It’s been a while since audiences got the kind of swoon-worthy romantic comedies that once dominated movie nights. Even Patrick Dempsey seems to feel the absence just as much as us.
The actor recently opened up about the charm and emotional pull that romantic comedies used to bring and suggested that there is still a place for their comeback.
Patrick Dempsey Shares Why Audiences Still Connect With Rom-Coms
While promoting his latest project, ‘Memory of a Killer‘, Dempsey shared his thoughts on the genre during an interview with BAFTA. “There needs to be a bit of a resurgence of these rom-coms,” he said, reflecting on his time shooting ‘Enchanted.‘ He also explained the reason why these movies feel so special.
“I think people, they want to believe in love, and they want to know that their Prince Charming or their Princess is out there,” Dempsey said, “and they want to be able to laugh about it and escape the realities of the world.”
That is exactly what ‘Enchanted’ was for many fans. “The first moment that Amy was in costume and became Giselle, you knew you had something special,” he recalled. That is the charm of rom-coms. They pluck us out of our reality and transport us into a state of dreamy heart flutters.
Dempsey also revealed that when he saw Amy Adams in the Giselle costume, he knew he would be in big trouble. “She just stole the movie beautifully,” he said. But there is no doubt that Dempsey himself is the perfect romantic hero. From Prince Charming to Dr. McDreamy, Dempsey meets all the criteria of a rom-com lead.
Related: 10 Best Rom-Com Heroines Who Defined The ’90s And 2000s
Patrick Dempsey Has His Own Rom-Com Favorite
Dempsey also pointed out the actor whom he considers the ultimate romantic comedy hero. For him, that title belongs to Hugh Grant. He added, “You can’t help think of rom-coms without thinking about Hugh Grant,” he said.
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It is obvious that we weren’t the only ones in love with Grant’s floppy hair. His charisma has also left a lasting impression on Dempsey. “I think he’s brilliant, and his career has been remarkable because he did so many serious films prior to that,” Dempsey said with admiration.
With iconic films like ‘Notting Hill‘ and ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary‘, Grant has defined the rom-com genre. We will always remember him for his awkward charm and witty humor. Moreover, he also set the standard for romantic leads who can balance emotional vulnerability with hilarious comedic timing.
The industry has focused heavily on action blockbusters, superhero films, and cinematic universes over the last few decades. But there is now a renewed interest in romance stories with projects like ‘Bridgerton‘ and ‘People We Meet on Vacation’. If everything moves in the right direction, this might finally bring back our favorite cheesy rom-com era.
You might also like to read: 20 Best Rom-Coms Of All Time
