Idea 1 Genre Research- Fantasy

In fantasy films the protagonist will undergo some sort of mystical or otherworldly experience that will alter their lives in some way. They feature characters such as angels, demons, fairies, princesses, witches, elves and wizards. Fantasy films can overlap with other genres like horror, science fiction, action/adventure and comedy (meaning the narrative structure of the film is similar to that of a comedy as opposed to it necessarily being a funny film).

Conventions and codes of a fantasy film include:
•high production costs
•characters who wish to escape their current situation or make it better
•Linear narrative
•Emotive narrative (which could include romance)
•Good vs evil
•Unrealistic plot
•Mythical or religion based creatures
•Past setting
•Dramatic music
•A main protagonist who has no idea that mythical world is real

Recent Fantasy Films:

•The Hobbit
This film is a classic example of the fantasy genre as it is set in a world completely different from our own. It features mythical creatures such as orcs, wizards, hobbits, elves and dwarves. It has extremely hight production costs and uses CGI and Motion Capture to create most of its backdrops and character. For example, Benedict Cumberbatch not only voiced Smaug the dragon but embodied him using Motion Capture technology. The storyline is linear and emotive as it includes the themes of love, loss, fear, betrayal and hardship. It follows the battle for good over evil in a darkening world and how one hobbit would risk his life to have an adventure.

•Chronicles of Narnia
This film is also quite typical of a fantasy film. However, because it is for a young audience it lacks some of the darker themes of a fantasy. The story follows four children who find a secret world in a wardrobe after they are forced to leave their home and live with an old man during World War 2. They fight against an evil queen to save Narnia. It also contains magical creatures like talking animals, witches and magical powers. This film also linear narrative and hight production costs.