Identifying a GenreBy Kate Willson

Semantic/ Syntactic Approach

SemanticThis is concerned with the conventions of the genre that

communicate to the audience such as characters, locations, props, music, shooting style and other Signifiers

SyntacticThis is concerned with the relations between these elements and the

structure of narratives in genres E.g. in romantic comedy we expect the potential lovers to begin by not liking each other

There are then a series of meetings/ problems (enigmas) which culminate in their successful relationship

SyntacticThe genre I have been looking at in my research is Horror. The generic syntactical approach to horror, would normally start with the introduction to the people and the location of where it is going to be set, in the case of ‘Paranormal Activity’ it is set in a house, where a couple are living. Most of the film, is set in their bedroom, or other rooms around the house. The films climax is when the couple realize that there is something, or someone else living in their home, which may be out to get them. This can also be seen on the trailer for the movie.

Paranormal Activity Trailer

SemanticThe genre which I am analyzing for my research is Horror. There are many certain semantic traditions of horror, that can be very noticeable in many different films.

In my research I looked at ‘Paranormal Activity’ it opens with an introduction to everything which is going and to set the scene. There is so many different styles of lighting which happens in the trailer, these include a night light, so a green light, this is seen when the audience is showing sat in the cinema, looking terrified, with what is happening in the movie. The sound which theyuse is dailogue, as well as effective, Dramatic music, to make the movie more scary and to give it more suspense.