Genre research task
Choose a genre
Outline the repertoire of generic elements (include exactly what it is that makes it the genre it is)
Give examples of typical products from this genre
How has the genre achieved repetition and difference? Give examples
Chart the genres historical development (its popularity, its changing identity/hybridity)
Genre: Rom-Com (Romantic Comedy)
Repertoire of generic elements -
Outline the repertoire of generic elements (include exactly what it is that makes it the genre it is)
Give examples of typical products from this genre
How has the genre achieved repetition and difference? Give examples
Chart the genres historical development (its popularity, its changing identity/hybridity)
Genre: Rom-Com (Romantic Comedy)
Repertoire of generic elements -
- Themes - Love at first sight, Three's company, fighting obvious attraction, lighthearted, humorous plot lines centred on romantic ideals, Love finds a way, fairytale happy ending, young and likeable couples that overcome obstacles to be together, wanting someone you cant have/be with, fantasy
- Character types - Girl/Boy next door, bad boy, gentleman, heartthrob, supporting friend, bestfriends, swarn enemies, working woman, conspirators (fake relationship that eventually becomes real)
- Style - Fairytale, wedding bells, magic spell, secrets and lies, the imposter, emotional adolescence, wealth classification
- Settings - Holiday, work place, weddings, big city, high school, fairytale/make believe, airport
- Objects and props - Love letters, rings, flowers
- Love Actually (2003)
- Bridget Jones Diary (2001)
- 50 First Dates (2004)
- Clueless (1995)
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
- Just Go With It (2007)
- Maid In Madhattan (2002)
- 27 Dresses (2008)
- The Wedding Planner (2001)
- 13 Going On 30 (2004)
- The Princess Diaries (2001)
- Repetition is achieved by using common generic elements that appear in most or all romantic comedy films. One example of this through the representation of wealth classifications. This generic feature appears in several films such as Love Actually, Maid in Madhattan and Pretty Woman. In each of these films the comparison of wealth is shown, one main character being wealthy (rich), where as the other character is the complete opposite. Another example of this is through the theme of fantasy (make believe). This generic feature appears in Rom-Com films such as 13 Going On 30 and About Time. In each of these films the theme of fantasy is shown through time travel, where the character travels in time to change the romantic outcome for the future.
- For most romantic comedies, they follow a similar plot of boy meets girl or girl meets boy with a happy ending. The only difference that commonly takes place for romantic comedies is the overall ending of the story. For some films they follow the plot for a romantic drama, where the comedy aspect and happy ending doesn't always take place. Another way in which a romantic comedy shows difference is through the choice of location and actors. Most romantic comedies display settings from all over the world, rather than just using location hotspots such as the UK and USA.
- Popularity/Identity - Romantic comedies today are more popular then ever. As these films are quite lighthearted, they can be simple to make along with being easily enjoyed.
A nicely detailed piece of work Emily with some excellent engagement with the concept of genre, you have clearly shown some good understanding of this genre.
ReplyDeleteWWW- some very good research which nicely goes beyond the basics of genre theory and begins to show real understanding. You discussion of characters is very good.
EBI- you had discussed more what the appeal of the genre is to the audience, what does it provide in terms of comfort and satisfaction for the consumers- this would help you to understand the popularity of this genre more.
Show me- reply to this task and explain the appeal of the popularity of this genre.
Thank you for your feedback! The main ways in which this genre appeals to an audience, expanding on its popularity is through style and comfortable reassurance. In most Rom-Com's the storyline tends to lighthearted and easy to watch; they also tend to follow the stages of comfortable reassurance, not only by including components which appear in most Romantic Comedy films but also by changing certain elements (including plots, locations or character types) to make them slightly different.
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