1. Themes:
* Romantic comedies:
- Focus on the development of romantic relationships between characters
- Often involve obstacles or misunderstandings that the couple must overcome
- Typically end with the couple getting together or resolving their differences
* Classical comedies:
- Center around humorous characters, situations, and social satire
- Often explore universal human weaknesses, follies, and vices
- Typically use humor to criticize or poke fun at society
2. Styles:
* Romantic comedies:
- Tend to be lighthearted, heartwarming, and feel-good
- Use humor to create a sense of endearment and connection between the characters and the audience
- Often incorporate physical comedy, slapstick, and witty banter
* Classical comedies:
- Can be satirical, farcical, or ironic
- Use humor to provoke thought and reflection on social norms and behaviors
- Often rely on exaggerated characters, wordplay, and situational humor
3. Conventions:
* Romantic comedies:
- Typically feature attractive, likeable characters
- Often involve meet-cutes, misunderstandings, and grand romantic gestures
- Frequently resolve with a romantic kiss or a wedding
* Classical comedies:
- May feature flawed, eccentric, or ridiculous characters
- Often involve mistaken identities, pratfalls, and slapstick
- Frequently end with a clever resolution or a moral lesson