From looking at some of the locations used in Romantic drama films, there is a typical running convention despite where in the world it is set. The location is often somewhere rural, because it is perceived as beautiful and peaceful which are both associated with the romance genre. Often places such as, a beach, a school are used as they all places where a chance encounter would happen. On the other hand many romance films are set in secondary schools due to the demographic of the characters . Also this is used to appeal to a teenage audience as they can relate to the characters because they are the same age and a lot of the characteristics are exaggerated from influential aspects of real life school. It is more common for romance films between older people to be in more rural areas as they are able to travel much more easily and therefore considering their age abilities. Some romance films are set in city locations and the protagonist characters could be young businessmen/women who meet in a work location and fall in love.
The film REMEMBER ME, is set in New York city, therefore a lot of the shots are based around here. This establishes a particular demographic of the characters in the film and then the audience are found to either relate or aspire to their way of life. As New York is an iconic area it will be recognised by the audience. Within New York there are a few particular locations and sets that are used which conform to the conventions of romantic films. A restaurant is used which is a common stereotype of romance and that which is often therefore portrayed in films. Robert Pattinson's character takes Britt Robertson's to a restaurant which develops them as a romantic couple and as a sort of romantic retreat in the big New York city. Another location is used of a park in the city which brings connotations of innocence and youth in such a bustling built up area. It again represents a sanctuary in which the characters can connect and feel as though they are against the world. The film LOVE, ROSIE is set in England, with some contrasting shots also in America. England is represented through the use of mise-en-scene complying to stereotypical conventions such as terraced houses. There are also a lot of shots at a beach location, creating a tranquil mood and a sense of peace. The location is also quite bright therefore giving connotations of freedom and hope. In general the location where a film is set tends to be important to establish the connection between the characters, whether it be where they meet, where they spend time or how the relate to one another. This is especially notable in Titanic where the whole movie is based on the Titanic ship, including all three elements of where a location establishes a character connection. When a romance film opens up it is usually with a wide shot used as an establishing shot showing the setting. This can often be used to connote to what they think will happen. In the trailer for DEAR, JOHN, there is use of still images as well as a panning camera and long shots used in order to show that the beach location will become a place of significance in the film. |