This document discusses genres in film. It explains that genres refer to groups of texts that share patterns of similarity and difference. Some of the earliest films fell into genres as studios tried to replicate success. The document lists several modern film genres and notes that changes in genres over time reveal changes in society and values. It then discusses several common elements of genres, including iconography, settings, narratives, characters, styles, themes, and intended audiences. The document suggests genres act as a bargain between producers and audiences. It also includes a quote about the three main reasons for making movies being to scare, make laugh, or turn people on, relating to three core genres. Finally, it provides brief overviews of three horror genres: psychological horror