Codes and Conventions of a Romantic Comedy

Codes and Conventions of a Media Text

Codes and Conventions refers to the type of codes that can be seen within a media text and the types of codes that can be broken down and analysed. They can be separated into three dissimilar groups – technical codes which refer to the camera techniques and shots used, symbolic codes that are used for signified or conventional effect and written/audio codes that also add to the media text. These give the text meaning and determine the response of the viewer or audience.

Codes and Conventions of a Romantic Comedy Film

Colloquially known as “romcom” this is a cross genre in which a romance story generally emerges and is presented in a comedic way. The purpose is particularly aimed at a female audience and often ridiculed as a “chick flick” for this reason. They explore ideas of gender, relationships, sexuality and status.

o Prologue introduction into love theme – Occasionally voiceover
o Main characters introduced
o Credits continue love film – style of text e.g: hearts, flowers, wedding bells, etc
o “Boy Meets Girl”
o Two Protanganist Characters – Man and Woman hesitant to become romantically involved
o Hints that they may be a good love match
o Part ways due to some form of an argument or disagreement
o Ultimately reunite
o One of two makes the grand “gesture”
o Live Happily Ever After

Examples of Romantic Comedy Films

o 4 Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
o 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
o Notting Hill (1999)
o Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001)
o Love, Actually (2003)
o Pride and Prejudice (2005)