The film industry is very large and creates millions every year. When people think of the film industry, they are normally thinking of the bright lights of Hollywood and the glossy style films that are produced there. However, there are many more genres within the film industry! I am going to look at 7 different genres of film, although there are many.

Films were not really subjected to genre analysis by film historians until the 1970s. Until the 1970s films where not generally specified as a particular genre, film genres help to categorise films, allowing more meaningful comparisons.

Not all films fit directly into 1 genre, the new ‘hybrid’ films may overlap genres. Similarly, not all films are identified by genre, the auteur system categorises films on the basis of expression. For example;

• Woody Allen will signify a comedy film to the audience• Alfred Hitchcock implies suspense and thrillers.• John Ford and John Wayne are associated with westerns• Errol Flynn is commonly known for the classic swashbuckler adventure films.

Action Films act like an escape for the audience, Action Films include the renowned James Bond.

Conventions of the action genre:

• High energy

• Stunts and Chases

• Fights and Destruction

• Explosions

• Adventure

• Hero and Villain

Within the Comedy genre there are many sub-genres including slapstick, spoofs and parody and romantic comedies. The obvious aim of a comedy film is to make the audience laugh, conventions of the comedy genre include;

• Light hearted plots

• One- Liners

• Jokes

As the media obsession with crime, gangsters and young offenders escalates, more and more modern gangster films are being produced including 50 Cents ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin.’ This type of film focuses on the sinister actions of criminals and mobsters, conventions of gangster films include;

• Crime

• Armed Robberies

• Drugs

• Murders

• Drive by Shootings

Quite possible the largest film genre, Dramas do not generally focus on special effects or comedy, Dramas are often plot driven and serious, they portray realistic characters and life settings. Dramas are all about character development and involve life stories.

Common themes within a drama include;

• Drug addiction

• Racism

• Corruption

• Domestic Violence

• Mental illness

Although dramas often deal with the ills of society, they seem to place the blame on an individual and not except that it is a social problem.

Historical films are often very elaborate and set against a panoramic backdrop. Conventions of Historical films include;

• Myths

• Legends

• Lavish Costume

• Dramatic Scope

• Sweeping Musical Score

Science fiction (Sci-fi) films are often futuristic, visionary and imaginative, conventions of the Sci-fi genre include;

• Heroes and Villains

• Aliens/ Outer Space

• Quests

• Futuristic Technology

• Human existence being in danger

• Often portray the dangerous, sinister side of knowledge

Our worst fears are captivated within a Horror film, their sole purpose is to scare its audience, while captivating and entertaining. Horror films are often terrifying and shocking. There are many sub-genres of horror and they often overlap, Conventions of horror include;

• Blood and Gore

• Murder

• The Supernatural

• The Psycho killer

• Darkness

• Vulnerable females