Genre #2

Lesson on genre

Genres function according to sets of rules and conventions, which govern their capacity and range. They respond to these rules and conventions by developing formulas and patterns (paradigms). Over time, these formulas and patterns may acquire not only typical, but even archetypal force, dominating ways of seeing and representing the world around us.

• Genre - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_genre
• Paradigm - the overall pattern created by a film that helps us categorize it. (iconography/structure/theme)
• Iconography -  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iconography
• Conventions - The individual elements which help specify which genre a film belongs to.                                                 Eg, the conventions of action = Weapons, violence and explosions 

As far as TV and film are concerned, the commercial idea of genre grew with the evolution of the film industry. It was particularly developed in Hollywood in the 1920's and 1930's when studios were being established. Film producers wanted ways of attracting  audiences to create profit. Their solution was to establish films people liked and produce them in large numbers. Marketeers could then give films labels so that audiences knew what to expect, luring them into the cinema. Genres thus became formulas consisting of predictable conventions that audiences enjoyed.
Certain genres are considered appropriate to certain ages/genders in society, and choices are made accordingly. Eg, teen movies "chick flicks" have expectations about the content and style, according to its genre.


Genre has both positive and negative effects. Rigorous conformity to established conventions (or paradigms) while giving the audience what they want can lead to stagnation of a genre as a "They're all the same" attitude appears. This happened to traditional Hollywood westerns and musicals as they became stale through over repetition and audiences lost interest. Only when a new type of western or musical (Broke Back Mountain or Moulin Rouge) come along that a non-niche audience is willing to watch.