Camp Classic: How 'Down With Love' Found Its Cult Following

Released in May 2003, the romantic comedy 'Down With Love,' starring Renée Zellweger and Ewan McGregor, was initially met with a lukewarm reception. Despite the stars' prior success, the film's overt campiness and artificial aesthetic baffled audiences and critics, leading to a poor box office performance. The movie is set in 1962 New York, where feminist writer Barbara Novak's book advocates for women to reject romance. When her publisher's star journalist, Catcher Block, tries to expose her as a fraud, their ensuing game of deception leads to unexpected romance.

Despite a nonsensical plot, the film's zany screenplay and subversive themes offer a unique take on gender and relationships. It notably includes a queer thread, sympathetically portraying characters navigating societal expectations of the era. The film's visual style, reminiscent of early Hollywood with its painted sets and rear projection, enhances its dream-like quality. This homage to classic sex comedies, like 'Pillow Talk,' initially missed its mark with mainstream viewers.

However, 'Down With Love's' critique of societal norms surrounding sexuality and gender continues to hold relevance. In today's climate, where discussions on these topics are polarized, the film's nostalgic fantasy serves as an invitation to imagine a world where equality and self-expression are celebrated. Its enduring appeal lies in its bold artistic choices and timely commentary.