Close
What is Genre Theory in Film

What is Genre Theory in Film?

Film studies provide topical training and educational support for aspiring cinematographers and those interested in filmmaking. One of the most commonly discussed topics in film school and early film studies is Genre Theory. You’ve probably heard about it before, and wondered, “What is Genre Theory in Film?” and you probably wondered what it means.

antique movie reel

What is Genre Theory in Film?

Genre Theory represents the ideas and topics surrounding various means and methods of categorizing films based on various aspects.

In essence, Genre Theory is the process of categorizing films based on various conventional factors. It represents a way of categorization that has been respected in the film industry for a very long time. 

Recognizing Genre Theory, classic characteristics may be used to categorize films.

Including the following factors, features, or recurring symbols:

  • Narratives
  •  
  • Characters
  •  
  • Filming Techniques
  •  
  • Format Features
  •  
  • Settings
  •  
  • Plot
  •  
  • Star Personas
  •  
  • Camera Shots
  •  
  • Cinematography
  •  
  • Editing Styles

What’s the Purpose of Genre Theory in Film?

Much like an audience may have specific ideas about a film when they know a specific director was involved or if there’s a specific actor involved, expectations are also devised based on the film genre.

In fact, film genre theory is utilized by filmmakers to incite a certain expectation from the target audience. 

Using Genre Familiarity, studios are able to create films that attract audience attention and drive their desire to engage and watch the film.

For example

Audiences that are not “fond” of musicals, may not see a film if they don’t believe that they will enjoy such a type of film or if they’ve never watched a musical before and appreciated it.

However, incorporating this genre into a film of an entirely different genre, such as a scene where characters sing in a musical as part of a comedy film, would potentially incite the audience to enjoy and appreciate the film.

In this instance, film genre theory is seen to actually limit views as audiences steer away from films of a particular genre simply because they think they don’t like that particular genre.

Genre Theory Impacts on Filmmaking

So, when you ask, “What is Genre Theory in film?” We’re inclined to think about the various ways that genre theory is found to impact filmmaking.

Not only does Genre theory essentially state that audiences are drawn to particular genres and have their own expectations of various film genres that could limit them from engaging in other genre or potentially change their expectations of the film based on the genre.

We see film genre theory impacting movie making in a variety of ways such as:

  • Audience: Knowing the intended audience for a film before it is created is important because the genre will potentially impact who has interest and will also impact the audience expectations of the film.
  •  
  • Marketing: Understanding genre theory is important because it can help Producers and those involved in the film to promote the film to the desired audience. People connect with specific film genres and tend to watch many of the same or similar genres or sub genres that appeal to them.
  •  
  • Time Periods:  Much of Genre Theory surrounds knowing about the era in which a film was created, especially when considering technology.

BBP Recommended Reading - The Technique of Film & Video Editing

*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Some problems exist with genre theory

When asked, “What is Genre Theory in film?” we think it’s important for you to understand the potential negative aspects of this type and style of film categorization.

Film Genre theory isn’t a perfect system and it’s not always easy to categorize a film or to apply a genre to it. Technology also deeply impacts genre theory and continues to redefine variables that are involved in the categorization.

Thus, a film that was considered an action film several years ago, may not really be that “Active” now, so is it still an “Action” film or is it something else?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *