Genre theory research
- 2. What is a paradigm? • A paradigm is a typical pattern or example of something; a pattern or model.
- 3. What is iconography? • Iconography is the visual images and symbols used in a work of art or the study or interpretation of these.
- 4. List as many examples of iconography as you can associated with the following genre: The western.
- 5. List as many examples of iconography as you can associated with the following genre: James Bond.
- 6. What paradigms would you expect to find in a romantic comedy? • Love. • Then man then woman in love with is in a relationship with someone else. • Sun = happy, rain = sad. • A wedding. • A drunk night together. • A happy ending.
- 7. What paradigms would you expect to find in a horror? • Murder/blood/gruesome. • Suspense/jumpy. • Death/in a specific order • Demons/possession. • Paranormal. • When a family move to a new house. • Dark.
- 8. What paradigms would you expect to find in a science fiction? • Aliens. • Silver. • Metal. • Future. • Spaceship. • Invasion. • Time travel.
- 9. What paradigms would you expect to find in a thriller? • Suspense. • Mystery/confusing. • Action. • A concealed secret. • Viewer doesn’t know the truth until the end. • Nothing is as it seems/plot twist • Protagonist character may not be who they say they are.
- 10. Synopsis of a horror film. • The exorcist (1973). • A movie actress taking up temporary residence in Washington D.C. has her troubles. The script for the movie she's filming seems inadequate. Her ex, who is also the father of her adolescent daughter, Regan, neglects to call the girl on her birthday. And the attic has rats. Meanwhile, Father Karras, a priest and a psychiatrist, is losing his faith; and he's dealing with a sick mother who needs medical care he hasn't the money to provide. Another priest, the old and ailing Father Merrin, has just returned from Iraq with forebodings of evil. These three persons meet when the sweet and cheerful Regan turns foul-mouthed and violent. But her sickness is beyond the reach of a medical doctor or a psychiatrist. What Regan needs is an exorcist.
- 11. Synopsis of a romantic comedy. • 27 dresses. • Two things about Jane: she never says no to her friends (she's been a bridesmaid 27 times and selflessly plans friends' weddings), and she's in love with her boss, George, nurturing dreams of a lovely, romantic wedding of her own. She meets Kevin, a cynical writer who finds her attractive, and that same week her flirtatious younger sister Tess comes to town. Jane silently watches George fall for Tess, a manipulative pretender. Worse, Jane may be called upon to plan their wedding. Meanwhile, Kevin tries to get Jane's attention and has an idea that may advance his career. Can Jane uncork her feelings?
- 12. Why is genre important to both audiences and media producers? • When marketing and studying cinema it is important to know who the intended audience are so that it engages them and helps them to relate to certain producers, so that forthcoming movies are successful as they will be interested if they liked the previous movie.
- 13. Why might genre be a limiting factor? • Genre can be subverted/multi genre texts/hybrid texts. • Too generalised – the need for sub genres. • Limited application of genre when it comes to newspapers, magazines and radio.