Representation in Film

Adolescents are typically portrayed as self-absorbed and lazy individuals who have no regards to anything happening around the world that doesn't relate to their own personal and often meaningless problems. The only things that teenagers are portrayed to care about are superficial things such as their self-image, if they're "popular," what parties they go to and who they date. They are also represented as very irritable and rude to adults.

For example, the movie "Clueless" follows teenager Cher and her best friend Dion, who live in luxurious Beverly Hills and only care about going shopping. They are both completely clueless about the world around them and remain ignorant because they only pay attention to anything that revolves them. Cher's ex-step-brother makes fun of her because of the self-absorbed and ignorant behavior that she doesn't even care to watch the news. She has an epiphany towards the end of the film and changes her behavior and begins to see the world and everyone around her and stops worrying about superficial and materialistic things. Another example is the movie "Project X" which features Thomas, Costa and JB, three "uncool" high schoolers who throw the biggest party of their high school years to desperately fit in the cool crowd. They wait for their parents to go out of town and tell everyone about the party, which results in hundreds of teenagers showing up since the address got leaked. Instead of canceling the party due to a large number of people that went, they continue with the party despite the consequences of trashing the house and getting arrested for underage drinking and illegal drugs at the party. They just want to fit in which is enough reason to risk it all.

This representation of teenagers, while some aspects may not be far from the truth, is still taken to an extreme and don't apply to all teenagers. The representation of not caring about anything going on is unfair because it entitles adults to dismiss any ideas that the youth may come up with or any emotions they express. I retain the view that teenagers do enjoy partying, which often relates to illegal possession of drugs and alcohol. Since teenagers are still in the phase of growing up, it is common to be reckless and engage in illicit activities without thinking of the consequences. However, I challenge the idea of teenagers being completely ignorant and indifferent because many teenagers do stand up for their beliefs and voice their opinions, as demonstrated through countless youth-led movements in history. The current March for Our Lives is a challenger to the stereotype itself.

Film Genre Database Entry Sub Genre: Slasher Films

Genre conventions- content: 
Slasher films revolve around the main antagonist, a serial killer, that goes on a killing spree, killing all of the main characters one by one. The serial killer typically suffered a childhood trauma that caused them to become violent and kill as a way to have some control over their lives. Most killers in slasher films are masked to hide their identity and increase the suspense of the film, as well as making them appear unhuman to go along with their superhuman strengths. The killer's choice of weapon is handheld (e.g., knife, chainsaw, machete) to cause grotesque and painful deaths of the victims, hence the name "slasher" killers. This also allows the killer to be up close and personal to the victim, which adds to the horror and suspense of the film and the sadistic nature of the killer. Another convention of slasher killers is that they are male, big, and exert superhuman strengths and withstand any stabbings/shootings/etc., making them almost impossible to kill or capture. Most are misogynistic since they're main targets are young, "impure" girls who have engaged in sexual relations.
The typical targets of the killer are adolescents and/or young adults, who are usually in high school or college. The main characters form a friend group that generally consists of the jock, the popular girl, the geek, and the final girl. The first victim is usually the popular girl who might be engaging in sexual acts, which is the motive for the killer to kill her. Then one by one the characters are killed off until the final girl is the last one standing and confronts the antagonist, sometimes able to take him down. The final girl is the representation of innocence and purity that can defeat evil.
The location of the film is usually in the suburbs in normal looking homes and neighborhoods to which the audience can relate to. This adds to the horror and fear of the movie because it suggests that serial killers can show up at even the safest of places. Another common location is isolated areas such as campsites and the woods because it adds to the suspense since no one else is around to rescue the victims from the killer.

Genre conventions- production techniques:
The establishing shot of slasher films is done through panning to introduce the audience to the setting and create the creepy and unsettling atmosphere right away. The movie builds momentum with tracking shot by following the victims around to suggest an evil lurking around the house or the area. Since slasher films are notorious for being extremely grotesque and graphic, close-ups and extreme close-ups are used to show the fatal injuries and cause fear and disgust to the audience. Close-ups are also used to indicate the fear of the victims as they're being chased and ultimately stabbed to death.
Low key lighting is used throughout the entire films to create a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere and further distort the killer's identity who is often masked by the shadows. The lighting allows the killer to lurk around and sneak attack the victims to create jump scares, which is a big factor of the horror of the films.
Sound is used in slasher films to create horror and suspense. Ominous music is used to make the audience uneasy and suggests that there is an evil lurking around and that something is about to happen. Sudden bursts of music equate to stabbing to scare the audience and build tension.
 Film Example #1: Scream (1996)



The movie follows the main character Sidney and her group of friends who live in a suburban town that's haunted by a serial killer, Ghostface, who killed the first victims, Casey and her boyfriend, within the first few minutes of the film. Since the target of the killer is teenagers, school is temporarily closed and a curfew is set for the whole town. Sidney and her friends have a party in one of their houses where Ghostface eventually ends up. He starts killing each victim one by one in very gruesome ways without being taken down since it seems impossible for him to be captured. His identity remains unknown for the audience but it's hinted that the killer is amongst them. The final girl is te last one standing at the climax of the film when it's revealed that the killer is actually her boyfriend. His motive for the killing spree was that her mother messed up his parent's marriage and was looking for revenge. Sidney confronts him and is able to defeat him and everything is resolved.

Film Example #2: Halloween (1978)


The film begins with a young Michael Meyers who kills his sister, showing that he was deeply troubled ever since he was little. Fast forward many years later, he escapes the mental hospital he's admitted to and goes back to his hometown for Halloween. The movie follows the main character and final girl, Laurie, who is the innocent one of her friends, Lynda and Annie. Laurie notices a figure who is referred to as The Shape following her around all day but fails to identify who it is. That night, Laurie is babysitting and is alone at a house with the little boy, Tommy. Her friend Annie who is babysitting in a house nearby drops off Lyndsey to meet up with her boyfriend. She's quickly killed off when she gets in the car to go pick him up. Lynda is with her boyfriend and they engage in sexual acts and are both killed off right after. Laurie, the last one standing, believes that her friends are all playing a prank on her but soon discovers that they've all been brutally killed. As the final girl, she confronts Michael Myers and tries to kill him multiple times but he possesses superhuman strengths that make him immune to any stabbings. She is able to take off his mask, revealing his identity. The doctor from the mental hospital comes and shoots him repeatedly, making him fall off a balcony but sees he's vanished, proving he's impossible to kill.

Slasher film examples:
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)



Stage Fright (1987)



Friday the 13th (1980)



A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)



Child’s Play (1988)

Film Genre Database Entry
Sub Genre: Romantic Comedies

Typical target audience: Women ages 13-30

Genre conventions- content:

Romantic comedies revolve around the common theme of the search for true love by the two main
characters, typically a man and a woman in their mid 20s-30s. This quest for true love is able to
surpass any obstacles. This theme is presented with a light-hearted and humorous atmosphere, unlike
traditional romance movies that may have more tragic and dramatic tones.

The setting of the movie is typically in big cities, mainly New York, since the characters are young
adults that are looking to become successful in big companies or brands. They are content with their
lives yet they are missing love, which the film suggests they need to feel complete, as the plot unfolds.

The plot of the movie begins when the two characters meet but then part ways due to an argument or
obstacle and it is clearly indicated that they do not like each other, usually because one of them has a
partner. The screenwriters hint with obvious clues that there’s an attraction between the characters or
that they would be a good match throughout the film.

While the characters are separated, one or both of them realizes that they are in love with the other.
After this realization, one of the characters makes efforts to find the other characters and profess their
love, typically in an extravagant way, or they coincidentally meet again. They declare their love and live
happily ever after, sometimes accompanied by an epilogue.

Genre conventions- production techniques:

In this genre, directors always try to give a sense of realism, and help audiences connect with the
stories and associate it with their everyday life.

Producers try to revolve the film around a happy tone using natural and bright lighting. In the genre
lightning is also used to reflect the character’s mood, and may be darken a bit from time to time but
that does not last long.

Since romantic comedies are aimed for a young audience, they typically make use of well-known pop
songs as the soundtrack.

It is very common the use of continuity editing to draw attention away from the camera since it enables
very smooth editing creating seamless transitions during, not interrupting the audience from the
essence of the film.

The over-the-shoulder shot is probably the most common shot used in romantic comedies, as it is
effective at not only showing a a conversation but and interaction between two people. This brings
focus to some facial expressions and some of their body language, which helps establish a relationship
and a mood between characters. Another essential shot to portray similar things is the Two Shot, since
the story line is based on two characters it is constantly used to perfectly show their connection. Then
comes the use of Close ups, that give a detailed view of facial expressions and help the audience
identify the true feelings in characters.

Institutional conventions- marketing:

The opening titles for romantic comedies feature upbeat music and bright colors to appeal to the target
audience of young women. The upbeat and happy music suggests the light-hearted atmosphere of the
film. The songs typically talk about love to remain within the romantic theme of finding true love. The
bright colors, especially pinks and reds, also suggest the light-hearted mood of the film as well as the
romance within it.

The films are marketed through trailers which also feature upbeat music and is also sometimes
accompanied by a voice over that introduces each character. Snippets of the film demonstrate the
chemistry between the two main characters which clearly indicate that they will end up together despite
the problems they face. The trailer remains light-hearted through excerpts of funny moments to sell the
movie as enjoyable and feel-good rather than as a dramatic tragedy.

Film example #1: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

This is an iconic film for romantic comedies, here we are introduced to Ben, a guy who thinks that
everything in life can come easily but is actually missing the most important thing of all, love. The story
takes place in New York City, a typical location for romantic comedies. Here he encounters with an
uprising journalist, Andie, who is currently doing an article about how to lose a guy in 10 days. But, she
is not the only one being dishonest, he is actually using her trying to win a bet. These were two people
who were not meant to fall in love with each other but did. A common plot used in romantic comedies.
This story reaches the inevitable, both finding out they were lied to and both being hurt by each other.
They surpass their problems and realize love conquers all, regardless of how imperfect they both are.
The end involves a grand gesture, of him proclaiming his love for her by stopping her from moving to
another state. Like all romantic comedies this film has a happy ending with both main characters ending
up together.

Film example #2: The Wedding Planner

As romantic comedies usually do, this film begins with the main character being rescued from a runaway
dumpster by her “hero”. Here she runs into what it’s portrayed like the perfect man, a dreamy guy that is
willing to save a stranger, a true hero. Instantly they both fall in love with each other, but as the main
character later learns their love is impossible since, he is not only engaged but she is her wedding
planner. In other words, their love is forbidden, a typical plot for this type of genre. The movie encounters
with lots of unexpected twists that produce both romance and comic relief. As most romantic comedies
continue, the couple decides they must separate themselves from one another but later realize what
they had was true love and they are meant for each other. The male protagonist, breaks of his
engagement and runs for his true love, they overcome all the obstacles on their way and finally it is
understood they lived happily ever after.

Romantic comedy examples:

Crazy, Stupid Love:

Reunite scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDjz2jU2oAg

10 Things I Hate About You:

First meet scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36WoGIhHHkQ

27 Dresses:

Starting to fall for each other scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUHVwmmW1Vo

Letters To Juliet:

Ending scene/ declaring love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_SP7JZSJR4

No Strings Attached:

Declaring love scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHkEeGNflMw

The Proposal:

Arguing/ beginning to fall in love scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw1H7CllVdE

Introduction

Hello, my name is Mariana, a senior at Cypress Bay High School. Watching movies is oneof my favorite past times because I find it so interesting how directors, producers, screenwriters, etc., are able to convert a single idea into a visual experience for the whole world to see and enjoy. I enjoy watching many film genres such as romantic comedies, coming of age, musicals, biopics, science fiction, and many more. One of my favorite films is Across the Universe directed by Julie Taymor because it combines many genres that I like into one (historical fiction, musical and romance). 

Another reason I love watching movies is that they have the power to bring generations of people together. Iconic movies such as Star Wars are movies I'm able to enjoy with my parents since we both grew up watching them.

I decided to take the AICE Media class to be able to study the effects of media in society. Films, a particular type of media, can influence the morals of society and spark conversation. For example, the movie Hotel Rwanda directed by Terry George brought attention to modern genocide and how to prevent them from happening ever again. Endless other movies have changed the way we look at things and evolve as a society.

The purpose of this blog is to capture the process of my portfolio project in which I will be making the opening scene of an original film. The first post is a genre database which deeply analyzes a specific film genre, including the genre and institutional conventions that make up the film. I will be working with Alexia to make the film for the portfolio project. We are very optimistic that our opening scene will turn out amazing because we are both hard workers and we both appreciate the art of film-making.