Film Appreciation 2015: Lecture 5: Genre Theory

Summary

This lecture delves into genre theory, explaining how genres categorize films and literature based on audience demand and specific rules. It explores the economic and cultural significance of genres, their role in marketing and audience expectations, and the potential for innovation within genre conventions. The discussion also touches on sub-genres, iconic elements, and the blending of genres to create unique works, using examples like 'Casablanca' and 'The Matrix' to illustrate genre's dynamic nature.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Genres are categories or classifications for films and literature, often based on the demands of audiences.
• 🗄️ The existence of specific sections in a DVD shop, like horror or romance, indicates a market demand for those genres.
• 📚 Genres have a set of rules, including themes, styles, and subject matter, but also allow for creative freedom within those rules.
• 📈 The development of genres, such as graphic novels and their film adaptations, shows how demand drives the creation of new categories.
• 🎭 Iconic figures like Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins are credited with popularizing genres like horror and detective fiction.
• 🎭 Genres provide a sense of security for filmmakers, investors, and audiences by offering tried and tested formulas.
• 💡 Theories by scholars like Rick Altman and Steve Neale suggest that genres are not just about entertainment but also about social and cultural functions.
• 🔄 Genres must adapt to reflect changes in social and cultural attitudes to avoid becoming stale and to maintain audience interest.
• 🎭 The role of the audience is crucial in genre theory, as their expectations and reception influence the development and success of genres.
• 🎭 Genre blending, as seen in films like 'Casablanca' and 'The Matrix', challenges traditional genre boundaries and can offer fresh perspectives.

Q & A

What is the primary function of genre in film and literature?

Genre serves as a way to categorize and classify films and literature, providing a sense of familiarity and expectation for audiences. It also helps in the marketing and targeting of specific audience segments.

How does genre theory relate to the demand and supply of films?

Genre theory suggests that genres are created by demand, meaning that the existence of a particular genre in a DVD shop or cinema indicates a market demand for that type of film.

What are the major classical genres in literature?

The major classical genres in literature include epic, tragedy, lyric, comedy, and satire, along with novella and short story.

Why is there a sense of freedom within the rules of a genre?

There is a sense of freedom within the rules of a genre to allow filmmakers and writers to experiment and innovate, which can lead to the evolution and freshness of the genre.

How do genre conventions help in the film industry?

Genre conventions help in the film industry by providing a predictable framework that makes it easier to market films, secure financing, and manage audience expectations.

What does John Fiske's perspective on genre contribute to the understanding of genre theory?

John Fiske emphasizes that genre is understood intertextually, meaning that our understanding of a genre is shaped by our previous experiences with similar texts within that genre.

How do sub-genres differ from overarching genres?

Sub-genres are more specific categories within an overarching genre, defined by particular characteristics that distinguish them from other films within the same broader genre.

What role does iconography play in genre analysis?

Iconography in genre analysis involves identifying and interpreting cinematic objects, events, figures, and visual conventions that help distinguish one type of film from another.

Why might genres become stale, and how can they be revitalized?

Genres can become stale due to overuse and lack of innovation. They can be revitalized by introducing less predictable and more imaginative elements that reflect changes in social and cultural attitudes.

What is the significance of audience expectations in genre theory?

Audience expectations play a significant role in genre theory as they influence the types of films produced and the adherence to genre conventions. Filmmakers and producers rely on these expectations to secure financing and market their films.

How does genre blending challenge traditional genre classifications?

Genre blending challenges traditional genre classifications by combining elements from different genres, creating films that do not fit neatly into a single category and offering audiences a more complex and varied viewing experience.