Chapter 9

Film Genres

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Defining A Genre

• Genres are groups of films that have themes, subjects, or techniques in common that unite them.

• Some films can fit into more than one genre.• Classifying films into genres makes it easy for

producers, publicists, and viewers to understand what a film is like.

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Analyzing a Genre

• Genre conventions are plot elements, themes, techniques, or icons that define the genre.

• Genre films may choose to revise or reject the conventions associated with them.

• Genre films usually offer something familiar in terms of convention, but also something new.

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Genre History

• Genres are constantly changing over time, borrowing techniques from other media, and reflecting innovations.

• Genres become established when one film has commercial success and is imitated.

• Genres come in and out of fashion in cycles.• Sometimes genres change by mixing with

other genres.

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The Social Functions of Genres

• They interact with values, rituals, and social trends.

• Reflectionist genres reveal social and cultural attitudes.

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Four Genres: 1. The Western

• The basic theme is conflict between civilized order and the lawless frontier.

• Iconography reinforces this.• The typical hero falls in between order and

lawlessness.• Conventions reflect these themes.• Innovations developed include more complex

protagonists and a reversal of the portrayal of Native American vs. white civilization.

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2. The Horror Film

• Characterized by the effect on the audience.• Typically defined by an unnatural, threatening

monster and the other characters’ reactions to it.

• Iconography includes setting, lighting, and makeup.

• Critics suggest horror films reflect social concerns.

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3. The Musical• Began as revues but split into the backstage

musical and the straight musical.• Associated with romance, children’s stories, and

biopics of performers.• Accentuates the positive aspects of human

nature.• Iconography includes backstage settings. • Techniques include bright lighting, bright

costumes, color, crane shots, high angles, lip synching.

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4. Sports Films• Competition provides conflict• Offers a way to raise larger ideological issues:

social mobility; race; and gender issues.• Story patterns include Cinderella, fall-from-grace,

and comeback tales.• Can serve as a setting for other types of stories–

romance, mystery, etc.• Focus on an important game offers a ready-made

narrative arc–anticipation, climax, resolution.

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