Research Into Establishing The Genre

Research Into Establishing The Genre: "Kick-Ass"

Mise-en-scene:

The opening sequence begins with the surrounding of a high school, signifying the background of the main character. The further use of creating the atmosphere of a typical teenagers bedroom emphasises to the audience that the main character is like any other person within their school. However, the character is portrayed as a ‘nerd’, connoting the idea of weakness or having a lack of courage. The various references to superheroes, such as comic book stores and superhero magazines, could also foreshadow the future transformation of the once typical teenager into a hero. The use of comic book stores within superhero movies is conventional of its genre as it clearly emphasises what the film is about, the life of the hero. The use of scenes where criminals are seen fighting and stealing also connote the genre of the film being action as violence and injury is present.

Setting:

The majority of the movie is filmed within dark streets, gang hideouts and abandoned buildings denotes the idea of criminal acts, violence and action. The use of the location, New York, also gives the audience an idea of other films also filmed in this location that are of the same genre. This urban lifestyle connotes crime, danger and violence, which are present within the film. By Kick-Ass often wondering around the streets or driving with other ‘superhero’ figures, it could show they are heroes as they are able to gain the courage to fight crime during the night.

Costume:

The use of costume is conventional of its genre as the hero masks his identity. The use of tight clothes, capes, leather, weapons and other costume features emphasises the superhero, action genre of the film.  One of the protagonists also has a remarkably similar costume to Batman, showing various aspects of these other superhero movies. They also tend to wear generally dark colours, besides Kick-Ass, showing how his character is challenging stereotypes.

Props:

Various weapons are shown throughout the course of the film, featuring in most of the scenes. The use of guns, knives, flamethrowers and bombs emphasise the action aspect of the film and show the violence and danger of the situations. These weapons connote violence, death and injury, making it clear to the audience that the genre of the film is action related.

Sound:

Non-diegetic music of fast upbeat music is conventional of action films as it creates fast paced scenes, gripping the audience into the action. The use of diegetic music such as gunshots shows the action, rather like other superhero films like batman.  The use of punching and kicking sounds also shows how action and violence is key throughout the film, and also establishes the genre. The use of dialogue shows the comical side of the film. ‘They’d get their ass kicked’ ‘He should call himself ass kick’. This comical play on words emphasises the comedy aspect of the film, showing how ‘Kick-ass’ is almost making a mockery of existing superhero films.

Lighting:

The use of low-key lighting creates a contrast between light and dark shadows within the scene, making the superhero stand out. This also emphasises the action genre as most violence and criminal activity takes place during night. The use of high key lighting during the first few scenes at the high school could show the normal aspect of the main characters life, however, when the lighting changes, it shows how the identity of the character changes when he becomes a superhero.