Media Studies Portfolio: Genre Research

Hi and welcome back to my blog!
Today I will be analyzing a second movie genre: romance.

Romance films are often light-hearted and humorous and aim to show how true love can overcome obstacles. They are typically aimed at a female audience.

ROMANCE

GENRE CONVENTIONS - CONTENT

Romance movies generally focus on themes of true love, status, gender, sexuality, and relationships; often a voiceover is used to introduce this theme of love.

The narrative structure of the genre is typically a standard chronological structure, introducing the main characters. Usually these characters go their separate ways because of a disagreement (conflict) but get back together afterwards ("happily ever after").

The setting of romance movies are typically in urban settings like a large city (NYC) or the beach, school, local diner, fancy restaurant - typically somewhere a chance encounter can take place.

As for characters, these generally comprise of a man and woman that meet and end up falling in love. The "heroes" tend to be men. There is may be a character that isn't happy with the relationship and tries to stop it.
Props that may be found in romance movies include: flowers such as roses, jewelry, hearts, box of chocolates.

GENRE CONVENTIONS - PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES

Cinematography and editing techniques are often manipulated to create a sense of love and intimacy.
The lighting used is often warm and bright, growing softer and dimmer in more sensual moments.

Sound and music used in romance movies depend on the mood of the characters and the film.
If the movie is sad, soft instrumental music will typically be used, whereas at happy moments of the film, an upbeat and cheerful song will be used.
Close-up shots, which are often of a character's face, are used to emphasize significant events or emotions in the narrative.
Shot reverse shot edits are used to show the connection and relationship between two characters, typically the protagonists.
Two shots are also often used in romance movies, typically to show moments where the characters feel close to each other. They may be kissing, or hugging, or just talking. Typically these shots wouldn't be used during an argument scene.

INSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS

The romance genre is typically marketed through social media channels, traditional methods like billboards, viral campaigns, experiential marketing, and trailers, which may feature raunchy scenes in order to attract attention.

FILM SAMPLE 1 - La La Land (2016)

This film centers around the relationship between an actress and pianist as they fall in love and attempt to reconcile their aspirations for the future. This film employs color alterations to mark the evolution of couple's relationship. Mia, for example, wears light colors, like that in her yellow dress, during the early stages of their relationship. The lighting is also changed from when they are happy together (bright, warm colors) to when they are not, especially when they are arguing at Sebastian's apartment, where dark, harsh lighting is used. Like many movies in the romance genre, the main characters (Mia and Sebastian) don't like each other when they first meet. This changes when the characters realize how much they have in common.

FILM SAMPLE 2 - Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

This film follows the growing relationship between a man with bipolar disorder and a widow and how they bond through a dance competition. Just like La La Land and other romance movies, the two characters don't get along at the start of the movie and only get together at the end. It's presumed that they both live happily ever after. This movie uses numerous two shots, especially when the characters are getting along and as their romantic relationship is strengthening, and uses shot reverse shots during scenes where the two are arguing.

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