Thinking About Genre

I have looked at four different genre's of film openings and looked at how genre is shown in the opening scene and what conventions are used. This is to help me decide what genre of film I would like to create and the sort of style it would need to be in.

28 Weeks Later (2007)
This film is a Horror/Thriller movie and this is shown very clearly through the opening sequence mainly because of the following:
- low-key, dark lighting indicates the horror genre as only candle's are used for lighting.
- the absence of music increases the tension and suspense is then increased by a beating sound.
- the themes of panic, fear and zombies are all common in that of horror's and/or thrillers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHf6Th-E3kE

Chariots of Fire (1981)
This film comes under the genre of Sport History and Drama and there are good indications to the time period it is set in, the plot as well as the genre itself.
- the clothing is old-fashioned and the characters are wearing sportswear which reflects the genre as well as the time of the film.
- the settings are also fitting with the time period such as the large manor house and enormous grounds that surround it.
- the music playing has a sense of achievement to it and is quite joyful reflecting the runners and could be a potential theme throughout the rest of the film.



Love Actually (2003)
Love Actually is a Romantic-Comedy Drama which is somewhat reflected in the opening sequence however the comedy element is more difficult to pick up on.
- The images of people hugging their loved ones as they return home conjures the romance element and the feeling of happiness and joy.
- the gentle, calming music and the voice over discussing love and happiness also indicates the romantic genre using the quotation 'Love Actually is all around'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsnruVriVYw

Spiderman 2 (2004)
This film makes it clear that it is a fantasy action drama movie withing the opening title sequence using the following conventions:
- It tells the plot of the first film using cartoon images which reflect the 'comic' style which emphasises the fantasy genre
- The music and images of fighting emphasise the action genre and make the film seem very serious and busy.
- There is also the themes of a hero against some kind of villain whilst protecting a woman who is the victim which are typical qualities in the plot line of a fantasy movie.