A lot of chick flicks do not start with a title sequence we will normally just be introduced to the main character then the film starts. If there is a title sequence for a chick flick film the writing is usually either a posh and feminine like Freestyle Script, or a simple font such as Adobe Caslon Pro Bold. In the two chick flicks that i studied, one used a freestyle script style of font and she's the man had a very simple font similar to Adobe Carlson Pro Bold. The transitions vary depending on the music, if the music is fast then the transitions are usually very fast. If the music is slow or has a steady beat the transitions are usually slower. The title sequence usually shows you the main character or characters and shows you their life or the start to one of their days. This is done to show what their life is like and to give some sort of back story.
2. What kind of music and/or other non-diegetic sounds are used? Include a link or embed to demonstrate.
In chick flicks their is usually non- diegetic music played at some point, the artist is usually female and the songs are well known. In A Cinderella story they have used a ballad from Natalie Cole. There is sometimes a voice over or the characters thoughts are sometimes played. This helps the audience get to know the character.
3. What types of character do we see in the opening sequences? How are their characters established through technical features (e.g. costume, make-up, setting, cinematography, sound, editing ...) Include one or two still images to illustrate your points.
The characters that the audience sees in the title sequence are usually the main characters of the film and the people who the audience are meant to get to know. The main characters are usually a group of girls with a male love interest. There are sometimes a group of people below them or a group above the main character who they feel inferior to. The characters can be established by costume as the people who stand out if they are wearing posh or designer wear. Or they may be wearing old, run down clothes to keep them from being noticed. They will either be popular or very unpopular, there is never really an in between.
4. What kinds of mise en scene dominate? What are typical features of setting, lighting, props? Include one or two still images to illustrate your points.
Chick flicks are mainly set in 2 different places, either big cities or high school, there is however some set in small towns. Chick flicks are mainly dominated by American actors and actresses but there have been some successful British chick flicks. Their costume can identify there place in society and their popularity. Their group of friends is also an indication to what sort of person they are.
5. What narrative codes are employed and how? For example, are lots of tight close ups used to create an enigma? Is tense music and fast editing used to create an action code? Include one or two still images to illustrate your points.
Close ups help us distinguish who the man character is and this is something that we are going to take into account when meking our title sequence. Narrative codes are created by mainly the music in chick flciks and how the character acts. Fast editing gives the audience an idea of what pace the film is going to run at, fast paced title sequences generally mean that the film is going to be upbeat and for a younger audience.
Roland Barthes theory is supported in the title sequence of 'she's the man' however Levi Strauss' theory also applies as the girls are against the boys.
6. How is the genre established? How do we know they are action films, or rom-coms, or supernatural horror films? You could comment on cinematography, editing, sound, mise-en-scene, characters etc. Include one or two still images to illustrate your points.
Genre is established by many things, like the location, the characters, the music, the writing, the colours, the way people act. All these things can indicate the genre. We know when a film is of the chick flick genre when there is a female lead Charlotte, then we are led on to the type of character they are. Popular or unpopular are the main types. From this we can get an idea of how they are treated and what their life is like, some can relate to the character some cannot but we still have some idea of what their life might be like. Chick flicks are similar to everyday life except they are slightly more dramatic, this is why so many people can relate to them.The music will usually be sung by a female singer and is a known song, the writing is either simple of feminine and usually in a feminine colour. The first shots will establish the character and some of their location. The genre can be established quite easily in the title sequence.
No comments:
Post a Comment