Genre
This weeks reading discussed the idea of film Genre. After a quick lesson of the etymology of the word ‘Genre’ – the reading discussed how to define a genre within filmmaking. The reading defines a genre as a tool to help analyse a film rather than evaluate one.
The reading then discussed the process of what makes a genre – subsequently, it then stated that there is no simple way in defining a genre, but that many films share genres to make it more complex. In order to make a genre more specific, the reading introduced the idea of subgenres to help analyse a film. Genre and Subgenre categories have proven to be extremely useful as a way to direct an audience to certain films – they will know what to expect when a movie is associated with a certain genre.
When analysing a genre, the audience recognises familiar conventions from other films within that genre – these conventions or ‘patterns’ help shape what the audience expects to experience.
Interestingly, the reading then discusses the origins of genres and how film genres began by borrowing conventions from other types of media such as plays, operas etc.
Subsequently, the reading then discussed the idea of genre mixing to give the film more complexity, and allows for the development of film history by providing the audience with a unique experience.
Finally, the social functions of genres were explained and how, in society, genres can be paralleled to ritualised dramas or ceremonies. Genre can also be a tool to reflect the society of the time through using devices such as particular themes, imagery, values etc.