2. Genre Theory
> 'Traditionally, genres (particulalry literary genres) tended to be
regarded as fixed forms, but contemporary theaory 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 of negotiation and
change' - Buckingham (1993)
> The word 'genre' means 'category', 'group', or 'type'.
> It is hard to cateogirse films into one genre as the boundaries are
unfuzzy and not clear. Genres aren't static, they change and
evolve. Genre is a "recurring type or category of text, as defined
by structural and thematic criteria". - David Duff
3. > "Genre theory places a text within a text, and the context in which
it's consumed".
> "It is used in studying 'Non literary texts; notably film and media" -
David Duff.
> Iconography can often help define a genre. Iconography is the
study where visual images and symbols are used to interpret
things. For example: You could easily identify a western film by
the cowboys on screen, cowboy hats, deserts, saloons...etc. This
would be stereotypically speaking of course, however a lot of the
old westerns did follow this pattern and were easily identified.
4. > Genre allows audiences and institutions to make active desicions
on what they want to watch and in result of this, what they can
make to quench the demand o the audience/viewers.
> Duff suggests that each genres has it's own conventions which
evolve, and keep evolving. Unlike literary views, this is not fixed
and does change.
> Change in genre reflects the change in society. As it evolves we
see a change int he tastes of the consumers. Films are made for
entertainment, and if the taste of the audience changes then the
angle in which they approach satisfying the needs of the
consumer will then change.
5. > This knowledge of conventions can be positive and negative. It
can work to the advantage of producers as it can lead to future
passive viewing of films, however, they can also use these to
help as they can manipulate the conventions by the reactions and
expectations of the audience and make new sub genres.
6. Genre theory quotes
> "Genres are instances of repetition and difference ... difference is
absolutley essential to the economy of genre: mere repetitions
would not attract an audience" - Steve Neale 1980.
> Basically, if all films were the same and based off the same
codes and conventions, this would result in a niche audience. If
you were to produce a film you would try and cover a big
audience so the film can be well viewed and well received.
Relating this back to my film, Although we have a target audience
and it falls under a couple of sub genres, we didnt want it to be
like a normal stereotypical war film. Due to this, we used
subgenres to infuse different elements of genres and their
conventions.
7. Genre theory quotes
> "Genres are instances of repetition and difference ... difference is
absolutley essential to the economy of genre: mere repetitions
would not attract an audience" - Steve Neale 1980.
> Basically, if all films were the same and based off the same
codes and conventions, this would result in a niche audience. If
you were to produce a film you would try and cover a big
audience so the film can be well viewed and well received.
Relating this back to my film, Although we have a target audience
and it falls under a couple of sub genres, we didnt want it to be
like a normal stereotypical war film. Due to this, we used
subgenres to infuse different elements of genres and their
conventions.
