Codes and Conventions

Media Codes and Conventions:

Thriller- A thriller will normally start with some fast music to set the scene. Often, it may show a chase scene which is also there to set the scene of a thriller as it is a good way to introduce the characters early on and also get the audience interested but also because it is a sign of things to come in the film. For example, in the film "Speed," the bad guys and the good guys are introduced but a high action disaster still takes place at the start which is tied in with the main plot.

Horror- In the first five minutes of a typical horror film, it is usually about setting the scene of where the action will usually take place. It is also a chance to introduce the victims and sometimes the villain. Also, a lot of suspense is normally created in the start of horror films. A prime example of this is the film "Saw." The scene is placed where most of the film will take place, and the two main characters are also introduced in the very first scene. A contradiction to this however is "Dawn of the Dead." There is a killing in the first five minutes, and therefore one might say that there is no suspense and the suspense is killed. Also, the main setting is not introduced for some fifteen minutes later. So this proves that not all horrors follow the so called "codes and conventions."

Romantic Comedy- In a lot of the romantic comedies I have watched, the two people who will eventually fall in love are actually seeing other people at the start of the film. This is the case in "Serendipity," "A lot like Love," and "Along Came Polly." Often the partners of the two main characters will be portrayed in a bad way so the viewers don't like them and then hope that the two main characters will get together instead. This is the emotions I found myself feeling when watching "Serendipity." I have noticed that in the romantic comedies I have watched, the opening credits are often in red. An example of this is "Love Actually" and also "Four weddings and a Funeral."