5 Things Movies Can Teach You About Love

Maybe you believe that date movies are merely a prelude to the rest of a romantic evening. That doesn't have to be true. If you look a little deeper you can find a variety of great ideas for sealing the long-term romantic deal. Obviously, you don't have to delve quite as deeply as in a Federico Fellini or Ingmar Bergman film, but date films aren't just mindless fluff either. Based on their production dates (though often limited by their budgets), they show you exactly what men and women of each generation find heart-warming, romantic, and sexy.

1. Rain is Romantic. Rain showers aren't the time to run for cover or hide under an umbrella. They're for singing and dancing. An even better idea is kissing upside down ("Spider-Man") or in the more traditional upright position if you prefer ("L.A. Story"). Rain storms also make the perfect setting for marriage proposals ("Four Weddings and a Funeral") or proclaiming your love. When the weather won't cooperate, a well-timed sprinkler in the front yard will do ("Weird Science.")

2. Horseback Riding Makes a Great Date. A moonlight ride is very romantic ("All the Pretty Horses"), but for the novice rider an afternoon ride is safer ("The Wedding Planner.") This skill comes in particularly handy when fleeing a scene ("Runaway Bride"), though usually not your wedding day. And in terms of alternative lifestyle bonding ("Brokeback Mountain"), an invigorating ride is just the beginning.

3. You Have to Look the Part. Whether it's dying the grey hair, losing the excess weight, or getting contact lenses, sometimes you just have to do what it takes to get the man ("Moonstruck," "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," "America's Sweethearts"). Maybe it's even waxing your chest or back hair to find the right woman ("The 40-year-old Virgin" and "Hitch"). Regardless of the expense or inconvenience, a few touch-ups are necessary in attracting a mate.

4. Dancing is Essential. Buy a dance video ("Napoleon Dynamite") so you can practice in private, or sign up for lessons if you prefer a communal effort ("Shall We Dance?"), but you simply must learn to dance. Dancing was the key element used to help many onscreen couples fall in love: "The Thomas Crown Affair," "A Knight's Tale," "Dirty Dancing," and "Along Came Polly" to name a few. The right moves not only allow self-expression, but serve as a seductive means of advancing the relationship.

5. The Clothes Make the Man (and Woman). Julia Roberts dressed for success in "Pretty Woman" and "Erin Brockovich." Reese Witherspoon perfected her entire pink ensemble in both installments of "Legally Blonde." After traipsing through torrential rain (see item #1) and falling down a mudslide, both Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner in "Romancing the Stone" turned things up a notch after a hot shower and clean new clothes. Did you see "Annie Hall"? You may not remember a word Diane Keaton uttered, but you probably recall her wardrobe. Just like wearing a uniform at private school, black to a funeral, or sequins to the Academy Awards, everyone should realize that the right attire sets the mood for romance.

Keep these five items in mind when planning your next big date, and maybe the evening will turn into a prelude for something much bigger and better than just one night's entertainment.

Copyright 2007 Leslie Halpern
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