2. Semantic/ Syntactic Approach
Semantic
This is concerned with the conventions of the genre that communicate to the
audience such as characters, locations, props, music, shooting style and
other Signifiers
Syntactic
This is concerned with the relations between these elements and the structure
of narratives in genres E.g. in romantic comedy we expect the potential
lovers to begin by not liking each other
There are then a series of meetings/ problems (enigmas) which culminate in
their successful relationship
3. Syntactic
The genre I have been looking at in my research is Horror. The generic syntactical
approach to horror, would normally start with the introduction to the people and the
location of where it is going to be set, in the case of ‘Paranormal Activity’ it is set in a
house, where a couple are living. Most of the film, is set in their bedroom, or other rooms
around the house. The films climax is when the couple realize that there is something, or
someone else living in their home, which may be out to get them. This can also be seen
on the trailer for the movie.
Paranormal Activity Trailer
4. Semantic
The genre which I am analyzing for my research is Horror. There are many certain
semantic traditions of horror, that can be very noticeable in many different films.
In my research I looked at ‘Paranormal Activity’ it opens with an introduction to
everything which is going and to set the scene. There is so many different styles of
lighting which happens in the trailer, these include a night light, so a green light, this is
seen when the audience is showing sat in the cinema, looking terrified, with what is
happening in
the movie. The sound which they
use is dailogue, as well as effective,
Dramatic music, to make the movie
more scary and to give it more
suspense.
