G321: Thinking About Genre

I am going to look at the opening of 6 films in order to look at how directors create a sense of the genre within the first 2-3 minutes. This will help me in establishing a clear genre when I come to creating my own opening.

1. 28 Weeks Later 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHf6Th-E3kE

Genre: Horror

• The low key lighting creates a dark atmosphere and sense of hiding.
• There are lots of close ups used which creates a intense atmosphere and braces the audience for something to happen.
• The non-diegetic background music is low and builds in volume as the scene build in anticipation.
• Lots of shadows are created from the candles. The shadows connote evil and a sense of uneasiness.
• The diegetic conversation about death and the words 'them and us' shows how there is a battle of some kind.

2. Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

Genre: Crime/Thriller

• The whole idea of the stolen goods being sold makes it very clear of the genre.
• The interjection of the police brings to light that what the men are doing is illegal.
• The chase between the police and the criminals adds an action feel to the film.
• The diegetic 'market like talk' that the man uses to sell his items gives the film its street 'nitty-gritty' feel which adds to the crime effect.
• The graffiti seen on the walls of the stairs connote crime and vandalism.
• The silent black and while titles are very plain and simplistic. The lack of capital letting is informal which reflects the genre of the film. However, the capital lettering of the title makes it seem harsh and almost violent.
• The non-diegetic music that is played during the chase sounds very 'common' just like the men. It is also quite fast paced which mirrors the frantic running and suggest drama to follow. The laid back tone of the music also suggests the men do not take the police seriously. 

3. Saving Private Ryan

Genre: Action/History

• It is clear the film revolves around war, which is something most commonly associated with history. The uniforms the men are wearing make it clear they are at war and the boat environment shows the hardship of their job.
• There is diegetic conversation about the enemy suggesting that people could be killed due to conflict and shooting.
• There are titles at the beginning of the film which signify the setting and time period of which the film is set - this makes it clear it is set in the past and is a historic event. 
• There is only diegetic sound heard throughout which adds to the sense of realism and intensifies the plot line. 

4. Terminator 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcisPdJVNl8

Genre: Sci-Fi/Action

• The scenes of cars and children playing shows normal everyday life but as it goes into slow motion it signifies a change of the norm and that something bad is to happen. 
• Scenes of wreckage and destruction
• The silence at the start of the opening is very intense and makes it seem as if all is not right - showing something abnormal. 
• The voice helps to explain to the audience what is happening and also sets the scene and introduces the genre. 
• The bombs that are seen going off and the diegetic sound of shooting shows the destruction that these machines have caused and suggests they have wiped out human life. This also adds to the action side of the genre. 
• The machines that are seen make it clear that it is a sci-fi and also fit with the futuristic style of the film.
• The titles that appear to show the setting and date show that it is set int he future creating the sci-fi effect. 

5.  Hitch

Genre: Comedy/Romance

• Upbeat non-diegetic background music creates a happy, light-hearted atmosphere which is common in comedies. 
• Using the character (played by Will Smith) as someone to talk directly to the audience adds a comic appeal.
• The scenes of different scenarios between and men and women suggests the romantic side of the film.
• The lighting is very high key and naturalistic making it seem positive and light-hearted.
• The scene of the man saving the dog adds humour to the opening which signifies this will be the feel throughout.

6.  Meet The Fockers


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htx66cWcsS4

Genre: Comedy

• The upbeat non-diegetic background music creates a happy, lively atmosphere and sets the tone of the film. The lyrics also mention about getting married indicating a possible element to the plotline.
• The actor Ben Stiller is well-known for his roles in comedies, so he is a clear signifier of the comedy genre.
• The exaggerated hospital scene opens the film with a comical feel which is assumed to follow throughout.
• The lighting is very naturalistic throughout making is feel light and positive.