J A N E T B A R G M A N N

GENRE RESEARCH

WHAT IS A PARADIGM?

A typical example or pattern of something; a pattern or model.

WHAT IS ICONOGRAPHY?

The visual images and symbols used in a work of art or the study or interpretation of these. It is used in film to describe the visual language of cinema within the field of genre criticism.

SPECIFIC GENRES…

• In certain genres we expect to see specific things: In Western movies, we normally see dusty roads, cowboys, saloons, sheriffs, cowboy hats, guns, horses, and lonely towns in the desert. These ‘genre indicators’ are called the iconography of mise-en-scene or genre. • In films like James Bond, we expect to see fast

cars (Aston Martins), women (the Bond girl), guns, gun fights, bars, alcohol, helicopters, and men in suits…

SPECIFIC GENRES…

• Romantic Comedy: Girl meets guy- often one is out of the other’s league (possibly nerdy/popular etc.) but in the end they get together. There is some sort of problem that gets in the way but it all gets resolved.

 • Thriller: Always a protagonist and the story is from their point of view,

often deals with death, mysterious, all action must be credible, two themes include a desire for justice and morality of individuals, and BINARY OPPOSITION- presence of innocence in what is seen as an essentially corrupt world.

 • Horror: Vulnerable young woman often making an obvious stupid decision,

a monster, or something supernatural is the villain. E.g. something deformed or unnatural- a vampire, werewolf, Frankenstein’s Monster… Also have big scary desolate mansions or castles which are always quite remote- on the top of a hill or far away in the countryside.

 • Sci-fi: Spaceships, aliens, time-travel, a quirky protagonist with vast

knowledge of the universe. Often has a companion from earth who we can relate to as an audience.

WHY MIGHT GENRE BE A LIMITING FACTOR?

The codes and conventions can become a limiting factor, meaning they have to be produced in a certain way. Typecasting is also a limiting factor- • Kate Hudson: Usually seen in RomComs, but has been

in films like The Skeleton Key• Jim Carrey: A comedian/comic actor, but has been in

serious role, such as his character in “Number 23”

If there are set paradigms that have been changed, people can get confused. Genre can be subverted/multi-genre texts/ hybrid texts. If it’s too generalized, there is a need for subgenres. There is a limited application when it comes to newspapers, magazines and radio.

REVIVING PARADIGMS:

• Brokeback Mountain- Reviving the Western Genre, so that the audience can relate to the story. By having two gay cowboys, it is a modern way of retelling this genre.• Moulin Rouge- As it is a love story/musical, it has

been revived by the use of modern music although it is set in Paris in the last century. This film is also an example of how directors have certain styles. If you compare two of Baz Luhrmann’s films such as Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby, we can see the similarities.