4.3 Genre Conventions, Expectations, and Subversions

Film genres are like recipes, with specific ingredients that make them recognizable. These include tropes, archetypes, themes, and visual styles. Understanding these elements helps us appreciate how filmmakers use and subvert genre conventions.

Genres aren't static - they evolve and blend. Filmmakers play with audience expectations, mixing genres or deconstructing them. This keeps things fresh and exciting, allowing for new perspectives and commentary on familiar storytelling formulas.

Genre Elements

Common Components of Film Genres

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• Tropes are commonly recurring literary devices, motifs, or clichés that are easily recognizable within a genre (damsel in distress in action films, jump scares in horror)
• Archetypes are universal character types or symbols that evoke familiarity within a genre (wise old mentor in fantasy films, femme fatale in film noir)
• Genre-specific themes explore ideas, morals, or concepts that are prevalent within a particular genre (good vs. evil in superhero films, love conquers all in romantic comedies)
• Visual style encompasses the aesthetic elements, cinematography, and mise-en-scène that are characteristic of a genre (neon-lit cityscapes in cyberpunk, desaturated colors in post-apocalyptic films)

Structural Elements of Film Genres

• Narrative structure refers to the way the story is organized and presented, often following genre-specific patterns (three-act structure in romantic comedies, non-linear storytelling in mystery films)
• Character types are recurring roles or personalities that are often associated with a specific genre (quirky sidekick in buddy cop films, mad scientist in science fiction)
  • These character types often have predictable arcs or functions within the story (comic relief, antagonist, love interest)
  • Casting certain actors can also evoke genre associations based on their previous roles (Tom Hanks as the everyman protagonist, Morgan Freeman as the wise narrator)

Genre Subversion

Blending and Deconstructing Genres

• Genre blending combines elements from two or more distinct genres to create a unique or hybrid film (comedy-horror, sci-fi western)
  • This can lead to fresh perspectives and unexpected combinations that challenge traditional genre boundaries (Shaun of the Dead, Firefly)
• Genre deconstruction critically examines and breaks down the conventions and tropes of a genre, often to expose its limitations or absurdities (Unforgiven's realistic portrayal of the Western, Scream's self-aware commentary on horror clichés)

Playful Approaches to Genre

• Pastiche is an affectionate imitation or homage to a specific genre, style, or work, often celebrating its conventions (La La Land's tribute to classic Hollywood musicals, Stranger Things' nostalgic nod to 80s science fiction and horror)
• Parody satirizes or mocks the conventions of a genre through exaggeration, irony, or humor (Airplane!'s spoof of disaster films, Galaxy Quest's comedic take on sci-fi tropes)
  • Parodies often require a deep understanding of the genre being mocked to effectively subvert expectations and deliver comedic payoffs (Scary Movie series, Austin Powers)

Audience Expectations

Familiarity and Revisionism

• Audience familiarity with genre conventions allows filmmakers to play with expectations, either fulfilling or subverting them for emotional impact or surprise (plot twists in thriller films, happily-ever-after endings in romantic comedies)
  • This familiarity can also lead to predictability or formulaic storytelling if not handled creatively (cookie-cutter slasher films, generic action blockbusters)
• Genre revisionism involves reinterpreting or updating classic genres for modern sensibilities or social commentary (Brokeback Mountain's LGBTQ+ perspective on the Western, Get Out's social thriller take on horror)
  • Revisionist approaches can breathe new life into well-worn genres and attract new audiences (Mad Max: Fury Road's feminist action film, Logan's gritty superhero drama)
  • However, revisionism can also alienate traditional fans if not executed with care and respect for the genre's core appeals (Ghostbusters 2016 reboot controversy)