Notting Hill Notes

Notting Hill Notes

How do mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing and sound create meaning for an audience?

All these aspects help create a sense of escapism and the audience could find the storyline and settings easy to relate to and appeal to them, these elements help the movie seem more realistic to the everyday lives of their audience. The musical soundtrack is a typical romantic song which the audience could establish the genre so early in the movie and create a relationship with the characters as we see them in their everyday lives.

Who are the target audience for this film?

I think the main target audience would be females aged between 18-35 as the movie is based on a romantic storyline. Also the movie may bring in various audience because of the well known actors uses in the movie.


What techniques are specifically used to target the audience?

The British humour and the actors would engage the middle aged audience and the voice over let the audience know about Will's ordinary lifestyle which people of this age could relate to. Also, the location used could do this as well and as they are typically British settings it would attract tourists to want to explore the UK. This is because the movie almost make england seem like the perfect getaway.


What Techniques are used to introduce Anna (Julia Roberts)? How is the audience made to identify with her?

Typical romantic music is used in the movie to help register the genre with the audience we see multiple close-ups of Anna in her celebrity life and we establish that she is a protagonist. Her happy expressions and smiles make us think she is over the moon in her position but this may just be a front. She is portrayed as high class, beautiful and her elegant movements could attract males just as much as females, the audience may wish to have that same lifestyle and be famous as she looks so happy.

What Techniques are used to introduce Will (Hugh Grant)? How is the audience made to identify with him?

The romantic music stops and a voice over of him talking is used telling us the basics of his lifestyle, describing where he lives, a bit about his past marriage and about Anna and her movies. His life is contrasted to Anna's to show how ordinary his life is in Central London, most of the audience could probably relate to this.

What genre signifier's are present in the opening sequence?

The romantic music, slow camera movements, the fades and transitions are elements that help the audience establish the genre right from the start.

How is the setting, Notting Hill introduced?

Will's voice over describes Notting Hill; the mini stalls, the tattoo parlour, the bad hairdresser all in a ordinary yet almost crazy.

Why was the location of Notting Hill chosen and how was it used to attract the target audience?

This location was chosen because it is a typical British setting and people in that area of London are just ordinary, middle class people. Also, tourists would be attracted to see what else Britain has to offer and the audience could identify themselves in this location.

Why was Hugh Grant casted for the role of William?

Hugh was casted for this role as he has a lot of experience in successful rom-coms and now associated with this genre movies. Also, as this was a British Working Title film, a well known British male celebrity would appeal to the target audience.

Why was Julia Roberts casted for the role of Anna?

Like Hugh Grant she is also an amazing actress best known for her rom-coms such as Pretty Woman. As she is known internationally she would attract an audience and increase box office sales.

Describe the marketing techniques used?

Posters, trailers, TV adverts, nominations and taglines were marketed to help raise awareness for the movie. Also, interviews trying to engage audiences were effective resulting in very good box office sales.

Describe how the film was exhibited?

In cinemas, it was released on DVD and is available to watch online.