Genre in films:

Discuss some of the ways in which formulas are repeated in film texts, and account for the popularity of this practice.

Genre – a definition• A genre is a type of film, but it’s also a

system of signs used by filmmakers and audiences to make meaning.

• Specific genre can be defined by typical plots, characters, themes and cinematic techniques.

Genres exist in the film industry for a number of reasons:

• To capitalise on successful formulas by repeating them in slightly different format

• To differentiate the producer’s product + target specific audiences

• Economic efficiency• Audience expectation• Framework for director’s style• Way for reviewers + audiences to

differentiate

Narrative formulas

• Films often work with narrative technique which is so popular it has become known as classical narrative structure

• Classical narrative structure is tried and tested method for producers

• ? Story told in chronological order with a clear beginning, middle and end – easy to write, produce and act

• So common can apply lots of theorists: Todorov, Propp, Branigan

Cinematic techniques

• Camera techniques re-used to establish genre e.g. noir = unconventional angles, closed frames, creature feature = ?

Iconography

• Iconography in genre develops through repetition

• Defined by Bordwell and Thompson as “recurring symbolic images that carry meaning from film to film”

• Refers to objects, settings, physical attributes, colour symbolism

• e.g. cigarettes, trench-coat, trilby = iconographic of noir’s angst-ridden hero

Plot• Genre can also be defined by conventional

storylines e.g. in Bond films, hero always completes a dangerous mission

• Creature features: clash of man (civilised) and monster (uncivilised) often within Manhattan setting

• e.g. King Kong, Godzilla, Jaws, Alligator, Jurassic Park

Characters in genre…

• A genre film also uses stock characters or types that fit into these plot formulas

e.g. noir = hero (Hartigan), femme fatale (Gail), villain (Yellow Bastard), weaker female (Becky), corrupt cop (Jackie Boy)

e.g. creature feature = hero (Driscoll), heroine (Darrow), villain (Denham)…

Representation + stereotyping

• Representation: when filmmakers use character types to establish roles quickly giving a restrictive mental picture = stereotype

• E.g. Driscoll – feeble writer, natives – savages, Kong – savage

Stars

• Stars images are another generic convention associated with character that can be used by filmmakers.

• E.g. Bruce Willis as action adventure hero, Alba as feisty, ‘kick ass’ heroine, Del Toro as depraved baddie