Films of the romance genre are usually aimed at young women and couples, this is because couples can connect and relate the story with their own relationship and women like to picture themselves being the female character who rely on the man to be the dominant strong one. This conforms to the stereotype that men are strong. Women also like to picture themselves with the masculine male protagonist who protects the female and takes care of her. Romance films usually focus on pure love in which the couple have to overcome many obstacles to make their relationship work. This attracts the female audience and make them want the type of love that is being shown, the traditional love where a man loves and takes care of the woman. Also woman prefer this genre to others because its light hearted and is happy not like horror in which many people die. The romance genre caters to the fantasies of woman and they enjoy the passionate and emotion aspect which comes with it, where as men prefer action as this caters their fantasies of being a hero.
Many action films are aimed at men aged 13-25, this is because men enjoy the violence and gore that the film has to offer, also men don't really focus on the story, but the amount of guns and explosions. However women usually like to focus on a story making action films less appealing as it lacks a deep story and mainly focuses on killing and exaggerated explosions. Men like to watch action films as it makes them feel empowered and makes them picture themselves as the main protagonist who saves everyone at the end. However women can connect to an action film if the main protagonist is a woman as this subverts the stereotype that women need men and creates a sense of feminism which could also empower the female audience. Action films are usually aimed at a younger age as many people have immature thinking and want to see guns, bombs and deaths where as an older audience would crave a deeper story which has more meaning rather than a pointless unrealistic story.
Horror films are mainly aimed at men and women aged 15-25 this is because men, more than women, like the thrill and excitement you feel when you watch this genre. The audience watch the film in the comfort of their own home, so they feel protected and safe, however still amerce themselves in the world of the horror movie. Although many people think men watch more horror, a study has shown otherwise. Roy Morgans results show that women watch more horror than men with 58% of the audience females and 42% being men, this could be that women like the feeling of being protected by the alpha male protagonist and therefore connects with the story more than men. Most men usually watch horror films for the gore and violence and the thrill however women get a sense of security which conforms to the traditional stereotype that men are strong and brave and protect women from danger. Horror films are designed to take people out of their comfort zones and put them in an environment which is quite frightening to them however still can watch from their cozy front room.
The scene starts with a high angle shot panning down into a medium shot of the couple walking out the cinema. The shot then cuts to a front view low angle shot, this makes the audience empathise with the characters as they seem happy and this makes the audience look up to the couple and relate the situation with their own lives. The camera then cuts to a long shot of the setting looking from the perspective of the characters eyes, this gives the audience a view of the setting and the romantic sight of snow, which is an indicator of the romance genre. It then returns to the low angle shot of the character as they huddle close showing the intimacy and love of their relationship. Also the couple are the main focus in the shot as they take the centre of the screen, this captivates the audiences attention to focus on their love and relate with the couple. The camera then cuts to a close up shot of the girls face from a side view, this shows the steam coming from her breath and her shivering showing a vulnerable side of her. The shot then changes to a low angle shot looking out the front windscreen at the man as he clears snow of the car. This shot suggests that he is strong and dominant as he induces the cold while the female gets in the car to warm up. This conforms to the stereotype that woman are weak and have to rely on men. The shot then cuts to a close up shot from the back showing the characters in close proximity suggesting they have a strong bond in their relationship. The couple then drive off. the camera then changes to a over the shoulder view with the main focus on either one of the characters, showing their facial expressions and the chemistry between the couple. This make the audience wish to have this relationship as everything seems perfect at the moment. The car then stops and the camera pans around the car showing the couple together in the car. This then changes to a medium shot of both characters sharing an intimate moment completely oblivious to the danger which is approaching. The shot shows the back windscreen with bright lights coming towards the car, this engages the audience and grabs their attention. The camera than changes to a long shot of the car and the lorry approaching showing the range in size of the vehicles and preparing the audience for what is going to happen. This then changes into a close up shot of the impact in slow motion, this this shows the detail of the crash and shocks the audience as it was unexpected. The girls then smashes through the front window screen in slow motion showing the detail of impact and lands on the bonnet in which then the camera zooms out into a high shot of her laying there. This suggests to the audience that she is going to be the most injured and also the angle shows her to be helpless and in a fragile state.
Sound: The first part of the scene features non diegetic sound such as the music which is quite calm and happy, it also is the main sound other than the diegetic sound of the characters dialogue. This sets a particular mood for scene and gets the audience to empathise and engage with the characters. The next scene uses more diegetic sound of the couples breath, this shows the audience more of the setting and starts to entice and transport the audience in to the environment of the film. The scene when the couple are in the car also features diegetic sound to create a moment and show the bond and connection between the couple. The couple then stop and then very faint non diegetic music starts to play this creates a mood change as the audience can see the truck approaching. Also the scene also uses diegetic sound to express the impact of the collision such as windows smashing, skidding of the tires and the initial crash. By using a mix between the two it creates a realism effect with the non diegetic sound enhancing and aiding the effect on the audience. The non diegetic music starts to increase as we see the devastation unfold and the woman crash through the window on to the bonnet.
Narrative: The scene starts showing a happy couple coming out the cinema, this engages the audience as they see the affectation and love that they share and relate it with their own lives. The audience then start to see the setting and that this romantic sight could also be a very dangerous place if they were to drive. The couple then get into the car and drive off listening to a song that enlightens the mood. The car then stops and the couple then share an intimate moment, however in the background the audience can see bright lights approaching this alerts their attention and attracts the audience to watch more. From the impact the girl crashes through the front windscreen onto the bonnet, this leaves the audience questioning whether the couple are going to be alright, or will they be injured. This makes the audience want to know more and keeps them hooked and makes them watch more.
Genre: There are many genre indicators in the opening sequence such as the close intimate bond the couple share with each other which shows the audience how strong and how much their love is for each other. Also the setting is a indicator that it is of the romance genre as snow usually connotes romance and love and happiness. Also the scene conforms to many stereotypes such as the man being strong and dominant and the woman being weak and vulnerable. The target audiences would mainly be woman who watch it, the idea of a powerful willing man who looks after the female is appealing and makes the audience connect with the characters and reflect the characters upon themselves. The mise on scene, such as the costumes, indicate that it is the romance genre as the woman wears a bright red coat. The colour red usually connotes love and passion however could connote danger which could foreshadow future events.
Use Of Camera: the scene starts off with a close up shot of the telephone,
which shows the audience the main focus of the scene. The shot then pans
upwards into a medium shot of the girl talking on the phone. The girl then
hangs up the phone and it rings again making the camera go back to the close up
shot of the phone, this creates tension as the audience are wondering who is
calling. This is then followed by another medium shot showing the girls facial
expressions which suggests that she is happy and comfortable with the
situation. She then puts the phone back down and the camera shot cuts to a long
shot of the house she is in. The house looks like it is big and in a remote
location which is an indicator and connotation of the horror genre. The camera
then pans down showing the swing swaying which creates tension and suspense.
The camera cuts into a close up of the popcorn and then tracks to a medium of
the girl however also in the shot the audience can see a set of knives which
creates a sense of horror as knives represent death. The girl then lifts the
knife out of its hold and wields it so the audience can see; this connotes
danger which could be foreshadowing future events. The camera shot then changes
to a tracking shot of the girl walking away, which shows she is innocent and is
oblivious to what is going to happen.
Narrative: The scene starts with the phone ringing, she then picks up the
phone and starts speaking, the audience are not sure who the person is on the
other side. This causes tension as the voice sounds mysterious; this makes the
audience wonder who the person is. Once the girl puts the phone down the
mysterious caller rings again, which gives an ominous effect as we realise it's
the same voice from earlier. The same pattern keeps happening and in the end
the girl becomes seductive and starts to flirt with the guy who she believes is
not a threat. The guy then rings back and he starts asking lots of questions,
this alerts the audience as they know that he could be a threat as it’s of the
horror genre. The couple start talking about scary movies, this is ironic, and
as the film is a horror movie. The stream of questions make the audience feel
tense and they start to feel concerned for the wellbeing of the girl. The man on the phone then confirms the audiences
suspicions as he says "I want to know who I'm looking at" this
immediately captures the girls attention and creates fear within the audience.
This is the first moment in the scene where the girl realises that she is in
potential danger and starts to panic.
Genre: The scene has many connotations of the horror genre such as, a large
house in a remote location which is way too big for the occupier and also the
way the director uses the theme 'fear of the unknown' which creates suspense
and creates more fear as not even the audience knows what the threat is yet.
Also the scene conforms to stereotypes of women being weak as she is seen to be
helpless and it is inevitable that she will be killed. Also another stereotype
is that women are stupid (bimbo) which seems to be the case in this scene. After many
clues as to what could happen she stills stays the innocent venerable girl as
she was at the beginning talking to a random man and giving him details. Only
up until the man says and hints that he is looking at her. Also the scene
features many other horror connotations for example in the shot where she was
leaning over the counter which also prominently features a set of knives which
connotes danger and also is main indicators that this is a horror movie.
Sound: The scene starts with some diegetic sound of the phone ringing; this
brings the audience's attention to the phone as it becomes the main focus of
the scene. The characters then start exchanging dialogue with the women using
more of a seductive flirty voice where as the man is more mysterious and the
audience are unsure of the intention of the call. Following this is more
diegetic sound of the phone this creates suspense as the audience assume it’s
the same mysterious voice as before. The shot then cuts to a outside shot where
we hear more diegetic sound however it’s only the sounds of nature which
express that she is in a remote location and that no one is around to help her
if she’s in danger. This makes the scene more dramatic and increases the
disturbing nature of what might happen. As the girl is leaning over the counter
she pulls out a knife this creates more diegetic sound of the knife being
removed from its hold, this chilling sound causes more tension and the audience
have an indication of what might happen. When the women is near speaking to the
man he says "I want to know who I’m looking at" at this point the
scene introduces its first non diegetic sound which is a deep low sound to show
the mood of the scene is changing, and that this mysterious man has intentions
of more than just speaking on the phone. This part of the scene changes the
mood and the audience become more involved with the plot.
Use Of Camera: The first scene opens with a extreme close up of a teapot suggesting that it is set in the past, most likely Victorian era. It then pans to a close up of the doll, which gives a sinister effect and creates fear and tension. It then changes to a medium shot showing the three girls playing together however it also creates tension as the audience is wondering what is going to happen. It then pans to another doll which enhances the audiences fear as usually a doll has connotations of ghosts and possession, which could also suggest to the audience what the film is about. The shot then changes to a long shot of the three girls all focused on a particular thing that the audience can not see, this makes the audience curious as to what it is and why it is there. The girls all together look away to another thing as if they are being told what to do and are under control by someone. The camera then shows a medium shot of the window which the girls were looking at which makes the audience question what is going to happen. This is then followed by a medium shot in which the camera is moving back as the girls walk towards the window and the camera, this shows the girls facial expressions which are plain and looks like they are possessed and do not know what they are doing. The shot then changes to a long shot behind the girls showing them reaching for the window, this gives the audience an understanding of what is going to happen next. The camera shots at this point are almost in slow motion which creates more tension as every action is being emphasised. It then cuts to a close up of a doll which looks creepy and links back to the idea of ghosts and demons being main connotations of dolls in horror films. The shot then changes to a long shot of the setting and also a mysterious figure at the edge of the shot which then helps the audience understand what the three girls were looking at.
Narrative: The scene starts with three girls having a tea party, the usual game of a young girl however this particular one has an un-easy feel about it, which is then confirmed as the girls look at a particular figure off screen, this makes the audience question what is going to happen. The idea of the director using children creates more fear as children are seen usually to be sweet and innocent and are easily led, which conforms to the stereotype that young children are pure which makes the audience feel sympathy for them. The children then rise up and start walking toward the window, this makes the audience wonder why they are doing this and what has caused them to do this. The girls then reach out for the window and then jump out - this shows the antagonist to be very powerful and can harm many people by possessing them to do the things it wants. The audience are then at this stage wondering what the film is going to be about however they also know that it is going to be about a demon who harms people and there must be a protagonist who defeats or destroys it. As all these questions are being asked by the audience this makes them more engaged in the film as they want to know what is going to happen.
Sound: In the first scene there is non diagetic sound which is quite child like and is similar to the 'jack in the box theme' which is used for effect, as children are the main characters in this scene. This then changes to another non diagetic sound of the clock ticking which creates the sense that something is going to happen as a clock usually represents a timer or counting down to something.The volume then increases to create more tension as the girls walk towards the window the audience can hear diagetic sound of the dolls crushing and the tea pot breaking which makes the scene more intense. The girls then jump out the window and the audience then hear a scream and a thump which creates horror in the audience as they understand what has just happened.
Genre: The scene starts of with many connotations of the horror genre such as the dolls and the old Victorian setting, also the non diagetic sound is a clear indicator that this film is a horror as it is quite sinister and creates tension. The use of children being the first victims is another main connotation as it brings out the nurture side of the audience as they want to protect these innocent children. Also at the end of the scene the children jump out the window creating a chilling effect as death and and murder are the main focus of a horror movie.
