Generic Conventions

Let me define the phrase, “conventions of the genre”; all this expression is telling us is that there are characteristics which are typical of a specific genre for example, in a typical romantic comedy, the audience targeted are females, the storyline would go something like this; two protagonist characters would be diffident about committing to each other, the two characters part due to a misunderstanding or disagreement, have a dramatic reunion where the man makes “the grand gesture” which inevitably results in a happily ever after ending. Classic “romcoms” are, 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001) and Pride & Prejudice (2005).

The genre we chose was action-comedy however, due to lengthy absences in JAWS through illness and a hectic exam schedule, we were left with no choice but to change our genre to action. We decided this because, the conventions of action-comedy compared to action, were harder to execute in the short time we have left.

Action movies are a film genre where there are fast-paced activities and clashes, such as intense fights, shootouts, chases on foot to speedboats or explosions taking place regularly throughout the film which in effect develops the plot and characters. The action typically revolves around the hero.

The genre has finally picked up pace on the British scene in last 20 years with hits such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, and most recently, RocknRolla (all directed by Guy Ritchie). It has also seen the development of the legendary, James Bond 007. The match-on-action editing technique and shot-reverse-shot are typical features of this genre.

We have observed the openings of a few action movies to gain knowledge of this genre to come up with ideas for our storyboard.

One of the openings we looked at was from the film, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. The first thing we saw was the company who funded the film, “summit entertainment”. We were then shown the main character, who’s name is Bacon. As he is trying to con a group of vulnerable shoppers for their cash, the camera shot starts off as a medium-long shot, slightly to the left of the huddle, which ends up as a central close up of Bacon’s face as a result of the camera's movement. His partner in crime, Eddie, is then introduced as the first buyer. As he hands over the cash to Bacon (who is still banging on), the soundtrack plays softly. As the soundtrack gradually gets louder, we see the shot-reverse-shot slowly but surely repeat itself twice franticly until Eddie shouts, “Bacon! Coppers!”. We then sees a chase in action with the two main characters fleeing from the police.

We have decided to open our film with just one credit, “JAWS PRODUCTIONS” which will fade out into the first shot of the movie which is a long shot ending up as an extreme close up of the location as a result of the camera movement. Also, instead of having an intense chase, we will have a fight scene where the main character (which is myself) and his accomplice (which is John) beat up their arch enemy (Sheikh) and steal his bag.

We also looked at the film, iRobot. Detective Del Spooner (the hero) wakes up after his alarm clock goes off, he then sits up in bed frowning with the camera at a low angle to the left of him. He switches his music system on. While the music is playing, he exercises and has a shower and before you know it, he is out of his apartment onto the busy streets of New York.

In our movie opening, as soon as the alarm clock goes off, I will sit up and stare ahead with a facial expression of anger with the camera at a low angle zooming into my face. Next, I will exercise and get dressed. The fact that I will be exercising is a definite characteristic of this genre. When we edit the footage, we will add the soundtrack to the exact point when I get out of bed. The artists of the soundtrack is The Prodigy and the track is called, Charlie.

Waseq Hossain
13AL2
JAWS PRODUCTIONS