The film couple is a transmedia phenomenon that contributes to the pleasure of watching films, moving beyond the star as an individual. This monograph explores three identities that construct film couples and offers a vocabulary to distinguish between them, tracing their construction at various stages by stars, studios, film and other cross-media appearances, their fandom, and wider societal context.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The film couple is a transmedia phenomenon that is still developing outside of (and even within) Hollywood and cinemas of the West. It is an ideal case study to work towards an understanding of the film couple and how they contribute to the pleasure of watching films. Film couples move beyond understanding the star as an individual, particularly where a popular love team is a prerequisite early training ground for successful stardom in the studio system. This monograph explores three different identities that construct film couples and offers a vocabulary to distinguish between these identities and consider how they are inflected by each other. It then traces how the couple is constructed at various stages by stars, studios, film and other cross-media appearances, their fandom and wider societal context.

The Film Couple: A Transmedia Phenomenon in Star Studies

The film couple is a transmedia phenomenon that is still developing outside of (and even within) Hollywood and cinemas of the West. It is an ideal case study to work towards an understanding of the film couple and how they contribute to the pleasure of watching films. Film couples move beyond understanding the star as an individual, particularly where a popular love team is a prerequisite early training ground for successful stardom in the studio system. This monograph explores three different identities that construct film couples and offers a vocabulary to distinguish between these identities and consider how they are inflected by each other. It then traces how the couple is constructed at various stages by stars, studios, film and other cross-media appearances, their fandom and wider societal context.

Three Different Identities that Construct Film Couples

The film couple is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that is constructed by a variety of factors. Three different identities that construct film couples include the romantic couple, the comedic couple, and the action couple. Each of these identities has its own unique characteristics and contributes to the overall appeal of the film couple. The romantic couple is characterized by a strong emotional connection between the two characters, often portrayed through romantic gestures, dialogue, and physical intimacy. The comedic couple is characterized by a lighthearted and humorous dynamic, often portrayed through witty banter, slapstick humor, and physical comedy. The action couple is characterized by a high-energy and intense dynamic, often portrayed through intense physical action, stunts, and fight scenes. Each of these identities can be further subdivided into sub-identities, such as the romantic comedy couple, the action-adventure couple, and the romantic drama couple. These sub-identities can be further explored to understand the nuances of the film couple and how they contribute to the pleasure of watching films.

Vocabulary to Distinguish Between Film Couple Identities

To distinguish between the different identities that construct film couples, a vocabulary of terms is necessary. Some of the key terms include "romantic couple," "comedic couple," "action couple," "romantic comedy couple," "action-adventure couple," and "romantic drama couple." These terms can be used to describe the different types of film couples and to help identify the specific characteristics of each couple. For example, a romantic comedy couple may be characterized by a lighthearted and humorous dynamic, while an action-adventure couple may be characterized by a high-energy and intense dynamic. By using this vocabulary, it is possible to better understand the different types of film couples and to appreciate the unique contributions that each couple makes to the pleasure of watching films.

How Film Couples Are Constructed at Various Stages

Film couples are constructed at various stages by a variety of factors. Stars, studios, film and other cross-media appearances, their fandom and wider societal context all play a role in shaping the couple. Stars are often the primary drivers of the film couple, as they are the characters that the audience is most likely to identify with. Studios play a crucial role in shaping the couple, as they are responsible for the production, distribution, and marketing of the film. Film and other cross-media appearances can also play a role in shaping the couple, as they can provide additional context and information about the characters and their relationship. Fandom and wider societal context can also play a role in shaping the couple, as they can influence the way that the audience perceives the couple and their relationship.

Romantic Couple

The romantic couple is a classic film couple identity that has been around for many years. It is characterized by a strong emotional connection between the two characters, often portrayed through romantic gestures, dialogue, and physical intimacy. The romantic couple is often seen in romantic comedies, dramas, and action films. In romantic comedies, the romantic couple is typically portrayed as a happy and successful couple who overcome obstacles and find love. In dramas, the romantic couple is typically portrayed as a complex and troubled couple who struggle to find love and happiness. In action films, the romantic couple is typically portrayed as a strong and protective couple who fight for justice and each other.

Comedic Couple

The comedic couple is a popular film couple identity that has been around for many years. It is characterized by a lighthearted and humorous dynamic, often portrayed through witty banter, slapstick humor, and physical comedy. The comedic couple is often seen in comedies, dramas, and action films. In comedies, the comedic couple is typically portrayed as a happy and successful couple who overcome obstacles and find love. In dramas, the comedic couple is typically portrayed as a complex and troubled couple who struggle to find love and happiness. In action films, the comedic couple is typically portrayed as a strong and protective couple who fight for justice and each other.

Action Couple

The action couple is a popular film couple identity that has been around for many years. It is characterized by a high-energy and intense dynamic, often portrayed through intense physical action, stunts, and fight scenes. The action couple is often seen in action films, thrillers, and horror films. In action films, the action couple is typically portrayed as a strong and protective couple who fight for justice and each other. In thrillers, the action couple is typically portrayed as a complex and troubled couple who struggle to find love and happiness. In horror films, the action couple is typically portrayed as a strong and protective couple who fight for survival against supernatural forces.

Conclusion

The film couple is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that is still developing outside of (and even within) Hollywood and cinemas of the West. It is an ideal case study to work towards an understanding of the film couple and how they contribute to the pleasure of watching films. By exploring three different identities that construct film couples and offering a vocabulary to distinguish between these identities, it is possible to better understand the different types of film couples and to appreciate the unique contributions that each couple makes to the pleasure of watching films. Additionally, by tracing how the couple is constructed at various stages by stars, studios, film and other cross-media appearances, their fandom and wider societal context, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of the film couple and how they contribute to the pleasure of watching films.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399520997