Ponder Questions (P.88)

Which Movie Genres Are You Drawn To?

1. Draw up a list movie genres you are drawn to.

·  Comedy

·  Drama

·  Romance

·  Teen Films

·  Musicals

·  Mystery/ Suspense

·  Fantasy

2. Identify the key elements of these genres.

 Comedy - It's aim of a comedy film is to illicit laughter from the audience through entertaining stories and characters. It also always has a happy ending.

Drama - Relies on the emotional and relational development of realistic characters. Often, the dramatic themes are taken from intense, real life issues. Whether heroes or heroines are facing a conflict from the outside or a conflict within themselves, it aims to tell an honest story of human struggles.

Romance - Usually has a theme that explores an issue within love, including but not limited to: love at first sight, forbidden love, love triangles, and sacrificial love. Whether the end is happy or tragic, it aims to evoke strong emotions in the audience.

Teen Films - The plot is based upon the special interests of teenagers, such as coming of age, first love, rebellion, conflict with parents, teen angst, and alienation.

Mystery/ Suspense - It centers on a person of authority, usually a detective, that is trying to solve a mysterious crime. The main protagonist uses clues, investigation, and logical reasoning.

Fantasy - Involve magic, supernatural events, or fantasy worlds. Allows the audience to be transported into a new and unique world. Often, these films center on an ordinary hero in an extraordinary situation.

Musicals - The songs of a film can either be used to further the story or simply enhance the experience of the audience. Traditional musicals center on a well-known star, famous for their dancing or singing skills. These films explore concepts such are love and success, allowing the audience to escape from reality.

3. Find samples of posters of movies that you really like.

 

In my opinion, for everything except probably "Iron Man", the elements in the movies are already presented in the posters.

4. Specify which elements of the movie genres you like draw you to watch.

 Before watching the movie, I personally have to know who the actors/ actresses are and if I know that actor/ actress and I like the person, I wouldn't hesitate to watch the film. Aside from the people who act, I get drawn to their cinematography, themes, and emotional impact.

5. Determine the patterns of meanings that the movies you like reinforce every time you watch.

It's good to remember that not all movie have good meanings in it, but there are still also many good things. For example, the theme of the movie "Mean Girls" wasn't really appropriate but it did give a good message to some like don't judge a book by it's cover, don't dumb yourself down for a guy or anyone else, for that matter, you are who you hang out with so be careful when choosing your friends, apologize when you know you're wrong, and many more.