How do props contribute to genre?

By Jack Jackson

Definition

• “A small object such as a book, weapon etc, used by actors in a play or film”

• Examples could possibly be the wands used in harry potter, or the shield in Captain America.

What effects do they have

• Using a prop emphasizes the reality of the motion picture • They make it seem more real as there are actually being used

as part of the plot of the film. • It allows the audience to escape from their lives more as there

are solid symbols of the genre and represent the whole basis of the genre.

Genre

• If they are used in many productions of a specific genre, they will be clearly recognised with that genre such as a bloody knife relates to the genre of horror as it has been used as a murder weapon in such films as “scream” and “phsyco”.

• As well as being recognised through the genre it also can be recognised by the character that uses it. Such as Jack sparrow and his magical compass.

Meanings

• The props hold meanings which are then transferred to the audience.

• A weapon such as a knife or gun could symbolise a repressed upbringing for the antagonist and is using violence to portray this.

• It also may imply a character may hold power over certain characters, which are signified by the props. For example a crown could symbolise a character with power like a king.