4 Things the Movies Taught Me About Love

Charlyne Yi, writer and star of Paper Heart, a mockumentary costarring her real-life beau, Michael Cera, shares some defining movie moments.

charlyne yi and michael cera
(Image credit: Matt Carr)

1. Dog Day Afternoon (1975). Love will make you do crazy things, including stroll into a bank with a shotgun in a flower box so you can get dough for your lover's sex-change operation. Spoiler alert! Too late? Sorry.

2. The Little Mermaid (1989). I learned from Prince Eric that there really are plenty of fish in the sea, even though his is also half-woman. Get it? Because Ariel is a mermaid?! Ahaha...

3. Twins (1988). The movie stars Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger as twins. I was split in two when I realized they weren't twins in real life. It was the first time I ever had my heart broken.

4. Rover Dangerfield (1991). A dog version of Rodney Dangerfield learns that sometimes in love, you don't get no respect! And that love is dangerous, baby. Toughen up. Dress nice. Maybe try a red tie. Broads love that shit.

Dedicated to women of power, purpose, and style, Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. Reaching millions of women every month, Marie Claire is an internationally recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.