RESEARCHING GENRE-
Rom-con/Romance
Catherine Jeynes
LEGALLY BLONDE (2001)
Legally Blonde is an obvious, girly chick flick that was made for teenage age girls and young women; we know it has been made for a target audience of teenagers due to the certificate being a 12. All the characters are young women and very stereotypically American girls that belong to a “sorority”; it also has young, typically good looking male roles that would very much appeal to a female audience. Use of language is very easy and simple, it doesn’t contain any complicated vocabulary and it is also showing the typical “American girl” character. There is some very mild bad language involved, but very light hearted and adds to the comedy.
The story is very characteristic of a romantic comedy because it contains a love story; however it also includes light comedy with more of a twist behind it as well, keeping interesting. The story is very light hearted, conventional of a romantic comedy/ chick flick.
The film is shown in linear narrative, with an exposition, climax and resolution; we as the audience can follow the story easily this way. We are first introduced to the important characters of the film, and their backgrounds so we are able to easily follow the characters throughout the film, and the story carries on from there. Elle Woods is a sorority girl who is madly in love with her boyfriend, Warner, however he finishes with her due to him being accepted into a top law school in America. Elle decides hat the only way to get him back is to try and get a place in the same law school as him; this is the juxtaposition shown in the story as they have gone against the typical conventions of a sorority girl who we have been made to think of her as a “blonde bimbo”. She gets accepted into the law school and finds that her ex boyfriend is already engaged to another woman, Elle endeavours to prove everyone wrong and pull away from her label of being stupid. The climax of the story is she gets accepted to be an intern into a real murder trial and case and to represent the suspected murderer. The woman turns out to be someone who went to the same sorority as Elle; the resolution is that Elle, as a law student wins the court case alone, without the help of her professor. She proves her ex boyfriend wrong, and finds a new love at the Law School. She also managed to break the stereo of type of “blonde bimbos”.
Unlike many other romantic comedies, there isn’t much of a theme of love; this film has more of a theme to law and education but shown in a very hysterical way with a love story to motivate it; however this turns into a story of Elle Woods changing her life for her, not for her ex boyfriend.
One of my favourite scenes in the film is set in a beauty salon where Elle teaches all the women the “bend and snap” movement. It begins with Elle talking to her regular beautician when the man that “Paulette” (beautician) fancies, she makes her self look stupid in front of him so Elle teaches Paulette a trick that always worked for her, and this turns into a little song and dance throughout the whole salon. The scenery is very bright but relaxed, with pink and blues and also plants dotted around the scene; it’s obvious it’s a salon with the way Paulette and Elle are sat together. There is also music playing in the background keeping a very relaxed and laid back atmosphere; codes showing us that the characters are relaxed and happy in that particular scene. The lighting in this scene is light and bright, highlighting the mood of the scene. Many of the characters in this scene are women and they all have rollers in their hair or nicely finished hair and polished nails and generally look very feminine and pristine, again resulting in the codes and conventions of the scene for the film. All women in the salon get involved, and the volume of the music is turned up; a few gay men are also shown which adds to the comedy of the scene. There are many different camera shots, it beings with separate close ups of Elle and Paulette when they are talking to each other and medium shots of them together; however when the scene moves on to the whole salon being involved, the camera shots turn to long shots so we are able to be fully involved in the scene and get understanding of how popular Elle’s “bend and snap” move has become.
They have used all codes and conventions in this scene to convey a fun, humorous and laid back atmosphere within the film. It is typical of a romantic comedy by using bright colours and light scenery, and also having some cheerful, fun music in the background. This is fun for the audience to watch as many girls can relate back to something, fun and silly.
Notting Hill (1999)
Notting Hill is a British romantic comedy set in London, made for a male and female audience for people 15+; this film would appeal to all types of people, especially people who enjoy watching comedies. It contains both good looking men and women (Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts) two very popular, well known and much loved actors throughout the world. It’s a 15 due to some moderate bad language and mild nudity scenes. This film may appeal to people more in their 20’s more than teenagers as it contains more middle ages people rather than Legally Blonde that contains young adults.
This story is one of which that people only dream about, which makes it an enjoyable film as you are able to imagine yourself in it. Its main basis is very much a love story with doses of comedy throughout, keeping it light hearted.
This film is also shown in linear narrative, keeping it easy to follow allowing the viewers to have a simple viewing allowing them to relax and enjoy every part of the film. It begins with the exposition of the characters and their backgrounds, much like Legally Blonde. The two main characters being William Thachet, a man who runs a bookshop and lives in Notting Hill and Anna Scott, a worldwide A list celebrity. Their worlds collide and they soon get caught in a love story of their own; the climax of the film is when William finds out that Anna does have a boyfriend who unexpectedly flew to London, however Anna and Jeff break up and soon after, porn pictures of Anna are leaked to the press and are soon enough over every paper in England. Anna goes to Williams to hide; however Williams flat mate, Spike accidently tells some friends and a few days later the press are at Williams’s front door. Anna goes back to America and doesn’t have any contact with William for a year. Williams sister soon finds out that she is to be shooting a film in England and William goes to see here but the outcome isn’t so good, Anna soon comes after him and tells him that she loves him but he turns the offer down; soon enough he realises what he has done and goes chasing through London trying to find Anna. The outcome is that at a press conference they tell one another in front of the press that they want to be together, and at the very end of the film we see a shot of Anna and William on a park bench and Anna is pregnant.
This film matches all conventions of a romantic comedy, it’s also a very typical British romantic comedy, in the sense that it is very laid back whereas, compared to American rom-coms, they can be fussy and eccentric, like Legally Blonde. I think another convention of a rom-com is the stupid, friend/confidante, and in this case it is Spike, who always lightens the moment and is the typical comedic character.
One scene in the film is when William brings round Anna Scott to his best friends’ house for his little sisters birthday, all of Williams’s friends meets Anna in this scene. It has a very homely feel to it, the lighting makes it warm and peaceful, making it feel like you are actually there because you are able to relate to the home setting. All characters are dressed casually so it isn’t fussy, and its telling us that it is just a very comfortable, casual occasion, which then highlights the fact that a celebrity is there in that normal life, situation. There are candles and wine on the table also telling us that it is a special event between a group of friends. The song “when you say nothing at all” by Ronan Keating is playing during a certain part of the scene when they are all sat round the table, and at this moment there a close ups and medium close ups of all characters, and also two shots of them, showing us that they are enjoying their evening. However, when the music starts it is focused on Anna, and this is a way of showing, I think that Anna wishes for this type of life style and it’s a very key moment to her because this is when she realises that she does have some sort of feelings for William, we can also tell that she feels at home with William and his friends. During this scene they have a competition on who is the “saddest act” between them and whoever has the best excuse gets the last brownie, and when Anna has her go, we find out how she is really feeling, but it also is added with comedy in their performances.
The theme to this film isn’t very clear, it has a lot of focus on contrast between the celebrity life and the middle class life, other than this there is no obvious theme.
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Sleepless in Seattle is an American Romance film, featuring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, rated at PG. Although this film is only a PG and is suitable for younger teenagers and above, it would probably appeal more to mature teens and adults due to its more mature story line, and characters. I think this story would appeal more to women than men as it has quite a feminine story line.
This film again, is shown in linear narrative keeping it simple and easy to watch; however characters do think back to previous things that have been said but this is just their thoughts. And like all romantics and comedies, is a very light hearted film with small bits of humour, however this film is more a romance than a rom-com.
We are again, introduced to the three main characters, Sam and his son Jonah and Annie. The opening scene tells us how Sam and Jonah have lost their wife/mother. Soon after we are introduced to Annie who has just got engaged and lives half way across America from Sam and Jonah. Sam and Jonas move to Seattle to try and start a new life together, and when Jonah rings a radio show agony aunt to try and help mend his father’s broken heart, Sam goes onto a live radio show on the phone and describes to the agony aunt how much he loved and misses his past wife; women across America hear the broadcast and are touched by his story and Sam begins to receive hundreds of letters from women across America. However, Annie is also listening to the this radio broadcast and we soon learn that she cannot stop thinking about what Sam said and she believes that she has fallen in love with Sam, whom she has never met. Keeping this a secret from anyone else but her best friend, she tries to find as much information as possible about Sam and also his address, to which she sends a letter to. Sam begins to date a co-worker named Victoria; however, Jonah doesn’t like Victoria for various reasons. Jonah reads Annie’s letter, and at the age of 8, he believes that this woman is “the one” for his father. Engaged Annie suggests in this letter that meet in New York on Valentines Day at the top of the Empire State building, and with the help of Jonah’s friend, Jessica he replies to the letter and agreeing to go, at a failed attempt to persuade Sam.
When Sam takes Victoria to the airport, he see’s Annie coming off her plane, as she has come to Seattle to find Sam and without having any idea who she is, Sam is completely infatuated by her. Annie spies on Jonah and Sam playing at the beach and mistakes Sam’s sister for his girlfriend, Sam recognizes her from the airport and says “hello” but Annie only responds with “Hello”, Annie goes home back to her fiancé who never knew about any of what she had been doing, feeling foolish Annie tries to forget about it all, and goes out for a valentines meal with fiancé.
Meanwhile, Jonah has taken a flight over to New York from Seattle without his father knowing at all, Jonah goes to the Empire State Building hoping to find Annie, who is sat in a restaurant looking over to Empire State Building. Looking at the building Annie tells her doubts of getting married to her Fiancé, Walter and calls of the wedding she then rushes over to the Empire State Building. Earlier on in the film, Sam soon finds out where Jonah has gone and also catches the next flight over to New York to find him. Typically, at the end they all end up at the Empire State building and Sam and Annie find each other and fall in love in an instant.
Very typical to a love story, there is a climax and a resolution, the climax keeps us on edge and this is conventional of a romance/ rom-com.
The very last scene, is when Annie and Sam meet at the top of the Empire state building, however, it begins with Sam finding Jonah at the top of the building, it’s set at night time, which shows us that Sam has been looking for Jonah all day, and it also shows us that they are they at time that Annie is planning to meet Sam, but Sam isn’t aware of this at all. When Sam finds Jonah, there is soft but dramatic, classical type music playing, they hug and there are several different camera shots of this; it begins with a medium long shot of Sam picking up Jonah, and as they talk to each other they are shown in medium close up shots, and then another long shot as Sam puts Jonah down. More close ups are shown, and think this may convey and show us the importance of their close relationship, this is then backed up with Sam saying to Jonah “You are my family, you’re all I’ve got. “ There are then several over the shoulder shots when Sam is talking to Jonah. The performance of the characters in this scene is very dramatic between all of them, as Annie is running up to the Empire State Building, and typically as soon as she gets to the top, Sam and Jonah leave. This again, is another cliff hanger and puts the audience onto the edge of their, again, conventional of a romance as we believe the characters won’t be together. When Annie gets to the top of the building there is no-one else there as it has just closed, and I think this emphasises the loneliness that Annie may feel. Characteristically, there is a resolution as Jonah left his bag at the top of the building, and classically they go back to get it and Annie is there. When Annie and Sam realise who each other are, the music becomes louder within the scene, as it adds to the emotion of the atmosphere. Medium close up shots are shown of their faces, to show the audience their reactions to each other. The scene becomes slightly lighter, which may reflect the happiness of all characters that they have finally come together. Nearing the end of the scene Sam suggests that Annie goes with them, and a close up camera shot is shown of Annie and Sam’s hands, as they hold one another’s, and again the music lifts up at this point, and as we see all three of them walk away from the camera the music becomes quieter and sounds as if it is coming to an end, like the film.
In my opinion, the theme of the film is single parent families, and the effect it has on the children, it may give hope to single parent families; however it is a very light hearted film and doesn’t really have a metaphorical meaning behind it. It shares all the same codes and conventions as the other films so far.
When Harry met Sally (1989)
When Harry Met Sally is an American rom-com starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, certified at a 15 due to mild sexual scenes and some strong language. However, much like Sleepless in Seattle, it may appeal to a more mature audience due to the elder characters and quite mature story line about how “men and women can never be “just” friends.” This film would appeal to both men and women as it has points of view from both gender and isn’t too feminine and includes quite a lot of comedy of which men would find humorous.
Like every other film so far, it’s shown in linear narrative, with an exposition, climax and resolution. However; the film does skip a few years of the characters lives from when they are 18 to mid 20’s and then over to their 30’s. We again, meet the characters, Harry and Sally and learn how they become friends and the beginning of the film and we understand from there and then that they have a connection and is obvious throughout the film that this will be a regular occurrence due to the famous line of the film “men and women can never be friends because of the sex part.”
Harry and Sally finish college, and they meet through mutual knowing, Harry’s girlfriend at the time and Sally’s best friend at the time, when they both need someone to share the drive from Chicago to New York; and this soon presents to us their different feelings towards relationships. After the long drive to New York they don’t arrange to see each other again; however, five years later Harry see’s Annie at the airport and find themselves on the same plane, by this time they are both in relationships. Harry suggests that they stay friends, however Sally reminds of his rules about men and women being friends and they decide to go their different ways without being friends. Another five years later, they see each other in a book shop and decide to go to a cafe to talk about their lives. We soon learn that both of their relationships have ended and they decide to stay friends. After this we learn that they spend a lot of time together, including late night phone calls, and dinners together, however their different dating experiences highlights their different views on relationships and sex. Later on the film, Harry and Sally are best friends by this point, Annie phones up Harry crying because her ex boyfriend is getting married, and the reason the split up in the first place is because he didn’t want marriage. Harry immediately goes over to Sally’s and they unexpectedly had sex, which caused awkwardness between them, and this is the climax of the film. This causes massive tension in their relationship and their friendship starts to cool down over the next few weeks, which then builds up to a heated argument at their best friends’ wedding. Harry repeatedly tries to mend their broken friendship over a number of weeks, and at the New years Eve party, which they were both invited to, harry doesn’t go and Annie feels lonely without Harry there. As Annie goes to leave the party, Harry turns up right in front of her and declares his love for her. We then find out right at the end of the film that they got married.
The climax again, is very characteristic of a rom-com film; it makes the audience feel that the two main characters won’t be together at the end of the film; however the resolution is always results in a happy ending, conventional of this genre type.
The ending scene begins with a long shot of Harry walking alone in New York at night time on New Year’s Eve; we can see it is a special time of year due to the blurred Christmas tree lights in the background. We are shown a medium close up of Harry’s face and we are able to see his emotion in his face. There’s soft, emotive music in the background and we are soon shown the location of where Harry is; which is the same location of New York they left each other when they both arrived in New York together. Flashbacks are shown of different memories Harry has of them, whilst a voice over of one of their first conversations about how “men and women can’t be friends” is played; which shows us that Harry is thinking about it. The music and the performance of Harry is a code to us that he has to have Sally back, as more than a friend as he we have just been shown that he has thought their past over. A clip is then shown of Sally at the New Years Eve party on her own, there are a lot of people in this scene, with bright lights, and Sally is very dressed up with her done nicely, with nice make up on and a fancy dress; which makes it obvious that she is at a party. However, the party music is not being played, the same song that was being played in Harry’s scene is carried on playing which keeps a focus on Sally and Harry and conveys that they are both thinking about each other. Couples are also shown in the background, which may reflect and highlight that Sally is sad about not being with Harry. Another climax is put into this scene, as a clip shown of Harry running is shown and it is obvious he is running to find Sally; although after this clip it moves back to Sally telling her friends that she is leaving the party, this adds another cliff hanger into the story as the audience will be hoping that harry will get to her in time. We eventually find that Harry gets to the party just in time, as a medium shot is shown of Harry running into the party room, and the a medium close up of Sally looking over in surprise, with emotion in her face, a dramatic instrumental part of the song is put in time with this, as they see each other, which makes the scene more emotional and strong. When Harry tells Sally that he loves her Sally doesn’t react the way we expect her to, and she doesn’t accept what Harry says, and as they argue the other characters in the back ground being the countdown to New Year, I think this emphasises Harry and Sally’s argument and the new start that they can have, there are also a lot of happy couples in the background which makes harry and Sally fit together more. Because of the New Year all the people in the background are happy and are shouting, which makes Harry have to shout to Sally about how much he loves her, which obviously puts emphasis on his feelings, with this they have used over the shoulder shots which makes us feel more involved in the conversation, we are able to see both expressions of the characters. Nearing the end of his small speech to Sally the famous New Years Eve “Auld Lang Syne” instrumental song comes on, which is always associated with bad memories to be forgotten, and this will relate to Harry and Sally’s story. We are shown a close up of Sally crying and telling Harry “I hate you” however, as well swapping over to close ups of Harry as well, and we are able to know that Harry and Sally have such a good relationships that she hates him because she loves him, and conventional of a romance film, it ends with a kiss, and a close up of Harry and Sally kissing is shown.
I think the theme of this film is life after being divorced, and also strong friendships; there is no certain or specific theme such as religion etc.
Titanic (1997)
Titanic is one of the most famous romance/disaster films in the whole world, directed by James Cameron, starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo Di Caprio. It’s rated at a 12 due to some moderate nudity scenes, mild language and moderate violence/horror. Although it is quite a mature and deep story line, it appeals to all ages, and to both males and females because of its fame and due to it being based on real life.
This film is also shown in linear narrative, allowing us to follow the story of Jack and Rose, and giving us time to understand and determine the different characters and their motives during the film. We also grow attached to the characters and their relationship, which adds to emotion later on in the film. However, we are told the story by Rose as an elderly lady at present day, but we are only shown her at very small intervals of the film.
It begins with different camera angles of Titanic and people looking in amazement, this enhances the importance of the story. We are introduced primarily to Rose as an upper class lady, going on the voyage with her fiancé and mother. She arrives in a first class method of travel, highlighting her status; although on the inside we are to understand that she feels trapped and doesn’t enjoy the upper class life. This is then juxtaposed with the introduction of Jack, a working class labourer, wanting to go over to America, hoping to better his life due to their economic standard. Whilst aboard the Titanic, circumstances bring Jack and Rose together and a special bond is formed between them which develops throughout the film; and is intensified due their contrasting social hierarchy. Rose asks Jack to paint a picture of her wearing nothing but the “heart of the ocean” a priceless jewel given to Rose by Cal (fiancé) as an engagement present. Jack and Rose witness the collision between Titanic and the iceberg, and over hear the captain speaking about the seriousness of the damage. Cal finds the pictures by Jack and frames Jack for stealing the “heart of the ocean.” Jack is then arrested, taken down to the Master-at-arms and handcuffed to a pipe, Rose runs away from her mother and Cal to find Jack and free him. By now all passengers of the Titanic are aware of the situation, and are all trying to get on a lifeboat. Once Rose has freed Jack they struggle back to the deck where Cal and Jack persuade Rose to get onboard a lifeboat, with Cal claiming that both men are able to get onboard as well, however Cal betrays Jack, and with Rose realising this, she gets back onto the Titanic to stay with Jack. Cal infuriated by this, he chases Jack and Rose with a gun to the flooded first class saloon; however when he runs out of ammunition he goes back to the top deck, pretending to look after an abandoned child, enables him to get back onboard a life boat. Jack and Rose are still onboard, and they take refuge on the stern of the ship as it begins to sink bow first. Jack makes sure they survive the sinking of the ship, and manages to get them above water; however, Jack finds a panel that will only take one persons weight, Jack holds onto the panel as he assures Rose that she will not die. Jack and Rose talk for a long time, whilst Jack is in the freezing cold water; they soon go quiet as they wait for the boats to come and try and save them; however they go quiet for so long Jack eventually dies because of hypothermia, and Rose lets go. Eventually the life boats come round and Rose gets their attention from a whistle of a nearby dead officer. Rose survives, and once at land she gives her name as Rose Dawson (Dawson being Jacks surname) and she never see’s Cal again.
It then jumps back to Rose as an elderly lady; she throws the “heart of the ocean” into the sea, and passes away in her sleep the same night. The film ends with Rose walking up the steps in the ship of Titanic, towards Jack.
The most famous scene from Titanic is the “flying scene” when Jack and Rose are stood at the very front point of the ship and it is a very emotional scene. It begins with a birds-eye view of Jack leaning against the bars of the ship, and then a medium close up of Jack looking out to sea. It’s set at dusk, and is at a romantic shading of light and all you are able to hear is the sound of the sea. This sets a very calm, romantic atmosphere. We are able to tell that Jack is hurt that Rose doesn’t want to be around him, However the camera angle moves slightly so we are able to see a silhouette of a person behind Jack and we the hear Rose say “Hello Jack” and this is when the famous song of Titanic begins, the piano introduction. We are giving a medium shot of Rose looking very elegant, whereas Jack is just in normal clothes, which shows the contrast between their different worlds. The colours of the background are pinks, blues and yellows to make it look like the perfect sunset and it makes the scene very charismatic. When Rose starts to talk to Jack, Jack quietens her and brings her to the front of the deck, with a very long shot of Jack taking her hand and leading Rose to the front, there are also a few close ups of their faces to show us their emotion on seeing each other. We are shown a medium close up of them together, looking towards the sea, with Jack holding Rose as she closes her eyes and steps up onto the railing at the very point of the Titanic. As this is happening the back ground music is still the theme of titanic, but harmonised by a soft choir, which keeps the atmosphere very romantic and peaceful allowing us to imagine the feeling. The whole scene is focused on this point, and there are many different camera angles showing us such as high angle shots, low angle shots, over the shoulder shots etc. The music intensifies as the scene goes on, and it makes the scene incredibly powerful and emotional. Close ups of their hands intertwining and jack holding Rose close are shown, to give us a clear understanding of how much they are falling for each other. No other people or surrounding of the ship are shown other than the very front, jack and Rose and the sea as this scene is completely focused on them as it is a vital part of the film, because it is when Jack and Rose first kiss and James Cameron has made this a very heart warming scene.
There is very much a theme of different class and status, Titanic really tries to emphasise the contrast between upper and working class people, and how it doesn’t matter about the difference. This theme made the story even more powerful. Due to the date of the tragedy of titanic, theme of social class had to be made because in 1912 it was very much an issue, but it really added to the atmosphere and feeling of the film.
The codes and conventions to this film are very different to the other films of my choice, as this is not a rom-com and is also set in a completely different time period. It does have some of the characteristic such as exposition, climax and resolution, and the barrier between the girl and the one she really loves etc. However, it is very different.
Paris when it Sizzles (1964)
“Paris when it sizzles” is quite a dated romantic comedy film starring Audrey Hepburn, in which she plays a secretary called Gabrielle Simpson. This film is rated at a U, so is therefore appropriate for all ages; however this may also appeal to a more mature audience and also an audience that like to watch simple films, that don’t encounter any type of concentration and can just sit back and watch the film.
It has a very simple story line set in Paris, of a man named Richard Benson, a script writer and a secretary named Gabrielle Simpson. Benson has been given three weeks to write a script for a new film, however, due to his arrogant and big ego towards his job he leaves it until two days before the deadline, so for this reason he hires Simpson (Hepburn) to write out his script for him. Over the weekend, the twosome spend it in the same hotel room together, trying to think up a decent story; and as their different fantasies progress so do their feelings.
An Affair to Remember (1957)
An Affair to Remember, Starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr, is considered to be one of the most romantic films of all time; about two strangers that are both engaged, Terry Mckay a singer and Nickie Ferrante a well known, famous playboy and armature artist. They meet and fall in love on a ship travelling from Europe to New York, when meeting on several occasions they form a friendship on the ship, and terry joins Nickie in visiting his Grandmother when ship passes by her home in the Mediterranean; we see then that Terry has seen Nickie in a different light and this is when their love blossoms. When they ship starts to near New York they agree to meet in six months time at the Empire State Building if they have been successful in gaining new careers and ending their relationships and also if they still feel the same way for one another. We see over time that they are both successful in doing so, however, on the day of their meeting a tragic accident stops this from happening, when Terry gets run over by a car and then rushed to hospital, but Nickie is completely unaware. We soon learn that Terry is now unable to walk, however she gets a new job of a music teacher to young children, and this happens over a year and we can see that Nickie is also doing well with his art. After the accident Terry refuses to let Nickie know of what has happened to her, but one night in New York they both attend the same Ballet both with their former partners, they see each other but only say “Hello” and Nickie is still unaware of Terry’s disability because she is sat down. Nickie finally finds out Terry’s address and pays her a surprise visit at Christmas, and tries to make an angry approach about what happened at the Empire State Building but terry tries to avoid the conversation, whilst sitting on the sofa, so Nickie is still unaware of her condition. As Nickie is leaving he mentions a painting he did of Terry wearing the shawl his Grandmother had left Terry, and a woman in a wheel chair had just bought it; then Nickie realises the position in which Terry is sat in and all is revealed in the same scene, and it ends in their love being rekindled, a quote said by terry “If you can paint, then I can walk.”
This film is rated at a U, it has no strong language or inappropriate scenes of sexual or violent nature. In the time that it was produced (1957) it would probably have appealed to all women and teenagers of all ages as it is a very simple but lovely romance story that you can easily be engrossed into, although it has characters that are around their 20s-30s it is still an enjoyable film for all ages as it does not involve any complex language or situations. Because of how old the film is it may not appeal to younger girls as much because they would more likely be interested in modern films however, I think they would still enjoy watching it. I don’t think it would appeal to men as much as it is a very feminine story line and doesn’t have much of a masculine approach or point of view to it.
Much like a lot of the romance films I have watched, this film doesn’t have an obvious theme; you could look at the aspect of people falling in love with obstacles in the way, and this is an occurring theme throughout all the romance films that I have watched, and is very much a convention of a love story. An Affair to Remember is also shown in a linear narrative, which is obviously very conventional of a romance film, it keeps its simple and easy to watch, which gives the audience more chance to enjoy it.
The last scene is between Terry and Nickie as it is through the majority of the film, however this is a very romantic scene as we have seen that the couple have parted and there has been a big climax within the film when they didn’t meet at the Empire State Building, and now we see them back together again it makes the scene more passionate. It is set in a comfortable, feminine, light living room, creating a light atmosphere. There is also soft, melodic music playing keeping the atmosphere light hearted and it also adds emotion to the words that the characters are using. We have watched Nickie and terry talking for a few minutes but I will be focusing on when Nickie is just about to leave but however carries on into conversation and all is revealed. It begins with a wide long shot of Nickie standing at the door and Terry sitting on the sofa, which shows us that Nickie still does not know about her condition; as he is telling the story of the woman in the wheel chair the camera shot changes to a mid shot of Terry sitting on the sofa, which is highlighting to the audience that the woman he is talking about is Terry. As Nickie keeps it on talking the camera changes to a mid shot of him and we can hear the hesitation in his voice; and with this the music gets more powerful and intense with stronger instruments being added. Once the audience is aware that Nickie has worked out that it was Terry the camera shot changes to a medium close up of Terry as it is obvious that she knows that Nickie has worked it out. The camera then changes to a panning shot, following Nickie across the room walking towards Terry’s bedroom and the music begins to get higher, this highlights to us that Nickie is going to discover exactly what has happened to Terry which is a relief to the audience as this is what caused the problem of Nickie and Terry not being together. Once Nickie opens the door to Terry’s room and sees the picture that he was talking about the music releases and doesn’t sound as tight and intense as before, and this again reflects on the relief of the situation and story line. The camera stays on Nickie, but we are able to see the picture in the mirror behind him, the director has probably done this so we are able to see the reaction on Nickie’s face as well as seeing the picture. The camera again follows Nickie back into the living room however, it changes slightly to a point of view shot and we see the back of Nickie but it then changes to a medium close up of Terry looking at Nickie, the lighting has not changed throughout the scene and the music has gone slightly quieter and softer to make it more emotional again. The camera changes to a low angle shot of Nickie looking down at Terry and then he moves down onto the sofa to her level and ours. With an over the shoulder shot behind Terry, this makes us the audience feel more involved. The couple embrace and the music then gets louder making it more passionate and the camera changes to a medium close up of this, but we are now looking at Nickie’s back and we can only see Terry’s face, we are able to see her emotion as she is the one that is talking. This then changes over again, so we are able to see Nickie’s emotions, the camera shots are constantly changing so we can see the different characters emotions. It ends with them embracing again, and the music gets louder and choir is then introduced to complete the ending.
