1. J A N E T B A R G M A N N
GENRE RESEARCH

2. WHAT IS A PARADIGM?
A typical example or pattern of
something; a pattern or model.

3. WHAT IS ICONOGRAPHY?
The visual images and symbols used in a work of art
or the study or interpretation of these. It is used in film
to describe the visual language of cinema within the
field of genre criticism.

4. SPECIFIC GENRES…
• In certain genres we expect to see specific things:
In Western movies, we normally see dusty roads,
cowboys, saloons, sheriffs, cowboy hats, guns,
horses, and lonely towns in the desert. These ‘genre
indicators’ are called the iconography of mise-en-
scene or genre.
• In films like James Bond, we expect to see fast cars
(Aston Martins), women (the Bond girl), guns, gun
fights, bars, alcohol, helicopters, and men in suits…

5. SPECIFIC GENRES…
• Romantic Comedy: Girl meets guy- often one is out of the other’s league
(possibly nerdy/popular etc.) but in the end they get together. There is some
sort of problem that gets in the way but it all gets resolved.
• Thriller: Always a protagonist and the story is from their point of view, often
deals with death, mysterious, all action must be credible, two themes
include a desire for justice and morality of individuals, and BINARY
OPPOSITION- presence of innocence in what is seen as an essentially
corrupt world.
• Horror: Vulnerable young woman often making an obvious stupid decision,
a monster, or something supernatural is the villain. E.g. something deformed
or unnatural- a vampire, werewolf, Frankenstein’s Monster… Also have big
scary desolate mansions or castles which are always quite remote- on the
top of a hill or far away in the countryside.
• Sci-fi: Spaceships, aliens, time-travel, a quirky protagonist with vast
knowledge of the universe. Often has a companion from earth who we can
relate to as an audience.

6. WHY MIGHT GENRE BE A LIMITING
FACTOR?
The codes and conventions can become a limiting factor,
meaning they have to be produced in a certain way.
Typecasting is also a limiting factor-
• Kate Hudson: Usually seen in RomComs, but has been in films
like The Skeleton Key
• Jim Carrey: A comedian/comic actor, but has been in
serious role, such as his character in “Number 23”
If there are set paradigms that have been changed, people
can get confused. Genre can be subverted/multi-genre texts/
hybrid texts. If it’s too generalized, there is a need for
subgenres. There is a limited application when it comes to
newspapers, magazines and radio.

7. REVIVING PARADIGMS:
• Brokeback Mountain- Reviving the Western Genre,
so that the audience can relate to the story. By
having two gay cowboys, it is a modern way of
retelling this genre.
• Moulin Rouge- As it is a love story/musical, it has
been revived by the use of modern music although
it is set in Paris in the last century. This film is also an
example of how directors have certain styles. If you
compare two of Baz Luhrmann’s films such as
Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby, we can see
the similarities.