Media Studies Portfolio: November 2018

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: