Discuss some of the similarities and differences between Independence Day and War of the Worlds with particular reference to narrative and genre features.

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                Alexandra Harris

Discuss some of the similarities and differences between Independence Day and War of the Worlds with particular reference to narrative and genre features.

The War of the worlds by Steven Spielberg can be categorised as a hybrid genre, containing a mix of a sci-fi and a family drama. The audience establishes that it is a sci-fi with aspects of family drama right from the start of the film, as there seems to be two openings to the film. The first opening is a voice over by Morgan Freeman, using scientific words to describe how people (referred to as a swarm of ants – small and insignificant) were being watched by another intelligent group of people. The speech finishes with the use of paralanguage, a technique whereby his voice takes a more serious tone when discussing how others are going to take over the world. These words are combined with the imagery that appears, as a white light starts to increase, which could be described like an eye, which obviously portrays someone watching. The other opening to the film is used to establish the main character Ray Ferrier and his family. This is where the other genre of a family drama appears. Dramatic irony is instantly set up as the audience knows that doom is about to occur; however the characters don’t. We follow the family throughout the film as they struggle to survive against the aliens, and watch their relationships with one another being tested, as Ray learns more about his family. This is completely contrasted to Independence Day by Roland Emmerich, as this film is categorised as a sci-fi and action film. This film is a lot more involved with the government rather than the family aspect, unlike War of the Worlds. However, there are elements of romance during Independence Day, as one couple gets married and the second couple who broke up before the film started, hold hands and we see a shot of the wedding ring that the man has worn throughout the whole time of their separation.

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There is also an opening sequence at the beginning of Independence Day. As the title credits appear, the music is very military like, which includes snare drums and even gunshots. The very first image that the viewer sees is the American flag, together with a stretch of footprints on top of the moon. This portrays to the audience past glories that the Americans have achieved. However, this does not last long as the footprints slowly vanish from the scene, perhaps showing an extermination of mankind. After this opening scene finishes, the scene cuts to a shot where the music that ...

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