GENRE LECTURE Before we get started Reminders Remember

GENRE LECTURE

Before we get started Reminders Remember – Don’t forget to do a film review sometime this semester. The earlier the better. � Contact Steve Escajeda at the Tejano Tribune and let him know you’d like to write a film review for the Tribune. He will let you know if this is OK, and if the film is available to review. � Your film review has to be on a recent film that has been released in theaters. � Once you get the green light from Steve, let me know when you need to write it by. Submit the Film review to me first (before Steve’s deadline of course), so I can help you tweak it for “news style” purposes. �

Film Review Reminder � Incentive – I don’t want you all waiting until the last minute to do this: So if you complete a film review during the month of October you will earn 10 extra points on your lowest grade. � Steve can be reached at 831 -2500 at the Tejano Tribune. � That being said, let’s get to the lesson:

Genres � Defining what a movie is based on certain characteristics actually dates back to Aristotle’s Poetics (350. B. C. ) � To the days of the stage plays. � Genres were defined in two ways: �With regard to what the narrative structure was, certain themes. �Who their audience would be.

Genres � Western: Film that is recognized on characters – Cowboys, American Indians, gunslingers and outlaws. The setting (wide open spaces, the saloon and inevitable gun play. � Horror: Recognized and understood on the effect it gives the audience. Suspense and dread.

Key elements of Genres � Each one has it’s pattern and basic expectations. � We are able to recognize a genre based on certain elements and storytelling. � Characters (men and women) fit certain roles based on the film’s genre.

Form and Effect - Horror When you go see a horror film you know you may get scared, be disgusted, or react in a certain manner. � Yet, we still go see these films. Why? � Scholars call it – our willingness to “suspend belief. ” � �We know it’s fantasy but we still accept it as “real” � We are also sharing the experience with others which makes it more “fun. ” (Think about roller coasters).

THE HORROR! � They target certain weaknesses �Fear of the unknown. �Demonic possession. �Dismemberment. �Monsters (imaginary and real). �Strange and unknown places. �Zombies, etc. �Common phobias. *Vertigo* �Loss of control. �Belief of fate/bad luck. of ours:

Social function of Genres help us translate our experiences in life into dramas on the screen. � This helps us better “understand” the world around us. � Good versus evil; family versus work; civilization versus the wilderness; man versus nature; � It can help us put into perspective certain events in history and in society. � �We can see things through a different lens.

The Blacklist The Mc. Carthy era. (1947 through 1959) America was at war with the Soviet Union People had their phones wiretapped and their backgrounds were looked into. � As a result, people who thought that communism was a good idea, or who were simply suspected of being communist were blacklisted. � Senator Joseph Mc. Carthy believed that Hollywood played a big role in sympathizing with Communists. � � �

Mc. Carthyism. As a result of his suspicions writers, directors, producers, actors, and every one in the industry had to testify before a “court. ” � About 300 writers, directors, producers, and actors who were suspected of having communist sympathies were put on a black list – meaning they couldn’t work in the industry. � Example – “Johnny Guitar. ” (1954 western) � Starts off with a lynch mob, and continues throughout. Director Nicholas Ray wanted to emphasize the injustices at hand. �

Other aim of Genre � To highlight the potential consequences of our actions. �In “Carrie” there is fear of what would happen if you bully somebody too much. �Carrie has special abilities and uses them for revenge. �There is a fear of sex as well – In Halloween, and other horror films, we look at the characters – typically the virgin always lives.

For Tuesday Review this week’s lecture. � Finish reading Chapter 2 – Narrative and Genre. � Complete your weekly journal. � Assignment DUE: After Watching “Bringing Up Baby, ” Answer the questions on Page 53 (Exercises 2 -1, 2 -2, and 2 -3). Note – You don’t have to answer the first bullet on 2 -1. It’s a bit confusing. �