# How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

> 2003 film by Donald Petrie

**Wikidata**: [Q1327370](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1327370)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Lose_a_Guy_in_10_Days)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/how-to-lose-a-guy-in-10-days

## Summary
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is a 2003 American romantic comedy film directed by Donald Petrie, starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. The movie follows a journalist who attempts to drive away a man in 10 days as part of an article, while he simultaneously tries to make her fall in love with him for a bet.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: February 7, 2003 (US premiere), January 27, 2003 (Germany), April 17, 2003 (UK)
- **Director**: Donald Petrie
- **Lead Actors**: Kate Hudson (Andie Anderson), Matthew McConaughey (Benjamin Barry)
- **Production Company**: Paramount Pictures
- **Budget**: $50,000,000
- **Box Office Gross**: $177,371,651 worldwide
- **Runtime**: 111 minutes
- **IMDb ID**: tt0251127
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 42% (critics), 55% (audience)
- **Metacritic Score**: 45/100
- **Genre**: Romantic comedy
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Language**: English
- **Based On**: Book by Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long
- **Official Website**: http://www.howtoloseaguymovie.com/

## FAQs
**What is the plot of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days?**
The film follows Andie Anderson, a journalist who writes the "How To" column for a women's magazine. She accepts an assignment to write about the things women do to drive men away, planning to make a man leave her in exactly 10 days. Meanwhile, advertising executive Benjamin Barry accepts a bet that he can make any woman fall in love with him in 10 days. The two meet and begin dating, each pursuing their opposite goals without knowing the other's true intentions.

**Who are the main cast members?**
Kate Hudson stars as Andie Anderson, the magazine writer conducting the experiment. Matthew McConaughey plays Benjamin Barry, the advertising executive making the bet. The supporting cast includes Adam Goldberg as Tony, Andie's friend; Bebe Neuwirth as Lana Jong, Andie's boss; and Kathryn Hahn as Michelle, Andie's colleague.

**How successful was the film financially?**
The movie had a production budget of $50 million and grossed $177,371,651 worldwide. In the United States and Canada, it earned $105,807,520, while international markets contributed $71,564,131 to the total box office revenue.

**What awards or recognition did the film receive?**
While not winning major awards, the film was nominated for several Teen Choice Awards in 2003, including Choice Movie: Comedy and Choice Movie Actor: Comedy for Matthew McConaughey. Kate Hudson won the Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actress: Comedy.

## Why It Matters
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days represents a significant entry in the early 2000s romantic comedy renaissance, helping to establish both Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey as leading romantic comedy stars. The film's commercial success demonstrated the enduring appeal of the genre and contributed to the careers of its lead actors, particularly McConaughey's transition from dramatic roles to romantic comedy heartthrob status. Its premise of competing romantic agendas created a template for future romantic comedies exploring themes of deception and genuine connection. The movie also showcased New York City as a romantic backdrop and featured memorable fashion moments that influenced early 2000s style trends.

## Notable For
- **Star-Making Vehicle**: Helped launch Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey as romantic comedy leads
- **Commercial Success**: Grossed over $177 million worldwide against a $50 million budget
- **Cultural Impact**: Created iconic scenes and quotes that became part of early 2000s pop culture
- **Fashion Influence**: Featured memorable outfits that influenced early 2000s fashion trends
- **Premise Innovation**: Unique dual-bet structure that created dramatic irony and comedic tension
- **New York Setting**: Showcased Manhattan as a romantic comedy backdrop
- **Soundtrack**: Featured popular songs that became associated with the film's romantic moments

## Body
### Production and Development
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days was produced by Paramount Pictures, one of the oldest and most established film studios in Hollywood. The project was based on a book by Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long, which provided the foundational concept of a woman systematically driving away a man through various relationship mistakes. Donald Petrie, known for directing romantic comedies like Miss Congeniality, was selected to direct the film. The screenplay was written by Kristen Buckley, Brian Regan, and Burr Steers, who adapted the source material into a contemporary romantic comedy format.

### Cast and Characters
The film stars Kate Hudson as Andie Anderson, a journalist working for a women's magazine called Composure. Hudson, daughter of Goldie Hawn, was already gaining recognition for her role in Almost Famous when she took on this leading role. Matthew McConaughey portrays Benjamin Barry, an advertising executive confident in his ability to win women's affection. The supporting cast includes Adam Goldberg as Tony, Andie's supportive friend and colleague; Bebe Neuwirth as Lana Jong, the demanding editor-in-chief of Composure; and Kathryn Hahn in one of her early film roles as Michelle, another magazine employee.

### Filming and Locations
Principal photography took place in New York City, utilizing iconic locations throughout Manhattan to establish the urban romantic comedy setting. The production made extensive use of the city's architecture and atmosphere, filming in areas such as Central Park, luxury apartments, advertising agency offices, and various restaurants and bars that became settings for key scenes. The New York setting was integral to the film's aesthetic and contributed to its portrayal of glamorous urban romance.

### Release and Reception
The film premiered in the United States on February 7, 2003, and was subsequently released in other markets including Germany on January 27, 2003, and the United Kingdom on April 17, 2003. Critical reception was mixed, with many reviewers praising the chemistry between Hudson and McConaughey while criticizing the predictable plot and reliance on romantic comedy conventions. The Rotten Tomatoes score of 42% from critics contrasted with a 55% audience score, indicating stronger appeal to general viewers than to professional critics. Metacritic's score of 45/100 similarly reflected mixed reviews from mainstream critics.

### Box Office Performance
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days proved to be a significant commercial success, grossing $177,371,651 worldwide against its $50 million production budget. The film's domestic performance was particularly strong, earning $105,807,520 in the United States and Canada. International markets contributed an additional $71,564,131, demonstrating the film's broad global appeal. The movie's box office success helped establish romantic comedy as a viable genre for major studios in the early 2000s and contributed to the continued production of similar films throughout the decade.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy
The film has maintained a lasting presence in popular culture, with certain scenes and quotes becoming widely recognized references. The "love fern" scene, where Andie gives Ben a plant to symbolize their relationship, has become particularly iconic and is frequently referenced in discussions of romantic comedy tropes. The movie also contributed to the "McConaissance" phenomenon, as Matthew McConaughey's performance in this romantic comedy preceded his later dramatic roles and eventual Academy Award win. Kate Hudson's fashion in the film, particularly her yellow dress at the charity event, became influential in early 2000s fashion and remains memorable in discussions of romantic comedy style.

### Music and Soundtrack
The film's soundtrack featured contemporary pop and R&B songs that complemented its romantic and comedic tone. The music played a significant role in establishing the film's mood and has remained associated with its most memorable scenes. The soundtrack album included contributions from various artists popular in the early 2000s, helping to anchor the film in its specific cultural moment.

### Distribution and Home Media
Following its theatrical run, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days was released on home video formats including DVD and VHS. The film has since been made available on various digital platforms and streaming services, allowing it to reach new audiences and maintain its cultural relevance. Its continued availability has contributed to its status as a modern romantic comedy classic that new generations discover through home viewing.

### Related Works and Connections
The film is part of Paramount Pictures' extensive catalog of romantic comedies and represents the studio's investment in the genre during the early 2000s. It shares thematic and stylistic elements with other romantic comedies of the era, particularly those featuring strong chemistry between lead actors and New York City settings. The movie's success influenced subsequent romantic comedy productions and contributed to the careers of everyone involved in its creation.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0251127/)
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