think that counts)? I only cared for Jane Seymore in that though! Oh and Charles Brandon and his wife! 🙂 Can’t forget Water for Elephants either. That’s about it! I know I’ve seen Romantic Drama’s but I can’t remember any. I have lot’s of other film where romance has been the secondary theme but not the first.
I have a question about the Tudors? Where are the accents? They are in England, not America. Please get some accents up in there.
Oh don’t even get me started on accents that should be there or shouldn’t be there in any film!!! Totally going off topic, but Tom Cruise in Valkyrie KILLED me. You’re supposed to be playing a German so use a German accent if you aren’t going to speak in german. Ugh! Pfft!!
i think our brains are hanging out together. Without us!!! LOL!!!
LOL I agree!
I hope they are having fun. 🙂
I can hear them giggling in the other room!!!
LOL! Are they getting any food? because i’m hungry.
MARGARITAS!!!!!!!!! (sorry, mine’s a virgin)
mine too. I don’t drink. I gave that up a loooong time ago. Took me one time with my head in a toilet to figure out that’s not what I want for myself.
Lol, they sound English to me! Jonathan Rhys Meyers slips up on the odd word. I far as I can see it’s mostly a British/Irish cast. Don’t tell me they put in American accents for the USA!!!
Really? I don’t hear it then my hearing must be going. Honestly that’s why i turned the show off.
Lol! This is a good excuse for me to pull my collection out and watch it all!
🙂
Piggy backing on my other comment about accents: people aren’t that stupid. For example people can figure out if someone is saying the word “about” if it’s in a French, German, or Irish accent.
I agree!
One more Q before I call it a night.
Do u think men like romance drama’s? I know of one who does. He initially went kicking and screaming but was able to relinquish all preconceived notions because it was a great film. LOL!
yes i do think they can. I think men are more emotional then they let on.
hahaha!!!! My hubs does as long as it’s not cheesy cheesy. We both like realism. We like seeing the characters have sexual tensionw hile getting to know each other.
OB,
I’m sorry I wasn’t better prepared. I’m going to go research and come back with something that makes up for my lack of contribution. 🙂
Which film?
LOL! LB-It was “Jane Eyre.”
I can already hear my husband if I mention that film to him,
“What? No WAY I’m gonna see that!” cue scrunched up he just drank bad milk face. hahahaha!!!!!
OB, I would recommend watching the 2002 Dr. Zhivago. I would love to know what you think.
My brain is trying to pull from storage unites that haven’t seen the day of light in forever, but thinking of your favorite romances that got the romance spot on, was it a male or female director?
Great Q LB!
I would say
“Atonement”, Director Joe Wright
“Splendor in the Grass” Director Elia Kazan
“Butterfield 8” Director Daniel Mann
“9.5 Weeks” The Age of Innocense, The English Patient, Reds, Last Tango in Paris to name a few……..
I will have to check out some of these. 🙂 I haven’t seen The Age of Innocence since it came out!
Something I wanted to point out that Paris sort of mentioned. I don’t need to see the deed all the time. Just alluding to it ina very sensual, sexual way is sometimes more exciting because then your imagination can take over!! Bow chicka bow bow!!
YES! ITA it’s more interactive for the audience I find if everything is not spelled out for them. I think everyone knows how to do the deed and don’t need HW to show them. LOL!
Anyway, I forgot to mention “Becoming Jane” was also a good film. Oh! Another film is Cold Mountain.
Oh how about Brokeback Mountain? I like that.
I agree again littlebells!
I don’t need an instructional video.
Marlon Brando…Last tango in Paris. 🙂
of course is there another?
nope there is only one.
Oh! I thought someone was foolish enough to remake it. LOL!
nope Marlon Brando can never be replaced.
Well everyone-
I have to go and take something for my cold. However, I will check back tomorrow and respond to comments I was unable to get to tonight.
Francesa and CR we missed u tonight.
Take Care!
Hope you feel better! Have a good night. LB and Ozzie i’m still here if you would like to chat some more.
Good night OB! My well wishes are being sent by carrier pigeon…oh no wait, they have diseases. Ok, my well wishes are coming by a FedEx hottie!
I’m still here too Paris and Ozzie!
*waves to Francesa, Lurker, and CR*
Night OB, hope you get well soon!
I’m still here but I don’t know how long I’ll make sense for!
that’s ok I don’t make sense at all tonight.
So how was FL, Ozzie?
Do you want your Margarita with or without alcohol Ozzie? Apparently that’s what we’re “drinking” tonight. 🙂
Hmm never had a margarita before so I’ll try both!
Loved it! Boy, was it hot though! I nearly melted into puddles quite a few times. I didn’t want to come home though!
I know it was hot. Darn humidity.
One of my favorite films is Persuasian with Ciaran Hinds. Here’s the summary:
“In 1814 England, 27-year old Anne Elliot lives an oppressive life with her father, Sir Walter Elliot of Kellynch Hall, and her elder sister Elizabeth, both of whom are incurable snobs. Eight and a half years ago, Anne been persuaded to refuse an offer of marriage from the man she loved, a young naval officer of no position or fortune. Now, after the Napoleonic wars, Captain Wentworth has gained both rank and money, and chance has thrown them together again. Anne finds herself confronted with thoughts of might-have-been as she watches Wentworth court her brother-in-law’s sister, Louisa. But an accident causes Wentworth to realize whom he truly cares for, and he follows Anne to Bath. But her cousin William (the heir to Kellynch Hall) is also pursuing her and is rumored to be engaged to Anne. And she must overcome this last obstacle before she can persuade Captain Wentworth as to the true nature of her affections.”
The anticipation is amazing and despite there is hardly any physicality, the longing and chemistry between the two leads is palpable.
http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1018102041/
I haven’t seen that.
I would toooootally recommend it!
*blending Margaritas right now!*
LOL. I want my margarita with a little umbrella. You didn’t forget the umbrella did you?
Did you forget who you’re talking to? LOL! I’ve got umbrellas of every color! I’ll give you two!
Ok, ladies, what movie romance scene would you love to re-enact?
ummm who did i get to re enact it with? That makes a huge difference.
Whoever you want and while you’re thinking, sip on this:
oh lord girlfriend. LOL
I”m pretty sure ya’ll can guess who’d I want to re enact with …..*blushes*
LOL! ummmmm i don’t know who that could be. well in that case the RM sex scene and him pushing her up against a wall.
tee hee hee and HOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTT!
I remember one! Memoirs of a Geisha! I’d re-enact the end scene of that!
Good scene and Ozzie, that margarita is for you too! I’m already on my second and have massive brain freeze.
Off the top of my head I would pick the scene where Alli and Noah at the piano OR when they reunite.
oh good one. ummmmmm i can’t think tonight.
Ok, my last question for everyone: despite the great chemistry between an on-screen couple during a love scene, what percentage would you give editors and cinematographers for making sure the angles, lighting, and cuts enhance the “looooove”?
100%
Wow! Really? I’m not disagreeing with you, but I guess I just wasn’t expecting that answer. I agree. It doesn’t matter how lovey dovey the couple is, it has to be captured correctly. What stinks is when it is captured correctly but one or both of the actors can’t take the time to at least “act” like they want to be with the other person.
LOL i agree. Its all staged though. We all know who you’re talking about and speaking about them. Would you not die if they pulled some TB stuff? That would end alot of speculation. LOL
I know, I just don’t like to use names. I don’t want it to bite me or this great site in the rear. But yes, that would be crazy! I would then think, “Wow, she took an acting class!” 🙂
Ladies,
I’m gonna call it a night but I will see you guys on another website, i’m sure. 🙂
NIghty night and Ozzie, don’t forget to get in bed before you go to sleep. 🙂
Lol, night girls!
I missed a really good conversation tonight (sad face).
OB-What I loved about Taylor/Burton is off screen their relationship was so tumultuous & passionate. IMO it generated unbelievable chemistry on screen. Kind of like they fought like savages, but the make up sex was even better. I have not seen Butterfly 8 for along long time. I will need to stream on netflix this week to refresh my memory. The truth be told Taylor had chemistry with a lot of her co-stars. Maybe it was her, IMO so breathtakingly beautiful.
Manipulation Manipulation….
I see there was talk about True Blood in previous posts. I absolutely love this series. HBO has such great original programming. So on with the original topic. I believe this is a good example of manipulation. They need blood, but they use foreplay or even sex to get it. They use their victims to get the thing they need most.
In 9 1/2 weeks O’Rourke’s character buys her something that she could never afford, not because he necessarily wants to but because he can. This is what starts the love affair between the two He uses mystery and wealth manipulation to seduce people. This is how he controls his life. By controlling other people.
Well off to bed for me.
Francesa,
Good point about True Blood. My brother also made that point before I walked out of the room. LOL If one thinks logically about it though, alot of people use sex to get what they want. (money, etc). OT with True Blood, having sex with their victims would make sense, how else are they supposed to get close enough to bite them? IMO, I think the sex overshadows the storylines though however, I have only seen one episode of TB. I’ll have to netflix a season and watch it.
Francesa-
ITA-Taylor had chemistry with alot of her co-stars. Why do u think that was the case?
Also if u do get a chance to watch Butterfield 8 tell me what u think the relationship was built on?
Francesa-
O.k. I will give it to u for TB for it’s oringinality. I just don’t find blood and gore particularly appealing. I’m a real featherweight in that way. LOL! However, I do love watching the mystery, seduction and manipulation onscreen.
Everyone-
What do u think serves as the best catalyst in watching a couple seduce and manipulate each other? When a person tries to get what they lust for or need? In other words what motivation produces the greatest foreplay?
From the standpoint of a man seducing a woman, I love it when the guy is doing all he can to understand the woman’s soul. He tries to woo her by giving her what she needs mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He listens to what she says but also what she doesn’t say and he earns her trust so that she can fully give of herself when the right moment presents itself. Did that make any sense? I just woke up.
Goodmorning LB!
So would u clasify that as need or lust? What I’m asking is if a person spends more time seducing someone if they are lusting or in need? For example I think if u need something u spend more time plotting and planning to make sure u get what u need. If u lust for something a person might be willing to settle for anything to satisfy that desire. Does that make sense?
Aaahhhh, now I get your drift. Need, definitely need. If you need something, chances are you don’t want to screw anything up that would keep you from getting what it is you are needing so desperately.
Everyone-
It might be easier to answer the Q if u ask yourself what would u do to get what u need or lust for? I know I’m splitting hairs here but I think Francesa brought up some great examples about the genesis of foreplay…..
OB
That’s a great question…One that really makes you think.
I think that all people have needs, wants and inner desires and depending on the person and situation does one adapt? Do you always act the same or variations there of? At times I want a deeper knowledge of a person and get to know them heart and soul in order to have and maintain a loving and long term relationship. But other times I just need it to be hot and dirty, that’s the lust part I guess.
Maybe that is why I enjoy the True Blood series so much. It appeals to my inner dirty girl side. HA!
A woman after my own heart! I definitely have a hot and dirty girl inside. But I’m the kind that unless I feel completely safe with the person, she stays in the closet. But when she’s out, she’s out!!!! The hubster can’t complain. 🙂 haha!!!
Francesa and LB!
I guess it all boils down to your appetite? I mean do u want a full or 1 course meal? Not both of them require the same amount of set up.
Sometimes there is nothing like a good cheeseburger. LOL!!
hahahahahahaha!!!!! Some days it’s a cheeseburger. Other days it’s filet mignon! 🙂