Blog Post10-What is genre?

What is Genre?

 A genre means 'type' or 'category'.

They are used as a way to categorise different products with similar features or characteristics.

However, in Media Studies, there are different types of genres:

• Sub-Genre-A more specific generalisation of similar types of film, for instance comic fantasy
• Hybrid genre-A genre in fiction that blends themes and elements of different genres, for example, a romance story with a subplot of a mystery
• Codes&Conventions-The characteristics of the film that make it a certain genre, e.g. dark, eerie atmosphere which creates the theme of a horror movie  
• Genre Tropes-An overused convention, e.g. always having a voiceover in romantic movies to introduce the theme

My top 3 favourite genres are:

 

1.Horror

For instance, just by looking at this still, it's obvious that it's from a horror movie due to the genre tropes that are used in almost all horror films. Starting with the lighting, the room is dark and dull, and the only small source of light is focused on the girl, which makes the audience feel tension and expect something to happen. Another common convention used in this still are the dark colours, which connote death and fear. However, the actor's costume is contrasting with the theme of the room, so it can be assumed that she is in fact an 'angel' (as the colour white connotes peace and heaven) trying to fight with the darkness. It is also set in an isolated space, which suggests that she is alone and perhaps seeking help, but can't be heard.

2.Romance

From looking at this still, the audience will automatically feel the passion and love the two characters have for each other. Again, typical conventions are used to show the genre of the film. For instance, the main characters are a boy and a girl, and by looking at their costumes, it assumed that the girl is wealthier than the boy, therefore their love might be perhaps forbidden. 

Another convention used in this film is that in romantic movies, heroes tend to be men, therefore he is standing behind the girl, demonstrating that he 'has her back'.  Their bodies are close to each other, showing intimacy.

3.Comedy

Some of the conventions often used in comedies are bright lighting and colours. This is how the genre of this still could be identified-the two main characters are wearing bright, colourful costumes. It makes them look odd and stand out from the crowd. 

The camerawork is naturalistic and the characters are filmed in a way which shows that no one is better.

Their faces also hint the genre of the film.