Fatima Aice Media Blog: Genre Research Blog Activity

How is it Fantasy?

The genre of fantasy in films includes many types of magical and supernatural elements. It makes up magical worlds/realms, and includes things mythical creatures, magicians or things to do with spells and magic. It can also include ancient myths, folklore, and legends, which often featured heroes on epic quests. Fantasy is a popular genre because it lets people escape real life and enjoy imaginary worlds and adventures, its a genre that uses a lot of CGI and is usually a very expensive genre to produce. Fantasy has many sub genres also, some of these are high or epic fantasy, low fantasy, magical realism, sword and sorcery, dark fantasy, fables, and fairy tales. Fantasy also includes many characteristics and elements like good vs. evil, the heroic (or villainous) quest for power or knowledge, tradition vs. change, the individual vs. society, man vs. nature, man vs. himself, coming of age, love, betrayal, epic journey or the unlikely and/or reluctant hero.

Content:

Magic is a big part of fantasy films, where spells, magical items, and special powers are very important. Characters often use wands or magical objects to help them on their journeys. Magic creates exciting moments and surprises in the story. Sometimes it can be good, like saving someone, but it can also cause problems. The way characters use magic helps develop the story and shows how powerful or dangerous it can be.

The settings in these films are usually magical, with enchanted forests, old castles, or foreign lands. In fantasy movies the characters usually meet mythical creatures like dragons, fairies, elves, and other monsters. These creatures make the fantasy world feel more exciting and add to the storyline.

For example: Petes Dragon, The dragon Elliot and Pete's relationship displays this

Many fantasy movies can be about a hero going on a quest to achieve something important like saving someone or finding a magical item. In these stories there is usually a fight between good and evil. The heroes could be knights or wise wizards who have important roles. Fantasy films also teach lessons about friendship, bravery, and sacrifice. Fights between good and evil are common with challenges for the characters.

Example: Alice in Wonderland, Alice try's to defeat the evil queen of hearts

Production Techniques:

Some production techniques used in fantasy films are special effects and detailed set designs to make magical worlds and creatures. Filmmakers use computer-generated imagery (CGI) to bring to life things like dragons and magical spells. They also use practical effects, like animatronics or puppets, to make creatures and environments look real. Costumes and makeup help change actors into magical characters adding to the film's visuals. Cinematography is important too, with big shots of landscapes and creative camera angles that make the fantasy world feel real for viewers.

Marketing:

Fantasy films apply to a wide range of audience, often viewed by children, teens, adults, and families. Since the fantasy genre is so broad there are many movies that apply to everyone, for example, movies like Harry Potter may apply to teens, while Lord of The Rings can apply more to adults.

Fantasy movie posters usually have bright and eye-catching artwork that shows what film will be about. They often include the main characters, mythical creatures, and landscapes to attract viewers. Bold colors and designs help show the movie's tone and draw in audiences.

Ex: A Wrinkle in Time, movie poster

The trailers for fantasy films usually have super cool visuals, exciting music, and dramatic scenes to create excitement in the audience. They show important moments with magic, action, and emotions. The goal of trailers is to give viewers a sneak peek of the story and make them want to see more.

Fantasy Movie Examples:

1) Lord of The Rings The Fellowship of the Ring

The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring released on Dec 9, 2001, directed by Peter Jackson is a great example of a fantasy film. The main character, Frodo, goes on an adventure to destroy the One Ring. Through the movie meets magical creatures like orcs and elves. The landscapes used in the movie make viewers feel like they are part of the story. The fight between good and evil shows important lessons about friendship, bravery, and sacrifice. The film includes many visuals, magical music, and moments to create a magical atmosphere.

2) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone released on Nov 16, 2001 by producer Chris Columbus is a another example of a fantasy movie. The story is about a boy named Harry Potter who learns he is a wizard on his 11th birthday. He goes to a school named Hogwarts where he meets magical creatures, learns spells, and makes friends with a girl and a boy named Hermione and Ron. The magical world of Harry Potter places like the Hogwarts castle and Diagon Alley. These places make this look like a fantasy and attract the viewers attention. The movie also shows the fight between good and evil with Harry fighting the bad wizard Voldemort. The movie teaches lessons about friendship, bravery, and believing in yourself.

Fantasy Films:

1) The Chronicles of Narnia