Thursday, 27 November 2014

INTRODUCTION TO GENRE

Genre is the term for any category of literature or other forms of art or entertainment, for example, music, whether written or spoken, audial or visual, based on some set of stylistic criteria. Genres are formed by conventions that change over time as new genres are invented and the use of old ones are discontinued.

Genres can be identified by conventions, sound and editing. Conventions are what the audience associate with a genre. For example the convention of a film in the horror genre is most likely to be a dark isolated setting.

We also hear sound within films that help us define a genre. Different techniques used for different genres. For example: in family and comedy films we will normally hear a soundtrack which is non diegetic and linear to the narrative, however, in horror films and even a few thrillers, we hear contrapuntal sounds which don't fit with what is going on in the narrative.

Again to identify different genres in films editing techniques are used. In action and sometimes thriller films we see quick cuts and short duration shots to create suspense and give the feel of action. However, in romantic and family films we will see long duration of shots and less cuts, this is so we can take time to identify the characters emotions and empathise with them.

Some examples of genres are: Comedy, romance, animated cartoons, horror, thriller, action, crime, fantasy, sci-fi, family, teen, documentary, western, war, drama, indie, adult, musical and Bollywood. 

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