Genre categorises a film in order for the audience to get a greater understanding of what world the film may live in before they’ve even watched it. Take a sci-fi film, the audience knows the plot may feature extraterrestrials or supernormal activity. In some genres films may share themes however, no genre can really be defined in a “single hard and fast way”.
Sub-genres allow the audience to become aware of the distinct and long lasting types within a genre. They usually have distinct conventions of their own and appeal to different audiences.
There is a certain usefulness to genres, they allow for easier advertising and audiences can expand on a genre they have taken a liking to easily, are just a few benefits. There are certain conventions and styles that come with genres. For example, if the genre of a film is a musical there is sure to be singing, dancing or both. If the film is a murder mystery, there’s likely to be clues and a protagonist looking to find the truth etc.
Genre iconography refers to symbols and motifs that reoccur inside certain genres. Take a zombie apocalypse film, there is likely to be zombies, abandoned buildings, terror; or an action film, there is sure to be explosions; or a sci-fi film, where there is sure to be distant planets and unusual specimens.
genre mixing is an interesting and refreshing concept that can partner even the oddest of genres to create something unique. A quite common example of this is the coupling of drama and comedy, which allows comedic relief from heavier moments within the film, allowing for the best of both worlds.
There are four significant genres of filmmaking:
The Western, which contains mainly cowboys, outlaws, horseback chases through the desert and thick accents.
The Horror film, which in short aims to horrify the audience in any way possible, no holds barred. Recently released horror films, for example, the SAW franchise, show there really are no boundaries in today’s day and age.
The Musical, which used the medium of song and dance in order to help tell a story.
And the sports film, which usually shows an athlete of any sport overcoming many challenged to find glory.
Genres help categorize films, but in no way do they really define the depth of the story, they are more of a guideline to the possibilities of what a film can be. With less stigma around what a film should or can be, the new integrations of genres are sure to create exciting cinematic pieces.
