Post E - Genre

1. Romance Typical Conventions
Typical Conventions
Plot: The plot of a romance films are generally similar. The plot begins with two people meeting, it normally
focuses on a heterosexual relationship. They get to know each other and go on dates however, there is
normally a problem that stops them from being together and can cause arguments between them. The thing
that stops them could be perhaps, one of their exs, their parents or education. Therefore, this tends to be the
disequilibrium within the film.
Themes
- Love: love at first sight, young with older love, forbidden love, tragic love, obsessive love,
- Heartbreak: Break ups, death, affairs
- ‘Chick Flick’: Generally targeted at women and demonstrate a new relationship between two people.
(Examples of films: Dirty Dancing, Dear John, Legally Blonde)
Textual Analysis:
Within my short film I will work within the genre of romance, which is the same as my films within my textual analysis.
Therefore, I will try to include these within my short films. I could also include key themes within the genre including
heartbreak and love.

2. • Representation:
-Usually within romance films, women have a key role in the narrative. They are
seen to be quite venerable as they are looking for love. A lot of films convey that
men are dependent on women. However, there are films which are reject this and
show women in control and having more power over men.
-Men are portrayed to be strong characters and have control over women. They are
seen to be desired by women and therefore, makes them in control. However,
again some films break these typical conventions and we see the male as the more
sensitive character and women are desirable and in control.
Textual Analysis: Within my textual analysis I will take these representations into
consideration and decide on what I want to convey to the audience.

3. Romantic Films

4. Trailers
Love Actually The Notebook
Love Actually communicates the genre of
romance and is a very successful and popular
film. It was released in 2003 and since then has
won 10 awards (Including a BAFTA for best
performance by an actor in a supporting role)
and has had 24 nominations (Including a
golden globe for best motion picture and best
screenplay). The plot looks at various couples
and their adventures with love with the
struggles that they have to go through.
The Notebook is another popular romantic film
and was released in 2004. The director of the film
is Nick Cassavetes and since being released it has
won 11 awards with 7 nominations. The plot
demonstrates two a woman and a man who fall in
love yet have difficulties being together due to
their social differences. It communicates this
through common features I have discovered in my
textual analysis such as voiceovers and the mise-
en-scene.

5. Iconography
Definition:
Symbolic representation, especially the conventional meanings
attached to an image or images.
Mise-en-scene:
• Flowers: These are commonly seen within romantic films and typically the male
character give them to the female protagonist. They are a symbol of love and are
usually given at an important time in the story (i.e., a date, an engagement, a
proposal).
• Kissing sequence: Normally, within romance films there is a kissing scene, this is
when the guy manages to get the girl. (Could be seen at the end of a date/the
end of the film.
• Locations: Typical locations that are shown within romance films are: parks,
cafes/restaurants, bedrooms, the beach. These all are common and therefore,
the audience associate them with this specific genre.
The Notebook
50 First Dates – Café date

6. Iconography
Montages:
These are a typical element within romance and are generally used to show the relationship
between two people progressing or concentrates on a view of one of the people in the
relationship on their loved one. This is demonstrated in ‘500 Days of Summer’ showing the
antagonist’s (Tom) view on Summer.
Film Stars associated with this genre
Mila Kunis Jennifer Anniston Cameron Diaz Justin Timberlake