In ENCHANTED, the first time we meet Nancy, she’s the angry girlfriend who’s caught her boyfriend in an ostensibly compromising situation. (The movie doesn’t make fun of her! She’s right to react that way!)
The second time we meet Nancy, she’s bubbling over with happiness because of Robert’s apology. He sent her flowers, and invited her to a costume ball. What specifically does she say?
“It’s so unlike you!”
Nancy and Robert are both good people, who have to this point convinced themselves that they’re a good match. Nancy in particular has stifled her love for spectacle and spontaneity in favor of Robert’s caution and privacy.
Robert’s sweeping gesture to Nancy is so unlike him because it IS NOT him - it’s Giselle. It’s a gesture perfectly in keeping with Giselle and Edward’s world.
It’s logical for Robert not to be that way! His first marriage fell apart, he’s a divorce lawyer, and he has a daughter to raise. He moves slowly (too slowly!) and prizes authenticity, not splashy shows of affection. Even when Giselle enraptures the city in “How Does She Know?” Robert can only bob his head for a few seconds before catching himself and stopping.
Giselle, by the way, is too quick to trust. She can’t understand why she’s overstepping when she cleans Robert’s apartment or makes clothes out of his curtains. It isn’t until she almost breaks her vows - Robert stops the almost-kiss, not Giselle - that she truly begins reflecting on her emotions and goals.
All of this is what makes the climactic dance so exquisite. Sure, the music and the setting are romantic. Consider how our leads behave.
Giselle has taken the whole day to learn the customs and expectations of Robert’s world, and adjust herself accordingly. At the dance, she is shy and quiet, feeling her way carefully through her conversations.
Robert has not only shown up, he’s shown up in costume. He dances (it looks like a waltz - something scripted, which he’d be more comfortable with!). And he sings to Giselle - but not a spectacular, choreographed, public song! He’s IN public, but he whispers the song to her! Only she can hear it!
And Giselle doesn’t respond with a rollicking duet or an over the top wave of emotion! She is clearly deeply touched - barely holding back tears, but they ARE held back!! - and she simply rests on him!
Robert and Giselle balance out each other’s weaknesses and they also take the time to understand the way that the other one loves!!!!!!!!
