Romance: Codes and Conventions

Romance: Codes and Conventions

The codes and conventions of romance genres are typically based on a simple formula: boy meets girl, boys loves girl, boy loses girl, boy finds girl again.  However, the cliché which is the classic story line, is that the girl doesn’t end up with the man she’s meant to be with. There is an idea that love is constructed as an obstacle course.

There is a theme of a ‘Prince Charming’, in real life there’s always some quality which doesn’t make him ‘perfect’, however the girl and boy always end up together somehow. There’s also a theme of the pairing being weird, or that in the beginning the pair do not like each other.

Powerful, contradictory clichés have appeared in films such as ‘The runaway bride’, where they include a bride or groom being ditched at the altar. Other clichés include an airport where someone is about to go away until their partners realises they’ve made a mistake.

There is a huge belief within romance that opposites attract, such as shy and confident. Where the two protagonists come together creating an interesting pairing. However, the protagonists always complement each other.

Teen movies have their own clichés such as the ‘new kid’ try to fit in with different social groups, for example goths, cheerleaders, geeks. Also the ‘jocks’ are seen as self-absorbed jerks. There has been an increase of dance over the years, where it appears that dance alone can fix any problem. This is alongside the ‘loveable montage’ of the couple in their ‘honeymoon phase’.

Low lighting or natural lightening is importance as it creates an atmosphere this is situated with slow music usually played by guitars, pianos or stringed instruments. This creates a tender and loving mood.

Typical props include flowers or gifts being given to a main character or love interests. These props also include rings if there is a proposal to stereotype love.

The setting is usually within an iconic city or in large houses to represent grandness or how big the love is. Also for the city setting the audience can relate as it is usually busy representing real life.

Examples of Romance films:

• P.S I Love You
• The Vow
• The Notebook
• Notting Hill
• Love Actually
• 500 Days of Summer
• Princess Bride
• Dirty Dancing