The Cinematic Meanings of Love

The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of the representation of romantic relationships in cinema and the peculiarities of their semantic content through the systematization of existing theoretical approaches and taxonomies. The primary focus was on cinematic techniques, cultural and philosophical concepts that determine the representation of romance in contemporary cinema. The methodological foundation included an analysis of the triangular theory of love, philosophical concepts, visual and auditory techniques, and a comparative study of audience perceptions of romance. The research established that modern love narratives deviate from classical models, demonstrating a dynamic transformation of love’s components. Passion tends to dominate in the early stages, while intimacy and commitment emerge during the climax or resolution. It was revealed that the philosophical interpretation of romance in cinema is increasingly presented not as idealized harmony but as a space of psychological conflict, incorporating loss, identity crisis, and contradictions between characters. Technological advancements have contributed to visual solutions that enhance the expressiveness of romantic scenes while potentially distorting perceptions of real relationships. Differences in the interpretation of love stories between academic criticism and the general audience are influenced by cultural and social contexts, necessitating further analysis. The practical significance of the study lies in identifying the mechanisms through which digital technologies influence the perception of romance in cinema. This can be used for analyzing audience reactions to evolving forms of love story representation and predicting trends in the development of the romantic genre amid technological progress.