Genre

A genre is a way of categorising certain types of film characterised by similarities in form, style or subject matter.

Genre can be an important factor in influencing audiences when selecting films to watch.

If an audience can identify the genre of a film they will establish certain expectations about whether or not they will enjoy the film.

Hybrid Genre / Sub genre

A hybrid genre is a genre that blends themes and elements from two or more different genres. A sub genre is a subcategory within a particular genre. E.g: The academic mystery is a sub genre of the mystery novel.

“My Bloody Valentine”

Horror: Lots of death, screaming, stupid women, blood, weapons, jumps, tension, title, background music, caves/tunnels.

“Scary Mary Poppins”

Thriller: Tense scary music, titles, lots of screaming faces, scared children, screaming

Identifying Genre

Western: costume, surroundings/mise-en-scene, setting-desert/cemetery, guns/cowboy hat

Action: blurred picture, fast pace, scream facial expression, angry, holding gun

War: costume-uniform, guns, beach setting, barriers on beach, Normandy landings

Sci-Fi: blue light, cyborg costume, mist, technology, aliens

Repertoire of Elements

Settings/Locations/Time - Stars/Specific/Types - Story lines - 

Music - Themes - Iconography/Props/Costumes - Characters

Iconography

An important aspect of genre. We expect to see certain objects on screen when we see a particular genre. 

E.g: Western - dusty lonely roads, saloon bars, cowboy hats, horses, etc.

Genre            Conventions                                Film Titles

Action                 Guns, weapons, stunts, explosions             Die hard, Expendables

Comedy              Jokes, lines, certain actors, sitcom              We’re The Millers

Horror                Gore, blood, screams, stupid girls               Scream, Carrie

Romance            Sex, flirting, relationships, love                   Love Actually, The Notebook