The romantic comedy The Proposal hinges on a charmingly unbelievable premise: Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock), a demanding book editor, and Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds), her long-suffering assistant, fabricate a relationship to avoid Margaret's deportation. But what makes the situation even more complicated, and a source of much comedic tension, is their apparent lack of memory regarding their earlier encounters. This begs the question: how did Mack (Margaret) and Brady (Andrew’s nickname) actually forget each other?
The film doesn't offer a straightforward explanation, intentionally leaving room for audience interpretation and adding to the overall comedic effect. However, we can analyze several contributing factors that likely led to their apparent amnesia:
The Passage of Time and Life Changes: A Key Factor
The movie implies a significant time gap since their last encounter. Margaret, having ascended the corporate ladder, is a high-powered executive with a very different life than the one she might have led earlier. Andrew, similarly, is likely focused on his career and personal growth. The significant changes in their lives might have led to a lack of recognition, especially in a brief, possibly less-memorable encounter from their past. This is plausible: how many people truly remember every single person they've met, particularly fleeting encounters?
The Nature of Their Initial Meeting: A Blurred Memory?
The specifics of their first meeting are never explicitly revealed. It's hinted at as being somewhat insignificant, possibly a quick encounter at a social event or a brief professional interaction. Such a casual meeting is easily forgotten, especially considering the time elapsed. A momentary, superficial interaction would hardly leave a lasting impression, especially when contrasted with their intense later interactions in the film.
The "Fish Out of Water" Dynamic: A Role in the Forgetfulness
The setting further impacts their recognition. Margaret's arrival in Sitka, Alaska, throws Andrew into a completely unfamiliar situation, creating an element of surprise. He’s dealing with the upheaval of hosting his demanding boss, making him less likely to focus on recognizing her from a previous, possibly less significant encounter. Similarly, Margaret's own stressful predicament overshadows any potential memories of Andrew during her initial arrival.
The Power of First Impressions (or Lack Thereof)
The film plays on the idea of first impressions and how they can be deceptive. Their initial meeting may not have been remarkable, perhaps even negative. This would make it less likely that either of them would remember the other, especially years later when their personalities and situations have drastically changed.
The Humorous Effect: Intentional Ambiguity
Ultimately, the "forgotten" aspect of their past relationship is a crucial element of the film's comedy. The lack of a clear explanation allows for humorous misunderstandings and provides a springboard for their developing relationship. The mystery allows the audience to fill in the blanks and add their own interpretation to the story, enhancing their enjoyment and connection to the narrative.
In conclusion, the question of how Mack and Brady forgot each other is never explicitly answered in The Proposal. It's a comedic device, a plot point that serves to highlight the absurdity of their situation and further the narrative. The combination of time, life changes, the nature of their initial encounter, and the overall comedic intention of the film likely contribute to this playful element of the story.
