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Exam question 1- 12 marker

Analyse how genre conventions have been used to create meaning in a media product you have studied (12)

I will be analysing how Jordan Peel's 2017 film 'Get Out' uses different micro-features to highlight the horror genre. This response will analyse how genre conventions have been used to create meaning within the film, with a focus on the opening sequence.

Get Out begins by conforming to the horror genre through its use of editing techniques within the scene. For example, the beginning of the scene is slow paced. This creates meaning as it builds the tension of an audience, in which we get a foreboding sense that something bad is about to occur. As the plot and the enigma develops, the pace of editing compliments this by developing into a fast pace. This is effective as it releases this tension the audience feels, whist leaving them wondering who carried out the attack and why they did. This can be therefore linked to Barthes theory of Action and Enigma codes, as it leaves the audience wondering what will happen next, and leaving them questioning the storyline. This conforms to the conventions of the horror genre as stereotypically, horror films usually use this technique in order to create suspension for the audience. 

As well as this, Get Out conforms to the horror genre through its use of sound. For example, there is use of the devils chord, which is commonly used in horror films to signify something negative. This is therefore parallel sound as it is reflects the action that has just occurred, the attack. As well as this, there is also use of contrapuntal sound, when the upbeat music is playing from the car radio. This creates a juxtaposition, that creates a sense of disturbance and may make the audience feel uneasy. This can be applied to Altman's theory on pleasures, as the audience may have a fearful gut feeling that something bad is about to happen. 

In conclusion, genre conventions belonging to the horror genre have been used to create meaning within the opening scene of ‘Get Out’. Ways in which they have done this is through the use of editing and sound. 




    Comments

    1. Lisa Socrates18 November 2021 at 03:04

      Sasha this is a Distinction level essay. You respond effectively to the question using a clear essay structure to develop your points. The material from the opening sequence is selected to give a full and detailed essay response. Use of Altman's theory works very well here. The examples used from products to support ideas are wholly appropriate and justified. Sentences and paragraphs are consistently relevant, have been well structured, using appropriate terminology. Excellent. 11/12

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