Genre Analysis

Genre History This concept of genre is originated from the classifications systems created by Plato. Plato divided literature into the three classic genres accepted in ancient Greece and those three genre were poetry, drama and prose. Poetry is further subdivided into epic, lyric and drama. The divisions are recognized as being set by Aristotle and Plato however they were not the only ones. Many genre theorist added to these accepted form of poetry.

What is GenreGenre study is an academic subject which studies genre theory as a branch of general critical theory in several different fields, including the literary or artistic linguistic or rhetorical. Literary genre studies is a structuralist approach to the study of genre and genre theory in literary theory, film theory and other cultural theories. The study of a genre in this way examines the structural element that combine in the telling of a story and finds patterns in collections of stories. When these elements (or semiotic codes) begin to carry inherent information a genre emerges. In art history genre theory considers the visual arts in a similar way.

Film GenreThe basic genre of films can be regarded as drama, in the feature film and most cartoons, and documentary. Most dramatic feature films especially from Hollywood fall fairly comfortably into one of a long list of films genres such as the western, war films, horror films, romantic comedy film, musical, crime film and many other. Many of these genres have a number of subgeners, for example by setting or subject, or a distinctive national style for example in the Indian Bollywood musical.

Action Genre

Action film is a genre where physical action takes precedence in the storytelling. The film will often have continuous motion and action including physical stunts, chases, fights, battles, and races. The story usually revolves around a hero that has a goal, but is facing incredible odds to obtain it.

Action Film Examples:

Die Hard - A New York cop gives terrorists a dose of their own medicine as they hold hostages in an LA office building.

Raiders of the Lost Ark - An adventuring archeologist races around the world to single-handedly prevent the Nazis from turning the Ark of the Covenant into a weapon of world conquest.

Thriller Genre Thriller Film is a genre that revolves around anticipation and suspense. The aim for Thrillers is to keep the audience alert and on the edge of their seats. The protagonist in these films is set against a problem – an escape, a mission, or a mystery. No matter what sub-genre a Thriller film falls into, it will emphasize the danger that the protagonist faces. The tension with the main problem is built on throughout the film and leads to a highly stressful climax.

Examples of Thriller Films:

The Great Escape - A large group of POW’s plan an escape from a German camp in World War II.

The Silence of the Lambs - An FBI agent develops a relationship with the notorious serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lector, in order to gain Lector’s assistance in the hunt for another serial killer.

North By Northwest - Mistaken for a government agent by foreign spies, an advertising agent travels cross-country trying to survive.

These are some of the main Genres

Action Comedy

Thriller Horror

Fantasy Adventure

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