Horror
Genre ConventionsGenreA class or type of film such as the
western or the horror movie. Films belonging to a particular genre
share narrative , visual, and/or sound conventions
Genre ConventionsThe Rules of character, setting, and narrative
that films belonging to a genre generally obey
Horror
Horror Genre ConventionsMonsterVictimDisorienting/Ominous
SettingVisual: Low lighting, Extreme Camera AngleSound: Suspenseful
music, Shock cues, Unsettling/unidentifiable sounds
SubgenresA group of films within a given genre that share their
own specific set of conventions that differentiate them from other
films in the genre. Ex: The slasher film is a subgenre of
horrorHybridA film that uses the conventionsof two or more genres.
Ex: Cowboys & Aliens
Westerns
Western Genre ConventionsVisual-Props six shooters, horses,
whiskeyCostumes- Dirty/dusty, Cowboy boots, spurs
etc.Cinematography- Extreme long shots: Show rugged/inhospitable
landscape of American WestSound: Buzzard calls, gunshotsThemesHero
on outskirts- Rugged independence vs. Society. Code of honor-
usually emerges as hero riding off into the sunsetRestore law &
Order or Struggle over land (cowboys vs. Indians)Generally Post
Civil warAction Films
Action Genre Conventions Visceral thrillsMasculine heroicsOver
the top violence, spectacle, explosions, etc. Hero put in
increasingly difficult/violent conflictsVisual: Urban setting,
quick cuts, rapid transport: ex- cars, trains, subwaysSound:
Explosions/gunshots Science Fiction
Science Fiction Genre ConventionsThematic interest between the
relationship between technology & humanityThe potential of
human ingenuityspiritual/ physical costs of technological
advancement SubgenresExploration filmAlien Film (Extraterrestrial,
or Invader)Mad ScientistDystopia
Musicals
Musical Genre ConventionsGenerally theatrical in nature1920s
-1960s Song & Dance numbersLushly orchestrated music
interludesChoreographyColorful spectacleCharacter driven
romanceEmotion expressed through song
Film Noir
Film Noir Genre ConventionsBrought about by cynicism caused by
WWII- departure from lavish film characters of 1930sThe hard boiled
detectiveDown and out protagonistUsually winds up worse than when
he beganFigure of isolation who trusts no oneFemme FataleUrban
landscapeTypically include Voice Over narration
