Chapter 9 Film Genres 1 © 2013 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

Defining Genre Genres are groups of films that have themes, subjects, or techniques in common that unite them. Some films can fit into more than one genre. Classifying films into genres makes it easy for producers, publicists, and viewers to understand what a film is like. 2 © 2013 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

Uses of Genre Allows us to predict what sort of movie to expect Helps audiences to select the movies they attend Reviewers’ critiques compare one film to others in its genre Movie rental and retail sales organization Movie listings

4 Genre Conventions Story formulas Themes Character types Setting Presentation Stars

Analyzing a Genre Genre conventions are plot elements, themes, techniques, or icons that define the genre. Genre films may choose to revise or reject the conventions associated with them. Genre films usually offer something familiar in terms of convention, but also something new. 5 © 2013 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

Genre Problems of genre Actually defining a genre is inherently problematic e.g. What is the difference between an Action/Adventure film and a Thriller? Or between a Thriller and a Horror film? Is Seven a Thriller, a Horror film, or a Film Noir? Is Film Noir a genre?

Altman’s SEMANTIC/SYNTACTIC APPROACH 7 Semantic Approach Focus on similarities Fixed meanings, what remains constant Building blocks of the genre o Settings o Character Types o Costumes and Props o Plots/Situations o Conflicts Syntactic Approach Focus on change and development over time Variable relationships between structured elements v.

Semantic Approach The Western is a film whose action, situated in the American West, is consistent with the atmosphere, the values, and the conditions of existence in the Far West between 1840 and Syntactic Approach The Western is a genre that results from several overlapping thematic clashes: the West as desert vs. the West as garden; nature vs. culture; the individual vs. community.

Semantic Approach = broad applicability. Syntactic Approach = explanatory power.

Semantic Approach The Western hero is typically a nomadic male loner who comes to town, purges it of its savage or criminal elements, and leaves. He is often motivated by revenge and/or a sense of justice. Syntactic Approach How do variations in the Western hero represent changing images of masculinity and changing attitudes toward the history of Western settlement?

Genre History Genres are constantly changing over time, borrowing techniques from other media, and reflecting innovations. Genres become established when one film has commercial success and is imitated. Genres come in and out of fashion in cycles. Sometimes genres change by mixing with other genres. 11 © 2013 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

The Social Functions of Genres They interact with values, rituals, and social trends. Reflectionist genres reflect social and cultural processes and attitudes. 12 © 2013 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

13 Six Major American Genres Gangster Film noir Science fiction Horror Western Musical

Three Genres: 1. The Western The basic theme is conflict between civilized order and the lawless frontier. Iconography reinforces this. The typical hero falls in between order and lawlessness. Conventions reflect these themes. Innovations developed include more complex protagonists and a reversal of the portrayal of Native American vs. white civilization. 14 © 2013 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

15 Defining Elements of the Genre: Western A form of modern American mythology Wilderness versus civilization Setting: rural, dominated by landscape Duality of characters Highly recognizable visual style

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2. The Horror Film Characterized by the effect on the audience. Typically an unnatural, threatening monster and the other characters’ reactions define the genre. Iconography includes setting, lighting, and makeup. Critics suggest horror films reflect social concerns. 18 © 2013 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

19 Defining Elements of the Genre: Horror Themes of death and insanity Setting: “normal world” or rural setting; often at night Protagonist: Loner or “flawed” character Antagonist: “The Other”; with threats of infection and conversion Highly recognizable visual style

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3. The Musical Began as revues but split into the backstage musical and the straight musical. Associated with romance, children’s stories, and biopics of performers. Accentuates the positive aspects of human nature. Iconography includes backstage settings. Techniques include bright lighting, bright costumes, color, crane shots, high angles, lip synching. 22 © 2013 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

23 Defining Elements of the Genre: Musical Backstage narrative – stock characters/storylines Integrated musical – musical performances at key dramatic moments Dominated by romantic comedies and animated features

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26 Defining Elements of the Genre: Gangster Rags-to-riches-to-destruction theme Urban setting Questioning authority, institutions Protagonist: antihero, outsider Female characters: molls and mothers

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28 Defining Elements of the Genre: Film Noir Fatalistic themes, cynical tones, emphasis on corruption and despair Urban setting Hard-boiled characters Protagonist: antihero, outsider Female characters: Femme fatales Highly recognizable visual style

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31 Defining Elements of the Genre: Science Fiction Technology versus humanity theme Speculative (often futuristic) setting Protagonists: Down-to-earth Antagonists: “Others” (aliens, computers, robots, etc.)

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34 Evolution and Transformation of Genre The process by which a particular genre is adapted to meet the expectations of a changing society A hybrid may combine any combination of genres Subgenres occur when areas of narrative or stylistic specialization arise within a single genre

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