Genre Research: Romance vs. Action

 Action

CAMS (Camera Angles, Camera Movements, Camera Shots)

Camera angles and camera movements play a vital role within the production of action films
These components aid in adding the dynamic effect that corresponds with the genre

 Camera angles typical to the action genre include:

• High Angles
• Low Angles 
• Dutch

Camera movements include:

• Pan
• Tilt
• Tracking

Camera shots include:

• Wide shot
• Medium shot
• Close-ups
• Establishing shots
• Aerial shot

CLAMPS (Mis-En-Scene)

The mise-en-scene of a film is crucial within any genre.
 Without costumes, lighting, actors, make-up, props and setting it would be impossible to even produce a film. It would merely remain an idea within a film maker’s notebook

Costumes typical to action include:

• Suits
• Armor
• Dark Uniforms
• Bodysuits

Lighting typical to action include:

• Lowkey Lighting

Actors typical to action include:

• Protagonists
• Antagonists
• Stuntmen
• Extras

Make-up typical to action include:

• Blood
• Bruises
• Cuts

Props typical to action include:

• Weapons
• Debris
• Cars

Settings typical to action include:

• City Streets
• Rural Areas
• Mountains
• Alleyways

Sounds

The sounds implemented into action films work to evoke certain emotions within a given scene.

Sounds typical to action movies include:

Scores and incidental music that aim to build suspense and rising actions
Usually fast-paced

• Diegetic sounds such as gunshots, explosions, crashes
• Voiceovers
• Intense Dialogue

Editing

The editing within action films also plays a crucial role in adding the ‘flare’ and sense of danger/anticipation associated with action films

Common editing techniques include:

• Jump cuts
• Action match
• Cross-cutting
• Split Screen

Elements of the Genre

There are several elements that make up this genre

Conflict

• Man vs. Man
• Man vs. Nature
• Man vs. Self
• Violence
• Stunts

Overall Themes such as:

• Vengeance
• Redemption
• Justice

What Elements Do I Like?

• The emotional roller coaster created by the scenes. This often leaves the viewer on the edge of their seat, stricken by suspense
• The fight scenes. A good fight scene is quite entertaining

What Elements Don’t I Like?

• The cliche aspect of many actions films in which the protagonist defeats the antagonist. This is usually followed by an expected good ending
• Sometimes audiences want to see an ending that is not anticipated, an ending that is ultimately contrary to the archetype

                      Romance

CAMS (Camera Angles, Camera Movements, Camera Shots)

Camera angles and camera movements play a vital role within the production of Romance films
These components aid in adding the dynamic effect that corresponds with the genre

Camera angles typical to the romance genre include:

• Dutch
• High Angle

Camera movements include:

• Pan
• Zoom In/ Out
• Tracking

Camera shots include:

• Over the Shoulder Shot
• Two Person Shot
• Close-ups
• Long Shot
• Point of View

CLAMPS (Mis-En-Scene)

The mise-en-scene of a film is crucial within any genre.
 Without costumes, lighting, actors, make-up, props and setting it would be impossible to even produce a film. It would merely remain an idea within a film maker’s notebook

Costumes typical to Romance include:

• Dresses/ Skirts
• Jeans
• T-shirts
• Comical outfits

Lighting typical to Romance include:

• Natural Lighting
• Bright Lighting
• Dim lighting

Actors typical to Romance include:

• The heroine
• The friends of heroine 
• A love interest
• Extras

Make-up typical to Romance include:

• Red Eyes (from crying)
• Puffy cheeks
• Natural make-up

Props typical to Romance include:

• Electronics
• Restaurants
• apartments/ houses

Settings typical to Romance include:

• City Streets
• Rural Areas

Sounds

The sounds implemented into romance films work to evoke certain emotions within a given scene.
The biggest filming technique that really makes a film a romance film is the music and sounds.

• Diegetic sounds such as footsteps, doors closing/opening, cars moving
• Non-Diegetic sounds such as
• Voiceovers
•  Dialogue
• Sound Motifs
• Sound bridges

Editing

The editing within Romance films also plays a crucial role in adding the ‘flare’ and ‘emotional appeal’ associated with action films

Common editing techniques include:

• Shot/ Reverse Shot
• Cross-cutting
• Eye-line Match

Elements of the Genre

There are several elements that makeup romance films:

• A sympathetic Heroine
• Emotional Tension
• Happy Ever After Ending
• Believable Plot

What Elements Do I Like?

• The believable plot is something that really appeals to the audience. It creates a sense of hope for some people that they can experience a love like that.
• The emotional plot is another thing that brings in an audience. The emotional rollercoaster that the audience goes through with the heroine allows the audience to feel as if they are actually in the movie.

What Elements Don’t I Like?

• The cliche of always having a happy ending. The way life works, sometimes things happen in life and there isn’t always the cliche of the couple gets married and lives happily ever after.
• Sometimes audiences want to see an ending that is not anticipated and leaves you feeling disarray of emotions.