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1. Analysis of Genre: Lacey’s Repertoire of Elements
In his book Narrative and Genre: Key Concepts in Media Studies, (Palgrave, Macmillan), Nick Lacey
defines genre elements as constituting the 5 key areas below:
 setting
 character
 narrative
 iconography
 style
When analysing texts, use Lacey’s repertoire of genre elements as a guide. Fill in the boxes below,
making notes on the genre conventions that you see
Genre elements Conventions
Setting- mise en scene/
location
The setting is N.Y.C, the trailer starts in a down town bar that’s almost
empty, Liam Nesson is drinking shots while reading a newspaper. In the
next scene there is a chase through busy streets and gun firing. So from
the first to scenes it looks like a normal are but when the trailer starts to
lead you into the story line which becomes more sinister the surrounding
areas become more cut of and run down, this is symbolic of how things
go from normal to chaos in the story.
Characters –
representations,
stereotypes, behaviour,
body language, specific
actors/stars
The first character we are introduced to is Liam Nesson, straight away we
learn that he is a Cop who is drinking while off duty, this could be seen as
a stereotype. Also the fact that Liam Nesson is shown first is no
coincident its part of the star theory, this is putting someone who is well
known in a movie so people will be more inclined to watch it. This star
was especially chosen as he is in some way iconic of the action thriller
genre.
The next thing you notice is that all the victims in the trailer are all
women, beautiful ones too. This is also a stereotype that a female is the
victim who needs rescuing. This is a typical convention of an action
movie. We are also introduced to the victim’s husband, who is seen as a
giver, he will obviously be a main character as he is what starts of the
story and provides Liam Nesson with money to do the job which will
push the narrative forward.
Another character we are introduced to is one of the men who
kidnapped the victim. Although straight away we learn he has regret for
this and never wanted to do it even though the shots used and the music
suggested he was an antagonist/villain, but we find out he is a harbinger
more than anything.
The actually kidnapers are never introduced you only see them from
behind.

2. Analysis of Genre: Lacey’s Repertoire of Elements
Narrative events –how
is the narrative ordered
and structured?
Is it elliptical/enigmatic
(elements left out to
intrigue/entice the
audience)
Its gives an introduction to a cop drinking in a bar as a flash back and in
the present a kid asking him why he isn’t a cop anymore which means
something bad happened which straight away makes you want know
what it is.
There is an introduction to the antagonists of the story but you don’t get
to see their faces, which add a sense of mystery to the trailer.
There is a girl in a red coat that is being followed, and it makes you want
to find out what is going to happen to her which is narrative enigma.
Iconography –Well
known or recognisable
people/objects/buildings
mise en scene/ props,
costume, setting,
symbolic codes
The first iconic thing in the trailer is Liam Nesson as he has become
famous for action movies. As soon as you see him you automatically
presume there is going to be action.
STYLE: Technical and
audio codes – camera
use, editing,
diegetic/non diegetic
sound, sfx. Mise en
scene/lighting, colour
The diegetic sound in the trailer has very emphasized sounds like gun
shots and the slamming of objects, the non-diegetic sound is insidious
and thrilling
Summarise how the above helps to define genre in the text
IT all is linked to this kind of genre through codes and conventions, certain aspects of the trailer like
the non-diegetic sound, the colour set and the mise en scene all suggest action thriller. I would say
that the target audience for walking with the tombstones is 18-30, mainly men because of the
violence and the beautiful women. It would be targeted to class c and above in my opinion.
Generally middle class.
Name of text: Genre: