1. Film Genre Media Studies @ KBA

2. What is Film Genre “Genre” is a French word for a literary type In film study it represents the division of movies into groups which have similar subjects and/or themes Genres help to organize the ever growing number of films made into smaller, more manageable groups. Media Studies @ KBA

3. How to define a genre Some genres may stand out by their subjects or themes. Science-Fiction features a technology beyond contemporary science. Gangster films centre on a large-scale urban crime. Musicals are recognized by their manner of presentation: singing or dancing. Media Studies @ KBA

4. Some genres are defined by the emotional effect they aim for: Amusement and laughter in a Comedy film Fear, shock and disgust in a Horror film Tension and excitement in an Action / Adventure film Media Studies @ KBA

5. Analyzing Genre Two of the most important factors in analyzing genres: Conventions Iconography Media Studies @ KBA

6. What gives films some common identity are shared genre conventions, customs or traditions, which reappear in film after film. Media Studies @ KBA

7. Conventional Plot Elements Investigation in a Mystery film Revenge in a Western Musicals will find ways to provide sing- and-dance situations The Gangster film centres on the criminal’s rise and fall as he struggles with police and rival gangs Media Studies @ KBA

8. Conventional Film Techniques Media Studies @ KBA Sombre, dark lighting is standard in Horror and Thriller films Action films rely on fast cut editing and slow motion violence Melodramas insert strong music to heighten emotional scenes.

9. Iconography Media Studies @ KBA Consists of recurring symbolic images that carry meaning from film to film. A “Tommy Gun” helps to identify the film as a Gangster film

10. Media Studies @ KBA A “Six-Shooter” revolver is a icon for Western films

11. Iconic Landscapes Media Studies @ KBA The War film takes place in battle- scarred landscapes The Horror film is set in deserted locations Science-Fiction takes place in spaceships, the future or on other planets

12. Iconic Stars Media Studies @ KBA Even stars can be Iconographic: Gene Kelly & Judy Garland for Musical John Wayne & Clint Eastwood for Western Arnold Schwarzenegger for Action Jim Carrey & Jack Black for Comedy

13. The ‘Spoof’ Media Studies @ KBA Some genres of film become so formulaic they are ‘spoofed’ or parodied For example: Scary Movie spoofs teen horror films

14. Activity Media Studies @ KBA Film GenreTypical SettingsTypical CharactersExamples of this Genre

15. Homework Media Studies @ KBA Post an entry on your blog titled: Introduction to Genre Use what you have learnt today to explain what genre is and what the terms convention and iconography mean.