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Introduction to Genre Thoery
- 2. • To beable to identify generic conventions (Level 3) • To be able to apply genre theory to specific films (Level 4) • To understand uses and gratifications theory (Level 3) • To be able to apply uses and gratifications theory to genre (Level 4)
- 3. ‘genre is arecurring type of category text as defined by structural thematic and/or functional criteria’. David Duff, Modern Genre Theory (1999) Rick Altman provides four meanings of genre. Genre as: • a blueprint • structure • a label • a contract Steve Neale describes genre theory as ‘systems of orientations, expectations and conventions that circulate between industry text and subject.’ • To be able to identify generic conventions (Level 3) • To be able to apply genre theory to specific films (Level 4) • To understand uses and gratifications theory (Level 3) • To be able to apply uses and gratifications theory to genre (Level 4)
- 4. • To beable to identify generic conventions (Level 3) • To be able to apply genre theory to specific films (Level 4) What are the benefits of using genres to both industry and audience? Cost-effective Use the same sets, costumes and props Easier to sell the film Established audiences Success on the back of others Formulaic – films already have established elements Easier to develop Associated stars bring in audiences. • To understand uses and gratifications theory (Level 3) • To be able to apply uses and gratifications theory to genre (Level 4)
- 5. • To beable to identify generic conventions (Level 3) • To be able to apply genre theory to specific films (Level 4) Each genre gives a set of gratifications. Horror scares people. Comedy makes them laugh. It is easier to choose which films to watch. Audiences are reassured by familiar form and content. Audiences enjoy seeing how conventions can be pushed and challenged. It helps measure films against each other. • To understand uses and gratifications theory (Level 3) • To be able to apply uses and gratifications theory to genre (Level 4)
- 6. For the followinggenres, outline the ideology that you would associate with each one. Genre Ideology Action Masculinity is to be championed. Violence and destruction are acceptable. There is a strong sense of right and wrong. One person can make a difference. You do not have to be perfect to be a hero. Comedy Horror Rom-com Thriller Western • To understand uses and gratifications theory (Level 3) • To be able to apply uses and gratifications theory to genre (Level 4) • To be able to identify generic conventions (Level 3) • To be able to apply genre theory to specific films (Level 4)
- 7. It islimiting for directors/writers as there must be certain criteria adhered to. Some argue that films do not occupy specific genre’s and these labels are outdated for most modern films. The organic nature of film’s form and content prohibits them from being categorised in any meaningful way. • To understand uses and gratifications theory (Level 3) • To be able to apply uses and gratifications theory to genre (Level 4) • To be able to identify generic conventions (Level 3) • To be able to apply genre theory to specific films (Level 4)
- 8. Daniel Chandler: Conventionaldefinitions of genres tend to be based on the notion that they constitute particular conventions of content and/or form, which are shared by the texts which are regarded as belonging to them. Mind map the following genres for the list of conventions below. • Horror • Science Fiction • Drama • War • Crime • Fantasy Form Content Iconography Theme Mise-en-scene Narrative Cinematography Setting Editing Ideologies • To understand uses and gratifications theory (Level 3) • To be able to apply uses and gratifications theory to genre (Level 4) • To be able to identify generic conventions (Level 3) • To be able to apply genre theory to specific films (Level 4)
- 9. Steve Neale: Genresare instances of repetition and difference. Difference is absolutely essential to the economy of genre: mere repetition would not attract an audience Can you think of any examples of films which have stretched or challenged the ideas of the genre they belong to? Memento is a conventional thriller in terms of plot – Protagonist seeks revenge against his wife’s murderer. Yet the narrative style creates the generic divergence in being told backwards. • To understand uses and gratifications theory (Level 3) • To be able to apply uses and gratifications theory to genre (Level 4) • To be able to identify generic conventions (Level 3) • To be able to apply genre theory to specific films (Level 4)
- 10. Horror Science fictionComedy Action • Slasher • Creature Feature • Hauntings • Zombies • Vampires • Supernatural • Gothic • B-Movie • Psychological • Alien Invasion • Comic Book • Virtual Reality • Outer Space • Fairy Tales • Cyborgs/ Robots • Lost World • Post-apocalyptic • Futuristic • Star Wars • Buddy • Coming of Age • Fish out of water • Slapstick • Screwball • Teen • Stoner • Parody/Spoof • Black Comedy • Cop • Blockbuster • Comic Book • Epic • Family • Heist • James Bond • Espionage • Swashbuckler • Treasure Hunt • Samurai • Prison • Martial Arts
- 11. • To beable to identify generic conventions (Level 3) • To be able to apply genre theory to specific films (Level 4) Texts often exhibit the conventions of more than one genre. Alien bears the iconography of a Science Fiction film (setting, props, characters), but the stylistic approach of a Horror – extreme close-ups and heavy use of low-key lighting to unsettle audience. • To understand uses and gratifications theory (Level 3) • To be able to apply uses and gratifications theory to genre (Level 4)
- 12. • To beable to identify generic conventions (Level 3) • To be able to apply genre theory to specific films (Level 4) Watch the trailer for Cloverfield and decide what genres/sub-genres it is a hybrid of. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKG_-UeONNw • To understand uses and gratifications theory (Level 3) • To be able to apply uses and gratifications theory to genre (Level 4)
- 13. Information • findingout about relevant events and conditions in immediate surroundings, society and the world • seeking advice on practical matters or opinion and decision choices • satisfying curiosity and general interest • learning; self-education • gaining a sense of security through knowledge Personal Identity • finding reinforcement for personal values • finding models of behaviour • identifying with valued other (in the media) • gaining insight into one's self Pick 3 of the genres that we have looked at so far and break down the uses and gratifications that you think an audience would get from these films. McQuail, Denis (1987) Mass Communication Theory: An Introduction • To understand uses and gratifications theory (Level 3) • To be able to apply uses and gratifications theory to genre (Level 4) • To be able to identify generic conventions (Level 3) • To be able to apply genre theory to specific films (Level 4)
- 14. Integration and SocialInteraction • gaining insight into circumstances of others; social empathy • identifying with others and gaining a sense of belonging • finding a basis for conversation and social interaction • having a substitute for real-life companionship • helping to carry out social roles • enabling one to connect with family, friends and society Entertainment • escaping, or being diverted, from problems • relaxing • getting intrinsic cultural or aesthetic enjoyment • filling time • emotional release • sexual arousal Pick 3 of the genres that we have looked at so far and break down the uses and gratifications that you think an audience would get from these films. McQuail, Denis (1987) Mass Communication Theory: An Introduction • To understand uses and gratifications theory (Level 3) • To be able to apply uses and gratifications theory to genre (Level 4) • To be able to identify generic conventions (Level 3) • To be able to apply genre theory to specific films (Level 4)