Rom-Coms Films To gain knowledge of rom-com film codes and conventions To assess the representation of men and women in these films To determine audiences for rom- com films
Rom-Com Narratives A typical ‘boy meets girl’ situation is created The couple is torn/kept apart for some reason (family problems, work conflict, social class difference…) As the film moves on, there are (subtle) hints that the couple are meant to be together The opening shot reveals a stylised world (flowers, weddings, hearts) Most films have a happy resolution, often ending in marriage A city-based environment is displayed which centres around the work place, where a chance encounter would happen The film begins by introducing a female protagonist; the film is seen from her point of view 4 5 6 1 7 3 2
Deadpool Deadpool is a comic book antihero. A film featuring this character was released on February 12th, 2016, which coincided with Valentine’s Day. Romantic Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR5MlWTAtRg Actual Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vN6DHB6bJc
Romantic Deadpool Why have the distributors used this poster/trailer to promote the film? How could this form of promotion benefit the film? Romantic Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR5MlWTAtRg Actual Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vN6DHB6bJc
Gender Traits Women Endearing Single Career-minded Intelligent Insecure Emotional Funny Men Successful Sexually attractive Popular Ultimate bachelor Misunderstood Chivalrous Both White American (Western) What are the similarities and differences between these traits and those in action-adventure films? How do these differences impact on the way we look at men and women on screen?
Analysing Rom-Com Watch your Rom-Com trailer, and answer the following: Which Rom-Com conventions are used? How is the male character portrayed? How is the female character portrayed? (Male Gaze Theory) Which of the four ideologies are used? Why? Can your clip belong to another genre/hybrid? If so, which one? Student Resources English Mr Kempner Year 9 Visual Analysis Rom-Com Trailers Table 1 – 500 Days of Summer Table 2 – Definitely, Maybe Table 3 – He’s Just Not That Into You Table 4 – Leap Year Table 5 – My Best Friend’s Wedding Table 6 – P.S. I Love You
Rom-Com Audiences Who is the primary audience for rom-com films, and how are their needs met? Who is the secondary audience for rom-com films, and how are their needs met? Do rom-com films alienate any members of the audience? If so, why?