FILM 1502 1nd Edition Lecture 16Outline of Last Lecture I. Discuss readingOutline of Current Lecture I. What is the primary purpose of genre and how does it relate to film marketing and financing?II. How does genre tie into audience expectations?III. Does genre change over time?Current LectureGenre Basics: What is genre and why does it matter? 10/28Q1: Film genre has historically been a way to market to particular audiences (TRUE)Genre - Film genreo Trajectories and dynamism-constantly changing o Cultural ritual-Christmas movies during Christmas time, Halloween, etc. Genre becomes a form of expectation for film Culture and history inform genre- Problems: different definitions and structureso Film noir: anti hero, dark shadows (film cycle-occurs over a set period of time)o No specific stylistic aesthetic - Who decides the genre? Audience, marketers, studiosGenre Pre-history- Stagecoach (John Ford, 1939)o Classic western-east vs. west, good vs. evil, manifest destiny- Genre and expectations—choose not to go see a film b/c of genre expectations ex. Horror- Early genre—ex. Actuality o The scenic, historical event films (Birth of a Nation)o Studio unit productions-genre became more complex MGM-Arthur Fried Unit (musicals) Universal-horrorThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.Paramount decision of 1948- Film labor - Splintering of studio power—used to own studios, market and theatreo Did not own theatres anymore-open for independent film productions o Media marketing: exploitation cinema (making independent films that know can sell) vs. the musical- Important: got rid of contracts with directors for many films-one film contracts, economic issues,cut down on production - Genre is a sales tool Genre conventions- Character types and plot lines (good guy wins, good vs. evil, taming of the west)- Iconography: images with a specific pattern connotation or meaning - Generic formulas- Disagreements - Genre hierarchy o Genreo Sub genre Genre revisionism o Hybrid genre - Primary genres-comedy, westerns, drama, musical, horror, science
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