1. Dystopia-Genre Victoria Blunden
“If a person can tell me the idea in 25 words or less it’s going to be a pretty good movie” – Steven Spielberg.
“I always hope that if one million people see my movie, they saw a million different movies.” – Quentin Tarantino.
Victoria Blunden

2. Generic Conventions of Dystopian films
Themes:
Dystopia is the opposite to utopia, utopia is a perfect world however dystopia is when the unexpected happens which usual results in panic. For example in IRobot Chicago gets destroyed and taken over from the bad robots and everyone gets put in danger. This is an example of dystopia. Everything is unpleasant or bad in dystopian films . Typically the movies are totalitarian or environmentally unpleasant .
Dystopia explores postmodern theme Ideas as the narratives tend to be challenging by using pastiche to offer hybrid genres. In 28 days later you see most of the film after the humans get infected, this is an example of narratives that usually happen in the aftermath of a disaster. Most post – apocalyptic ‘disasters’ are usually created by us humans but go wrong, resulting in survivors struggling for existence, for example in rise of the planet of the apes scientist create a drug to cure Alzheimer's disease and experimented on a chimpanzee. These films create the feeling of a new beginning, survival and re-birth of humanity. For example the ending of the film 2012.

3. Character Types 28 days later
Groups/tribes (animal like) who seek to profit from violent anarchy. Hero encounters these tribes who want to destroy him. He confronts them on their terms (savage, anarchic responses)
Human survivor group - small group from the pre-apocalyptic modern world, struggling to survive in the savage new world. Hero helps them & they remind him of the past modern world and its humanity (and offer hope for the future)
Heroic male protagonist
28 days later
The Helper – Often from the other side or race such as an alien, who assists the hero in his quest for resolution.
This is what we character type we are going to use for our male lead character for our film
‘Post-Modern Cowboy’ - loner, pushed into action, constant threat and violence for him (survives against the odds).

4. Sub genre in Dystopia
Most dystopian films tend to have an underlying genre which is known as a sub genre. The three most commonly seen sub genres are;
Horror – This genre presents a chaotic world with zombies or mutants involved as the main threat to the human race. Which are usually created from human genetic research. Good examples of this include I am Legend (2007), 28 days later (2002), World War Z (2013) and Dawn of the Dead (1978).
Science Fiction is another commonly seen sub genre in dystopia . Science fiction usually involves a sense of ‘science gone wrong’ where the future is being controlled by a greater power or influence. Relating to fears in society which plays with both the characters and audiences’ emotions. For example The Terminator (1984), The Matrix (1999) and Blade Runner (1982)
Finally Post- Apocalyptic – involves end of the world fears and examples with limited survivors. This involves the idea of Darwinism (survival of the fittest). A good example of this is Planet of the Apes (1968) and Mad Max (1981).

5. Historical Context
1990s to now – The main fear from the 90’s and now is the fear of cloning, genetics, environmental disaster, dystopia themes, using postmodern ideas of hybrid genres and pastiche. Two good examples of this are 28 Days Later (2002) and District 9 (2009)
Pre War(1920s) – The fear of big brother style scenarios when other influences are controlling you. The fear of mass production, totalitarianism. An example of this fear is the movie Metropolis (1927)
1970 /1980 – During these years the main fear was of technological advancements, genetic modification, robotic and computer power. E.g. Blade Runner (1982) and The Terminator (1984)
Post War – Cold War fears, the fear of a nuclear Armageddon and another war. The fear of both post apocalyptic ideas and invasion from mutants or aliens. E.g. Planet of the Apes (1968)

6. Trailer Conventions
Key conventions include - short key clips from the film teasing the audience without giving away too much crucial details of the plot of the film.
Genre – The Genre is clearly shown to appeal and entice the target audience.
Narrative – hints at both main characters and the plot , Often in a 3 act structure: Part 1 establishes the storyline, part 2 shows the dramatic developments and the final section hints at the climax without giving too much away.
Voice over – a voice over helps anchor the key points of the film.