There are many different genres within the subject of film. Two that I will focus on are romantic comedy and action. I will be evaluating each genre's camera angles, movement, and shots as well as costumes, lighting, actors, makeup, props, and setting. I will also be looking at editing, sound, elements, and my likes and dislikes.
Romantic comedies are staples of American culture. They have a very basic guideline: two people fall in love and must overcome a few obstacles before their inevitable reconciliation. One typical camera shot is the over-the-shoulder shot, used to show a conversation between two people as well as their facial expressions and body language. Two-shots are also common. They show a relationship between two characters whether they are relaxed and in love or shy and platonic. Also common are the close-up, mid-shot, long shot, and establishing shot. An angle you will likely see in this genre is a low angle. You can see this when the two love interests finally kiss and the camera is pointing up at them and spinning to get the full effect. Another angle is an eye level angle, this shows the love interests straight on, giving the effect that we are in the story with them. A typical camera movement would be a tracking shot. The camera must follow the guy as he chases through the busy street to catch the girl he let go. Another movement would be a pan revealing something in the story that causes tension, like an ex-girlfriend/boyfriend. Costumes in this genre really depend on the time period, they should be whatever is considered contemporary or popular in the time the movie is being shot in. Lighting in romantic comedies will typically be very bright and cheery. When watching a movie like this, viewers want to feel light and fun, otherwise the movie will not feel romantic or comedic. Certain colors denote certain emotions. Red shows passion and lust while white shows purity and yellow shows happiness. As for actors, in the past it is usually one male love interest and one female love interest. However, as our society has become more accepting to the LGBTQ+ community, the love interests may come in any gender, sexuality, etc. The makeup should be natural but noticeable. If the scene permits, we can always add heavy makeup (a night out) or very little (a night in). Props used in romantic comedies will vary based on the locations of the scenes. For example, a restaurant scene will have different props than a scene in a home. It will have tables, candles, other people, and a waiter. The setting is usually a big city like Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, etc. Typical sounds in romantic comedies will be romantic sounds, lots of swells, violins, piano. It will usually start with a non-diegetic score. It will usually be pop or jazz, as long as it is upbeat and light. Then, a voiceover may begin, talking about who the main character is and how they got to where they are. Editing in romantic comedies is typically very simplistic. Mostly used are straight cuts and cross cuts. Straight cuts are used to show continuity in the story, to move the story along. Cross cuts are used to establish that a story is taking place in two different spots at the same time. The pace will change as the story moves on and important events take place. Typical elements or characteristics of this genre are: contrived meetings, polar opposites, ordinary problems, comic friends, some sort of climax/breaking point, and a happy ending. I really like romantic comedies because they tug on the viewer's heartstrings, but also provide comedic relief. This makes it so that they aren't the most serious and they are easier to watch in one sitting. Also, the music is always good in romantic comedies, they tend to be modern and upbeat. What I do not like about romantic comedies is that sometimes they can be predictable. When a movie has to stick to a specific formula, it can become overdone and boring for viewers.
Action movies are also extremely popular. Commonly used shots in action films are establishing shots, close ups, and aerial shots. Establishing shots are important because they let the viewers know where the majority of the film will be taking place, as well as the time period. Close ups show emotion, so these are incorporated a lot, especially if a character dies and the tone of how the other characters feel needs to be set. Aerial shots can be used in a superhero movie to show the hero flying. Camera angles in action are usually high angles, low angles, and dutch angles. High angles are used to show a fuller, wider view from a high angle like the side of a building or a roof. Low angles create an effect of courage and dauntlessness. Dutch angles are used to confuse the audience, these can be used if someone is getting knocked out or drugged. Camera movements used are usually tracking shots, tilts, and pans. Tracking shots are used a lot in chase scenes to make the viewers feel like part of the film. Tilts can be used when looking a person up and down or as a POV. Pan shots are great for action films because they are typically used for dramatic reveals, an important element in these films. Costumes in action movies depend on what kind of action movie. If it is a superhero movie, the costumes will be boring and unassuming until the hero changes into their superhero costume. This usually includes tight pants and shirts, along with a cape and mask. If the movie is more of a James Bond type, the costumes will be quiet and expensive. This consists of suits and "normal" everyday clothing. Lighting consists of mostly daylight, searchlights, and street lamps. It really depends on the specific scene of the movie. Dark colors like black and brown are put on the villains to make them seem more intimidating while the hero typically wears blue or white to make them stand out. Actors playing the hero in action films have predominantly been male. A female would play a sidekick or companion, some sort of supporting role. The makeup in action films is a little more difficult. Not only is there normal makeup, but also special effects makeup. Some props that would be included are cars, planes, capes, guns, and more. These movies usually take place in cities as well. Specific places like buildings, skyscrapers, warehouses, casinos, banks, police stations, offices, and roads. There is a lot of editing in action movies. Between sound effects, explosions, making people fly, and cgi action films rake up a lot of costly editing. Speaking of sound, action films depend on it a lot. Sound effects such as explosions, gun shots, running, screaming, and car engines are the most common. Soundtracks are usually pop music, intense music, drum beats, etc. A few common themes/elements of action movies are good vs. evil, family issues, revenge, death, car chases, and gun fights. I like action movies because they keep you on the edge of your seat. There is always a conflict that needs to be overcome and a team of experts is contrived to save the world. An aspect of action movies I don't like is that some have too many fight scenes or a series becomes very predictable.
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