500 Days of Summer; AS media studies

1. SIMILAR PRODUCT
RESEARCH 2 - 500
DAYS OF SUMMER

2. Opening
The first thing that appears on screen is a humorous author’s note which sets
the tone of the entire film in relation to the romance genre. Here, we can
recognise instantly, a hybrid between the romance genre and the comedy genre
which is the most popular genre to pair with romance. The slightly off centre text
to the left is a typical convention of the romance genre and is seen in a lot of
films purely due to how easy it is to read. Furthermore in the background the
audience is able to hear the diegetic sound of wind, indicating that we are about
to see an outdoor scene. The sound in the background of a text screen or even a
blank screen is also a feature that is commonly seen within romance films and is
something that we intend to make use of in our own main task.

3. Title Credits
Following the title credits, we are able to see the title of the film with a sketched background and the non-diegetic sound of a pen scribbling
on a page. This effect connotes a childish manner, perhaps indicting that the story and plot itself involves a relationship with a childish
break-up. Furthermore, the sketch relates to the protagonist’s dream profession of an architect which becomes apparent later in the film.
One technique that has been used is the change in numbers from 500 to 488 which continues throughout the film to indicate a series of
flashbacks and events in a non-chronological order. The different numbers have a fast flicking countdown much like a clock, to indicate that
time moves quickly. This effect creates a sense of continuity and it helps the reader to locate the time frame of the event; in this case, the
story begins at the ending, shifting the common flow of any film. Furthermore, the number 488 shows that the sequential scene is towards
the end of the film and the scenes are edited together in a non-chronological order, which allows the audience to see the relationship from
different periods in time. This occurs throughout the film in order to portray the relationship in different stages and somewhat connote that
there could be an element of chaos to come. Later in the opening sequence, the numbers flick back to day 1 which shows the very first
stages of their relationship and their first encounter.

4. Transition
Following on from this, the cross dissolve transition has been used to jump from the title screen to a
widescreen establishing shot of a couple sitting on a bench. The cross dissolve is typical of the
romance genre as it is a soft transition that once again shows time passing and that relationships
seem happy from another persons perspective, however there often are a lot of hidden issues. In
addition, the use of the fade adds to the typical romance genre conventions as it romanticises the
scene and allows the audience to grasp that the plot is somewhat ‘fairy-tale’ and happy. The bench is
a typical convention of romance films as it is often considered a place where couples talk or have
romantic conversations. In this shot, the bench is placed in the right hand corner so that the rest of the
setting can be seen and this may indicate that the skyline has some relevance to the characters and
the relationship.

5. Character Connection
A connection is instantly established between the two main characters through the use of eye
line matching as well as body language such as hand-holding. The use of eye line matching
indicates a bond, which allows the audience to understand that these two characters are
romantically involved with each other. The two hands are in the centre of the screen, making
them the main focus and centre of visual interest within the shot. The female character is
wearing an engagement ring, which tells the audience that these characters may be planning to
get married and are in a long-term relationship. This is typical of the romance genre as props
such as wedding rings and the themes of marriage are common to express the male and
female’s relationship; they are committed and clearly love each other.

6. There is an off screen, non-diegetic narration over the top of the
scene, which describes the characters and their stories. This is
a very typical convention of the romance genre as it allows the
audience to gain an immediate impression of the characters as
well as instantly knowing the back-stories. The narrator in this
film I not a character, yet in some films the main character
narrates the story like in Love, Rosie. Using a third party
narrator has a different effect as it doesn’t just show the
personal opinions of one character, but shows the events from a
non-bias perspective. Furthermore, there is simple acoustic
piano music in the background therefore the music doesn’t
distract from the events taking place, but adds a story-telling
feeling. The music lights up and crescendos later in the
sequence when the male protagonist first sees the female
character, this is also typical of the genre as it associates love
with happiness.

7. Wide Angle Shot
Once the countdown has reset to day one we are able to see an initially wide-angle shot of the
main character which gradually zooms in to show his facial expression. The use of the zoom
effect is commonly used in the romance genre as it connotes that the character is in deep
thought. In Love, Rosie, the other film that we analysed, the camera zooms out on the character
whereas in this film the camera zooms in; this indicates boredom and ignorance to the people
surrounding him. In addition, it further reiterates the characters facial expressions in relation to
the narration, which is talking about him being unhappy and wanting to find “the one”. Also, the
colours and the setting of the shot represent a corporate dullness which the female protagonist is
going to disrupt.

8. Flashback
There are numerous childhood flashbacks within the sequence to show the lives and backstories of the
characters before they met. Flashbacks are a typical convention of the romance genre as they allow
the audience to gain an insight into the character’s lives, similar to the use of narration. Therefore the
film is made a lot more personal and perhaps the audience can relate to the character’s childhood.
This breaks up the continuity of the piece, which gives a sense that the sub-plots feed into the same
overall plot; romance films have a lot of layers which all contribute to the theme of love. In addition, it
highlights the naivety of the children, which allows the audience to understand the current behaviour
and characteristics of the protagonists. The sense of naivety perhaps foreshadows the nature of the
relationship.

9. Pan
A pan is used to establish a connection between the two main characters and allow the audience
to experience their first encounter. It is somewhat fast paced to show the ‘love at first sight’ that
he feels towards the female protagonist. In addition, it shows the setting of an office, which is a
common convention as love is often found in the work place. The pan follows the protagonist’s
eye line as the camera mimics how he is drawn to his new love interest, and this is replicated for
the audience as we follow and are a part of the exchange. This could also foreshadow the
distance within the relationship as the two characters are on different levels.