Lesson 13

Introduction to Genre Theory

Recap

Source: BFI

GenreGenre

A particular style or category of work characterised by a particular form, style or purpose.

Genus

Genre Theory

Vs

Auteur Theory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9P2B7NUPfM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9QJ_S62yVo

Iconography

ToneNarrative

GenreDirectorRevisions?

Chiaroscuro lighting in German Expressionism & Film Noir

Costume

Acting

Cinematography

Iconography

Semantics (Altman)

Syntax

Overlying structure, deeper meaning, arrangement

SyntaxSemantics

Greater understanding of genre

Semantics Prohibition era, speakeasies, bootlegging, jazz, guns, suits, flappers, violence , class

Syntax Alcohol and criminality will lead to the downfall of American society. Exploration of the underclass. Critique of the American Dream.

Examples: Public Enemies (dir. Wellman, 1931), Little Ceaser (dir. LeRoy, 1931) & Scarface (dir. Hawks, 1932)

Traditional American Gangster

Semantics Immigrant life, Little Italy, xenophobia, family, guns, drugs, mafia/ mob, violence, class, police, pasta, corruption, Catholicism.

Syntax Celebration of the anti-hero, exploration of the underclass, critique of the American Dream.

Examples The Godfather Trilogy (dir. Coppola, 1972-90) Goodfellas (dir. Scorsese, 1990), Donnie Brasco (dir. Newll, 1997)

Italian American Gangster

Semantics Inner city ghettos, gang culture, rap, drugs, guns, bling, violence, class, brotherhood, drive by shootings, racism, nihilism

Syntax Exposing the failings of American race relations, results of disenfranchisement. Exploration of the underclass. Critique of American Dream

Examples Boyz n the Hood (dir. Singleton, 1991), Clockers (dir. Lee, 1995)

African American Gangster

The Western

http://www.biography.com/people/clint-eastwood-9283502

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKC8pSFg1Vw

Unforgiven -A uniquely different western

Clint on what makes a good western

The Wilderness

VS

Civilization

The individual FreedomHonourIntegrity (honesty)Self interest

The community RestrictionInstitutionsCompromiseSocial responsibility

The Western: Binary Oppositions (Jim Kitses)

NaturePurityBrutalisation Savagery

CultureCorruptionRefinement Humanity

The Western

Unforgiven (dir. Eastwood, 1992)

• Genre• Iconography• Western hero• Other characters• Representation of violence• The law• Binary oppositions• Importance of landscape• Myth