Write an essay that explains why you’ve been intrigued by an idea, concept or theory you have encountered. This idea can come from either a traditional academic discipline – such as history, science, philosophy or mathematics – or from fields such as film, engineering, art or politics.
In planning your essay, bear the following in mind: we are looking for evidence of your specific, first hand response to an idea or theory. Your essay should identify the idea and explain if you have a personal, unique or notable relation to it. Then, analyse the concept with as much detail and depth as possible, explaining how your engagement with this idea changed or broadened your thinking.From Ethan Hawke in Before Sunset and Jim Carrey in the brilliant Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, to the lesser-known Patrick Fugart in Wristcutters: A Love Story, veterans, A-Listers and unknowns alike have all contributed to the staple in the movie diet of the common man known as the indie romantic comedy (rom-com for short). Characterized by their unorthodox takes on love and life and the impression that quirkiness and eccentricity can be just as endearing as majesty and opulence, this particular genre is amazingly overused, yet unmatched in its ability to pluck at the human heart strings.
Having said that, any self-respecting indie rom-com would never be complete without its very own leading man: think Michael Cera of Juno and Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist fame, Jesse Eisenberg in Adventureland, the perennially fresh and enduring Woody Allen in Annie Hall (if you can remember) and more recently, Joseph Gordon-Levitt in (500) Days of Summer. All gauche and over-thinking to a fault and the very opposite of the typical Hollywood heart-throb, they belong to a special fraternity who somehow managed to convince audiences to see past their fragile and unconvincing exterior, the bad haircuts and unimposing physiques, to their pathetic and tortured personalities that make them so lovable in the first place.
This does beg the question of why anyone would ever think of discarding the stereotypical alpha-male image, epitomized by the David Hasselhoff-type hunk, for weedy characters bereft of confidence and overly self-aware to the point of obsession. The fact is that such creations give adolescent teenage boys hope, rather than crush it under an avalanche of unattainable biceps and sexual appeal. They are the quintessential least-likely-to-succeed leading men and when they actually do succeed (they always do) it inspires belief and instills in those watching the confidence to go out and get their Parker Poseys and Zooey Deschanels.
I myself have been similarly galvanized by such movies, particularly due to persistent failings in my quest to find true love. The idea of achieving commercial success through identifying with a target group rather than creating something they would idolize is not new (think Stan Lee and Spiderman), but this new genre of movies has managed to find its own cult following in guys (even girls) who need a timely reminder that love is blind.
The only justification for a neurotic indie rom-com leading man’s conquests in love is that it was meant to be. The message that everyone, regardless of looks or personality, is already fated to be with his or her significant other is a subtle one that was only recently significantly expounded in (500) Days of Summer, but it is integral as it implies that there is a higher power that handles the issues regarding true love, so any presumptuous, judgmental loudmouths can jolly well bugger off.
I – and many others as well – may have been inclined, on occasion, to go against my better judgment to find true love while under the influence of such movies, but doing so would definitely be a more welcome alternative to driving a car off a cliff in a sobbing fit. Rather than allowing us to wallow in self-pity, indie rom-coms give people a shoulder to cry on, and the knowledge that problems of the heart are but temporary. The bottom-line is that underneath it all, there are many who are insecure, lost and desperately want to be found and loved, and if there is no one around to do that, there will always be the indie rom-com.
slau | 10:12 PM
