Why do so many romantic comedies rely on successful stalkers?
We investigate some of the worst offenders.
This article originally appeared onDen of Geek UK.
Except I didnt do any gardening; I just did a lot of watchingrom-coms.
And they all taught me one thing.
No, they all taught me that the best way to get someone is to just plain stalk them.
They dont end up with restraining orders, or in prison, or being heavily medicated by a psychiatrist.
No, they win love and companionship, and a great big kiss before the end credits.
So who are some of these arguably criminal lovestruck fools?
Ive compiled a by no means exhaustive list of the top 10 examples.
Meg Ryans Annie behaves in a way that isnt so much lovestruck and romantic as downright certifiable.
After hearing a man on the radio, she decides shes madly in love with him.
And then flies across the country to follow him about and spy on him and his young son.
But even the film doesnt make any pretense that thats what its really about.
But all in the name of a story, you understand.
So once again, weve got stalking masked as journalistic professionalism.
At least the defense might hold up in court, I guess.
So she tracks him down after years of no contact.
In fairness to Jenna, there are some mitigating factors in this one.
Shes mentally 13 years old, so cant be held entirely accountable for her actions.
Where is her security team?
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She shouldve seen the warning signs coming.
And we all know what those journalists are like.
And guess what our lovely leading lady does?
Why, yes, shes a TV journalist.
Shouldve seen it coming.
But what does yeah, I went a bit Knives Chau over him actually mean?
Why, it means deluded, clingy, heartbroken behavior, of course.
Knives spends much of the film basically fangirling over Scott, who is in turn fangirling over Ramona.
Its a masterclass in trying to force someone to love you.
And at least shes not a journalist.
But its okay, because Cameron is a man with a plan.
But thats all fine, because he sings with a brass band and buys a guitar.
Apparently, music really can fix anything.
Honestly, he looks like such a lovely young chap.
Why does he keep getting himself caught up in these situations?
After a few months of dating her, hes surprised and devastated when she dumps him.
Even though she told him she doesnt believe in love and doesnt want a boyfriend.
Still, at least no money changes hands this time.
Yet somehow she comes out of this one looking like endearing kook, rather than a deranged psychopath.
And its a bit of a mystery how.
Tim Lake, About Time
Closing out the list is another from serial offender director Richard Curtis.
Hes not willing to let such small things as time get in the way of his characters stalky tendencies.
The selfish, time-traveling monster.
Honestly, he should have a chat with the Doctor and find out how its really done…
