2. Iconography
Iconography means signs that are unique to a particular genre. For romantic-comedies
there are a few that are typical across a broad spectrum of romantic comedy films. Due to
this genre being split into 2 there are some icons that are romantic as well as some that are
Comedic.
In rom-coms, the two main characters (that are romantically involved) often have a challenge
or obstacle that they have to overcome in order to be together at the end of the film (if the
film follows a traditional rom com storyline).After they have overcome this challenge there
tends to be a scene in which the pair kiss in the rain.
The icons that lean more towards the comedic side of rom coms include awkwardness and
embarrassment. A popular scene that is used in rom-coms are meeting the parents, this is
used as an awkward scene to induce humour amongst the audience.
3. Iconography
The setting of a rom-com is included in the iconography of a film. Cities are very common
in romantic comedy films.
Places such as parks, restaurants and cafes are also included in this.These places are
often included as its
obvious to the audience that the film is a rom-com rather than a horror or a drama.
Flowers are also extremely common in romantic comedy films as they are
often seen as a romantic gesture. Its also a way of showing feelings
between characters and it’s a common stereotype that all women like
receiving flowers from their partner.
‘Meet cute’ is unique to romantic-comedy films. It is used to show how two
characters meet each other. For example, in Notting Hill the two main
characters meet after Hugh Grant’s character spills coffee on Julia Roberts.
This shows the start of their relationship and how this one incident has
spiralled into a relationship.
4. Titles
Titles in romantic comedies often show the setting compared to the characters.The aim is to briefly show
what the main characters life is like before they meet their significant other and their life changes.The
title sequence gives credit to all those who participated towards making the films final product .
