Reading the post about worst titles reminded me of something I noted while watching Cold Mountain (my wife made me). An interesting movie cliche.
In movies where the hero dies, he often manages to knock up the heroine in the last big love scene. Sort of a consolation prize. Since my wife and I have been discussing family planning, I've become very much aware that getting somebody pregnant is not as easy as i used to think. So it really is quite remarkable, in Cold Mountain, that the guy happens to show up during the few fertile days before ovulation, and, after months of near starvation, actually has enough sperm to do the job. Not to say it can't happen, but it is pretty remarkable.
The other example that springs to mind is The Terminator. Reese buys it in the end, but happened to have one well-timed fling with Sarah Connor just before the big climactic fight.
In Pearl Harbor, a baby made it easier to kill off Josh Hartnett, allowing Ben to get the girl and everyone to have a happy ending. He has reproduced, so he's not really dead (only mostly dead). A part of him will always be there, but he's no longer a rival. At least there was more than a last-minute romp in that case. On the other hand, I would have enjoyed the movie more if the whole love triangle thing had been left out.
Anyway, other examples? Thoughts?
Post Edited (02-03-04 13:48)
How do chicks think about such plot devices?
This does seem a deeply rooted biological imperitive phycological...thingy....
Hmmm, interesting thought. My wife didn't really have an opinion on it, but now that you mention it, a woman's point of view would be enlightening. Would an unplanned pregnancy be the best way to keep something of your hero? Even in the 1860s?