What are media tropes in films

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so could a media trope be gender identity, sexuality, violence, language

Media tropes are recurring themes, motifs, or conventions that are commonly used in films to convey certain ideas or create familiar storytelling patterns. These tropes can be seen as tools that filmmakers use to invoke specific emotions, engage the audience, or build upon established storytelling techniques.

To identify and understand media tropes in films, you can follow these steps:

1. Watch films: Start by watching a wide range of films from different genres and time periods. Take note of elements that are repeated across different movies. These elements can include character archetypes, plot structures, visual motifs, dialogue patterns, storytelling techniques, or specific symbolism.

2. Analyze common elements: Once you've watched a variety of films, start analyzing them to identify recurring patterns. Look for common themes, visual cues, character motivations, narrative devices, or plot developments. These are often signs of tropes being utilized.

3. Research famous tropes: Familiarize yourself with well-known tropes that frequently appear in films. There are numerous online resources, such as TV Tropes (tvtropes.org), which provide extensive databases of tropes in various media formats, including films. Explore these databases to gain a better understanding of the tropes and how they are utilized.

4. Pay attention to genre conventions: Different film genres often have their own set of tropes and expectations. For example, the 'Damsel in Distress' trope is commonly found in adventure films, while the 'Buddy Cop' trope is frequently used in action-comedy films. By studying different genres, you will become more familiar with their specific tropes.

5. Notice subversions and inversions: As you become more familiar with tropes, start noticing instances where filmmakers deliberately subvert or invert these tropes. Subversions occur when filmmakers intentionally deviate from the expected or traditional use of a trope, while inversions involve presenting a trope in a contrasting or unexpected manner. Recognizing these subversions and inversions can deepen your understanding of tropes.

Remember that tropes are not necessarily negative or restrictive; they can be powerful storytelling tools when used effectively. By understanding and recognizing media tropes in films, you can become more engaged as a viewer and appreciate the creative choices made by filmmakers.