Steve Neale's genre theory explained!

Summary

The video explores the concept of genre, emphasizing how it evolves over time while balancing conformity and innovation. It explains how genres classify texts based on conventions but must also adapt to maintain audience interest. The example of superhero films showcases this evolution, from the early 2000s' traditional comic book adaptations like Spider-Man to the more modern, comedic, and music-driven films such as those in the Marvel universe. Ultimately, genres are dynamic, constantly changing to stay fresh and relevant while still adhering to familiar elements.

Takeaways

• 😀 Genres are a way of classifying texts based on shared conventions and expectations.
• 😀 A genre can be identified through recurring themes, settings, or character types (e.g., sci-fi, zombie films).
• 😀 Genres evolve over time by borrowing, adapting, and subverting conventions to keep them fresh.
• 😀 Audiences enjoy familiarity, but too much repetition can lead to boredom, making innovation crucial.
• 😀 Steve Neale's theory of genre suggests genres are defined by both repetition and difference.
• 😀 Repetition in genre provides familiarity, while difference ensures ongoing audience interest.
• 😀 Superhero films evolved from early 2000s conventions (e.g., *Spider-Man*) to modern ones (e.g., *Thor: Ragnarok*).
• 😀 Early superhero films featured dramatic color schemes and comic-book-style villains, while modern ones incorporate humor and contemporary soundtracks.
• 😀 The superhero genre still retains key conventions like heroic costumes and world-threatening villains, despite changes in tone and style.
• 😀 The evolution of genre ensures that it stays relevant, engaging, and reflective of cultural shifts and audience tastes.
• 😀 Genre evolution reflects a balance between maintaining core elements and introducing new features to keep the audience interested.

Q & A

What is the concept of genre in the context of media?

Genre is a way of classifying a text based on its set expectations or conventions. It helps categorize works like films, books, and games according to their common traits, such as themes, settings, and character types.

How do Star Wars and Zombie films fit into their respective genres?

Star Wars is classified as sci-fi due to its space setting, advanced technology, and spaceships. Zombie films like 'Zombieland' and 'The Walking Dead' belong to the zombie genre because they share common themes of survival and zombie apocalypses.

What challenge do genres face as they evolve?

Genres face the challenge of maintaining familiar conventions while also evolving and adapting. If they rely too heavily on repetition, audiences will lose interest, but if they evolve too far, they might lose their genre identity.

What did Steve Neale's theory on genres propose?

Steve Neale's theory suggests that genres are instances of repetition and difference. A text must conform to some generic conventions to belong to a genre, but it must also introduce differences to keep the genre fresh and engaging for the audience.

Why is it important for genres to maintain both repetition and difference?

Genres need repetition to give audiences the familiarity and comfort of expected conventions, but they also need differences to ensure the genre stays interesting and avoids becoming stale.

How has the superhero genre evolved over time?

The superhero genre evolved significantly from the early 2000s to today. Initially, superhero films like 'Spider-Man' were vibrant and dramatic, sticking closely to the comic book style. Over time, films like 'Iron Man' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy' introduced more humor, contemporary soundtracks, and a less serious tone.

How did early superhero films differ from those of the 2010s and beyond?

Early superhero films, like 'Spider-Man' and 'X-Men', had a more dramatic and sometimes campy tone, with vibrant colors and comic-book-like storytelling. Modern superhero films, such as those in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, tend to have more humor, contemporary music, and a grittier, more complex narrative style.

What role does comedy play in modern superhero films?

Comedy has become a key feature of modern superhero films, starting with the success of films like 'Iron Man' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy'. This shift to a lighter, funnier tone helps distinguish contemporary superhero films from the more serious films of the early 2000s.

How do conventions in superhero films continue to persist?

Despite evolving styles and tones, conventions like the hero’s costume, the presence of a villain, and a narrative centered around stopping a global threat remain constant in superhero films. These elements are still used in films like 'Justice League' and 'Thor: Ragnarok'.

Why is it important for genres to evolve over time?

Genres must evolve to keep audiences engaged and to avoid becoming predictable or stale. If a genre fails to adapt and innovate, audiences may lose interest, leading to a decline in its popularity. Evolving genres allow creators to explore new storytelling techniques while maintaining the core identity of the genre.