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In 'Say Anything' Cameron Crowe has crafted a one-of-a-kind romantic comedy which avoids at least 90% of the pitfalls one would commonly associate with films within the genre. How does he do it?
![Boombox Boombox](/uploads/1/2/3/9/123925564/278523274.jpeg)
![Scene Scene](/uploads/1/2/3/9/123925564/189687847.jpg)
Simply by avoiding sappy moments, by creating a script that more or less mirrors the bittersweet experience of first love, and by simply, but tastefully guiding the film's visuals and outstanding acting. 'Say Anything' is not completely anti-conventions, and actually uses some wildly popular rom-com conventions to its advantage, but the role reversal (Dobbler being the 'lost' one), interjection of successfully genuine drama, and simple, understated romantic moments make this a wild success. That's not to say that Crowe isn't successful when he goes for the wildly over-the-top sap, because he knows it's sappy, but it does happen in real life.
Jan 31, 2012 John Cusack has Peter Gabriel's In Your Eyes playing on his boombox in this scene from Say Anything. It is one of the more romantic scenes in film.
I mean, the over-the-top gestures like the stereo outside the window do occur in reality, and they guys who do them usually are just like Lloyd Dobbler. Great characters, a great cast, really good writing, and simple but solid direction make this a real winner that is deservedly recognized as a romantic classic.
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