Learning types and sub-types Genres Learning types and sub-types

The Definition Genre: A class or type of film, such as the Western or the horror movie. Films belonging to a particular genre share narrative, visual, and/or sound conventions.

Genre Conventions Films that belong to the same genre share character types and plot events. For example, one of the most crucial character types in a horror film is the monster.

Subgenres Genres change and evolve. A subgenre is a smaller cluster of films in which additional conventions are considered. For example, the horror-slasher films that depict a knife-wielding maniac differentiates itself from the early monster films.

Hybrid Films Some films fuse the conventions of two or more genres into one hybrid. For example, “Alien” uses the narrative conventions of a horror film (as the trapped explorers are being terrorized by a monster) but uses iconic science fiction visuals, as the characters are crew members who accidentally picked up an alien in space.

Major American Genres Horror Western Film Noir/Hard-boiled Detective Film Action Science Fiction Musical

Horror Conventions Classical Horror Films from the 1930’s- Monsters/Ghouls/deranged psychotics and their victims- respectable members of society struggling to contain the violence. Slasher films from the 1970’s- Monsters who terrorize teens & killing the promiscuous- the victims/survivors being ordinary kids who are cautious and resourceful- “the final girl” who taps into primal brutality.

Horror Structure The first act- the characters begin a venture into a strange and threatening setting. They stumble into a forbidden place & unleash a wave of violence often killing the protagonists. The survivors fight back, fear & fatigue lead to dissention among the group-they try to warn others or tell the police, but no one believes them. The climax- can be a dramatic (maybe apocalyptic) showdown between the main characters and the “monster” Resolution- In contemporary horror the end is often left open for the monster’s return.

Western Conventions Category 1- The male hero helps restore law & order to the community by killing the notorious outlaws. Category 2- There’s a bloody struggle between Native Americans and settlers for control of the land. i.e. “The Searchers”

Western Conventions Spacious Post-Civil War American frontier White settlers who brave rugged conditions U.S. territorial expansion v. modern industrial society Props: six-shooters, cowboy hats, horses, jangly spurs, etc.

Film Noir/Detective Popularity Its popularity is linked to the suppressed cynicism following the American involvement in WWII. The war hardened the public and they embraced films with dark moodiness v. colorful musicals. Focused on characters who are down and out. The main characters wander urban settings and crowded streets. The hardboiled detective is not genteel, but blunt The femme-fatale seeks to distract him and nothing is what it seems.

Action Film Conventions Provides a visceral thrill Excitement is produced by mayhem and carnage. Approaches- 1. super-heroic triumphs (Batman). 2. Exploitative combat scenes (Rambo) Characteristics- An emphasis on masculine heroics and over-the-top violence. Plots- The hero(es) is/are placed in difficult and violent confrontations. The action sequence becomes the central organizing feature.

Science Fiction Conventions It is the most difficult to define as in encompasses films like, “Back to the Future”, “The Fly” and “Star Wars”. The protagonist confronts a problem associated with their over-reliance on rational thought. There is a thematic interest in the relationship between technology and humanity. What are the spiritual, intellectual and/or physical costs of technological developments.

Science Fiction Sub-genres The Exploration Film- A group of travelers explore different worlds The Paradigmatic Film- The explorers travel through space, time and/or other earthly environments in the present i.e. “A Trip to the Moon”, “The Time Machine”, “Fantastic Voyage”. It also looks at benevolent invaders who encroach on earth. Unbridled Scientific Inquiry- Stems from the myth of Faust, an alchemist who trades his soul to the devil. These scientists are so fixated on their quest for scientific discovery that they don’t recognize the self-destructive consequences or their behavior. Dystopian Films- Entire societies are corrupted because “progress” is not balanced. Industrial technology is out of control & workers are reduced to mere drones i.e. “Minority Report”.

Musical Conventions Referred to as the most cinematic.