Film Types: Genre
The genre of a film is the filmic DNA of what you associate a particular group of films to be like. The genre sets up a system of expectation for what the audience expect to see from that particular film. The gene is one of the most crucial ingredients to know before watching a film as the common expectation and film iconography stays the same therefore you know what the film will contain and how it may end before the film has began.
The system of expectation has two pathways. The repetition of which every viewer looks for when watching the film, to see if it follows the typical genre and expectations. Secondly there are the differences. The differences in which repel against the typical expectations the audience will look for which will take the climax to a whole new level.
The genre can be a very wide and varied study which can be very complex when looking at the scientific side of the brain, and why we associate particular things with other objects or actions but for this lesson we are focusing on the basic terms of genre.
What things are we looking for in a film too make up the genre?
Narrative
Characterisation
Basic themes
Setting
Filmic techniques
Iconography
Narrative
The Narrative contains similar plots and structures for example, the beginning, middle and end. Which is what you associate every film to have or it wouldn't be a film. The narrative allows the audience to understand what is going on in order to put things together for example, the box in the middle of the room that you saw being taken earlier on in the film may suggest it is stolen and hidden away for a pacific reason.
The narrative may contain predictable situations for example horror films, where the main character finds out about a abandoned building or area and goes to investigate with only a torch and little communication and then some sort of evil character or characters haunt the main characters and potentially kill them. This is normally what we associate horror films to be like as they all have the similar storylines for the audience to identify the film as a horror which makes the storylines somewhat predictable.
Next the narrative always contains the sequence. The way in which the story is being told through the plot. What kind of structure the sequence may have.
The narrative may have episodes instead of one sequence being the film. Do the episodes link? for example, does the second episode continue from the previous episode, having the same story, characters, plot and setting or is every episode completely different? different characters, stories with the similar plot and slightly different background but the same basis story?
Lastly, the narrative may consist of various obstacles, conflicts and resolutions. The different obstacles and problems that the characters may come across and how they may be resolved.
Characterisation
Characterisation consists of similar types of characters. Such as the main woman character being eye-catching wearing hardly any clothes suggesting they are looking for a male hero to be a sidekick. Or there is the damsel in distress where the woman is always seen as weak and helpless and she is stereotypically seen as woman. Some films may go against this stereotype. The protagonist and antagonist characters of the film, i.e Harry Potter; the protagonist and Voldemort; the antagonist.
The roles within the characterisation of a genre are usually the same too. These are the jobs that certain characters usually do ie rom-coms have business people and horror films have stupid teens.
Personal qualities may come into characterisation, meaning what a certain character may be like.
Motivations, meaning why the characters do what they do.
The characters goals and ambitions and the sudden change of plans.
The characters behaviours and roles.
Basic themes
Topics eg actions such as a terrorist attack would always be the same. Usually in action or adventure.
The subject matter, being social, cultural, sexual, moral, professional or political. What is the film talking about and what category does it come in?
The pattern of meaning
Setting
Where are you geographically and why?
Where are you historically and why? what does the setting and time say about the film and what may this imply? what are your first thoughts and reaction. For example, sci-fi films being in space and in the future or romantic comedies being in the city. Is the film set in the past present or future?
Filmic techniques
These may be less obvious
Stylist or formal conventions of camerawork for example, a wide shot showing the landscape and setting of the film maybe with a pan movement is usually seen in western films to show the isolation. Horror films may use point of view shots (POV) puts the audience in the character.
Lighting for example, a romantic comedy will have natural lighting or for it to look like there is natural lighting. A lot of lights make the scene look like the natural world. Thriller/horror films have low, dim lighting maybe strobe or key to show importance of facial expressions and the necessary actions. Low lighting put the audience in the scene and makes it more scary as you can not easily see.
Sound-recording making the world natural with sound effects (SFX) or is the world non-natural? does the director want the world to come across as fake but interesting and fun? how would the director want you to think and feel. Walle is an entire fake world but made to look real. The world is completely made up of recorded sound effects, backing music, action sounds, scenery sounds, visuals e.t.c
Use of colour and grading. Tv programmes are made to look natural and real. What does the colour grading say about the genre? what feel do you get from it? The apprentice is blue. If you look into the eyes of someone who has blue eyes, it makes their eyes stand out very bright. Why may the director want the programme to be blue? what does this say and how does the audience feel? It may make you feel more nervous and scared for some of the characters as they enter the board room. The jump is also blue. Colour grading is meant to look subtle and natural and you wouldn't know about the colour grading if you was not looking for it. The outside is always blue, our eyes correct it so that we see colours as they are. This is where editing is key as they have to have the right lights and right positioning and editing to be able to correct the films colour grading. This may be hard if there are bright red or opposite colours.
Editing for example, sci-fi or action films tend to be really fast paced action shots to build up tension.
Viewers are less conscious of such conventions than of those relating content. If you look closely at some dead characters with blood over them, you may be able to see them slightly breath or the blood on top of them move. This is usually only seen when you are looking for it.
Iconography
The icons eg props, mise-en-scene, characterisation, setting and narrative may all associate something? may imply what is going to happen.
May have a familiar stock of images or motifs.
The connotations of which have become fixed
Primarily but not necessarily visual, some time aspect may imply something later on or it may change the viewers opinions. May also set the film into a genre or crossover.
Decorations, costume and objects may associate. The red and black clothing of a character may suggests they are a antagonist as the dark colours suggest danger, death and blood.
'typecast' performers may be icons
familiar patterns of dialogue
characteristic music and sounds. May suggest their mood and happiness of their personality
appropriate physical typography for example, space in the future, dark and rainy whether may suggest horror. Sci-fi films may have flying cars, intense rain, technology discopian future which means that we are messing up the future and the planet. We are washing away the sins of the earth?
We may have difficulty understanding genre from still-need context. This is where we may have crossovers, hybrid genres or sub-genres.
A cross-genre, also known as a hybrid genre is a genre in fiction in which blends two or more different genres together. Examples of cross-genres may be:
Action comedy (action and comedy)
Romantic fantasy (romance and fantasy)
Tragicomedy (tragic and comedy)
Dark fantasy (horror and fantasy)
or, crime fantasy (crime and fantasy)
A sub-genre is the most common within films as films are usually conveyed into more than one category. A sub-genre contains a main type of genre such as action or romance based upon their distinctive matter, iconography (what it is and what points make the film to be under the genre for example lethal weapons may be horror or action/crime). Here are some examples of sub-genre's:
Biopics which is the term used to combine biography and pictures together.
Chick-flicks which are a combination of 'chick' flicks or gal films and romantic comedies.
Disaster films which is a sub-genre of action films.
There are many, many more leading on from these too. A sub genre is a genre that leads off of the main type of genre to give the audience a more detailed title of what they will be expending before watching the film. Sub-genres can have multiple combinations of films as the film may not fit into one category. This is where the study o genres can get a whole lot more complicated if looked into. Comedy is the biggest sub-genre but there are also parodies, slap-stick, rom-com and gross-out.
The film; Groundhog day is a Rom-com fantasy and the film Psycho is a slasher, thriller or detective. One film that really does not fit into any category is Jon Malkovich as it really is just a combination of all sorts. As a filmmaker, we need to confuse the audience and be able to break the rules as much as possible so the film does not follow the typical rules. If we can not make our film stand out from others then what is the point?
How can we categorise Horror as a genre? what are the conventions that make up this genre?
foreboding atmosphere
pov shots to be character
long edits, fast paced shots, tension
vulnerable protagonist characters, love interest
jump scares
predictable storylines
houses/woods/abandoned environment
nursery rhymes?
spooky music and sound effects
dark lighting
sub genres may be possession or gory
blood, death, weapons
antagonist characters
The film is always determined by subject, theme and iconography. What is the emotional effect on its audience? for example, thriller the audience is scared for the character where as in horror films, the audience is the character.
The plot of the horror films are usually where the monster attacks then the characters hunts the monster which is where problems occur.
Iconography - where may the monster or antagonist lurk? there is lots of make up to present both the protagonist and antagonist characters, low budget films, usually have disgusting films or explicit actions which determines on the age rating.
Val Lewton, Cat people stated; "Our formula is simple. A love story, three scenes of suggested horror and one scene of actual violence. Fadeout. It's all over in less than 70 minutes!"
Genre's make-up
A genre's make up gives strong suggestions to what category the film may fit into. For example, the clothing and make up may suggest certain things and representations of what the audience may have on that character. This is because the hair, clothing and make up is what makes the character presentable which gives off stereotypes. The character may be gothic, nerdy, smart, thick, skilful, dangerous e.t.c which is shown through there presentation. Here are other examples to why make up is so important:
Natural make up may suggest the character is a protagonist and is going day by day in her natural worry free environment
The character may be hurt therefore the make up may present the character as having bruises, blood down their face and swollen areas of skin.
The make up may present the character as being ill with puny white skin.
The character could be tired with dark circles
The character may be a monster or antagonist with sharp outlines and dark, dangerous lips. Maybe in horror films to, no mascara but completely white skin with may cuts and scars to look scary
As you can see make up has a very big impact on the character and the implication we may make about them. The make up and look of the character could easily set our visions of what that character is going to do and bit like through the film.
To summarise genres, they are easy to recognise but hard to find especially as there are crossovers. You need to fully develop your ideas for films, fully understand and look into it then justify your decisions. A genre almost gives the audience a title for what the film will be like, crossovers and sub-genres give a more detailed explanation for the audience but by knowing what genre it is, you will know whether you may like the film or not.
My own film analysis - Hacksaw Ridge
What is Hacksaw Ridge about and when was it realised?
Hacksaw Ridge follows the extraordinary story of Desmond T. Doss whom plays a medic during World war 2. The film is based upon a true story which is said to be 100% honest without no exaggerating or dramatic scenes. The story starts when the American soldier was young and fighting with his sibling as per usual until the fight got out of hand and Desmond hit his brother over the head with a brick. He nocked him unconscious and could of potentially killed him. His drunken father would have beat him if it was not for his religious mother whom only saw the good in him. Desmond starred at the religious poster on the wall in their house which said "Thou shalt not kill" from the Sixth Commandments. His mother then said; "It's going to be okay" "If you murder, its the worst thing of all, to take another man's life is the most degrease thing in the world son. It hurts his heart so much." Desmond grew up to be a US army medic to save lives. He refused to even touch a weapon of any sort and instead he managed to save 75 men in Okinawa after the US soldiers had vacated back to camp. He managed to reach the enemies base undercover and saved lives within the enemy grounds without not one weapon. He lived by the quote; "Just one more, please God just one more" as he made his treacherous journey across the enemies grounds with throbbing hands from carrying the soldiers. He was the first ever man to win the Congressional medal of honour. The film fits in the Drama film/History journey and is 2 hours 19 minutes long. The film was released on the 4th November, 2016.
The true story of Desmond Doss:
A news paper in which contains more about the true story of this noble hero: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/05/hacksaw-ridge-okinawa-fake-glamour-of-war-mel-gibson
Here is what I also found out about the history of the film: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2119532/trivia
This screenshot I took provides evidence that in fact the film is not at all exaggerated, in fact it is only a small extract of the true story. Desmond Doss himself became globally known and did not want to put too much into the film or he did not feel that the viewers would believe it. Therefore he was forced for the story to be shortened. The film truly is a must see as the extraordinary true story really does leave a big impact within your mind for a long time after.
Narrative
The narrative within this film is much different to others. Hacksaw Ridge is not your typical drama/historic film as its genre does not meet the same requirements. The beginning of the film introduces you to the character Desmond Doss as a weak character whom can not handle a gun, however throughout the story, the narrative begins to twist as the character' Doss shortly becomes the strongest character of all whom the story is based around. At the beginning we get hints of the character Doss as that is the character the story follows from the start. We see him develop as a person and grow into an adult which makes us question who he really is and what he is really capable of in the future. The shot at the very end shows Doss being injured and carried away up high in a stretcher. This suggests his true power of a human being as the camera movement is a low angle shot looking up beneath him in the stretcher as he is being carried to safety. We could imply that he goes to heaven after being a true soldier.
Characterisation
The only typical characterisation throughout this film would be the protagonist Desmond Doss whom is the protagonist of the film. You can see the real conflict between good and bad as the protagonist and antagonist teams are in battle with one another as the protagonist characters lead from the left to right of the screen and the antagonist characters lead from right to left. They are also wearing different uniforms in order for the viewers to identify who is who.
Basic themes
The basic theme of the film is War. The film is about the second world war in which the film is set in Okinawa where the US army is against the enemy in order to save the world from being attacked. In the film, you can see the conflict between both teams as there is dramatic motion blur, freeze frames and mood changes in the setting, sound effects and ambient sound. The motion blur gives the audience a sense of heroism as soldiers are being killed and injured. It gives the audience a emotional relation to the film as the viewers may have had previous experience, stories or relations to what is happening in the film and vivic visuals throughout the scenes. The mood changes from light to dark as the bright, fairly colourful sky shows hope that the soldiers will be okay, and that they are able to see their families again. Whereas the contrasted darkness and grey shadows with the moody sky suggests the darkness is over them, that there is little to next no hope that they are able to make it out of Hacksaw Ridge alive. The whole theme of good and bad contrasts between each and every detail of the film. The clothes, the setting, the characters, the loudness and pitch, the sound effects. What can you hear? what do you see? are their shootings? is everything muffled as if you are being shot and have fallen in a trance where there is confusion of what is happening? what is going on for the audience to think that something bad is about happen. How can this be resolved? what will the heroic soldier; Doss, do to save everybody. The viewers listen to every little word and sound effect as their eyes are going from one explosion to the next to find an escape route in order to see Doss cross it.
Setting
The setting is relatable. The audience may have been in the world war themselves, they may know friends or relatable that had been injured or killed in the war. They may have strong knowledge of what happened. They may wish to watch the film in order to emotionally connect with their relatives who may had passed away or killed in the wars presence. They may feel a sense of hope or insecurity watching the film. What makes me want to watch the film again and again? The graphics scenes, the sound effects and detailed noises which allows you to feel close to the characters and Doss as you feel as if you are there. The story could potentially be inspiring? what do we learn from the film? could the film inspire others to see sense or to change their visions on the world. What does this film inspire you to do? The film certainly inspires me, not because I am religious like the main character Desmond Doss but because I believe also that it is wrong to kill. I could never dream of hurting anyone let alone killing or taking a life. This film really connecting me on an emotionally level as the setting, the graphics, the sky and where the film is placed gives people strong intentions of what is right and wrong. It shows what people can really be capable of if they really believe.
Filming techniques
The use of POV shots sets the viewer and the heroic eyes of the main character. The use of pan movements show the danger and destruction around them. It gives the audience a sense of insecurity as they are afraid for the characters in the film. Even though they know that Doss is a hero and he will make it out because that is the typical feature of every film, the hero always stays alive. However every minute of the film, the viewer is put on the edge of the seat wondering if their intentions are wrong. The use of the low angle shot at the very end reflects on the goodness of the main character. This gives a flashback for the audience which allows them to remember and think over everything this character has done in order to go to heaven. The character is being lifted up high in the stretcher as the light begins to peer out from the darkness and over him, making him a silhouette. This shows him potentially going to heaven or a safer place down where there is no more war or darkness for him to him to emerge from.
Iconography
The fact that Doss was the very first character shown, means he is different in some way, shape or form. He is first seen as a knowledgeable boy whom only sees the good in the world just like his mother. The scene follows on to show the backing story of Doss's religious family. It shows him fighting with his brother and having flashbacks of when his dad nearly shot his mother. His dad was never a really good father to him which meant he didn't always have the love he may of needed. His mother was very loving and caring. She never saw a wrong bone in his body which implies Doss is going to grow up into a strong and independent young man. He knew that fighting with his brother was very wrong and he knows not to do it again. Learning from this mistake shows the audience he is not perfect as he still carries wounds from the past which are shown through his flashbacks. However he has the will to carry on which is the same will we saw inside him from the beginning of the film.
How does the film fit into the drama/historic genre? Hacksaw Ridge shows the historic nature of what it was really like during WW2. It shows the pain, the sacrifices, the law obedient soldiers and how they do not adapt much to change as it is the way of the law. It has the true facts and information of what really happened and it allows for the viewers to touch with their family and loved ones. The drama is shown through the motion blur, the freeze frames, the dramatic acting and facial expressions. It emphasis on the true basis of the story to make the viewers engaged into the story instead of the film just being a documentary. The film has really quotes and real actions of what really happened therefore the audience feel as if they are watching the real story unfold beneath their eyes.
Make up
The make up is one of the most significant parts of the film. It adds detail and contrast to not only those who are injured, but to those who aren't as-well. It shows depth, emotion and adds a real-life feel to what the movie is really about. The make up in this still shows the pain and emotion of the main character Desmond Doss. His bright eyes contrasting the dark and deep scars represent him being the symbolic icon in which everybody looks up to. The other soldiers, country and even potentially the world will be looking up to him in order to save the lives of the innocent. His hard helmet is shown as amour as the dangerous environment could easily kill all the soldiers. The fact that he is wearing armour and particular clothing to be identify as a American soldier, makes him no different look-wise to any other soldier fighting for their country. The fact that the make up has made his rosy red cheeks covered in dirt amongst the blood and scars over his face but less dirt in his T-zone and around his face suggests the director and make up artists want the viewers to pacifically notice him from the other soldiers. There is less dirt on the centre and around his eyes as the make up artist want the audience to recognise him, they want him to look special and identifiable even though he is wearing the same clothing.
The make up in this still here shows him a lot more cleaned up before war starts once again accept you can still see the remaining scars and bruises beneath his skin as the hurt and the pain still lingers over his body. The make up artist want you to notice a difference between the scars of war and the scars he had earlier in the movie from his own soldiers as the scars from war always remain the same. Earlier in the movie, Desmond Doss was brutally beat up while he was sleeping by the other soldiers while he was still in training. The other soldiers and captains wanted Desmond Doss gone as he was different and would not even touch a weapon. They made his life a living hell in order for him to quit. If you noticed the severe make up then, which was bruised and swollen eyes, blood dripping down his face and all over his pillow, scratches and slits down his back and down his nose. However, although he was beat up very bad by the other soldiers, the next day he looked just fine, no slits, no scratches or marks, and no bruises. Whereas here, the first day of fighting was brutal but not anywhere near as bad as he was beaten up. This shows that the fact that Desmond Doss had a few days to recover and clean up but the scars are still over his body and face, means that the make up artist and director wants you to see the pain his going through. The outside of his body contrasts what he may be thinking and feeling. The second day of war, he is injured and suffering before it has began once again. What does this suggest? will the audience be scared for Doss? will he make it out alive? we will have to wait and see...
Lastly the make up here on the lady makes her look warm and inviting. The light pink lips, pale, smooth skin with fair eyebrows make her very inviting and shows her innocence. In a sense it makes the character look weak and helpless which is very stereotypically but predictable in most movie cases. The fact that Desmond Doss has a 'weak' and 'innocent' lady waiting for him back home puts a lot of pressure on him to survive when in the line of fire. She looks very flirtatious which suggests that is the only thing she may be good at as she does not have the strength or will power to become a hero like Desmond Doss. He is giving her a bible to symbolize hope and good will, this will keep the relationship and love strong when not together. You can tell this is a drama movie as the typical 'heroic' character get the lady of his dreams and falls in love. The drama does not stop their as their love is put on hold when Doss ends up in prison then later on in the line of fire out in Hacksaw Ridge.
