2. Genre HistoryThis concept of genre is originated from the classifications systems created by Plato. Plato
divided literature into the three classic genres accepted in ancient Greece and those three
genre were poetry, drama and prose. Poetry is further subdivided into epic, lyric and drama.
The divisions are recognized as being set by Aristotle and Plato however they were not the
only ones. Many genre theorist added to these accepted form of poetry.
3. What is Genre
Genre study is an academic subject which studies genre theory as a branch of general critical
theory in several different fields, including the literary or artistic linguistic or rhetorical.
Literary genre studies is a structuralist approach to the study of genre and genre theory in
literary theory, film theory and other cultural theories. The study of a genre in this way
examines the structural element that combine in the telling of a story and finds patterns in
collections of stories. When these elements (or semiotic codes) begin to carry inherent
information a genre emerges. In art history genre theory considers the visual arts in a similar
way.
4. Film Genre
The basic genre of films can be regarded as drama, in the feature film and most cartoons, and
documentary. Most dramatic feature films especially from Hollywood fall fairly comfortably
into one of a long list of films genres such as the western, war films, horror films, romantic
comedy film, musical, crime film and many other. Many of these genres have a number of
subgeners, for example by setting or subject, or a distinctive national style for example in the
Indian Bollywood musical.
5. Action Genre
Action film is a genre where physical action takes
precedence in the storytelling. The film will often
have continuous motion and action including
physical stunts, chases, fights, battles, and races. The
story usually revolves around a hero that has a goal,
but is facing incredible odds to obtain it.
Action Film Examples:
Die Hard - A New York cop gives terrorists a dose of
their own medicine as they hold hostages in an LA
office building.
Raiders of the Lost Ark - An adventuring
archeologist races around the world to single-
handedly prevent the Nazis from turning the Ark of
the Covenant into a weapon of world conquest.
6. Thriller Genre
Thriller Film is a genre that revolves around anticipation and
suspense. The aim for Thrillers is to keep the audience alert
and on the edge of their seats. The protagonist in these films
is set against a problem – an escape, a mission, or a mystery.
No matter what sub-genre a Thriller film falls into, it will
emphasize the danger that the protagonist faces. The tension
with the main problem is built on throughout the film and
leads to a highly stressful climax.
Examples of Thriller Films:
The Great Escape - A large group of POW’s plan an escape
from a German camp in World War II.
The Silence of the Lambs - An FBI agent develops a
relationship with the notorious serial killer, Dr. Hannibal
Lector, in order to gain Lector’s assistance in the hunt for
another serial killer.
North By Northwest - Mistaken for a government agent by
foreign spies, an advertising agent travels cross-country
trying to survive.