Explain A Genre Approach

Explain A Genre Approach 

A film genre is a category based on similarities in the type of  film namely, tragic, action, comedy, crime, adventure, horror, mystery, thriller, romcom, sci-fi, etc. 


Steve Neal wrote about genre theory in films. He said "Genres are instances of repetition and differences" (Genre 1980).For example, similarities in action films are heroes/heroines, explosions, bonds between two characters, dramatic music, violence, car chases, good versus evil and happy endings. The list below includes a few examples from films. 

Car chase                            

From Commando

Action Heroes

From X-Men 

He also says that there should be similar aspects to a film and variations in the same genre. This could be seen as the overall look of the film where it looks the same, but there are subtle differences. This needs to be done to keep the genre interesting. However, each film in a genre should stick to some codes and conventions.

Furthermore, Steve Neale said that film genres "are dynamic and evolve over time"(Genre 1980).


An example of Steve's Neal's theory can be scene in the James Bond franchise. 

This s seen in James Bond's Diamonds Are Forever as compared to James Bond's Skyfall.  The use of action and the smart suit are carried over into Skyfall. However in Skyfall the action is more common as it was made in the modern day with more advanced special effects, where as Diamonds Are Forever was released 40 years ago. Also, this is what audiences are more likely to want in the modern way. 

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER 1971 

Skyfull 2012

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER 1971 

Skyfull 2012 

The problems with studying films from a genre approach is because there are films that can fit into more than one genre. This make it difficult to analyse certain aspects of a film in relation to genre. Also, films have evolved significantly and therefore older films that were classed as "Action' before may not be classed as "Action" compared to modern day "Action" films. This could be because the codes and conventions, and the film makers approaches may have changed.




The difference between a genre approach and an auteur approach is genre studies the type of film, whereas an auteur approach studies individual people such as a directors, cinematographers, editors etc. A genre approach looks at the different genres and the specific aspects of each genre. The auteur approach looks at the trademarks and styles of people in the film industry. 









References/Bibliography

Neale, S. (1980). Genre. [London]: BFI Pub.