Choosing my format
Microsoft PowerPoint:
|
Google Slides:
|
Prezi:
|
I have decided to use Google Slides as my presentation format, as I have more pre-existing experience with it.
my chosen genre
After a lot of deliberation, I have decided on the film genre 'Fantasy'.
What is fantasy?
According to Wikipedia, it states that "Fantasy films are films that belong to the fantasy genre with fantastic themes, usually magic, supernatural events, mythology, folklore, or exotic fantasy worlds. The genre is considered a form of speculative fiction alongside science fiction films and horror films, although the genres do overlap. Fantasy films often have an element of magic, myth, wonder, escapism, and the extraordinary."
So to summarise, fantasy films usually include magic, supernatural events or make believe worlds and characters. They tend to involve things which are physically impossible for human kind. In most fantasy films the main characters tend to be princes and princesses. There also tends to be an evil character or “baddy” that tries to harm/stop the good characters but in basically every film, fails, as in fantasy films, good out rules evil.
So to summarise, fantasy films usually include magic, supernatural events or make believe worlds and characters. They tend to involve things which are physically impossible for human kind. In most fantasy films the main characters tend to be princes and princesses. There also tends to be an evil character or “baddy” that tries to harm/stop the good characters but in basically every film, fails, as in fantasy films, good out rules evil.
History of fantasy films
Fantasy films have always been magical and mystical, but they weren’t popular until around the 1980’s. Before this time there weren't many. In the 80’s equipment and filming techniques were improved, making the films more believable, so then the interest of the public increased so they became more popular.
pre-1930's
There was the ‘silent era’ of film, as sound wasn't available because of the lack of technology. This was up until around the 1930s. The most popular films in the silent era included:
At the end of the 19th century, fantasy was mainly adults. L.Frank Baum and Edith Nesbit were two popular children's fantasy writers in the early 1900's. They both explored a connection between the real world and a fantasy one.
1930's
Sound on films had now been invented and one of the most popular famous fantasy films of all time was made, ‘The Wizard of Oz’. People of all ages watched and loved this film, as it was one of the first colour films.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Directed by: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, King Vidor, Mervyn LeRoy and Norman Taurog Starring: Judy Garland The 1939 film boosted Baum's books popularity and children's fantasy in the US.
|
King Kong (1933)
Directed by: Merian Cooper and Ernest Schoedsack Starring: Bruce Cabot |
Along with books, the popularity of fantasy magazines grew. These magazines included short stories and articles, giving aspiring authors a chance to get noticed.
1940's
Films in colour were increasing and many were made and produced during this time.
1950's
There were only a few popular fantasy films in the 1950’s.
During this time period there were two authors that towered over fantasy and became extremely popular. These were:
J.R.R Tolkien
C.S Lewis
J.R.R Tolkien
- Tolkien changed the focus of fantasy in The Hobbit by making his main character an ordinary tiny man, instead of the typical warrior with cliche motives
- The characters of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, and later, Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings were based on the average middle class workers who served in World War I
- His works also became popular because the stories' world had depth. It had mapped locations and an entire language created by Tolkien
C.S Lewis
- Lewis's Narnia series has been subject to some controversy over time for its blatant religious allegories
- Both Tolkien and Lewis were influenced by Greek, Roman and Norse mythology
- It is widely believed that the Voyage of the Dawn Treader was inspired by the tales of The Odyssey
By this time in the 20th century, fantasy was clearly splitting into sub-genres such as:
- Sword and sorcery
- Portal fantasy
- Quest fantasy
- Whimsical fantasy (such as Charlotte's Web by E.B. White and Dr. Seuss' Stories)
The 1950's are considered more of the golden age of science fiction than fantasy. By the end of the 50's the popularity of fantasy had dwindled and science fiction was becoming more popular.
1960's
One of the most important publishing events in the 1960's was the paperback publishing of The Lord of the Rings. This cheaper version of the book allowed more people to read it, opening a wider audiences eyes to the genre of fantasy.
An important author of the 60's was Andre Norton who wrote the Witch World series. The strong female characters in the books were uncommon for the time.
An important author of the 60's was Andre Norton who wrote the Witch World series. The strong female characters in the books were uncommon for the time.
1970's
1980's
Quest fantasies were the dominant sub-genre in the 80's. The difference between quest fantasy and sword and sorcery, is that quest fantasies usually have a closed ending and involve the healing and restoration of the setting. While sword and sorcery fantasies usually end more open, leaving room for more stories.
1990's
The sword and sorcery sub-genre was sparse in the 90's. Dark fantasy, which is a cross between horror and fantasy emerged (for example, Edward Scissorhands).
2000's
Harry Potter (series from 2001 to 2011)
Directed by: Chris Columbus (1-2), Alfonso Cuarón (3), Mike Newell (4) and David Yates (5-8) Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson Many consider the Harry Potter series to have revived fantasy in many ways. It gained popularity for its concept of a magic school and because there was a small amount of fantasy like it at the time.
|
Pirates of the Caribbean (series from 2003 to 2017)
Directed by: Gore Verbinski (1-3), Rob Marshall (4) and Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg (5) Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightly |
Nanny McPhee (series of two)
1) 2005 and 2) 2010 Directed by: Kirk Jones and Susanna White Starring: Emma Thompson and Colin Firth |
The Chronicles of Narnia (series from 2005 to 2010)
Directed by: Andrew Adamson (1-2) and Michael Apted (3) Starring: Georgie Henley, James McAvoy, Anna Popplewell, William Moseley and Tilda Swinton |
Twilight (series from 2008 to 2012)
Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke (1), Chris Weltz (2), David Slade (3), Bill Condon (4 and 5) Starring: Kirsten Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner |
As the internet became more accessible, fantasy, had to deal with the problem of piracy.
2010's
how have fantasy films changed over the years?
Throughout this section I have made notes (in a green ish colour) underneath the example films of significant milestones.
To summarise:
From Book to Film:
Audiences will have changed from when the original book was published to when the film was made. This is by viewers being more accepting to the themes and ideas used in the fantasy genre. In addition, through the modification of technology, through 3D and CGI filmmakers are able to create more of the books storyline.
To summarise:
- Female characters have become more confident in recent films, often suggesting the idea that they don't need a man/prince to come and save them.
- Advance in technology from the 1930's to now, with the use of 3G and CGI - making audiences more likely to believe what is on screen.
- Audiences will be more accepting to the themes/ideas of the fantasy genre, encouraging more and more to be made. A younger audience is more open to new ideas so the fantasy demographic has changed since the start of the 20th century.
From Book to Film:
Audiences will have changed from when the original book was published to when the film was made. This is by viewers being more accepting to the themes and ideas used in the fantasy genre. In addition, through the modification of technology, through 3D and CGI filmmakers are able to create more of the books storyline.
sub-genres in fantasy film
A sub-genre is a smaller category in the genre, in this case, fantasy.
They break down these films into more specific kinds of fantasy films. This is because this genre is one of the broadest, with a variety of different kinds of films which would appeal to a wide range of people. So sub-genres make it easier for people to tell more about the film.
They break down these films into more specific kinds of fantasy films. This is because this genre is one of the broadest, with a variety of different kinds of films which would appeal to a wide range of people. So sub-genres make it easier for people to tell more about the film.
comic fantasy
It is a fantasy film with humour involved. Comic fantasies tend to be parodies of other serious fantasy films.
For example:
Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2017) Directed by: Jake Kasdan Based on: Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan and Nick Jonas Synopsis: Four high school kids discover an old video game console and are drawn into the game's jungle setting, literally becoming the adult avatars they chose. What they discover is that you don't just play Jumanji - you must survive it. To beat the game and return to the real world, they'll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, discover what Alan Parrish left 20 years ago, and change the way they think about themselves, or they'll be stuck in the game forever. |
dark fantasy
Dark fantasy involves some parts of horror so it can be classified as being scary. They tend to be about humans being under attack by species which are inhumane. In a more general sense, dark fantasy is occasionally used as a synonym for supernatural horror, to distinguish horror stories that contain elements of the supernatural from those that do not. For example, a story about a werewolf or vampire could be described as dark fantasy, while a story about a serial killer would simply be horror.
For example:
Pan's Labyrinth (2006) Directed and Written by: Guillermo Del Toro Distributed by: Warner Bros and Picturehouse Cast: Ivana Baquero, Doug Jones, Maribel Verdú, Sergi López and Ariadna Gil Synopsis: It's 1944 and the Allies have invaded Nazi-held Europe. In Spain, a troop of soldiers are sent to a remote forest to flush out the rebels. They are led by Capitan Vidal, a murdering sadist, and with him are his new wife Carmen and her daughter from a previous marriage, 11-year-old Ofelia. Ofelia witnesses her stepfather's sadistic brutality and is drawn into Pan's Labyrinth, a magical world of mythical beings. |
high/epic fantasy
It is a sub-genre which are set in a parallel world. This sub-genre is defined either by the epic nature of its setting or by the epic stature of its characters, themes, or plot. High fantasy is set in an alternative, fictional ("secondary") world, rather than the real/primary world. This secondary world is usually internally consistent, but its rules differ from those of the primary world.
Many high fantasy stories are told from the viewpoint of one main hero. Often, much of the plot revolves around his or her heritage or mysterious nature. In many novels the hero is an orphan or unusual sibling, often with an extraordinary talent for magic or combat. He or she begins the story young, if not as an actual child. In other works the hero is a completely developed individual with a unique character and spirit.
Many high fantasy stories are told from the viewpoint of one main hero. Often, much of the plot revolves around his or her heritage or mysterious nature. In many novels the hero is an orphan or unusual sibling, often with an extraordinary talent for magic or combat. He or she begins the story young, if not as an actual child. In other works the hero is a completely developed individual with a unique character and spirit.
For example:
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) Director: Andrew Adamson Based on: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis Distributed by: Buena Vista Pictures Cast: William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, James McAvoy, Tilda Swinton and Liam Neeson Synopsis: During the World War II bombings of London, 4 English siblings are sent to a country house where they will be safe. One day Lucy finds a wardrobe that transports her to a magical world called Narnia. After coming back, she soon returns to Narnia with her brothers, Peter and Edmund, and her sister, Susan. There they join the magical lion, Aslan, in the fight against the evil White Witch, Jadis. |
low/intrusion fantasy
In contrast to high fantasy, low fantasy is characterised by being set in the primary or real world, or a rational and familiar fictional world with the inclusion of magical elements.
For example:
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) Director: Alfonso Cuarón Based on: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K Rowling Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Gary Oldman Synopsis: Harry Potter's third year at Hogwarts starts off badly when he learns deranged killer Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban prison and is bent on murdering the teenage wizard. While Hermione's cat torments Ron's sickly rat, causing a rift among the trio, a swarm of nasty Dementors is sent to protect the school from Black. A mysterious new teacher helps Harry learn to defend himself, but what is his secret tie to Sirius Black? |
heroic fantasy
It can otherwise be called the "sword-and-sorcery" story. Heroic fantasy is yet another sub-genre of fantasy which tends to revolve around heroes trying to save someone in an imaginary land. It tends to be the hero trying to save a fair maiden/heroin. It is a story of action and adventure laid in a more or less imaginary world, where magic works and where modern science and technology have not yet been discovered. The setting may be Earth as it is conceived to have been long ago, or as it will be in the remote future, or it may be another planet or another dimension.
Frequently, the protagonist is reluctant to be a champion, and/or is of low or humble origin, and may have royal ancestors or parents but does not know it.
Frequently, the protagonist is reluctant to be a champion, and/or is of low or humble origin, and may have royal ancestors or parents but does not know it.
For example:
The Princess Bride (1987) Directed by: Rob Reiner Based on: The Princess Bride by Williams Goldman Distributed by: 20th Century Fox and Interaccess Film Distribution Cast: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn and Billy Crystal Synopsis: A fairy tale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love. He must find her after a long separation and save her. They must battle the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin to be reunited with each other. |
narrative
The majority of films of the fantasy genre follow a linear narrative. This follows Todorov's Narrative Theory, which has 5 stages:
- Equilibrium: At the beginning there is an equilibrium, meaning that everything is in a balanced situation.
- Disruption: The equilibrium is the disrupted by an event or situation (disturbing the peace), this is usually done by the villain.
- Recognition: After disruption is made a character or group of people will recognise the disruption.
- Restoration: When the specific character or group recognises the disruption, a restoration is attempted to restore the peace (equilibrium).
- New Equilibrium: After recognising the disruption and restoration is made, a new equilibrium ends the stages.
Why are fantasy films and books popular?
The reason that fantasy is so popular for both adults and children alike is that they offer escapism from work or school into a different realm. If you’re reading about elves or magic then the worries of business, homework or housework are forgotten and everyone can let their imagination run wild. This is probably the reason that fantasy is such a broad category and unites almost everyone, from the elderly to those just starting to read, or to take an interest in films.
The fantasy genre is often memorable to children and adults, who want to read/watch and re-read/re-watch their favourite stories.
The fantasy genre is often memorable to children and adults, who want to read/watch and re-read/re-watch their favourite stories.
possible theory based reasons why audiences watch fantasy films?
Fantasy films appeal to people of a variety of ages, depending on the particular film. For example, movies revolved around a prince/princess are stereotypically aimed more towards children.
Uses and gratifications theory - Blumler and Katz
With the fantasy genre, audiences will watch these films for entertainment and escapism.
Entertainment - they will be excited and/or stimulated by the media they consume
Escapism - they will use the media to get out of their head-space and forget worries
Entertainment - they will be excited and/or stimulated by the media they consume
Escapism - they will use the media to get out of their head-space and forget worries
Postmodernist theory of faction
The theory of faction is the mixing of actual historical events with fictional events without clearly defining what is factual and what is fictional.
hypodermic needle theory - katz and lazarfeld
The theory suggests that media messages are injected straight into a passive audience which is immediately influenced by it. This may not always be applicable for this genre of film, but with the advances in technology and hence realism - audiences are more likely to believe what they see on the screen.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy_film
https://www.slideshare.net/amybradley95/fantasy-films-11393705
https://prezi.com/lquyyoyjxn_p/todorovs-narrative-theory/
https://www.slideshare.net/KleanthisSotiriou/hypodermic-needle-theory-11056271
http://www.fantasybookreview.co.uk/blog/2008/11/27/why-are-fantasy-films-and-books-so-popular/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy_film
https://www.slideshare.net/amybradley95/fantasy-films-11393705
https://prezi.com/lquyyoyjxn_p/todorovs-narrative-theory/
https://www.slideshare.net/KleanthisSotiriou/hypodermic-needle-theory-11056271
http://www.fantasybookreview.co.uk/blog/2008/11/27/why-are-fantasy-films-and-books-so-popular/