Genre research

 Genre: Horror

Genre conventions- content:

 - Horror films often aim to evoke fear, dread, and shock in the audience. The target audience is people that like to get scared, have the feeling of adrenaline going, and get their heart pumping.

- Common themes include the supernatural, monsters, psychological terror, and murders.

- Characters typically include victims, antagonists (often supernatural or monstrous), and sometimes a hero or survivor.

- Settings are usually dark and eerie, such as haunted houses, abandoned buildings, or isolated places.

Genre conventions- production techniques:

- Use of low lighting, shadows, and eerie sound effects to build suspense.

- Special effects and makeup (prosthetics) to create realistic and terrifying monsters or supernatural beings.

- Quick cuts and jumpscares are common techniques to surprise the audience.

- Music and sound design play a crucial role in building tension and atmosphere.

Institutional conventions- how is genre marketed:

- Horror films are often marketed with intense trailers that highlight the most frightening and suspenseful moments.

- Posters and promotional materials typically use dark colors, ominous, and eerie taglines.

- Marketing campaigns might include viral marketing tactics, such as creepy websites or interactive experiences.

Film sample 1- The Exorcist (1973):

The exorcist is a typical horror film that revolves around the demonic possession of a young girl and the following exorcism. It embodies the genre through its use of supernatural themes, intense special effects, and chilling atmosphere. The film's sound design including the, Tubular Bells theme, and its shocking imagery contribute to its lasting impact as a horror classic.

Film sample 2- A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984):

This film introduces the iconic character Freddy Krueger, a monstrous figure who haunts and kills teenagers in their dreams. It embodies the horror genre with its blend of supernatural elements, psychological terror, and gruesome special effects. The films use of dream sequences and surreal imagery, with its suspenseful narrative, makes it a standout fim.

Other films:

Psycho 

Halloween

The Shinning

It

Get Out

The Conjuring

Hereditary

Representation

 The representation of mean girls in films often follows specific patterns that highlight their complex nature and the social dynamics they navigate. In the film "Mean Girls, " two major characters that showing these patterns are Regina George and Gretchen Wieners. Both characters serve as key figures in the Plastics, the dominant clique at North Shore High School, and their interactions reveal much about the nature of mean girl behavior.

 Regina George is the quintessential mean girl. She is manipulative, charming, and ruthless in maintaining her social status. Regina's actions, from spreading rumors to planning social sabotage, demonstrate how mean girls often thrive on creating and maintaining a high and important social structure. Her ability to control those around her, including her friends, showcases the power dynamics play. Regina's character highlights the impact of peer pressure and the desire for acceptance, as she manipulates those around her to stay on top. She is your stereotypical blond hair, resting face, all the guys want her, and wears tight clothes.

 Gretchen Wieners, on the other hand, represents the more insecure side of the mean girl stereotype. While she is part of Regina's inner circle, Gretchen constantly seeks Regina's validation. Her character demonstrates how mean girls can also be victims of the very social structures they help hold up. Gretchen's famous line "That's why her hair is so big, it's full of secrets," underscores her role as the keeper of Regina's confidences, showing how mean girls often rely on secrets and gossip to maintain their power.

 The dynamics between Regina and Gretchen also illustrate the internal politics of mean girl cliques. Regina's dominance and Gretchen's subservience highlight the complex relationships within these groups, where loyalty is often superficial and power struggles are constant. This portrayal underscores the pressure to conform to certain standards and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve them, even at the expense of their own well being.

 In conclusion, the representation of mean girls in "Mean Girls" through characters like Regina George and Gretchen Wieners provides a lens through which we can examine the complexities of social dynamics, power, and the pressure of conformity. These characters, while exaggerated for comedic effect offer insight into the real-life experiences of many young people and the deep waters of peer pressure.

https://youtu.be/kDwyhJjvR2Y?si=9PpPwBVbctLrPDet