What is the dark fantasy film genre?
Dark fantasy combines elements of the fantasy, horror and action genres. They utilise a fantasy (made up) setting like almost every fantasy film. For instance, Lord of the Rings uses Middle earth as its setting. However, the main difference with a dark fantasy film is that they take classic fairytale conventions and make them scary. Some examples include Pan's Labyrinth (2006), Coraline (2009) and Snow White: A Tale of Terror (1997)
Pan's Labyrinth (2006) stars Ivana Baquero and Doug Jones. It explores themes such as magic, immortality and danger. Coraline (2009) stars Dakota Fanning as a voice actress and explores danger, parallel worlds and what it means to be family. Snow White: A Tale of Terror changes a well known fairytale into a horror story.
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| Pan's Labyrinth (2006) |
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| Coraline (2009) |
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| Snow White: A Tale of Terror (1997) |
Rationale behind choosing to focus on the dark fantasy genre:
The reason for me selecting this genre to work in was because I feel like it will enable me to build on the skills learned last year (darker elements, horror) whilst not emulating all the codes and conventions. I am also enthralled by the elements of fantasy (for example, magic) and would like to challenge myself by using more professional editing techniques and perhaps even special effects.
For my analysis, I will predominantly be focussing on the dark fantasy genre, for obvious reasons. However as elements cross over to the different types, I will also look at some action/thriller fantasies to see how I can incorporate a wide range of components into the genre, making it more interesting.
Rejected genres
Before coming to a decision, I considered many different genres. Two main genres that I could have selected were: Horror and Romance. To ensure that I was making an informed decision, I conducted some research into the conventions of these genres.
Horror film - basic codes and conventions
- Low key lighting to set a sinister mood
- Jump cuts to give pace, shock the audience and keep them engaged
- An antagonist who harms the victim
- Tracking and Point of View shots to put audience in the character's position, close ups to show emotion
- Red and black are key colours - red connotes blood and danger, black connotes darkness and power
- Weapons are used as common props
- Non diegetic soundtrack or sound effects (screaming) to build tension
- Creepy locations
I was aware of the horror genre from my AS studies and though I could improve, I don't want to emulate exactly the skills learned last year. I would need to think of a more complex narrative, and it would need to be done properly. There would also have to be a lot of effort put into creating verisimilitude, for example with make up using fake blood. I do not feel that the horror genre would allow me to sufficiently progress or display my skills, as I did a horror/thriller film for my AS coursework. Therefore I rejected the horror genre.
Romance film - basic codes and conventions
- Boy meets girl - common narrative
- Themes of love, heartbreak, falling for someone
- Red is a symbol - love, roses
- Follows ordinary people - verisimilitude
I decided to have the romance genre as a contender because it is the type of film I would usually watch myself. However I feel that for this purpose it would be hard to do a good job; I'm not sure I can find willing actors and I wouldn't want the narrative to be too cliché or predictable. Hence I dismissed the romance genre.
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