How Do Film Genres Generally Tend to Originate and Develop?

Film genres represent key classifications or categories that are based largely on theories of criticism, but exactly how do film genres generally tend to originate and develop? This is a common question that has many potential answers. Looking at genre theory, and the utilization of film genres throughout the history of film, one can make several assumptions as to the origination and development of these simple, yet incredibly complex, characterizations of film which are largely based on style, form, or content.

Elements of Film Genres

Categorizing films and classifying them into a particular genre requires an in depth look at the various elements of film genre which include a review of character, story, plot and setting. Of course, a lot more goes into defining a film’s genre than a top level look at the characters or its setting or plot.

In fact, the genre is largely delineated by the combination of all of these elements as the story or action taking place in the film, the overall plot of the film, the main character of the film and the setting come together to form the genre.

The Origination of Film Genres

So how do film genres generally tend to originate and develop? To answer this question requires a look back at how film genres come into the spotlight in the first place. Film genres represent the style or theme of a film that is based on the narrative elements and aesthetics listed previously but they also have a lot to do with the underlying emotional response to a film.

But how did film genres begin? Where does the terminology and meaning of film genre originate?

Film genres are largely based on early theories of literary-genre criticism. Much like poems, stories, and other literary works fall into various genres based on underlying characteristics and elements, so too do films. The genre theory or concept originates from similar concepts and central elements of literature and theatre narration.

How Film Genres Develop

Arguments exist on a variety of potential conclusions as to how film genres developed and how the evolutionary history of film genre theory has developed over time. Some believe the genres are the result of prototypical categories.

For example, these arguments state that the word genre is used to classify and describe film and literary works but it’s also a marketing label that is sometimes used to drive viewer interest.

These individuals state that film genre is derived from the original storytelling that took place via oral, written, or theatrical performance in which many films have similar central characteristics or elements that were copied from early literature and storytelling.

A Mix of Factors

But when seeking to answer the question, “How do film genres generally tend to originate and develop?” it’s important to also consider that genre can be developed or defined by a mix of underlying factors. In addition to the narrative components of plot, setting, character and conflict, film genres are equally defined by underlying common icons, structure, techniques, stages in time or eras, and audience groups.

With that, one may argue that film genres are developed both pre-production and post-production, as they may be defined by the story that is prepared in pre-production script writing or the genre may come about as a result of post-production events or elements respective of the film.

Many things contribute to a genre

So, when looking at the question, how do film genres generally tend to originate and develop, it’s important to recognize that film genres originate from the historical literary genres that many films copy or closely resemble, and they develop both in pre-production with the script writing as well as in post-production with various other elements or characteristics including emotional reaction by the audient, underlying iconography, form, and various other elements.

In other words…it’s complicated.