I’m reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (or I should say I’m listening to Outlander, narrated by Davina Porter – brilliant btw), and got to a part in the story where the words GRAND GESTURE leaped off the page (audio track:). Not that I’m a dummy on the structure of romance (okay, a bit out of step) I really got it when one of the characters in this lovely, lovely, love story went for the GRAND GESTURE – and OMG it worked so well, I almost hit a tree (downside of audio track – driving during GRAND GESTURE).
So after patting myself on the back for recognizing the scene for what it was – I started rooting around on the Internet, as I am known to do, and found articles about the shallowness of the GRAND GESTURE in romantic comedy – film – and how it can cripple expectations for young love in real life. Misguided GRAND GESTURE is what I’d call it.
But the difference in Outlander in this scene to me – when compared to even the fabulous classic scene in film when John Cusack’s character holds the boom box above his head in SAY ANYTHING — but in OUTLANDER…there is no reward for the GRAND GESTURE. It is selfless, it is painful, it is grand because its not only a gesture – it is a decision that leaves an emptiness in the heart that will never be filled, but because of the love – its the only option for that character…
Sigh…if STARZ doesn’t do right by this book, they’ll have some explain’ to do!
And yes, I was in the mood to cap GRAND GESTURE … just because…
