Buzz
Building on our previous list of Top 10 Movie Clichés from 2007, when this site was in its infancy, here are ten more overused themes from the world of cinema. Maybe, if we ever compile the ultimate movie trope guide, screenwriters might consider it their blueprint for Hollywood productions – and we should definitely ask for a cut of the profits!
10. The Sudden Awakening Shock
This is one of the oldest tricks in the book: the protagonist is stuck in a terrifying dream world, just moments away from death or the loss of a loved one, when suddenly they jerk awake, gasping for air in a panic. Occasionally, directors will spice things up by zooming in on the actor’s face for extra tension. No matter the twist, almost every horror or psychological thriller will include at least one of these. Examples include Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Hackers, and Moulin Rouge.
9. The ‘When I Was A Little Girl’ Monologue
The more jaded moviegoer will roll their eyes when the sugary, overly sentimental ‘When I Was A Little Girl’ speech inevitably makes its appearance. This cliché is often used by lazy screenwriters to force the audience to feel sympathy or empathy for a character, regardless of their shortcomings or flaws. Notable examples include Pretty Woman and While You Were Sleeping.
8. Gazing at the Phone
Why do people continue to stare at their phones after receiving bad news? What are they expecting? A fairy to pop out of the receiver and shout 'Just kidding!'? Now, that would be a spectacle to witness... See: Ed Wood, Gozu, Phone Booth
7. The Perverted Bystander
These characters are often found in PG13 movies, where the storyline requires someone to be assaulted, but showing the act explicitly would increase the movie's rating. Instead, the camera typically shifts to a side character, who watches with a bloodthirsty or lustful grin, perhaps holding a bottle, reveling in the scene. Examples include Twilight: Eclipse. Another variation occurs when the villain is 'mentoring' their apprentice and observes their first kill: See: Interview with a Vampire, American History X.
6. The Less Attractive Sidekick
Ah, of course. Heaven forbid the lead character be overshadowed by a second-rate beauty. Romantic comedies are often the culprits, and it's not just the female protagonists who have their 'unattractive' sidekicks—though male sidekicks are typically wittier than the leads, while the female friends are often portrayed as quirky. See: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, The Wedding Planner, Hitch.
5. The One-Liner of Doom
'Yippee ki-yay, Motherfucker!' Always, always take a moment to think of a snappy catchphrase just before facing imminent danger. Always. It makes perfect sense. See: Die Hard (of course), Hot Fuzz, Bad Boys
4. Staring Into the Mirror
Do you really expect to see anything beyond your own reflection? Seriously? See number 3 and check out these films: American Psycho, V for Vendetta, Memento (alright, alright, this one’s somewhat justified).
3. The Quirky Female Lead
She’s not just gorgeous... she’s also humble! And intelligent! But don’t forget, she’s still a bit fragile. And clumsy—she trips over things. Clearly, she's a quirky character. Yawn… See: French Kiss, While You Were Sleeping, and pretty much every romcom starring Meg Ryan, Sandra Bullock, or Kate Hudson.
2. The Sarcastic Slow Clap
The hero does something slightly heroic, catching the attention of the villain. Cue the slow, sarcastic clap. It’s enough to make both the hero and the audience want to slap the smug villain. It’s overused but effective. See: The Dark Knight, The Breakfast Club, Primal Fear.
1. The Maniac Pauses for a Cup of Tea
Well, not exactly, but he might as well have. The killer’s ego takes over, and instead of simply carrying out the deed, he explains his every move to the victim. This delay gives the hero/heroine just enough time to escape or be rescued. What a fool. It’s also a classic case of ‘telling’ rather than ‘showing.’ Just get on with it already. See: Pretty much every James Bond film.
