Modern romantic comedies are the best example of Aristotle's comedy in our modern society. Aristotle described that the central structure of a comedy involves a character who ascends in a more positive direction, learning truths about humans along the way. I think that a good example of Aristotle's criteria is the movie The Holiday starring Cameron Diaz (Amanda), Jude Law (Graham), Kate Winslet (Iris), and Jack Black (Miles). *Side note: some people may consider this a christmas movie, I strongly believe it is not, even if it is I am still denying that Christmas is over so that does not matter anyway.* During the course of this movie the two female principal characters undergo this positive assent which Aristotle describes.
At the very beginning of the movie Amanda has just broken up with her cheating boyfriend who is upset with her lack of being able to cry. Iris is caught up on a work colleague she unrequited love for yet, this colleague continues to drag her along by taking advantage of her, something she views as him caring for her opinion. Iris also finds out that this colleague is engaged to someone else and, of course being the author of the engagement section of the journal they work for, has to write about it for the paper. Throughout the film, both characters have extremely low moments, including an attempt at suicide, but, as time goes on, they develop an emotional vulnerability and confidence respectively as they maneuver new relationships and friendships. By the conclusion of the film, both women have developed into stronger, (semi-)independent women. This is one of my favorite movies and I strongly encourage everyone to go watch it now.
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