2. Answer the questions based on the text above:

1. What purposes do horror stories serve?

2. Do you agree that horror films are so-called cultural and spiritual mirror of any epoch as well as generation? Support your opinion.

3. What is the difference between movies of 40’s and 90’s?

4. What kind of characters is typical for the XXI^st century films?

5. Why is the horror genre considered to be one of the most uncomplicated? Support your opinion.

6. What goal do the horror film makers try to achieve?

7. Which tools do the experts in horror films use to evoke fear?

8. What kind of atmosphere do the film makers use to achieve special effect?

9. The open-ended conclusion in horror films remains more preferable. Explain why?

10. What is the purpose of using unexpected events?

TEXT 3

1. Read and retell the text: Elements of Romantic Comedies

R omantic comedies are movies with light-hearted, humorous dramatic stories centered on romantic ideals such as "true love" able to surmount most obstacles or the "perfect couple." Romantic comedy films are a sub-genre of comedy films as well as of romance films.

The basic plot of a romantic comedy is that two people, usually a man and a woman, meet and then part ways due to an argument or other contrived obstacles. Initially, these two people do not become romantically involved, because they believe that they do not like each other, because one of them already has a partner, or social pressures. However, the screenwriters leave obvious clues that suggest that the characters are in fact attracted to each other, or that they would be a good love match.

While the two people are separated, one or both individuals then realize that they are "perfect" for each other, or that they are in love with the other person. Then, after one of the two makes some spectacular effort to find the other person and declare their love, (this is sometimes called the grand gesture), or due to an astonishing coincidental encounter, the two meet again. Then, perhaps with some comic friction or awkwardness, they declare their love for each other and the film ends happily.

There are many variations on this basic plotline. Sometimes, instead of the two lead characters ending up in each other's arms, another love match will be made between one of the principal characters and a secondary character (e.g., My Best Friend's Wedding). Alternatively, the film may be rumination on the impossibility of love. The basic format of a romantic comedy film can be found in much earlier sources, such as Shakespeare plays like “Much Ado About Nothing” and “A Midsummer Night's Dream”. A movie in which a romantic intercourse could happen, but does not, is referred to as Platonic Comedy.

The basic elements of romantic comedies fall along the same lines as any movie. There is always an introduction, conflict and resolution. However, in a romantic comedy, the basic elements detail a romantic tale in a humorous manner. Though the movie does not have to have a happy ending, it does have to have a positive one. Romantic comedy films must contain at least one heroic person and at least one romantic interest for the hero or heroine. The lovers must be star-crossed in some way that creates conflict in their ability to come together. The couple does not have to fall in love and live happily ever after, but they do have to find a resolution to the humorous conflict that ends things with an uplifted spirit.

Romantic Comedy Storyline

As long as the story remains humorous, the storyline can go anywhere that has basic romantic story elements. It can be about alien co-workers on an intergalactic space station who are forbidden to develop relations or about two neurotic people that live in New York City and fall in love. In fact, many popular romantic comedies use a storyline that involves two neurotic people living in New York, including Moonstruck, Annie Hall, Sex and the City and When Harry Met Sally.

Romantic Comedy Messages

There are a few messages all romantic films must express, regardless of whether they're dramatic or comedic. The most important message is that anyone can find true love. It may be happy, sad, good or bad, but the film must affirm that there is a true love out there for every single person. Another message the film must express is that everyone feels general insecurities when they fall in love. It has to display that vulnerability and fear is common when it comes to romantic relationships.

Romantic comedies usually focus on the basic insecurities people feel when they fall in love and exploit this aspect with as much humor as possible. They make it feel OK to laugh at a British woman getting cozy with date who suddenly realizes she's wearing huge "granny panties" or at the clumsy antics of an inexperienced 40 year old man trying to make his first romantic conquest. The stories help remind us that everyone makes a fool of themselves sooner or later.

to surmount an obstacle – долати перешкоду

contrived – вигаданий, хитромудрий

coincidental encounter – випадкова зустріч

friction – суперечка

rumination – роздуми

insecurity – небезпечне становище

antics – кумедні витівки