Genre theory
- 1. Genre Theory “The word ‘genre’means ‘type or category’.To study a film as a genre involvestreatingit, not as a unique entity,but as a memberof a general category, as a certaincategory, as a certain type of film.The aim…istherefore to classify,a large number of filmsintoa smaller numberof groups.” – FilmStudiesByWarrenBuckland Genre helpsbothaudiencesandinstitutionstomake decisionsaboutwhattheywantto see and whattheywant to make to supplyanddemand. If we recognise the genre of atextitenablesusto feel athome andwe gain enjoymentfrom “spottingthe conventions” (repetition) andmakingcomparisonswithotherfilmsof the same genre. Howeverif a textdeviatesfromthe conventionsitcanconfuse us,butat the same time we enjoyseeingthe rulesbroken,providingthatthe film-makerdoesn’tgotoofar. Genre and Audiences: Genre offersaudiencesastructure orframeworkenablingustofeel secure inour knowledge. Audiencescaninfluence genresbyrevivingthem. Audiences like the anticipationof waitingforthe predictable featuresandgettinginvolvedin a text. We are more advancedthanaudiencesof the pastsimplybecause we’ve seenmore films than anyotheraudience inhistory,sowe expectgenrestobe playedwith. Buckingham (1993): “Genre is notsimplygivenbythe culture:rather,itisina constantprocessof negotiation and change’ Changesingenre reflectschangesinsocietyandourvalues.E.G.War Films,usedtobe aboutWW1/WW2 now aboutfightingterrorists Rick Altman (1999): “There isno such thingas pure genre anymore.Genre isprogressive,inthatitwill always change.” “hybridisation –orgenresburrowingconventionsfromone anotherandthusbeingmuch more difficulttocategorise” His theorysuggeststhataudiences,ingeneral have becometiredof the same formulaand needmore to keepthementertainedandtocreate appeal. Genericconventionsare athingof the past.
- 2. Tom Ryall (1978): Ryall arguesthat genresare recognisable throughthe repeated use of genericcodesand conventions,ashowwe asthe audience know ahorrorfilmisa horror film. He suggeststhatthe typesof conventionsfoundingenresmightbe groupedwithinthe followingcategories: o Iconographies:(Symbolicformsassociatedwithgenre) The use of crucifix’s(Horror) o Narrative:(Structure,open/closed) Evil thing,attacks/killsinnocent(Horror) o Representations:(Characters/stereotypes) Hot Girl alwaysdies(Horror) SportsJock (Horror) o Ideologies:(Beliefsandideasof the ideal concept,themes) Good vs.Evil Goodwin “Music videosare simplyanextensiononthe lyrics” Doesyour video: o Illustrate o Amplify o Cause disjuncture What song am I doing? Artist:Francisand The lightsft.Bon Iver o Song:Friends Genre:Pop Genre characteristicsof pop,whichI will use: o Lip Synching o Fashionable Clothing o Happy Theme o Love theme o Outdoorsetting o Young adultactors o Narrative o Close Ups
- 3. Genre Theory Positive Negative Audience membersalreadyknowwhatto expect Lazy Structure/institution It couldrestrictthe audience Everybodyuderstandsit Too much stereotype It worksand coversthe whole of media Stale,seenitall before Industryknowhowto developandmarketit Filmmaynot be backed We can challenge orconformtoit Much more expensive Couldalienate audience Further quotes from genre theorists: “Conventionaldefinitionsof genre are basedonthe ideathat theyshare particular conventionof contentE.G.themesorsetting” – Daniel Chandler “Genresare instancesof repetitionanddifference; thisiswhatpleasureforthe audience is derivedfrom”– Steve Neale “The same textcan belongtodifferentgenresindifferentcountriesortimes” –John Hartley “Genre attemptsto structure some order intoa wide range of textsand meaningsthat circulate inour culture forthe conventionsof bothproducersandaudiences” –JohnFiske “Genre is …an intertextual concept” –Kate Wales