Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary goal of the financial/organizational approach in the film industry?
What is the primary goal of the financial/organizational approach in the film industry?
- To enhance creative freedom for filmmakers
- To increase the diversity of genres produced
- To cater solely to critical acclaim
- To guarantee success with minimal risk (correct)
Why are more films of a certain type produced?
Why are more films of a certain type produced?
- Because audiences respond positively to them (correct)
- Because they require less budget
- Because critics prefer those types
- Because they are easier to market
What do critics use to assess the distinctiveness of a film?
What do critics use to assess the distinctiveness of a film?
- The film's runtime and budget
- The popularity of the actors involved
- The number of films released that year
- Identifiable characteristics of the films (correct)
How does genre in film theory facilitate understanding among filmmakers, audiences, and critics?
How does genre in film theory facilitate understanding among filmmakers, audiences, and critics?
What aspect of film does genre theory NOT address according to the provided content?
What aspect of film does genre theory NOT address according to the provided content?
What is a key characteristic of sub genres in film?
What is a key characteristic of sub genres in film?
Which of the following is NOT identified as an element defining Caribbean Cinema?
Which of the following is NOT identified as an element defining Caribbean Cinema?
How do audiences generally approach sub genre films?
How do audiences generally approach sub genre films?
Which of the following best illustrates the relationship between genres and their broad classifications?
Which of the following best illustrates the relationship between genres and their broad classifications?
What can be concluded about the term 'comedy' based on its description?
What can be concluded about the term 'comedy' based on its description?
What time period is primarily associated with the Western genre?
What time period is primarily associated with the Western genre?
Which of the following is NOT typically a setting in a Western film?
Which of the following is NOT typically a setting in a Western film?
Which character type is typically found in Western films?
Which character type is typically found in Western films?
Which costume element is NOT commonly associated with the Western genre?
Which costume element is NOT commonly associated with the Western genre?
What type of conflict is commonly found in Western plots?
What type of conflict is commonly found in Western plots?
Which of the following is a typical cinematic element in Western films?
Which of the following is a typical cinematic element in Western films?
Which genre is recognized chiefly by its manner of presentation, such as singing and dancing?
Which genre is recognized chiefly by its manner of presentation, such as singing and dancing?
In terms of genre definition, which aspect is often recognized as central?
In terms of genre definition, which aspect is often recognized as central?
What is the primary purpose of identifying elements of a genre?
What is the primary purpose of identifying elements of a genre?
Which of the following is NOT typically considered an element when identifying a genre?
Which of the following is NOT typically considered an element when identifying a genre?
What type of setting is commonly found in gangster films?
What type of setting is commonly found in gangster films?
In terms of character types, which of the following is associated with police thrillers?
In terms of character types, which of the following is associated with police thrillers?
Which costume element is characteristic of science fiction films?
Which costume element is characteristic of science fiction films?
What common cinematic element is found in thrillers?
What common cinematic element is found in thrillers?
Which plot scenario is often associated with gangster films?
Which plot scenario is often associated with gangster films?
How do production companies respond to popular genres in films?
How do production companies respond to popular genres in films?
What type of character is commonly found in mystery genres?
What type of character is commonly found in mystery genres?
Which element is usually a plot element in horror films?
Which element is usually a plot element in horror films?
Study Notes
Genre
- "Genre" is a French word meaning "type."
- It is used to define different types of literature, music, and film.
Identifying Genre Elements
-
Settings:
- Gangster films: large-scale urban environments
- Science-fiction films: technologically advanced societies
- Westerns: life on some frontier
-
Character Types:
- Police Thrillers: The Informer, The sidekick, The Squad Captain
- Mystery: Detective, Femme Fatale, Foreign Spy
-
Costumes and Props:
- Gangster: Trench Coats, Fedoras
- Science Fiction: High concept fashion, Space suits
- Fantasy: Tunics, Sandals, Armor
-
Cinematic Elements:
- Thrillers: Somber lighting
- Horrors: Lots of blood and gore
- Action films: Rapid cuts and slow-motion sequences
- Romantic dramas: Lots of non-diagetic music
-
Plots/Situations/Conflicts:
- Mysteries: Usually involve an investigation
- Gangster Films: Usually involve the gangster’s rise and fall
- Hong Kong martial-arts films: Usually involve loyalty to one’s teacher
Genre and the Film Industry
- Production companies reproduce elements of popular films to attempt to replicate their financial success.
- This includes repurposing production assets like costumes, props, and settings.
- If audiences continue to respond positively to a film type, more films are made within that genre.
- Film critics use the identifiable genre characteristics to assess a film's distinctiveness or conformity, as well as audience tastes.
The Western Genre
- A distinctly American genre typically set between 1860 and 1910.
- The stories are set during the period of American western expansion.
- The genre popularized characters like Wyatt Earp, Jesse James, Wild Bill Hickok, Crazy Horse, and Geronimo.
Western Genre Elements
-
Settings:
- Desert
- Saloon
- Train Station
- Brothel
- Homestead
-
Character Types:
- Good Guy
- Bad Guy
- Cattle/Land Barron
- Saloon Keeper
- Sheriff
- Cowboy
-
Costumes:
- Stetson hat
- Bandanna
- Gun belt
- Chaps
- Ruffle skirts/petticoats
-
Plots/Scenarios/Conflicts:
- Crime (bank robbery, cattle theft)
- Chase Scenes
- Retribution/Revenge
- Native v.s Colonial
- Damsel in Distress
-
Cinematic Elements:
- Wide shots of desert
- Cavalry trumpets
- South Western American Folk music
Subgenres
- Genres can be broad categories that fit many films.
- Subgenres are devised to describe more precisely what films are like.
- Examples include: Action/Comedy, Sci Fi/Horror, and Back Stage Musical.
- Subgenres offer a familiar base with a twist.
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Description
Test your knowledge on different film genres and their defining elements. From settings and character types to costumes and cinematic techniques, this quiz covers the essentials of genre identification. See how well you understand the nuances that make each genre unique.
