27 Dresses is a romantic comedy that premiered in 2008. It features actress Katherine Heigl as Jane, a woman who has been a bridesmaid at 27 of her friends’ weddings. The movie also features a love interest, Kevin, played by actor James Marsden, who appears cynical about marriage. It portrays Jane as a hopeless romantic pushover who will do anything for her friends and family, including planning the wedding of her sister to the man Jane has been in love with but has never told.

discussion

What types of “acceptable” romantic or intimate relationships are portrayed in this movie trailer? Are any left out? What is the underlying assumption about the “normal” trajectory of romantic relationships implied by the premise of the movie?

Thinking comparatively, what are some familiar or repeating themes across similar romantic comedy movies?

How would you describe Jane’s character in terms of her view of romantic and intimate relationships? Friendships? How does this contrast with Kevin’s character? Are these depictions frequently assigned to specific genders?