More Codes and Conventions of Romantic Comedies

Codes and Conventions of Romantic Comedies

The genre of movies "Romantic Comedies" have a wide range of codes and conventions that usually appear in them, these codes and conventions define the romantic comedy genre.

Camera

The opening shot of most romantic comedies is an establishing shot of the location it is shot in, the camera is usually fixed and steady. The first shot is usually followed by a close up to introduce the main characters in the movie.

Editing

There isn't many instances of editing in romantic comedies, however there can be a cross cut to another main character of the movie, or from an establishing shot of the setting to a long shot of a characters home.

Sound

Romantic comedies almost always begin with a non diegetic soundtrack or score, it will usually be a strings instrument or a jazzy piece of music, it will be upbeat and light hearted. The diegetic sound will usually be quiet or muted until the shot changes to a shot of a character. Dialogue or a voice over will usually be used to introduce them.

Mise en Scéne

The mise en scéne of romantic comedies differs depending on where it was set. Those set in England play on stereotypes of British middle class people, however those set in America usually feature the stereotypes of a suburban person, or a businessperson. The lighting is usually mid key or high key, which gives a light hearted feel to the movie.






Codes and Conventions of a ‘Romcom’ movie:
- Appeals to anyone who has ever been in love or who hopes to be so soon.
- Characters in love are distracted and liable to do daft things – comedic value.
- The plot of a romcom will see an obvious couple taken through a series of
misadventures designed to keep them apart until the ending (usually when they
get married).
- Happy ending (marriage and children).
- Target audience: Young Women
- Plot involves male protagonist after female protagonist he fancies and having to overcome obstacles and rivals for her affection.
- Typical male and female, heterosexual relationships.
- Male protagonist offers comedic value due to his incompetence or struggle to attract female protagonist.
- Soft, romantic music.
- Stereotypical gender/sexuality roles.
- Attractive protagonists, particularly female.
- Very cliché and stereotypical of the idea of ‘Love’.
- Begins with introduction of 2 characters to fall or in love or the protagonist (male seeking woman).
- Twists to relationship, including a period where it seems the relationship is over until the end when they reunite and are happy together.
- Filmed in a big city/town location (e.g. London/New York)
- Flirting common throughtout film (usually one-way.)
- Costume is smart and sexy, appealing to the opposite sex.
- Soppy, light-hearted and lovey-dovey plot.
- Another male (usually more attractive, clever and wealthy) to compete for females attention, underdog eventually wins.
- Male protagonist fails in his attempts to be romantic.
- Unlikely couple from audience’s point of view at beginning of film, get together at end of film.
- Scenes of nudity, sex and intimacy.
- The colour red represents love, hearts, sexuality and passion.
- The colour white represents innocence, purity
- The colour pink represents love, romance and femininity.