Codes and Conventions for Romcoms

Codes are systems of signs, put together (usually in sequence) which create meaning. Codes can be divided into three categories - Technical, Symbolic and Written/Audio:
Technical codes are all the ways in which equipment is used to tell the story in a media text, for example the camera work in a film.
Symbolic codes show what is beneath the surface of what we see. For example, a character's actions show you how the character is feeling.
Written/audio codes such as headlines and captions/Music.
Conventions are the generally accepted ways of doing something. Conventions are genre specific.
Codes and Conventions of a ‘Romcom’ movie:
- Appeals to anyone who has ever been in love or who hopes to be so soon.
- Characters in love are distracted and liable to do daft things – comedic value.
- The plot of a romcom will see an obvious couple taken through a series of
misadventures designed to keep them apart until the ending (usually when they
get married).
- Happy ending (marriage and children).
- Target audience: Young Women
- Plot involves male protagonist after female protagonist he fancies and having to overcome obstacles and rivals for her affection.
- Typical male and female, heterosexual relationships.
- Male protagonist offers comedic value due to his incompetence or struggle to attract female protagonist.
- Soft, romantic music.
- Stereotypical gender/sexuality roles.
- Attractive protagonists, particularly female.
- Very cliché and stereotypical of the idea of ‘Love’.
- Begins with introduction of 2 characters to fall or in love or the protagonist (male seeking woman).
- Twists to relationship, including a period where it seems the relationship is over until the end when they reunite and are happy together.
- Filmed in a big city/town location (e.g. London/New York)
- Flirting common throughtout film (usually one-way.)
- Costume is smart and sexy, appealing to the opposite sex.
- Soppy, light-hearted and lovey-dovey plot.
- Another male (usually more attractive, clever and wealthy) to compete for females attention, underdog eventually wins.
- Male protagonist fails in his attempts to be romantic.
- Unlikely couple from audience’s point of view at beginning of film, get together at end of film.
- Scenes of nudity, sex and intimacy.
- The colour red represents love, hearts, sexuality and passion.
- The colour white represents innocence, purity
- The colour pink represents love, romance and femininity.
- Usually labelled ‘Chick flicks’.