A Feature Length Film: How I Met My Husband

A romantic, suspensful comedy starring
Ryan Reynolds, James Marsden, and Miranda Cosgrove
How I Met My Husband


Plot "How I Met My Husband" (the Movie) would essentially follow the same plot as its short story. However, there would be more to Chris Watters after he leaves her the first time. So, the movie would use the story as its beginning and middle. Essentially, however, I'd like to make it so that Chris Watters returns to Edie after months of waiting to sort of, play with her heart, but of course, he leaves, unexpectedly again. This repetition of Watters appearing and leaving would happen periodically throughout the movie. In addition to the Edie and Chris Watters, part of the movie would be from Carmichael's point of view in watching this young girl wait by her mailbox, and he would also see she and Watters out in the town when he would return. He notices though that even when Watters is with her she is not happy, and ultimately takes his chances one day she is waiting by the mailbox. She eventually decides to date Carmichael, while Watters is away, which causes a conflict when he returns. Ultimately, she must choose the right man for her. In making the movie this way it builds suspense, and focuses on what type of man a woman needs to make herself happy. The movie shys away from making others happy, and instead focuses on the protagonist's needs and wishes.
Structure
The structure of the movie would be a flashback like the short story. However, instead of the closing scene being her husband talking to the children about how they met, the movie would open with this scene. I want it so that Edie is sitting down with her children, and as she tells her story the movie goes into its plot. The husband is not to be shown in this opening scene, for it would ruin the suspense. Although it is a flashback, there will be no narration by the older Edie during the actual plot. The action can speak for the words itself. When the plot has come to the conclusion, or when Edie chooses which man is right for her, it will go back to this opening scene, where Carmichael will appear as the father. He will sit down with the children, and say something along the lines of, "aw I missed it. Please tell of how I swept you off your feet again?" and the movie will close.
Characterization
So if I would have made a movie in which one guy has to pick between two girls, I would have chosen Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, and Angelina Jolie. But, it's not that way. So, I'm thinking Ryan Reynolds as Chris Watters because Chris Watters needs a really comical, and relaxed personality. He needs to show no personal, lasting affection towards Edie. Carmichael would be played by James Marsden, a real sensitive and affectionate man who puts his feelings and heart on the line for Edie. Edie would be played by Miranda Cosgrove, it would be her first big time movie and give her acting career a boost. Ultimately, for Edie though Cosgrove possesses that younger aura and could incorporate the characteristics of a humble and modest upbringing which are relevant in the character of Edie. The other characters would be played by some unheard of small role actors, and actresses which would characterize their role as essentially advancing the plot.
Point of View
Since it is a flashback of Edie's story telling it would be from her point of view. However, parts of it would be from Carmichael's point of view in watching this young girl wait for the mail each day, and her unhappiness even when Watters comes back. By using two points of view, it not only focuses on Edie's feelings on the situation, but how Carmichael sort of came in as the hero, and why he felt the need to act. None of the movie would be from Watter's point of view to show that he truly had no feelings for Edie and just played with her heart. In not showing any of the movie from Watter's point of view it foreshadows that Watters will not be the husband at the end of the movie. Although the point of view may switch from time to time, the audience will still be able to create their own opinions of each character.
Theme
As mentioned earlier, the theme will focus around finding who is right for oneself, and a personal perspective of happiness. Unlike the book, the movie cannot focus its theme on it being more about the journey, than the destination because Watters appears back in the plot, and Carmichael would eventually find out why Edie was waiting by the mailbox. The movie cannot be played off as Edie was coming on to Carmichael. It could seem like this for part of the movie, but not through the events the characters will go through. In making the theme, sort of choosing the right man and happiness, it creates more of a romantic chick flick. Probably not a movie for the guys, unless it incorporates a few fights between Watters and Carmichael. Then again, some men like a good chick flick. ;)