1. Genre theory
“The word ‘genre’ means ‘type’ or ‘category’. To study a film as a genre involves treating it, not as a unique
entity, but as a member of a general category, as a certain type of film. The aim… is therefore to classify, or
organise, a large number of films into a small number of groups” ~ Film studies by Warren Buckland
Genre helps both audiences and institutions to make decisions about what they want to see and what they
want to make to supply that demand
If we recognise the genre of a text it enables us to feel at home and we gain enjoyment from “spotting the
conventions” (repetition) and making comparisons with other films of the same genre
However if a text deviates from the conventions it can confuse us, but at the same time we enjoy seeing
the rules broken.
Buckingham (1993)
Traditionally, genres (particularly literary genres) tended to be regarded as fixed forms, but contemporary
theory emphasises that both their forms and functions are dynamic.
David Buckingham argues that “genre is not… simply ‘given’ by the culture: rather, it is in a constant
process if negation an change
Changes in genre reflects changes in society and our values
Altman
Film theorist argues that “there is no such thing as “pure” genre anymore. Genre is progressive, in that it
will always change”
He says that generic conventions are very much a thing of the past. His theory suggest that audiences, in
general have become tired of the same formulas and need to keep them entertained and to create appeal
He says that genre is surviving due to “hybridisation- or genres “borrowing” conventions from one another
and thus being much more difficult to categorise”
