Introduction to genre
- 1. LO: To find out What is British comedy?
- 2. Genre Genre is the a clear way of categorising films. In order to understand the genre of a film we need to understand the codes and conventions of the different types of films.
- 3. Conventions of Film Comedy D.I.S.T.I.N.C.T Don’t Ignore Setting Technology Iconography Narrative Characterisation Themes
- 4. Settings This will vary depending on the type of comedy. Generic places: Bright places, Cities often places we could imagine ourselves in (naturalistic) Love Actually: Airport High schools are often used for teen comedies. Work places can often feature
- 5. Nominate! You need to say a location which ahs been used in a comedy film. Name the location and film Then nominate somebody else
- 6. Technology Camera: Is often natural lots of tracking shots following the characters. Medium shots are often used to show characters interacting with each other Editing: Slow paced natural editing is generally used fast paced can take place at key comic moments Sound effects add for humour
- 7. Iconography Real life props are often used – these can be used to add possibility for comic accidents Natural lighting is often used – to give the feeling that it is real life and the audience can relate to it.
- 8. Themes NB: Not all the titles are British Parody – Monty Python Romantic comedy – Love Actually Screwball comedy – School of Rock Slapstick – Dumb & Dumber. Mr Bean’s Holiday
- 9. What is British? In groups: List as many things you can think of linked to British people/culture The winner gets a prize
- 10. What makes it British? Made in Britain Using iconic British settings e.g villages/London Often uses sarcasm Representation of British lives Stereotypical British characters (pub landlords)
- 11. Activity In groups work on your given film (watch the opening sequence) You need to look at how it fits with the genre in terms of: Setting Camerawork Iconography Themes How is it British?