Forgetting Sarah Marshall

The basic plot of a romantic comedy usually consists of two protagonists, falling in and out of love, and finally ending living ‘happily ever after’. Often the protagonists, usually male and female, come across an obstacle that needs to be overtaken before they can progress in the relationship. This may involve a plot line where one character cheats on the other, or has to move away, of alternatively, the two protagonists may not realise their love for one another until later in the film, yet subtle sexual tension is suggested throughout. With multiple jokes along the way, as well as heart wrenching moments, romantic comedies often provide audiences with a rollercoaster of emotions, more often than not though, ending happily providing audience members with feelings of joy and optimism.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Plot

The story revolves around Peter Bretter, who is a music composer for a TV show that happens to feature his girlfriend, Sarah Marshall, in the lead role. After a 5 year relationship Sarah abruptly breaks up with Peter. Devastated by this event, he chooses to go on a vacation in Hawaii to try and move forward with his life. Trouble ensues when he runs into his ex on the island as she is on holiday with her new boyfriend.

Romantic Comedy ConventionsThis film follows the conventions of a romantic comedy in that the protagonist faces obstacles and challenges to be with the women he loves, Sarah. To begin, his ex girlfriend is on holiday with another man and this proves very difficult to deal with. Later in the film when Peter starts talking to Rachel (the girl who works in the hotel) he begins to like her and commits a number of stunts in attempt to get her, for example, he jumps off a cliff into the sea, and he gets beaten up by a man after stealing a photo. The film also demonstrates the conventional ‘happily ever after’ as Peter manages to fulfill his dreams in producing a dracula show with puppets, and also manages to rid of Sarah from his life and envelops in a relationship with Rachel. Most importantly though, the entire film has witty jokes and gags surrounding the fluctuating emotions of the protagonist and other characters, proving an entertaining and enjoyable watch for audiences.