The Chemistry of Chemistry: The Dos and Don'ts of On-Screen Coupling

Because not everyone can have the chemistry of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore? Like it or not, Sandler and Barrymore may be the closest thing this generation has to an “iconic” on-screen couple. In their new romantic comedy, Blended, they play an unlikely pair of platonic acquaintances who find themselves falling in love as the movie progresses. Not unlike The Wedding Singer. And sort of like 50 First Dates.

While the comic duo may not bring the same fiery fun and passion that their predecessors did, it could be worse. They could be Nick Nolte and Julia Roberts! Chemistry is a strange thing, indeed, and while it may be a science in most worlds, in Hollywood, it’s more like a game of chance. But if more than a century of movies has taught us anything, it’s that there are some definite rules when it comes to the chemistry of chemistry. These are The Dos and Don’ts of On-Screen Coupling.

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Do: Cast actors with real chemistry.

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Don't: Cast actors who hate each other.

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Do: Make it musical.

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Don't: Match wood with cardboard.

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Do: Make sure the actors' talent levels are equally matched.

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Don't: Assume that a real-life couple's chemistry will translate to the screen.

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Do: Cast two human beings.

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Don't: Make the age difference creepy.

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Do: Mix big personalities with quieter ones.

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Don't: Keep it in the family.

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Do: Cast George Clooney.

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Don't: Cast Jennifer Aniston.

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