Genre Research Blog Activity

     The genre I chose to write about is fantasy. Fantasy movies typically bring out one's imagination as well as helping their mental well-being. It allows people to escape reality and enter a world full of variations. 

Content:

    Journeys and quests are a common element found in fantasy movies. Writers like to follow The Hero's Journey, a narrative pattern where the protagonist embarks on an adventure, faces and overcomes challenges, and ultimately returns transformed. This structure allows for rich character development and engaging storytelling, making it a staple in the genre. From epic battles to magical realms, these journeys captivate audiences and transport them to fantastical worlds. Other common conventions include the presence of mythical creatures like dragons, fairies, and elves. Magic and supernatural powers often play a significant role, adding layers of intrigue and excitement.

Ex: The film Damsel follows The Hero's Journey as well as incorporating a mythical creature, a dragon.

Production Techniques:

    No fantasy movie should exist if it doesn't include a shot of its realm. To make the setting come to life, bigatures are used. Bigatures are large-scale models that are meticulously crafted to represent various locations in a fantasy world. They are often used in combination with digital effects to create a seamless and realistic environment. CGI is a used to create creatures and magical effects that would be impossible to achieve with practical effects alone. However, practical effects still are used to enhance the fantasy world. Whether its makeup, prosthetics, or animatronics, practical effects are crucial for bringing lifelike creatures and characters to life. Lastly, color plays a crucial role in fantasy movies, as it helps set the tone and mood of the story. Vibrant and saturated colors are often used to create a sense of wonder and magic. 

Ex: Tim Burton's movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, "uses a contrasting combination of bright versus murky colors, making his scenes appear even more surreal."

Marketing:

    Fantasy movies are marketed in various ways to attract their audience. They often target people raging from 18-24 years old, who are drawn to imaginative and otherworldly adventures. Fantasy films are designed to appeal to both males and females with their elements of magic, heroism, and mythical creatures. Many fantasy movie posters carry central ideas to indicate their genre. A common theme in many posters includes enchanted landscapes, mystical creatures, and heroic figures. The majority contain one main character's entire figure shown in a dynamic pose, conveying a sense of adventure or power. Posters with groups of characters are also used to show the camaraderie and relationships between them.

Samples:

    "The School for Good and Evil" is a quintessential example of the fantasy genre, blending elements of magic, mythical creatures, and adventures. The film is set in a fantastical world where children are trained to become heroes and villains, a concept that immediately immerses the audience in a realm of imagination and wonder. 

One of the key aspects that embody the fantasy genre in this movie is its setting. The dual schools, one for good and one for evil, are depicted with elaborate, enchanted landscapes and intricate designs that transport viewers to a magical world. The stark contrast between the two schools highlights the classic fantasy theme of the battle between good and evil. The characters in "The School for Good and Evil" also play a significant role in defining its fantasy nature. The protagonists, Sophie and Agatha, undergo significant transformations and face numerous challenges that test their morality and beliefs. Their journey is filled with magical creatures, spells, and enchanted objects, all staples of the fantasy genre. The presence of fairy tale elements, such as princes, witches and mythical beings, further cements the film's place within the fantasy realm. The movie poster brilliantly captures the essence of the fantasy genre through its vibrant and cool color contrast. On one side you see bright, ethereal colors like gold, symbolizing the purity and goodness of the "School for Evil." In contrast, the "School for Evil" side could feature darker, more ominous colors such as deep blue and black, representing the darker and more sinister aspects of the story. This color play not only visually separates the two sides but also effectively conveys the central theme of the eternal struggle between good and evil in a visually striking manner. 

"Avatar: The Last Airbender" is an example of the fantasy genre, blending intricate world-building, elemental magic, and compelling storytelling. The vibrant colors used in the animation play a crucial role in bringing the world to life. Each nation is associated with s specific color palette- blue for Water, green for Earth, red for Fire, and yellow for Air. This color symbolism not only enhances the visual appeal of the show but also helps viewers connect with the different elemental bending abilities and cultures. The storyline is rich with character development, moral dilemmas, and epic adventures. The protagonist, Aang, is the last Airbender and the Avatar, tasked with restoring balance to the world by mastering all four elements. His journey, accompanied by friends Katara and Sokka, is filled with challenges, growth, and self-discovery. The overarching theme of balance, harmony, and the cyclical nature of life adds depth to the narrative, making it resonate with audiences of all ages. The fantasy elements are seamlessly integrated into the storyline. The concept of bending, where characters can manipulate water, earth, fire, or air, is not just a magical ability but also a reflection of the characters' personalities and growth. In essence, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" is a masterful blend of fantasy, vibrant visuals, and a profound storyline that explores themes of balance, identity, and redemption. Its legacy endures as a benchmark for animated storytelling, captivation both young and adult audiences with its timeless appeal.

Some other fantasy films to consider:

Coraline (2009)

Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

Maleficent (2014)

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Wicked (2024)

Sources:

https://fantasyinmotion.wordpress.com/2014/02/24/elements-of-fantasy-2-the-quest/

https://dalspaceb.library.dal.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/ba91c762-11c3-458b-b09c-043034ecd802/content#:~:text=Without%20dreams%2C%20without%20fantasy%2C%20we,imagination%20to%20solve%20life's%20problems.

https://www.ranker.com/list/sci-fi-fantasy-movies-sense-of-wonder-tricks/erin-mccann

https://petaa.edu.au/litportal/litportal/Resources-for-Curriculum/Lower-primary/Reading/Text-types/Literary_texts_fantasy_scifi.aspx#:~:text=Conventions%20of%20Fantasy%3A&text=time%20can%20be%20altered%20%2D%20called,and%20features%20of%20medieval%20traditions

https://nofilmschool.com/fantasy-genre

Representation in "Stranger Things"

       "Stranger Things," a popular Netflix series, has grabbed viewers with its nostalgic 80s ambiance, supernatural features, and intricate characters. Max Mayfield and Robin Buckley are two particularly well-represented characters. Both characters provide distinct viewpoints and qualities to the show, emphasizing important topics such as friendship, resilience, and identity.

     Max Mayfield, a tomboyish skateboarder, defies traditional gender norms. Her character contradicts the idea that girls should be kind or submissive. Instead, Max is bold, brave, and devoted to her friends. Her journey throughout the series also includes themes of trauma and recovery, as she battles with an abusive stepbrother as well as his death. Max's character arc is a compelling example of perseverance and the value of peer support in overcoming personal challenges.

    Robin Buckley brings another layer of representation to the series. As an openly queer character, Robin's presence is crucial in a series set in the 1980s, when LGBTQ+ representation was limited in mainstream media. Robin's coming-out sequence is handled carefully and authentically, making it an important point in the series. Her character is educated, humorous, and resourceful, and she frequently plays an important part in the group's attempt to solve Hawkins' riddles. Robin's appearance in "Stranger Things" not only adds dimension to the story, but it also gives much-needed visibility for LGBTQ+ viewers.

     Max and Robin reflect the show's dedication to creating varied and numerous characters. They each bring unique skills and viewpoints to the plot, providing viewers with realistic and inspiring characters. "Stranger Things" continues to appeal with a wide audience by moving away from old stereotypes and adopting more inclusive themes, distinguishing it from other current television shows.

 Max Mayfield

          Robin Buckley

Sound Project

    For this project, we learned about the various kinds of sounds, their characteristics and uses, as well as how they're made. The directions said to create a scene only using sounds you would hear in that scenario. Four sounds must be a foley, and you can only have up to seven words in the project.

    It was quick for my partner and I to agree on a scene. Once we both were sure what we were going to do, we instantly thought of sounds and events that would occur throughout the scene. We wrote our outline on a Google Doc, which helped us create an image in our heads of what the real scene would look like as well as the sounds we would need to insert into the project.

    We utilized Adobe Audition to create our final project, and I think the outcome turned out well. The part where the window breaks and water starts to flood into the house makes the project come together, as the flooding was our main focus. However, during some parts of the project, I feel like the sounds could be a little confusing to someone listening, so next time, I hope to obtain sounds that are easier to understand.

SalgueroCole_soundscape_per4