Lesson 13

Introduction to Genre Theory

A particular style or category of

work characterised by a particular

form, style or purpose.

Costume

Acting

Cinematography

Iconography

Semantics Prohibition era, speakeasies, bootlegging, jazz,

guns, suits, flappers, violence , class

Syntax Alcohol and criminality will lead to the downfall

of American society. Exploration of the

underclass. Critique of the American Dream.

Examples: Public Enemies (dir. Wellman, 1931), Little Ceaser

(dir. LeRoy, 1931) & Scarface (dir. Hawks, 1932)

Semantics Immigrant life, Little Italy, xenophobia, family,

guns, drugs, mafia/ mob, violence, class, police,

pasta, corruption, Catholicism.

Syntax Celebration of the anti-hero, exploration of the

underclass, critique of the American Dream.

Examples The Godfather Trilogy (dir. Coppola, 1972-90)

Goodfellas (dir. Scorsese, 1990), Donnie Brasco

(dir. Newll, 1997)

Semantics Inner city ghettos, gang culture, rap, drugs,

guns, bling, violence, class, brotherhood, drive

by shootings, racism, nihilism

Syntax Exposing the failings of American race relations,

results of disenfranchisement. Exploration of the

underclass. Critique of American Dream

Examples Boyz n the Hood (dir. Singleton, 1991), Clockers

(dir. Lee, 1995)

Unforgiven -

A uniquely

different

western

Clint on

what makes

a good

western

The individual

Freedom

Honour

Integrity (honesty)

Self interest

The community

Restriction

Institutions

Compromise

Social responsibility

Nature

Purity

Brutalisation

Savagery

Culture

Corruption

Refinement

Humanity

Unforgiven (dir. Eastwood, 1992)

• Genre

• Iconography

• Western hero

• Other characters

• Representation of violence

• The law

• Binary oppositions

• Importance of landscape

• Myth