Genre Theorists

GENRE IS FRENCH FOR ‘KIND’ OR ‘CLASS’

The distinctive characteristics of a genre include:

NARRATIVE – similar plots and structures, predictable situations, sequences, episodes, obstacles, conflicts and resolutions

CHARATERISATION – similar character types, often stereotypical, roles, qualities, motivations, goals and behaviour

THEMES – topic, subject matter e.g. social, cultural, psychological, moral, sexual

SETTING – geographical, historical, futuristic

ICONOGRAPHY – familiar images, motifs, props, patterns, dialogue, characteristic music and sound

TECHNIQUES – filming, camerawork, lighting, editing, colour

What does Genre mean?

Producers - genre is a template for what they make

Distributor/promoter - genre provides assumptions about who the audience is and how the market films for that specific audience

Audience - a label that identifies a liked or disliked formula for the spectator in terms of anticipation of pleasure.