Codes and Conventions

To get a better understanding of each genre, we watched 3 film (focusing on the opening). Each of the films portray the codes and conventions that are typical for Thrillers, Horrors and Romantic Comedies.

Thriller - Red Dragon

Released in 2002, Red Dragon is the prequel to The Silence of the Lambs, directed by Brett Ratner, and starring Anthony Hopkins and Edward Norton.

There are a lot of close-ups throughout the film which clearly display characters emotions and subtle reactions. It could be suggested that the close-ups of characters faces in Red Dragon are a way of showing that there isn't necessarily a weapon used, the plot may be more psychological. There is an extensive use of objective point of view shots in the film, which give the audience the advantage of being able to see what the characters cant. This is a way of making the audience "connect" to the vulnerable character, as they feel sorry for him and want to help him. Majority of the film is very dark, which puts the audience on edge and also starts to build the tension. The darkness is also used as a cover for the crimes that are taking place. Another way in which tension is built is through the use of music. It consists mainly of string instruments which create an eerie atmosphere. As the tension in the film gathers, the pace starts to increase as well. Another common feature in the film, as with many thrillers, is the red herring - the audience are convinced of the ending and as the climax of the film approaches, there is a twist or break in the block and there will be a revelation of some sort that changes our perception of a particular character or the film as a whole.

Horror - Halloween

Halloween is a 1978 film, directed by John Carpenter, starring Donald Pleasence and Jamie Lee Curtis.

A common theme in horror films is the concept of a broken equilibrium or formula. They will usually involve the innocence of the main character/victim being compromised. The victims in horror films are usually teenage girls, as the audience see them as vulnerable and naive, this is reflected in the choice of casting Jamie Lee Curtis for the role of Laurie Strode in the film. This also gives dramatic effect to the events of the film. As the equilibrium is broken, tension starts to build up and a more sinister mood/tone develops. Mystery also plays a big part in horror films, as the audience know that something is happening, but we dont know who is doing it. The mystery (and therefore tension) is created by the masking of the killers face. There are also shots and lighting used so that the killers identity remains concealed e.g. dark, over the shoulder/subjective point of view. A lot of the outcomes in the film seem to be left up to fate/chance as the events appear to be unanticipated and unpredictable. In most horror films, there will be a hero/victim and a villain. It is inevitable that there will be deaths in the film, and there is usually a battle towards the end of the film between good and evil, which is most likely to contain lots of blood and gore. The main purpose of a horror film is to scar the audience or make them jump. An effective way of achieving this is through the use of sound/music, as this, coupled with the editing, creates tension and fear among the audience and puts them on edge. There will usually be high pitched string instruments which gather pace and frequency as the scene becomes increasingly intense. At the end of the film, there will be a survivor, who is believed to of overcome the villain. However, there is almost always a cliffhanger at the end of a film, Halloween being a perfect example, suggesting that the villain isn't dead.

Romantic Comedy - Four Weddings and a Funeral

Four Weddings and a Funeral is a 1994 romantic comedy starring Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell. It was directed by Mike Newell.

Most romantic comedies will usually follow a very basic formula - a couple who get together, but for some reason face obstacles in their relationship. In the end, the resolution may not always be a happy one, but can show the reality of the relationship between the characters. The characters in romantic comedies are typically middle/upper class, this is so that the audience can identify with them and connect to them and their story. With regard to the storyline/plot, there may be a "cinderella" story between the characters and their status. Another typical feature of a Romantic Comedy is a friend of one or both of the couple, they will help the characters to make decisions and will also be a source of comedy in the film. Most of the situations in the film will be lit brightly to lighten the atmosphere. Finally, the music that is used will be upbeat popular songs that people can easily recognise. The song will almost certainly have words that relate to the narrative of the film e.g. Love Is All Around - Four Weddings and a Funeral.