Opposite Genres Actually One in the Same (Porn vs Romantic Comedy)

The obvious argument: porn and romantic comedy have nothing to do with one another. One appeals to the physical craving, and the other, to the emotional. The first is for one seeking to increase visual stimulation, and the second, is meant to please the affect. But peer deeper, and you find that the two genres actually tickle many of the same desires for fantasy common to us all.

Both genres depict two people coming together to share something very human. Not always only two people you may argue. In porn, you also sometimes see the solo, or the gang. But careful now, the same goes for romantic comedy: the sex-starved spinster who finally recognizes she's happiest alone, or the ever-common love triangle.

So generally-speaking, you've got two people coming together to share something human, committing loving acts and often, in both, nasty ones as well. In both genres you've created completely fantastical situations because fantasy fulfills the desire to experience the kind of pleasure not accessible at every moment. This way so easily attainable - at the flick of your remote.

Let's define these fantasies a bit, starting with the characters. I'm going to stick to classical stereotypes in both genres to simplify my argument, obviously not exhaustive -- I welcome your debate.

In our classical notion of porn, women often have invented personas: the pining maid with her feather duster, the tempestuous cop with her baton, or the punishing teacher and her ruler. These are fantasy generators: these characters give the mind fodder for the actual sex life, further animating it above the real experience. Conversely, the same is true for romantic comedy. You have the male persona that doesn't exist: the single super dad, the stud hiding behind geeky glasses, or the military man turned widower. These too are fantasy generators, you meet them once and the fantasy comes alive, further animating your perceptions of romance in real life.

Beyond the image of the character, their actions are often absurdly fantastical, completely invented to provide viewer gratification. In porn, aside from the obvious exaggerated remarks about size or performance and varying degrees of creative noise making, there is also the lady's request for a particular kind of facial that in reality she couldn't possibly enjoy.
Sorry gentlemen!

The same goes for the opposite genre where we experience the kind of loving monologues and incredible patience from the imaginary man indulging the impossible woman who just won't shut up...sorry ladies. See a clip from The Holiday with Jude Law and Cameron Diaz.

The denouement of both genres is physical sex. In porn, it's actually the climax, understood. In romantic comedy it can be as simple as getting that kiss. However, we all know where that kiss is leading, and that pleases us. Goal attained. After all, who doesn't like a happy ending?