Fantasy genre - continued

After examining the previous examples we as a group have decided to narrow our style to a more innocent nature like spirited away, i have analysed to other film with a similar genre and age group.

Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban




After watching the opening of Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban I feel it is a good film when referring to the fantasy genre. In the opening scene, we can immediately establish key generic codes and conventions, which will also be used thought the film. Just as the Warner Bros. image appears we hear the main theme, an orchestral piece of music which is instantly recognizable to Harry Potter. The sound creates a magical and wondrous atmosphere. The scene in addition shows an excellent example of the contrast between the real world and fantasy, Harry practicing with his magic presents us with the wizard world, only to pretend to be asleep when his all too non magical uncle walks in. This suggests his family’s alienation to the magical world and emphasizes himself as the hero who is plunged into fantasy, a common theme in fantasy films.

Although this is a unique take on showing this contrast, it meet my expectations to present the theme as early as possible, from my research I’ve found it is a key point to show the main character as different from those around them, to hint of something special as to why they are taken into this fantasy world, however these differences can normal be very ordinary, allowing the audience to relate easily to the character. It almost always shows the character as isolated or taken away from there comfort zone. Suggest how they more than other would wish to escape into there fantasy world.

The focus on Harry instantly tells us of the narrative, following his life and perspective alone, while staying in a 3rd person narrative. For example there are little if any scenes the audience is shown that Harry is not witnessing himself, this is a good technique as it allows us to follow the story alongside Harry and creates greater attachment to him as a character.

The characters present us with a typical family set up. The aunt and uncle represent the unloving guardians, while his cousin is the spoilt child, forcing Harry to witness the love and compassion he will never have for them. Thought out the scene he is ordered and bossed around without one polite request. He is a prefect example of a Cinderella, with the evil stepmother and spoilt sisters, suggest a classic fairy tale theme.

The chronicles of Narnia



This alike to Pan's labrynith sets the scene in a historical period, this again shows me a good example of the cross between fantasy and realism as a convention. The position and relationship of the family is quickley established. This is a key idea in giving us as the audience the impression of the characters and story.
The music and sound effects give us as the audience the sense of panic and danger as the scene unfolds before us, setting the reality of the characters dangerous lifestyle and causing instand tension to the scenes outcome.We dont see any hints or themes of magic yet as the scene focuses on the childrens relationships with another and the so far separation from both there parents.Establishing this is an important part of fantasy film and forebore's the conflict with each other to come in Narina.