What Inspired Me?

I was inspired to pursue a film opening in comedy because it is the genre that can make everyone laugh-- and everyone loves to laugh. The ability to evoke such a positive emotion in your audience is such a strong quality that I want to replicate. Romantic comedies, family comedies, and slapstick comedies are household favorites and can entertain all members of families. I remember growing up and watching movies that are funny to everyone watching. Since then, I've always enjoyed watching comedies because it simply makes you happy. That feeling is something I hope to execute in my work.

Not only do comedies make people laugh, they sometimes show a deeper meaning. For example, the lovable movie, "The Truman Show"(1998) involves traditional jokes and typical comedic components; however, Truman Burbank, the main character, seems to be going crazy when he thinks that his whole life is part of a television set. This movie brings up a deeper meaning of manipulation and deception. Burbank seems like a normal guy, but then starts spiraling out of control. By developing a light and calm atmosphere in the beginning, the director makes the audience unsuspecting of such an interesting turn of events at the end. The Truman Show was so successful as a comedy because it engages the audience by making the main character personable and relatable to the common person, the audience is able to connect to the situation he is in. An important aspect of comedies is relating to the audience. A similar movie is Groundhog Day (1993). A man relives groundhog day, and his cynical nature is transformed in the process. A reflection in human nature is often developed in comedies, even through funny situations.

Romantic comedies are a popular genre as well. Some of my favorites are Love Actually (2003),  10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Clueless (1995), and There's Something About Mary (1998). These movies have a happy ending and make people believe in love and happiness. An interesting turn of events engage the audience to experiencing the journey with the characters. Awkward situations and funny actions keep the mood light and comfortable for people, while still including deep conversations and often a form of a fight that causes tension between characters. Film openings of romantic comedies usually introduce one of the main characters, describing their life on a typical day. The film opening introduces the theme of love and heartbreak in a symbolic way. An important component of romantic comedies is the development of relationships in a funny manner. 

Family comedies are very popular as well. Family comedies are appropriate for all ages and contain aspects that can entertain all types of people. I've always enjoyed the movies Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), BIG (1988), and The Muppets (2011), as well as animated films like Inside Out (2015), Zootopia (2016), and Boss Baby (2017). Family comedies have elements that everyone can find a connection to, whether watching as a child or adult. The opening of animated movies are often very creative and peculiar, drawing the audience in through the use of vibrant colors and an interesting story-line. The plot of family comedies are generally targeted to children, but adults and teens are able to find humor in the movie as well. In the movie Boss Baby, the main character describes his family's situation. Tim Templeton is portrayed as a typical single child, and parents can expect the behavior he will show when he gets a sibling. Family comedies take a situation that many can relate to, into a creative product. These films leave the ending with life lessons for the audience to take away. Family comedies are a huge component of the genre today.

Film openings for comedies tend to set the scene for the movie. Whether it be a shot of a busy family scrambling to get out the door or a high schooler doing her homework on a Wednesday afternoon, the film openings of comedies begin with a relatable situation to introduce the main themes of the movie. One of my favorite comedies, Mean Girls, begins by describing the life of Cady, the main character. She is shown as an innocent and compelling young girl that was home-schooled, spending most of her life in Africa studying the plants and animals there. The viewer can expect that her life in a public high school will present all sorts of trials and tribulations for her. This opening effectively introduced the movie. Another favorite of mine is Forrest Gump. The opening for this movie follows a single feather across town and lands at the feet of Forrest. This choice makes the film more of a mystery to the viewer. Overall, film openings for comedies inspire me to create an interesting plot that will entertain my audience through humor.