This movie demonstrates conclusively that an actor’s persona is no replacement for actual character development in a script.  Hugh Grant substitutes ticks, shrugs and halting bemused cordiality for interesting dialogue.  Sarah Jessica Parker uses hair tossing and wounded narcissism in place of witty banter. Neither role or character is fully developed and it’s unclear why the couple should stay together emotionally.  This movie is a perfect example of what not to do when writing a romantic comedy.

The story, thanks in large part to Wikipedia, is this–

A wealthy successful Manhattan couple, lawyer Paul Morgan (Hugh Grant) and real estate agent Meryl Morgan (Sarah Jessica Parker) separate because of Paul’s infidelity. (He cheated once while out-of-town during a rough patch in their marriage– she was a hormonal lunatic undergoing in vitro fertilization). They are separated but are thrust back together when they witness a murder together and become the targets of a contract killer, Vincent (Michael Kelly).

The couple is whisked away to Big Sky and Tiny Town Country through the witness protection program.  After advice from the US Marshall couple they stay with, Paul asks Meryl go on a “date” in town.  Her vegetarian regime is at odds with the local carnivore culture.  They are booted out of the restaurant.

They begin to reconcile over bingo and jogging and more jogging.  Paul is injured when Meryl accidentally douses him with bear spray. Then Paul is shocked to discover that Meryl also had an affair after they were separated.  (She needed reassurance of a kind that only a one-night stand can deliver, apparently.)

The warring couple is scheduled to leave, separately, for individual permanent hiding places the following day. The killer tracks them down when Meryl, despite strict warnings not to call ANYONE, cancels her adoption plans (made without Paul’s knowledge).  The US Marshall couple invite them to a farewell rodeo, but the Morgans are quarreling so they decline.

Leaving their charges without any form of security, the US Marshall couple leaves for the rodeo. The killer attacks the house, but the Morgans are able to flee on horseback. Heading to the rodeo, they hide in a bull suit and frighten a live bull into head-butting them. Meryl, unable to walk, stays hidden from the killer while Paul confronts the killer with a canister of bear repellant.  He accidentally sprays himself in the face. The killer is felled by a horseshoe pitched to the head by the US Marshall.

Six months later, Paul and Meryl are still married and back in Manhattan, having just adopted a baby girl from China.  They name the baby Rae (after the town where they reconciled). Meryl is also pregnant with their biological child.

There is no exchange of gifts (we don’t see why these two imperfect halves should come together to make a more perfect whole.)  They don’t grow through their relationship with each other.  He regains her “trust” by a misguided attempt to attack the killer with bear repellant.  (Oh!  You tried to rescue me!)  It’s unclear how she regains his trust (after registering for an adoption he wasn’t ready for).  They are rich. She is a narcissist.  He is inept.  Clearly a match made in… Manhattan?

Power of Excitement characters believe life is a playground and a grand adventure. They often are an innovator, an explorer, a merry pranksters or the perennial “forever young” person in a story (who never grew up). In whatever role these characters play, they are good humored, endlessly optimistic and great fun.

They keep things lively, entertaining, interesting and off-balance for all the other characters. However, these characters are not interested in anything that requires a comforting hand, a long-term commitment, personal responsibility or a deep intimate attachment.

Power of Excitement characters are usually an agent of chaos. Their rakish push-the- envelop devil-may-care attitude inevitably shakes things up in a story. But their charm, ready wit and natural talent as an escape artist or improvisor often saves the day.

In a comedy these characters are the life of the party. They find ways to make things fun. They are risk-takers who seek out the next diversion, the new thrill or the most daring escapade. They love the variety and are willing to try anything.

In their Dark Side they are irresponsible users always looking for the next high. They often have a “junkie mentality” with a ready excuse for every mishap or whatever mayhem they cause along the way.

Character Examples

The title characters in the early James Bond movies and the Indiana Jones movies are examples of this protagonist as an adventurer or escape artist. The title character in the Austin Powers movies is the comedic version of the same devil-may-care swashbuckler.

Hugh Grant has played many of these charming unreliable boy/men in Four Weddings and a Funeral; About A Boy;Bridget Jones’s Diary and Notting Hill. Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a female example as is Maude inHarold and Maude.  See the Power of Excitement blog posts for more movie examples.

Earl Hickey in My Name is Earl; Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck; Dr. Doug Ross in ER; Bart Simpson in The Simpsonsand Edina (Eddie) Monsoon in Absolutely Fabulous are great television examples.  See the Power of Excitement blog posts for more television examples.

Power of Excitement eBook

The Power of Excitement Character Type eBook explains how these characters are alike and how each character is made individually distinct. It will help you develop unique, original, evocative and authentic Power of Excitement characters that fully explore all the contradictions, reversals and surprises of a fully formed human being.

Discover the Power of Excitement character’s specific goals, unique emotional obstacles and very distinct responses and reactions to any opportunity, challenge or threat. Create this character’s Immediate Tactics, Long-term Orientation and Strategic Approach in a way that is recognizably “true” at every step of the story and during every moment of screen time. The audience will instantaneously recognize and relate to your character because your character is complex, three-dimensional and “feels real.”

This eBook is thorough analysis of the Power of Excitement Character Type in his or her many guises and roles as a protagonist or a member of a larger ensemble. It is packed with numerous examples from film, television and even real life! Examples from scores of scenes and dozens of quotes from film and television characters clearly illustrate this character’s motivations and psychological dynamics in a story.

Comprehensive Analysis

The Power of Excitement Character Type eBook illustrates exactly how to create and differentiate this character based on his or her:

(1.) World View (beliefs about how the world works) What are the essential core beliefs that motivate a Power of Excitement character’s ordinary actions?

(2.) Role or Function (position in the story or role in the ensemble) What do the other players look to a Power of Excitement character to do or provide in the story?

(3.) Values in Conflict (competing values that push the character to extremes) What opposing choices or goals establish the Power of Excitement character’s moral code? What is this character willing to fight, sacrifice or die for? And why?

(4.) Story Questions (emotional journey in the story) What personal issues, dilemmas and internal conflicts does a Power of Excitement character wrestle with over the course of the story? What does this character ask of him or her self? What is this character’s Leap of Faith in an emotionally satisfying story?

(5.) Story Paradox (emotional dilemma) What is the duality or the contradiction at the heart of a Power of Excitement character’s story struggle? How is the character’s internal conflict expressed in actions.

(6.) Life Lessons (how to complete the emotional journey) What must a Power of Excitement character learn over the course of the story to make a clear, satisfying personal transformation? What actions lead to this character’s emotional salvation?

(7.) Dark Side (this character as a predator or villain) What happens when a Power of Excitement character’s actions are driven entirely by fear? How might or how does the story end in tragedy?

(8.) Leadership Style (what defines and qualifies this character as a leader) How does a Power of Excitement character convince others to follow? How does this character act to take charge and command?

(9.) Film Examples (the Power of Excitement character as a protagonist)

(10.) Television Examples (the Power of Excitement character as central to an ensemble)

(11.) Real Life Examples (historical Power of Excitement figures on the world stage)