Media Coursework:
Comparison Between “The Simpsons”, “Futurama” and “Family guy”
The word genre can be used to describe several things such as books, films and television programmes. It means the theme of the book, and in the case of a film or programme means either horror, thriller, comedy, romantic. It is important that a programme or film makes clear what genre it is. For example, a horror should make you cower in fear and a thriller should keep you on the edge of your seat. In the case of a comedy, which I have chosen to compare, it must make you cry with laughter. What genre a piece of media is? , also helps you to choose the things that you like. I have chosen to compare three cartoon comedies, The Simpsons, Futurama and Family guy. These are both popular programmes and were also created by the same person (Matt Groening). When an audience watches a comedy programme like one of these, they expect to see the setting or characters, and a gag or joke to introduce them to the theme. They also expect happy music rather than sad or depressing, which would suit a soap opera for example. Therefore the key conventions of a cartoon comedy are bright happy scenes of the characters or setting and some slight comic acts.
Firstly, The Simpsons. The programme starts, by showing a blue sky with a few clouds. As the clouds clear, “The Simpsons” slowly zooms towards the screen and is sung by several voices. This happens at the beginning of every episode and is expected by the audience as it is like a “catchphrase” of the show. I feel this helps keep the audiences watching as when they hear it sung, it automatically grabs their attention, as it is such a famous saying. After that, the trademark theme tune starts up and the camera zooms into the letter “P”. You then see a boy writing on a blackboard, obviously in detention. This makes the audience think that the boy is often in trouble. It is also introducing one of the main characters. The school bell then rings, so the boy rushes out and jumps onto his skateboard. This gives you the impression that he is a typical American boy who hates school and likes video games and skateboarding, the camera then cuts to a man who is wearing safety gloves and handling chemicals, which indicates he is working. A whistle then blows, and the mans face lights up as he exits to the left. The eagerness he expresses to leave, indicates he is related somehow to the previous boy, as he was also keen to exit and did not like working. Next, it shows a supermarket, with a mother doing her groceries. You also see the baby crawling along the belt where the food is placed. This scene indicates that the woman is a busy housewife, who looks after her children, and there is also a hint of comedy as the shop assistant “scans” the baby. Now, the audience has been introduced to two more of the main characters. After that, it changes to a shot of the school band. They start off by playing together but one girl starts to play her own, fabulous tune on the saxophone. When the teacher points to the door, she walks out, untroubled, and this gives you the impression that she is very passionate about her music. The audience have now been introduced to all the main characters including1 some others as well, and you now see their various journeys home. They all arrive at the house at the same time and there are several humorous moments i.e. the dad nearly getting run over by the mum. They all rush into the house and jump onto the sofa. I feel this appeals to the audience as it represents a typical, modern day family, sitting with their pets, glued to the telly whilst squashed together on their sofa. It is also important to note that at the beginning of every episode, when they all sit down, there is always a humorous act e.g. they all fall off the sofa. This helps the audience realise that it is a comedy programme. Overall, I think that the opening credits grabs people’s attentions well, due to the theme music, and the humorous genre. It is also important to note that the opening shows people instead of place like Futurama.
