This was originally posted at the TCM fan blog
I'm blessed to have been born and raised in Tampa, a city that not only offers great Cuban and Greek food on every corner, but also features one of the best classic movie houses in the country. Really, any lover of classic cinema or film history should make a pilgrimage to the Tampa Theater one summer when they offer their Summer film series of great old movies every weekend.
Last weekend it was Casablanca. It's a great movie, of course, but seeing it in a theater built back when it was originally shown... well it makes it a new experience. This is the time before stadium seating, plush chairs, and armrest drink holders. You're cramped right up with everyone else which makes the experience much more communal than the modern theater going experience.
But I've totally lost my point. The point is: after seeing Casablanca this weekend I was struck by the fact that the best Hollywood love stories tend to end in tragedy. Rick and Ilsa are parted. Rhett leaves Scarlett. Maria dies in Tony's arms. Rose watches Jack drown. Christian and Satine come together only for her to die in his arms.
Do I need to go on?
All of these films feature tragic endings and all of them are considered romantic masterpieces. Why is it that we are so drawn to love stories with sad endings?
Personally, I think it goes back to the concept of art as serving as a catharsis to the viewer. Aristotle first put forth this claim while talking about tragedy in theater. He said that watching the emotional stories common in Greek theater it allowed the viewer to purge their own negative emotions in a healthy way. It's human nature to repress our emotions in an effort to function in the daily world without just being teaming balls of rage, depression and angst. However, without a proper outlet these emotions can grow powerful and take over.
Aristotle suggested theater as an outlet for these feelings but film is the modern theater. And it really does seem to work. By watching these couples love and loss it allows the viewer an outlet for their own pent up emotions from tragic love affairs. When Rhett tells Scarlett that he no longer gives a damn we aren't just crying for them, but crying for the people in our own life who we have had walk away. When Rick and Ilsa part we tear up because it reminds us of the times we've been forced to let someone go. Although in our life we're probably not letting them leave because of the Nazi fighting potential.
There's a place for happy romances too. Breakfast at Tiffany's and When Harry Met Sally all help to imspire people to keep trying to find their soulmate. But at the end of the day these films don't have the staying power of the tragic romances.
So, what say you? Why do you think we love the love stories with sad endings? And what are some of your favorites of the genre?
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