Representation

The audience we are aiming for our opening scene is tennage girls, and women. We have chosen this to be our audience as the genre of film we have chosen being Romantic Comedies doesnt really intrest a male as it's about love and romance which is typically the female gender who is more passionate about.

Most women in Romantic Comedies are usually represented as either needing/wanting a man in their life and are all for romance. Or the type of women who doesn't believe in true love and does not think they need a man to cope. In some films I have been analysing and also looking at I have found that women are tending to be looking for their "Mr.Right" or going through rough patches, for examlpe divorce. Showing the female characrers going through real life situations, that many females will also be experiencing in relationships. Most of the females in the films are represented as being the "ordinary" women, however there is a few odd chances were the female is represented as being a highly glamerous rich lady.


In Romantic Comedies men are represented as being the gender who don't really care about relationships and girls, they are slso seen to be the ones who are most humourous towards "romance". However you do see the representation in some films of the male, wanting to find love and just being as sensitive as the female characters on the subject of romance, a very good example of this is "500 Days Of Summer".

However in some Romantic Comedies, the typical representations of gender are switched. So the male is seen as the caring one, wanting to find love instead of being optimistic. Where as the female would be represented as not wanting to find love, and not needing a man. You also get some Romantic Comedies, where the male and female are represented in the same way, they both want to find love and romance and believe in true love, in this type of romantic comedy we just follow the couples on their journey or being together ecperiencing the ups and downs of a relationship, where the humour will then link in.

Definitetly Maybe

In institution company comes onto the screen straight away, and the music of “Universal Studios” is heard. Letting the audience know that the film has been produced with a lot of money, as that company is such a huge successful institutional brand.

(0.40) A huge envelope is shown in a close up, the non-digetic music with this shot is a very sad, melancholy tone as the envelope lands on the office table, suggesting that whatever is in this envelope is a problem to the character we will next see. One of the main characters is then shown first of all in the opening scene, the male character is shown in an office building and a smart suit, suggesting that the character is a middle class male with potential. The male character goes on to throw his pen down onto his desk, suggesting to the audience that his life could have many complications, which would relate to the audience as they are trying to portray reality.

(0.52) As the male character begins to open and read the letter, a voice over is used of the character. Telling the audience about the situation his is facing at the present moment in time(Getting Divorced), letting the audience know a bit about the character and how he is feeling. The male character is very sarcastic with his way of words, bringing the comedy into the film straight away. As the character walks down the streets in the city to pick his daughter up a tracking shot is used. From the Mise en Scene we see that the character lives in New York (The dream place to live) a city supposedly full of love and romance, contrasting with the dilemma of his divorce.

(1.49) Lots of edits, of the slides of each shot to shot, it brings a difference to the opening scene and gives off an unusual quirky look. The shots used are from completely different places, showing the path of his walk, and the beauty of the New York. The shots are placed in different sizes and a moved around the screen giving the audience the sense of fun and youth, linking back to the target audience. Varied amounts of shots are used to create this such as: high angled shots, close ups, extreme close ups and low angled shots to create an authentic look of the characters surroundings on his walk.

(3:47) As the character enters the building, the happy, jolly music fades out and is replaced by the voice over again. It seems to the audience that the man is talking directly to them, making them feel involved in what’s happening in the scene. As the man is walking into the building a large group of parents are gathered with their children, the atmosphere is hectic and very loud suggesting the something awful has happened. During the whole commotion, the audience then find out that it is because the children have had a sex ED lesson straight away bring the comedy side to the film.

50 First Dates

Analysing 50 First Dates

(0.00-3.06)

fThe film is distributed by “Columbia Pictures”, showing that the film will be very adventurous and rewarding as it’s from such a well known production company. The music used in the opening scene, is very Hawaiian and tropical the type of music you would expect to be associated with the beach and surfing. This links in with the setting of where the opening is taking place. The Hawaiian themed music then continues throughout the conversations taking place, while people are explaining their romantic Hawaiian holidays.

(0.29) Shades of light pinks and reds are used for the lighting, connoting the romance and passion that could have taken place, or foreshadowing the romance that will follow in the film. Blues are also used, which is a very natural colour linking to the sea being God’s creation so is very natural. Blue can also be seen as being a very calming colour, which fits in with the pace of the music used and also the effect of the sea on the beach.

The opening credits, of the actors/producers fade out likes waves, again linking back to the surroundings being water and the Hawaiian themed music.

(0.48) The title of the film appears on the screen, where the audience see the three different colours that are used. First the “50” is in red, connoting the romance, and passion that will be seen in the film between the leading couple. Then the “First” is in blue, suggesting the calmness of the relationship they will have, then the last word being “Dates” is white, which connotes innocence and peacefulness which could link to the time the couple will spend with on another.



(0.52) We then see a trail of women telling their friends/family about the romantic holiday they had in Hawaii, linking back to the theme of romance and lust. The audience recognise that the stories that all the women are telling are very familiar. We then hear the name of the man they are all talking about, which is the same male, the typical stereotype of a “Ladies Man” wooing as many women as he can.

Love Actually

Analysis of the opening scene of Love Actually.

This film is distributed by one of the most well know production companies “Universal”, which is well known for their wide range of audience and also some of the most successful films of all time. This straight away gives off the impression that this film shall be a high quality and will probably be an extremely successful film in the industry.

As soon as the opening scene starts, we see a gathering of people from different races, gender and age. This goes on to letting the audience know that this film, is not just going to be about the “typical” ordinary couple that is shown in other Romantic Comedies.

(0.10) In this opening scene we are not shown the main characters that will be starring in the film. We are following the story of the ordinary couples of reality who are meeting at Heathrow Airport. From the way this section has been shot, the audience can tell that these people are just going about their daily lives, meeting loved ones at the airport. You can tell that they are not actors, and that the camera has just been catching a few inspirational greetings to fit with the theme of the film. There are lots of people shown in this airport scene, and they all are either hugging or kissing someone showing off their affection or happiness to see one another, portraying that love is everywhere which then goes on to be following the theme of passion and romance.

As soon as the opening starts we are introduced to one of the main characters staring in the film, however this character is not seen in the form of relationship and love we would presume, as a voice over is used. The voice over begins to tell the thoughts he has about love, and reminds the audience that the mainly the most important things in the world are right with us, being our friends and family. The use of the voice over creates an impression to the audience that the character is directly talking to them, and some may be able to relate to what the character is saying. Which would be very useful to use in the opening scene we will be creating, as it will engage the audience straight away.

(0.38) A two shot of a father and his son is then used, showing again the theme of love the film will follow. But this shot is showing a different type of love, it is showing the unconditional love that two people can have for each other. Unconditional love is usually associated with couples/lovers who love someone regardless to anything. In contrast this shot is showing the unconditional love between two family members, the embrace of the hug between the two show the warm, happy relationship the family share towards one another. Foreshadowing that the film will not only show the romantic side of couples, but also towards the love of family and also the feelings of lust younger children may experience.

(1.05) The text in the opening scene, is mainly white connoting the innocence, of loving someone of falling in love. When the text “Love Is All Around” appears on the screen the whole of the text is white except from the single word “Is” which is in red, relating back to the passion and romance of the love that will be continuous throughout the whole film. This text that fades out, and a new text appears “Love Actually” now the word “Love” is in the colour red, suggesting again the flirtation and affection of the characters in the film.

The Holiday

The Holiday Opening Scene Analysis

(Till 4:05)

This film is instituted and distributed by two of the most well known production companies in Romantic Comedies “Columbia Pictures and “Universal”, straight away we are given the impression that this film is more than likely going to be very successful.

As soon as the opening starts we are straight away introduced to the main characters staring in the film, all the characters are shown in their form of relationships which differ in many ways. A voice over is used of Kate Winslet, where she tells the audience about different love and romance people share with one another, the voice over goes on to talk about the different types of love which are shown through the main characters. This can be seen as a short story, and also lets the audience get to know the characters first before it goes straight on to the film.

(0.00-3.38) While the opening of the film continues the opening credits of the actors, actresses and the producers are also on the screen. The timing of the fading in and out, of the text is in time with the music, which continues the slow, calm and gentle atmosphere in the scene, which can also link to the romantic feeling in the opening scene. The text is also written in white, which connotes the innocence that will be seen during the film.

(0.26) First shot in the film is a two shot, of a young couple kissing very passionately. The mise en scene is extremely romantic, a flowing river and dainty trees are in the background of the shot straight away showing the audience the romance side of the genre. The music used fits into the setting and surroundings, as it’s very quiet and peaceful. The lighting used is very light and soft, again bringing the romantic feel, and also shows the picturesque scenery.

(0.42) The camera zooms in dramatically from the last shot, and then the use of extreme close up’s on the characters faces show the passion and feelings each of the characters have towards each other, show casing the theme of love. When the shot moves on, the audience then see that the actually shot is in a film within a film suggesting that certain types of love may only exist in films, and are not the realistic types of love. Again bright lighting is used, but when we are introduced to the main characters an even brighter lighting is used, suggesting the innocence of the love throughout the film.

(2.05) From the zooming out of the car, we are shown the setting, where the audience can then see that the film is set around Christmas time due to the festive lights on the buildings and the surrounding trees. Christmas time is seen as being the typical time for romance and couples spending time with each other.

By the use of the voice over in the opening scene it immediately makes the audience feel involved, as it’s feels like the character is directly talking to them. This could then go on to make the audience realise how that character is feeling, and some may be able to relate back to the character.

Insitutions

Institutions

When researching the genre of Reomantic Comedy I found that the main institutions that produced films of this genre were '20th Century Fox', 'Paramount' and 'Columbia Pictures', these are very big insitutues in film production, so a large amount of money is put forward in the producing and filming. I will use a well known and big production name in my opening title sequence, so the audience will know that a lot of effort has gone into the making of the film and that it shall be a very successful film. Also due to the insitutions being big production types they will already have very popular films that have been known to do well in the box offices and with the general public.

Paramount Pictures is consistently the highest ranked production company, it has been producing and distributing films for many years and is also well known for it's television production. The insitution was founded in May 1912, and was firstly known as 'Famous Players Studio' two years later the name was changed to 'Paramount Pictures' and was based in LA Calafornia. They are known to produce many Romantic Comedies, which are well known and likeable films. Some of the films are: No strings attached, How to lose a Guy in Ten Days, She's Out of my League, Failure to Launch and one of the top grossing films What Women Want.


 
Like Paramount Pictures, 'Columbia Pictures' is a American film company, that supports both British and American films in producing and distributing. Columbia was founded in 1919, and was previously known as C.B.C Film Sales but again was the name changed in 1924 to what it is formaly known as now. The production company is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, in the opeming credits of the films the Sony symbol is shown before the image for 'Columbia Pictures' as it is the owner. They have produced a large range of Romantic Comdies, such as Just Go With It, The Ugly Truth, and The holiday all known as top grossing films shown in the past decade.


Also known as "Fox" and "20th", it is one of the most well known production disturbuter of all time and is very popular in the filiming industry. Fox was founded in May 1935, and has the biggest film franchises. Like Paramount Pictures it is based in LA, but also own many other film studios over America. This film company has a very iconic theme song, which makes "Fox" very well known which adds to the audience instantly knowing what production company it is. Some Romantic Comedies they have

1) Would you be interested in viewing a new film in the Romantic Comedy genre?

Yes

No


 2) If ‘Yes’ please specify why.
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................



 If ‘No’ please explain why you would not be interested in a Romantic Comedy film.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................

3) What would you expect to be included in a Romantic Comedy film?

...........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

4) What is your favourite Romantic Comedy film?

..........................................................................................................................................

 

Box Office Mojo Data-

Audience:

Box Office Mojo- The most popular Romantic Comedies of all time was “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” It was a low budget film so was only firstly shown in 108 cinemas, as they didn’t think the film would be a great success in the film industry. However as the film achieved a higher population the overall lifetime gross from the theatres, was $241,438,208. We are going to try and achieve a film opening that will have a low budget but will hopefully be a great success.

Rank	Title (click to view)	Studio	Lifetime Gross / Theatres		Opening / Theatres		Date
1	My Big Fat Greek Wedding	IFC	$241,438,208	2,016	$597,362	108	4/19/02
2	What Women Want	Par.	$182,811,707	3,092	$33,614,543	3,012	12/15/00
3	Hitch	Sony	$179,495,555	3,575	$43,142,214	3,575	2/11/05
4	Pretty Woman	BV	$178,406,268	1,811	$11,280,591	1,325	3/23/90
5	There's Something About Mary	Fox	$176,484,651	2,555	$13,740,644	2,186	7/15/98
6	The Proposal	BV	$163,958,031	3,158	$33,627,598	3,056	6/19/09
7	Sex and the City	WB (NL)	$152,647,258	3,325	$57,038,404	3,285	5/30/08
8	Runaway Bride	Par.	$152,257,509	3,240	$35,055,556	3,158	7/30/99
9	Knocked Up	Uni.	$148,768,917	2,975	$30,690,990	2,871	6/1/07
10	As Good as It Gets	Sony	$148,478,011	1,837	$12,606,928	1,572	12/23/97

Schedule For Romantic Comedy Research

Two Week Plan-

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Analysis 500 Days Of Summer.		Audience of Romantic Comedies.	Analysis What Happens In Vegas.	Analysis Love Actually.
Institutions of Romantic Comedies.		Analysis of 50 First Dates.	Analysis of The Ugly Truth.	Representation of Romantic Comedies.

Research Romantic Comedy.

In this project I am going to be working with Sarah Hewitt and Catherine Kirk.

The genre of the film we are going to be making an opening scene for is going to be Romantic Comdey. A Romantic Comedy is light-hearted, and follow the lines of true love and humorous plotlines.

Films that follow the genre of Romantic Comedy:

500 Days Of Summer-  .
They plot is about a girl who doesnt believe true love exists, but then a young handsome man falls in love with her. It jumps from various days over a 500 day span. Showing the ups and downs of a true relationships and the hurdles you have to face when things dont always turn out they way they should. This film is not the typical "Romantic Comedy" as it does not have the original happy ending that most films in this genre have. It shows how one relationship ending always starts off a new relationship coming around.



Love Actually-
Is a British Romantic Comedy, and set five weeks before Christmas time ( The season of love and happyness.) The film is split into ten sperate stories of the rush before christmas, and is played out in a weekly countdown until Christmas day. It shows the lust, and strength of love but also the hardship that you get with a relationship too.






What happens in Vegas- Is based upon the saying "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." Two people who discover after a night out in Sin City find that they have married each other. One of them wins a huge jackpot and as not knowing eachother before hand they both fight over the money. The Unhappy pair try to undermine each other and get their hands on the money,falling in love along the way.






50 first dates- A young man is afraid of falling in love and having to commit his life to someone until he meets a girl in a cafe making pictures out of waffles and pancakes. The young man thinks he has found the women of his dreams, but he soon discovers that the lady has short term memory loss and forgets meeting him the very next day. You follow the journey he has to go on.





The Ugly Truth- A women who is a show producer is challenged by love in every way possible is reluctant to listen and take on board an outrageous mans theorys on relationships to help her find love and happyness. His clever ways in the end lead for the pair to fall in love.