Codes and conventions of opening sequences

In order to create a feature film, tools (known as codes) of the filmmaking trade, such as music, script, costumes, camera angles and framing, are used. These are only a few examples of film codes. It is the way that these are used (which is known as conventions) that helps us understand which characters are playing each role in the story. Indeed, the exact way directors use these tools can encourage us to like or dislike a character and also help us to understand how important each character is in the story.

For example, if a character in a film was seen entering an office building in the dark shadows of the night and threatening music was heard at the same time, then we would probably think that the character was either a thief or criminal of some sort. Yet if the lighting was changed so that the character was not seen in shadows but in bright light, and pleasant music was heard, then we would probably believe this character was a person who worked in that building. Maybe he or she was doing some overtime to meet a deadline of some sort.

The result of codes and conventions being used in such ways is that we, as viewers, are encouraged to accept the story, and everything in it, in the way the director wants us to. In this way, too, directors have the ability to encourage us into accepting certain opinions about people, groups of people and ideas. This can have a real-life effect.

In the early years of American television, the western was a favourite type of feature film and TV show. Many young children who saw these often played Cowboys and Indians. The Indians rarely won any of the battles, as they were shown in a negative way through the use of filmic codes. Even if the Indians did win a battle, the Cowboys were seen as heroic and the real winners even if they lost their lives. This type of influence can spill over into everyday life. The Indians were actually representatives of Native Americans and it took a long time after these westerns were made before the majority of the viewing population actually called this group of people by their correct name: Native American and not 'Indians'. So not only can we be entertained, but we can also learn to accept ideas without really knowing that this is happening.

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’.