1. The Flapper (1920)
-Certification did not exist in this era.
Genre- silent comedy
Sound on film technology was not available , this would attract a
mass audience as they will get a sense of the characters more
through their body language and acting, making them more able to
identify with them, (uses and gratification theory).
-Black and white colours are used to appeal to an adult target
audience as they will want to identify with the characters as it
reminds them of their past.
-Simple editing has been used to connote the simple lifestyle people
had in the 20s.
-Fast pace editing has been used to correlate with the non-diegetic
jazz music, this connotes a joyful atmosphere and will offer
entertainment for the adult target audience (uses and gratification
theory).
-Low angle used of Warren to connote her high class and power this
would attract a female audience to watch the film as they will want
to identify with her because of her power and class (uses and
gratification theory).
-Fancy white font is used to connote femininity and pureness which
connotes the target audience are females.
-Fancy costume is evident in every character connoting there isn’t a
lot of difference between characters, this connotes they all live in a
rich life which is unrealistic. This will offer escapism for the adult
target audience (uses and gratification theory).
Mid shots are used mostly to show all the women are wearing the
same costume, dresses, this connotes that none of the women are
challenging the feminine stereotypes which conforms to the fact that
it is an old fashioned film. This will appeal to an adult target audience
as it offer information on the way women dresses in the 20’s (uses
and gratification theory).
Olive Thomas
-Wears white clothing
which connotes purity
and innocence. Her hair
is in ringlets which
connotes youth. This
will attract a female
target audience as they
will want to identify
with her good looks(
uses and gratification
theory)
Warren cook
-Wears revealing
clothing, is an object
of desire for a male
audience (Laura
Mulvey). The heavy
make up and classic
hair up-do connotes
she holds higher
class.
Starring

2. Pollyanna (1920)
Release date: January 18, 1920
Certification did not exist
Genre-American comedy
Pollyanna is the protagonist, and is the daughter of
Reverend John Whittier. After her fathers death,
Pollyanna is sent to live with her Aunt Polly, who
doesn’t treat her right.
The black and white colours connote that this film
has a sense of mystery as well as comedy, this will
offer escapism to the teenage and adult target
audience (uses and gratification theory).
High angle shot has been used on
Pollyanna to connote that she is vulnerable
in comparison to Aunt Polly. This matches
the stereotype that adults are more
superior compared to children.
As our opening sequence
has an element of mystery
like this film, we could use
black and white colours to
connote a foreboding
atmosphere.
A teenage target audience
may watch this film as
they may want to identify
with the female
protagonists natural
beauty(uses and
gratification theory)
Black and white colours were still used at
this time as they did not have the
technology to develop coloured films.
This may attract an older target audience
as it will offer them escapism from their
lives now as they will feel nostalgic whilst
watching black and white films , as it was
how they watched films as children
Starring
Mary Pickford

3. L'Age d'Or- The golden age (1930)
Genre: Chick flick
Release date(s)- 29 November 1930
Certification did not exist
-The film is based around a couples attempt at fulfilling their
love for one another, however they are continually stopped
by family, church and society.
-Colour has began to emerge more into films, this connotes
youth and excitement. The use of the colour red connotes
that this films will have the theme of love and passion within
it. This would attract a female target audience as they would
want to identify with the couples relationship, or identify
with the female character because of her beauty.
Non- diegetic sound has been used along with the opening
titles. The background music is off classical music, this
connotes that the film’s genre is love. This is also shown
through the fancy opening titles, which connote that the
film will be about passion and will appeal to a female
target audience as it offers them escapism- uses and
gratification theory.
Films have this time have developed into using
synchronous sound and dialogue, this would attract a mass
audience as they will be entertained easier through the
characters speech (uses and gratification theory).
Starring
Gaston Modot Lya Lys
This male character
would attract a male
target audience as
they will want to
identify (uses and
gratification theory)
with his superiority.
This is shown through
the low angle shots
used to connote he
has class.
This female character
will attract a female
target audience as
they will want to
identify with her (uses
and gratification
theory), as they will
want to appear as
attractive as her.

4. City Lights (1931)
Genre- American comedy
Certification did not exist
Release date(s)-January 30, 1931
- The tramp is found sleeping on an
unveiled statue , he wonders the streets
and comes across a beautiful flower
girl, not realising that she is blind. He buys
flowers from her and just as she is about
to give him back his change a man gets
into a car, the blind women thinks it is the
tramp, and doesn’t return the change.
- Black and white colour is used to connote
that something ominous will occur during
this play.
- Instead of word, non- diegetic music is
used to create the atmosphere. Fast pace
music is used when there is a rise of
emotions along with fast pace editing to
increase the tension. This will appeal to a
target audience of adults as it will offer
them escapism from the real world , and
will also offer them entertainment (uses
and gratification theory)
Charlie Chaplin Virginia Cherrill
Starring
This character will attract a
mass audience of teenagers
and adults as he offers
entertainment (uses and
gratification theory).
This female
character will attract
a male target
audience as she is
an object of desire
to them (Laura
mulvey)Black and white colours were still
used at this time as they did not
have the technology to develop
coloured films. However sound
began to emerge in films, this
would help in entertaining the
adult target audience (uses and
gratification theory) as music was
used to increase the comedic
element.

5. Our Wife (1931)
Genre-comedy
Certification not available
Release date(s)-December 1, 1931
Oliver is making plans to get married to Dulcy, with
Stan as his best man, but the marriage is dismissed
when Dulcy’s father sees a picture of Oliver and
forbids the marriage.
Mid shots were used to connotes that the
characters were on the same level as us, meaning
they were not off higher class or off lower class.
Synchronous sound is evident in this film, classical
music and singing from the male protagonist
characters is used to exaggerate and connote that
this is a comedy film.
This film is however black and white, this represents
that they did no have the technology to create
coloured films. The black and white colours however
fit the era as they help in creating the setting classic,
as black and white connotes class.
Starring
Laurel and Hardy
The two male protagonists
would attract a mass target
audience of both genders as
they will offer entertainment
to them (uses and gratification
theory). As well as this they
will offer escapism to people
who were under great
depression from the wall
street crash (uses and
gratification theory).

6. Gone with the wind (1940)
Genre- comedy
Certification does not exist
Release date(s)-December 15, 1939
- Set in 19th century American South, the film tells the
story of a woman and her romantic pursuit of a man
who is married to his cousin. It is set at the time of the
American Civil war.
- Colour is also evident in this film, which shows the
progression of technology from the 1920’s. The
extravagant costume worn by the female protagonist in
this film connotes that they were wealthy. Close up
shots are used to show the couples encounter, Wide
shots are used to show the setting and the old fancy
furniture. This would attract an adult target audience as
it would offer them escapism from the real world (uses
and gratification theory).
Clark Gable Vivien Leigh, Lady Olivier
Starring
A male target
audience will be
attracted to watch
this film as they will
want to identify with
this primary
characters high class
(uses and gratification
theory)
A female target
audience will be
attracted to watch
this film, as they
will want to
identify with the
female
protagonists good
looks (uses and
gratification
theory).
Colour began to be used in this era
however not all film makers
immediately created coloured films
as it cost more money.

7. The great dictator(1940)
Genre- American comedy
Certification not available
Release date(s)-October 15, 1940
-Based on a battle in the last months of WW1 . The
protagonist ( soldier) is fighting in the army . He hears a
fatigues pilot calling for help, the barber attempts to
rescue the injured officer.
- Black and white colours are still evident to connote it is
set in a past era, however now the use of speech has been
put into place. Music is still a part of films. Non-diegetic
background music of a violin is incorporated into this film
to increase the tension. This is followed by a low angle
shot used as the protagonist rises from his seat to show
his growing power. This will offer an adult target audience
identification, as a male target audience will want to
identify with the protagonists power (uses and
gratification theory).
Charlie Chaplin Paulette Goddard
Starring
This male character will
attract a male target
audience as they will want
to identify with his
comedic ability (uses and
gratification theory).
This female character will
attract a male target
audience as she is an object
of desire (Laura Mulvey). This
can be identified through her
red dress which connotes
danger, love and passion. Her
hair is also neatly curly
connotes that she is
provocative.
A development of sound has emerged
in this era, and music is used to
increase pace and create an enigma
(Barthes enigma code) for the target
audience, thus attracting them to
continue viewing the film.

8. Father of the Bride (1950)
Genre -American comedy
Certification not available
Release date(s)-June 16, 1950
-The film is about a fathers struggle as he tries to
cope with his daughters upcoming wedding.
-Black and white colours are still used in
films, this shows that the progression from
1920’s films to 1950’s is not fast in development.
However the black and white could prove
likeable to the target audience of adults as they
may feel a sense of nostalgia as they are
reminded of the only type of film that was
available when they were young. They may then
be able to socially interact about it with their
friends (uses and gratification theory).
Fancy font is used in the titles, along with
classical music is used to connote that the genre
of love is evident. This is also shown through the
bride wearing a very old fashioned wedding
dress. An older target audience of females may
be able to identify with the image of the dress as
it may be similar to the one they had for their
wedding (uses and gratification theory).
Spencer Tracy Elizabeth Taylor
Starring
This character will input
elements of comedy into
the film through being the
father character, who
struggles to fund for his
daughters wedding. This will
offer entertainment to the
adult and teenage target
audience (uses and
gratification theory).
This female character will
attract a female target
audience as they will want to
identify with her feminine
demeanour (uses and
gratification theory). The red
colour of her dress and hair
connote that she holds
sexual power.
This was the era in which 3D movies were
introduced into the film industry. This would
attract a mass target audience as it was
something new and increased the pleasure the
audience received from viewing the film (uses
and gratification theory).

9. Born Yesterday (1950)
Genre- Comedy
Certification is not available
Release date(s)-December 26, 1950
The protagonist brings his showgirl mistress with
him to Washington, as he attempts to buy a
congressman. He hires a journalist to teach his
girlfriends and educate her, in doing so she learns
how corrupt her boyfriends is .
Black and white colours are used to connote that this
film contains elements of a drama, this helps increase
the tension and attracts an adult target audience as
they may find this entertaining (uses and gratification
theory)
Bold font is used in the opening titles to connote that is
not based on love, this connotes that it is a more
serious film and would attract a more serious target
audience of adult. This is because they will gain political
information from it (uses and gratification theory).
Starring
Judy Holliday Broderick Crawford
This female character would
attract a female target audience
as they will want to identify
with her superior class (uses
and gratification theory) shown
through her expensive clothing.
This male character would
attract a male target
audience as they will want
to identify with his high
authority (uses and
gratification theory). This is
shown through the low
angle used on him, which
makes him appear
powerful.

10. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1960)
Genre- Comedy
Certification not available
Release date(s)-October 5, 1961
This films shows the blossoming of a new
relationship between, Paul and Holly. One night the
two return to Holly’s apartment where she, being in
her drunk state, tells Paul she plans to marry Rusty
Trawler for his money.
Colour is now evident in films of this era. This film has colour
which helps in portraying the characters are wealthier.
-The protagonist, Holly, is shown to be wearing a classic and
expensive dress with an excessive amount of jewellery. This
would attract a target audience of females as they would
idolise her and want to identify with her (uses and gratification
theory).
-A low angle shot accompanied by slow paced classical music
help to connote that the protagonist, Holly has power and class
and is wealthy. This would attract a male target audience , as
they may see her as an object of desire (Laura Mulvey).
George PeppardAudrey Hepburn
Starring
This female character will
attract a mass female target
audience as they will want to
identify with her high class
(uses and gratification
theory). A female target
audience may also be
attracted to watch the film as
they can gain information
about Audrey’s acting
skills, as she is a dyer’s star
and was a popular actress.
This male character
would attract a
female target
audience as he may
be an object of
desire to them
(Laura Mulvey).

11. The Apartment (1960)
Genre- Comedy
Certification not available
Release date(s)-June 15, 1960
Calvin Clifford, the protagonist is aiming to climb the
corporate ladder. The company then host a Christmas
party, where Calvin gets drunk and is seduced by a
woman.
-Black and white colours are used to connote that it is set
in the past, which connotes that it is historical. This would
attract an adult target audience as they would gain
information of life in that era (uses and gratification
theory).
Jack Lemmon Shirley MacLaine
Starring
A male target
audience will be
attracted to watch
this film as they will
want to identify with
the intelligent male
character (uses and
gratification theory).
A male target
audience will be
attracted to
watch this film as
they will find the
female
protagonist as an
object of desire
(Laura Mulvey).
Coloured films were available at this
time however this was expensive in
comparison to the cheaper alternative
of black and white films .

12. Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970)
Genre- American chick flick
Certification not available
Release date(s)-June 17, 1970
Three young women perform in a rock band, the
four travel to LA to find Kelly's strange aunt.
Colour is evident in this film, to connote it is
youthful. Up-beat music is used to connote it has
an exciting narrative, this would attract a teenager
target audience as they would find it entertaining
(uses and gratification theory)
A teenage target audience of girls will want to
identify with the female protagonist and
characters as they may idolise their high position
in society, or may like their fashion sense ( uses
and gratification theory).
Coloured films are more prominent in this era as
the film companies have more money to spend on
it. This helps in making the film more modern and
enables us to get a sense of the characters
more, meaning a teenage target audience will be
attracted more as they will be able to identify with
the characters more now that they know what
they look like in colour.
Dolly Read Cynthia Myers
Starring
A teenage target audience of females will be
attracted to watch this film as they will be able
to identify with the protagonist characters (uses
and gratification theory). This will be through the
clothes they wear or their personality types. A
teenage target audience will also be attracted as
they will find it entertaining due to the
stereotypically dumb characters used to create
comedy (uses and gratification theory).

13. Love Story (1970)
Genre- Chick flick
Certification not available
Release date(s)-December 16, 1970
This films would attract a teenage target
audience of females as they would want to
identify with the female protagonist, as she may
be happy in a relationship (uses and gratification
theory).
A teenage target audience of females would be
attracted to the male protagonist, who is shown
by a series of close up shots to enable to
audience to see his good looks. The female
target audience would see him as an object of
desire (Laura mulvey) and would therefore be
attracted to watch this film as they can socially
interact about it to their friends (uses and
gratification theory).
Black and white films were still common at this
time, however colour began to become more
popular as film companies could now afford to
fund for the coloured films.
Ali MacGraw Ryan O'Neal
Starring
A teenage target
audience will be
attracted to watch
this film as they will
want to identify with
the female
protagonists
relationship with her
boyfriend (uses and
gratification theory).
A teenage target
audience of
females will be
attracted to
watch this film as
they may see the
male protagonist
as an object of
desire (Laura
Mulvey).

14. Heaven's Gate (1980)
Genre- chick flick/ comedy
Certification no available
Release date(s)- November 19, 1980
Based on Johnson County war, it shows a fictional dispute
between land barons and European immigrants.
This film would appeal to an older target audience as they
would gain political information (uses and gratification
theory).
The fast pace of the film along with the non-diegetic music
used will crease a sense of enigma. This will attract an adult
audience as they will find it entertaining (uses and
gratification theory).
Christopher WalkenKris Kristofferson
Starring
A teenage
target
audience may
be attracted to
watch this film
as they may
find the male
protagonist, an
object of
desire (Laura
Mulvey).
A male target
audience may be
attracted to watch
this film as they
may want to
identify with this
characters high
status (uses and
gratification
theory) which is
connoted by the
low angle shot
used on him.

15. The Breakfast Club (1985)
Genre- Comedy
Certification not available
Release date(s)-February 15, 1985
This film is based on a group of teenagers who are sent
to a club by their parents. They begin by hating each
other. However by the end they all become close
friends.
A low angle shot is used to connote the bully is superior
and cool. A teenage target audience of males may want
to identify with this character( uses and gratification
theory) and may be attracted to watch the film.
Emilio Estevez Molly Ringwald
Starring
A teenage target audience
of males from the 80s would
have been attracted to
watch this film as they
would want to identify (uses
and gratification theory)with
the rebellious character. This
character always wore black
leather gloves which
connotes danger, a teenage
target audience would have
wanted to identify with this
so may have gone and
purchased the same item (
hypodermic needle theory).
A teenage target
audience of males
may be attracted to
watch this film as they
may find the female
character as an object
of desire (Laura
Mulvey). This is
because of her good
looks and ditsy
character connoted
through the pink
clothing.
The production of coloured films
became more prominent in the
80´s, institutions were now able to
afford the technology to create the
coloured films. This would have
attracted a mass target audience of
teenagers as they would have been
able to socially interact with their
friends about the film and the new
technology used (uses and gratification
theory).

16. Home Alone(1990)
Genre- family comedy
Certification- U
Release date- November 16, 1990
The young male protagonist is left behind by his family when
they forget to take him with them on holiday. He is then left
to overcome the obstacle of getting rid of the burglars.
A high angle shot is used of the young male protagonist to
connote that he is inferior in comparison to the burglars.
Non- diegetic Christmas music is used in the background to
connote joy and festiveness. This would attract a target
audience of children as they would associate the music and
snow with Santa.
Films at this era used more technology such as non- diegetic
sound affects and background music to increase pace and
create an enigma. Celebrity star salaries were a lot
higher, meaning the film institution had to spend more
money on the cast.
Macaulay Culkin
Starring
A target audience of
teenage boys will be
attracted to watch this film
as they will want to identify
with the protagonists clever
ways of setting up traps for
the burglars (uses and
gratification theory).

17. Pretty Woman(1990)
Genre- comedy
Certification-15
Release date-March 23, 1990
This film is based around a guy and a girl who
meet fall in love and over come some obstacles
on the way
The female protagonist may be seen
as an object of desire, through the
provocative clothing she is wearing-
Laura Mulvey. This would attract a
target audience of males.
Richard Gere Julia Roberts
Starring
A teenage target
audience of females
will be attracted to
watch this film as
they will find the
male protagonist as
an object of desire
(Laura Mulvey). This
may be because of
the romantic way he
treats the female
protagonist.
A female target
audience of
teenagers will
watch this film as
they will want to
identify with this
female protagonists
good looks (uses
and gratification
theory).
Getting characters such as Julia Roberts in
the film attracted a mass audience as the
target audience of teenagers would see her
as a star (dyers star theory) and may watch
it for the reason that she is a popular
actress.

18. Bridget Jones's Diary(2001)
Genre- Comedy
Certification- 15
Release date-April 4, 2001
In this film we follow the female
protagonist as she is faced with
unpredictable attractions to two males.
The female protagonist may attract a
teenage target audience of girls as they
may want to identify with her popularity
and beauty- uses and gratification
theory.
Renée Zellweger Hugh Grant
Starring
A teenage target
audience of
females will be
attracted to
watch this film
as they would
want to identify
with the
protagonists
popularity(uses
and gratification
theory).
A teenage target
audience of females will
be attracted to watch
this film as this
character may be an
object of desire to
them(Laura Mulvey).
This may be because of
the romantic way in
which he treats the
female protagonist.
Black and white films were no
longer produced as coloured
films had taken over. Through
the use of colour the
narrative was better
conveyed as the colours used
created connotations, such as
red which connotes love.

19. Love Actually(2003)
Genre- Romantic comedy
Certification-15
Release date-7 November 2003
This film focuses on the development of
different couples and relationships.
The different types of stereotypical
characters such as the charismatic
character, the shy character and the girls
character. These characters would attract a
mass target audience as everyone can
identify with at least one character in the
film.
Hugh Grant
Starring
Laura Linney
A teenage target
audience of females
will be attracted to
watch this film as they
may find this male
character as an object
of desire (Laura
Mulvey) and may be a
fan of them (Dyer´s
star theory).
A teenage target
audience of females
will want to watch
this film as they can
get information
about the latest
clothes trends(uses
and gratification
theory).
More advanced lighting was
developed in 2003, more lighting
was used to connote a joyful
atmosphere. Non-diegetic sound
such as sound affects and
background music of pop was used
to connote that the narrative is
comedy.