Hailey's Blog: October 2022

Genre: Romance

It is defined by two points that are present in all romantic films: a main love story between characters, and an emotionally satisfying, pleasing ending. They intend to inspire a connection with the characters.

Conventions-Content

The films consist of a love story recorded for theaters or on television. Two main characters that fall in love is the plot of all the films. They focus on emotion, affection, and relationships of the main characters. Often, different perspectives are shown to understand each characters thought process. When this occurs, it's meant to create a connection with the character. They seem relatable and like a fellow human.

Ex: 10 Things I Hate About You is a film about two polar opposite characters, Kat and Patrick, and the build up of their relationship.

Love triangles are a common convention of the romance genre. It's a competition between two people who are fighting for another character, usually the main one. The build up to the moment where the protagonist chooses who they want to be with is essential. The deeper purpose of a love triangle is that the main character is choosing what type of person they want to be, not only who they want to be with. There is generally one person who goes beyond expectations and pushes the protagonist out of their comfort zone, and this is who is cheered on by the audience.

Ex: In Edward Scissorhands, there's a love triangle between the characters Kim, Edward, and Jim.

Frequently, it's a girl meets boy narrative. It can be a journey through their relationship, friendship, or marriage. The obstacles are a main focus. Hardships could be finances, illness, class status, or heartbreak. Their compatibility is tested throughout the film. They go through arguments and possibly break ups, but most of the time, end up together.

Production techniques

Lighting has an immense role in romantic films. It sets the mood more than any aspect. Focusing on the main characters in soft light creates romance under the surface. It also has an inviting and warm feeling. The moment is suppose to be appreciated, therefore the lighting must be pleasing. Colors like a red or orange hue are also seen to produce a romantic mood. Lighting and color have a strong impact on romance films.

Use of closeups are typically seen. Often, it's initiating intensity and intimacy at the climax of the production. Sometimes it is meant to depict the true emotions one is feeling. Over the shoulder shots are in an abundance of romance films. They make conversations more meaningful and personal. A sense of realism is achieved since body language can be observed. The proximity is established and gives an understanding of the seriousness of relationship. Similar shots are recycled throughout romance films.

Sound has it's own particular impact. Romance films can consist of non-diegetic sounds. Normally the music is chosen with association to the time period it's being produced. They attempt to please the target audience by choosing familiar songs. Soft, emotional music plays during intimate scenes. It can provoke emotion from the audience most times. Narration is sometimes used to tell background information.

Institutional conventions

The target audience for romance is mainly women who are relationship oriented or have a romantic worldview, ages 25-34. Men are less likely to choose a romantic film, but occasionally do. Trailers are also tailored towards women.

When someone goes to see a romance movie, it's a norm to expect good looking lead actors. It's beneficial to keep the main characters apart until the middle or end of film. It tends to keep the audience awake and engaged. Common themes are young love, love at first sight, love and sacrifice, and ambition and achievement.

Sample 1

The Notebook (2004) is one of the most well known romance films. It's a classic boy meets girl narrative featuring Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling who play Allie and Noah. Their love story is told chronologically. It features the recycled love triangle convention. After Allie and Noah separate, she finds someone new and gets engaged. However, it doesn't prohibit Noah from getting her back. The scenario has been recreated continuously since. The film consists of an abundance of over the shoulder shots and close ups. It creates intensity during Noah and Allie's arguments. The progress of emotions throughout the film is made clear with the close ups on facial expressions. Emotional music is used to enhance a reaction and feelings. Positive music is played during the joyful parts of their relationship. During their arguments, there is typically no music and environmental sounds are relied on. The focus is put on the dialogue rather than music.

Sample 2

The film Me Before You is the journey through Will (Sam Claflin) and Lou's (Emilia Clarke) relationship. William was paralyzed for two years before he met Louisa. It begins with Louisa as William's caregiver. The film focuses on the hardship of being in a relationship and having drawbacks. They focus on William's anger towards himself for being immobile. This way his perspective is more understandable. The theme is ambition and achievement. It motivates people to chase their dreams even when they seem unrealistic. Lou and William both supported the theme. They were in situations where they were doing life but not actually living. Their perspectives change soon after meeting each other.

More examples

La La Land (2016)