This document is a compare and contrast essay analyzing the movies "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "The Proposal". It summarizes the key plot elements, settings, main characters, use of drama and humor, and tonal qualities in each film. The essay argues that while both are examples of the "dramedy" genre, "The Grand Budapest Hotel" has more depth and leaves a longer lasting impression through its elaborate sets, quirky characters, and exaggerated comedic drama. In contrast, "The Proposal" focuses more on heartwarming family and romance through a fish-out-of-water story, but its humor and drama are more relatable and momentary. Overall, the essay examines how

1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
THE DESIGN SCHOOL
FOUNDATION IN NATURAL BUILD ENVIRONMENT
NAME: Chia Sue Hwa
STUDENT ID NO: 0317920
FILMS SELECTED: ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ and ‘The Proposal’
WORD COUNT: 1022
ENGLISH 2 (ELG 30605)
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 1: COMPARE – CONTRAST ESSAY
LECTURER: CASSANDRA WIJESURIA
SUBMISSION DATE: 19TH SEPTEMBER 2014

2. Contrast Essay between the Movies ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ and ‘The Proposal’
Ever since movies and film evolved to become highly accessible universally, the ‘dramedy’ genre has always claimed a permanent spot in the top box office. The word ‘dramedy’, being a medley of drama and comedy, is a favoured category among a general audience of movie enthusiasts, simply because of its upbeat effervescence, a definite attribute of a crowd- pleaser. Who in the world doesn’t enjoy kicking back and unwinding to an animated mood- booster of a movie saturated with laughs and wacky storylines that undoubtedly tickles the brain? The movies ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ and ‘The Proposal’ are two variations of ‘dramedies’ that are analysed from the plot and settings, main characters, drama and humour.
The plot and theme set the foundation that a movie is developed from. ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ is a comical film that imparts a deeper message of friendship, love and monetary desire. The story is a recollection of memories of Zero Moustafa as his younger self, a hotel bell boy who follows his trusted senior, the concierge on a series of epic adventures. This involves a murder mystery chock-full with suspenseful questions, significant action and witty humour at every corner, set in a backdrop of 1930s whimsy pastel and extravagant artifice. In contrast, ‘The Proposal’ revolves around the simple grace of relationships in life with a strong theme of love, acceptance and family. Also rated as chick-flick, it was filmed from a third-person’s perspective of a dominant lady-boss and her long-suffering assistant fabricating a marriage in order to avoid her deportation back to Canada, not to forget predictably falling in love in the process. In sum, ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ comprises an idiosyncratic blend of melodrama and ardour, while the latter is a climax of good-natured family and romantic humour.
Furthermore, the main character plays a significant role in leading the story towards the right direction and intended theme. ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ presents the star of the show as Monsieur Gustave H., the rather pompous and well-groomed concierge of the Grand Budapest Hotel, who lands himself in a torrent of trouble centred on the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting with the aide of his protégé, Zero. Played by Ralph Fiennes, he was so convincing as an intelligent and dynamic concierge and leader, scheming enthusiastically when they fall into scrapes, with a unceasing vocabulary no less grandiose than the movie settings. On the other hand, ‘The Proposal’ introduces a much simpler male character, Andrew Paxton as played by Ryan Reynolds. He being the miserable personal

3. assistant to his preeminent editor cum boss, Margaret Tate, opens up his other traits to the audience while back in his native Alaska (Rotten Tomatoes, 2014). For instance, Andrew’s saucy remarks and retorts with her are a never-ending gunfight that results in the gay atmosphere of the movie. His protective and loving side eventually reveal little by little, which breaks the ice between them slowly but surely. As a footnote, both leading roles speak for their respective films in terms of their exclusive charisma.
Theatrical action is the highlight and also backbone in a film for any moviephile. ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ provided no shortage of that with eccentric, goofy stunts originating from a script brimming with fast-paced exploits and catastrophes. The director’s sights are like scenes from a storybook, and the actors act and speak with a clockwork cadence that adds to the sense of irrational drama. For example, the snowy mountainside scene when Monsieur Gustave and Zero race the evil nemesis, Jopling downwards on skis, was overly animated, cartoonish and almost unrealistic to be a typical kind of spectacle, even for a drama. ‘The Proposal’ suggests contemporary plays that are more relatable, yet, its climbing chain of events heightens the excitement and conflicts that the couple have to confront. From the drawing of the prenuptial negotiation (or bribe conditions) to actually breaking the law through their phony marriage, or straight-out decepting Andrew’s family, the drama and tension build up towards the final cut of the movie where Margaret decides to call it off (Roger Ebert, 2009). In short, ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ promotes exaggerated drama encased in an eloquent cinematic museum whereas ‘The Proposal’ is represented by warm, light-hearted family and romantic plays.
Lastly, gaiety is embedded in the framework of the two ‘dramedies’ as it is imperative to enliven an audience from time to time. However, the nature of humour in both movies are distinctive. ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ conjures quirky characters and oddball encounters that make the film entertaining and playful in itself. A fitting example would be Monsieur Gustave H., whose droll wit and ‘keep calm and carry on’ delivery, occasionally peppered with highlights of profanity and fire. A memorable quote of his would be when he was talking to Madame D’s corpse, “You're looking so well darling, you really are. I don't know what sort of cream they put on you down at the morgue but, I want some.” In comparison, ‘The Proposal’ features the always-in-control city girl, Margaret who finds herself in one comedic fish-out-of-water situation after another when the duo meet Andrew’s family in Alaska. For instance, the epic scene when Grandma Annie insists on Margaret joining her for a Native American sunrise ceremonial dance in the woods was definitely a wisecrack (Screen

4. Rant, Andy Crump, 2014). Also, romantic playfulness can be detected through the way Margaret and Andrew constantly bicker and bond unconsciously, so to never create a dull scene. In summary, the two movies create laughter for all fans in techniques that differ but with an ever so similar purpose.
I find it rather incredible how two films from the same genre can spark up such diverse and colourful emotions in each individual. In my opinion, I favour ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ over ‘The Proposal‘ as it holds its magnificent air with depth in one’s mind long after the movie, while ‘The Proposal’ is a note of lovable but momentary hilarity. In a nutshell, ‘dramedies’ with a fusion of intriguing plots, characters, drama and comedy are absolute gold to get your groove back on in time for an merry Friday night.

5. Reference List:
1) The Grand Budapest Hotel. (2014, January 1). Retrieved September 19, 2014, from http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_grand_budapest_hotel/
2) Ebert, R. (2009, June 17). The Proposal. Retrieved September 19, 2014, from http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-proposal-2009
3) Crump, A. (2014, March 1). 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' Featurette: Meet Mr. Gustave. Retrieved September 19, 2014, from http://screenrant.com/grand-budapest- hotel-preview/