research/analysis

1. Emily Jepp
Introduction
There are a number of ways that a film/movie can be analyzed. One of such ways is
Genre Analysis. Genre theory is used to facilitate the categorization of films. Daniel
Chandler’s theory proves this…“Genres...constitute conventions of themes settings,
structure and style that are shared by texts..” Genres depend on several factors,
including the storyline of the film, and what the audience expects. Genre theory is when a
media analyst looks at the conventions of the content in the film. For example, in a film
such as James bond, the audience is expecting the main character (Bond) to defeat the
villain with a powerful woman by his side. The audience also expects this powerful woman
to be sexualized in terms of how she dresses and the romance that unfolds with James
Bond.
Both Steve Neale- “genres are instances of repetition and difference” and Daniel
Chandler’s “Genres...constitute conventions of themes settings, structure and style
that are shared by texts..” theories are proven to be correct in films such as “Leon.”
Another way that film theorists can apply Genre analysis is through Lacey’s repertoire of
elements, which states that, genre elements include the 5 key areas- Setting, character,
narrative iconography and style.
Another way in which a film theorist could apply, is Auteur theory. Auteur theory is when a
director’s film reflects their creative vision. It tends to add a twist to a film in ways such as
changing the storyline to an extent, for example the look of a character or a love interest
etc.
Leon and James bond.
The film poster for Leon gives an insight into the fact that the film is an
Action/Thriller in many ways. For example, the colours on the poster –
red and black- suggests that during the film, viewers will witness things
such as Danger, blood and possibly death. Also, the image of Leon
which is on the film poster, shows a close-up of his face, covered by
sunglasses, facial hair and a hat. This gives the audience an insight as
to the mystery of the character. Another way that foreshadows what
the audience will witness throughout the film is the title. In the title, the “O” in “Leon,” has
been morphed into a sniper target, possibly indicating that guns will be featured in the film.

2. Emily Jepp
The film poster for James Bond yet again gives the impression
that the film is an Action/Thriller, but in a different way compared
to the film poster for “Leon.” For example, in this particular film
poster, the main character is holding a gun, this enhances the fact
that it is an Action/Thriller, as it suggests danger/death. The main
character also happens to be wearing a Tuxedo, which signifies
the fact that his looks plays a big part throughout the film, unlike
the film “Leon.” The picture of the car within the film poster also suggests action, as it
suggests that there will be fast cars within the film. One of the main differences between
the two film posters, is that within the James Bond film poster, a shadow of a woman is
included. This foreshadows the possible romance, between Bond and what tends to be, a
sexualized woman.
All of Steve Neale’s, Daniel Chandler’s and Nick Lacey’s theories are proven to be correct
in films such as “Leon.” Steve Neale’s interpretation for example, can be seen as correct in
‘Leon,” as we see things that are often repeated in other action/thriller films, such as
explosions, death and a female sidekick.
Leon challenges this theory in terms of the female sidekick in whom he takes on. This
caused controversy as opposed to films in the Thriller genre, his sidekick was a 12-year-
old girl who smoked and swore, whereas in films such as James bond, they are always
mature, powerful women. These women are often sexualized in terms of romance
unfolding throughout the film and how they dress, and in terms of the child in Leon being
sexualized and the possibility of a romance between her and Leon goes against Genre
Theory.
Compared to a more generic Action Thriller film, such as Casino Royale, the fact that
“Leon” is directed by an Auteur director comes across to the audience in terms of the
character that is Leon. Whilst Bond is casted as a handsome, athletic-build, Leon
doesn’t fit that description of the “Hero,” that viewers are used too, with him not
necessarily being good-looking. Another way in which Bond is different to Leon, is
the female sidekick that is introduced to us throughout the film. Bond tends to adopt
a powerful woman by his side who can operate the same sort of missions has him.
The reason why “Leon” is so controversial in this aspect, is due to the fact that in the
Bond films, the featured woman sidekick is always sexualized at some point during
the film, in terms of the relationship that develops between the two characters. To an

3. Emily Jepp
audience watching Leon, any suggestion of a relationship developing between Leon
and his sidekick Matilda, would cause controversy as ‘Matilda’ is a 12-year-old girl.
There are, however some similar aspects within the two featured films, such as the
Action, guns and explosions witnessed throughout the films. In some terms, the films
are similar as they both follow what is expected within an Action/Thriller, as they both
include things such as a female sidekick – with a possible love interest, - danger,
death, violence and explosions, however comparing the wo films, there is a twist to
the storyline.
Mean Girls & Napoleon Dynamite
“Mean Girls’, a Teen-Comedy directed by Mark Waters (2004,) follows the
conventional themes for a film of such category. This is particularly shown in the
generic characterisation of the characters e.g jocks, popular girls, geeks etc with the
way they act/dress and their personalities. In terms of narrative, the film shows many
different types. From Linear narrative- clear beginning, when Cady starts school, a
clear middle, when her popularity is on the rise, and the ending, the school prom.
Other forms of narrative which is used throughout the film include Exposition, which
shows the characters being established, as seen in the “Cafeteria scene”. It also
sees the setting established, which in this case is in an American High School, it also
is set at a high school prom, a talent show and features big houses belonging to the
girl’s rich parents. Other types of narrative included throughout the film are Inciting,
which gives an incite as to what’s going to happen throughout the rest of the film.
Rising Action, Climax and Denougment, are other methods of narrative used
throughout the film.
The characterisation in the film is very generic and stereotypical.
For example, there are jocks, popular and rich pretty girls and
geeks to list a few. In terms of miseen scene, there are various
settings throughout the films, these include an American High
School, a Mall and a party. These are all related to a teenager’s
life. In terms of Iconography, the viewers see things such as
American flags, high school “Jock” jackets, a party and a high
school talent show.
Compared to a film such as “Napoleon Dynamite,” which was also
released in 2004, there are both similarities and differences that
are obvious to the audience. The similarities consist of the fact
that both films are set in a high school, there are the types of
characters that you would expect such as jocks and nerds. Also,
like “Mean Girls,” there is a scene which includes a High School
Talent Show. This however, is where we also see the differences

4. Emily Jepp
between the two films, as in this particular scene, it shows the main character which
happens to be a nerd- whereas in “Mean Girls,” the main character is popular – is
dancing in the school talent show. Overall, the films are similar in the aspect that
they are both Teen Comedies and that they both follow the same path in terms of
Miseen scene and Iconography, however the storylines are different in terms of the
popularity of the characters and their home lives etc.
Auteur Theory.
Auteur theory is when a director’s film reflects their creative vision. It tends to add a twist to
a film in ways such as changing the storyline to an extent, for example the look of a
character or a love interest etc.
Tim Burton is known for hisdark, gothic and quirky twist to horror and
fantasy films. Most of his films are full of tension and suspense, for
example, there is a lot of jump-cutting to different angles of the
characters which helps build up tension. Throughout a lot of his films,
the audience is able to notice that the lighting used is very dark which
draws viewers in at the exciting prospect of danger.
James Cameron studied visionary effects during his education. This
helped him create his own designs and special effects, in which he
eventually inputted into his own work. He did this in films such as
Avatar and Aliens which makes him an Auteur as he added his own
twist to his films.
The director of “Napoleon Dynamite,” – Jared Hess – is an auteur in terms of the fact
that he chose a genre (Teen Comedy) and sustained that genre whilst adding his
own twist to it. He did this by sticking to what viewers are used to when watching a
Teen Comedy, for example, based at an American High School, having different
characters such as the popular girls, the sporty boys etc. However, he made the
main character a nerdy, unpopular teenage boy with a strange personality as
opposed to most Teen Comedy films where the main feature tends be a popular girl.
Conclusion
The two methods, Genre and Auteur theory can lead to a wider appreciation of film
for different reasons. This could include that it makes each different film more
enjoyable to the viewers. To elaborate on the given view, as an film directed by an
Auteur director adds a twist to a genre that people enjoy, it allows people to watch
more films of that genre without necessarily knowing what is going to happen next,

5. Emily Jepp
where as a genre theory allows viewers to watch a film and instinctively know what
sort of film it is by the storyline. For example, Mean girls is Genre theory as the
viewers know what sort of film it is by the characters and the overused story line,
where as in a film such as Napoleon Dynamite is in a way refreshing to those who
watch a lot of Teen-Comedy.