By the way, I agree with vibrotronica. This is a great discussion.
Hey Avalonian and Vibrotronica definitely glad you like the discussion, too. Regarding the fact that not all films are CF’s or GF’s, I couldn’t agree more - I have mentioned this in a previous post to this thread. Your average CF or GF has a simple plot where winning vs. losing is reasonably clearly defined and easy to grasp. MANY films do not fit that category and/or are not focused on GF or CF.
Now, Casablanca - that is an interesting question. It is a movie that should fit into GF vs. CF. Hmmmm…wow, very tough. Chick Flick because it is about relationships and romance; Guy Flick because the goal (sending Hans Conreid and Ilsa to America wins over love) is a thing not a relationship. That is probably why it is as great as it is - it balances them nicely. We discussed earlier how T2 succeeds on that level, too - although I wouldn’t put it in the same category of Casablanca for greatness.
Mycroft Holmes, you asked about the African Queen. Boy, I am trying to remember that one in terms of plot specifics. Don’t they end up both falling in love and somehow destroying some German boat? I am inclined to remember this as a Chick Flick because I seem to remember that the mission they fulfill ends up being used to show just how far Bogie’s character has come to be worthy of Hepburn’s love, but again, I can’t remember the specifics…
What’s interesting to me is that as we explore the basics that define CF vs. GF, people are demonstrating that some movies more fully embrace both that I had really considered…
I agree with the original premise that a “chick flick” and “guy flick” have to fit certain “simplified” plot devices (actually, IMO, they can be complex in themselves, but MUST contain a lot of action, romantic and/or empowerment angst , respectively.
I dont think that Aliens was at all a chick flick: it was partially a guy flick and partially one that transcended boundaries. After all, having a depth to a character, personality conflicts and resolutions pertain to “good” movies and not just “chick flicks”.
However, I agree with the assessment that High Fidelity was a “chick flick for guys”. In fact, I thought the Exact Same Thing when I saw it! (of course, being a rabid music fan doesnt hurt.) I could relate to the protagonist more, especially how his mind works*, so it was actually interesting to see how he attempted to resolve his problems.
*as in, relationship-wise, I think the same thoughts but dont actually say them or carry them out often.