MIGRAIN: genre

Alezey

 GENRE 

GENRE FACTSHEETS

PART 1a: 

Media Factsheet 03 - Genre: Categorising texts 

1) What example is provided of why visual iconographies are so important?

The factsheet gives the example of someone sitting behind a desk. On its own, this image is not genre specific. However, when you add high-key lighting, a  mise en scene, and a screen behind the character, these visual elements combine to create an image the audience recognises as a news broadcast. This example shows how iconographies work together to help the audience identify the genre.

2) What examples are provided of the importance of narrative in identifying genre?

Narrative helps us figure out the genre because different types of shows tell stories in their own way. For example, a problem with a boss might be serious and drag on in a soap opera, but in a sit-com, it’s usually funny and fixed in one episode. Sit-coms have stories that wrap up quickly, while soap operas keep lots of stories going at once.  So, how the story is told and what happens in it helps us know what kind of show or film it is.

3) What are the different ways films can be categorised according to Bordwell? 

According to Bordwell, films can be grouped by period or country, director or star, technical process, style, series, or audience. Each category shares common traits in story, characters, and visuals. For example, Bond films have recurring characters and themes that make the genre familiar and easy for audiences to recognise.

4) List three ways genre is used by audiences.

1. They use their prior knowledge of a genre to decide if they’re likely to enjoy a text before choosing to watch or read it.
2. They compare a new text to others in the same genre to describe or understand it better.
3. They reject texts from genres they dislike and avoid them altogether.

5) List three ways genre is used by institutions or producers.

1. Production: Producers use genres as “rules” to follow, making it easier to create new content by copying what has worked well before and avoiding past mistakes.
2. Attracting an Audience: Some genres have loyal fans who will try new shows or films just because they belong to that genre, reducing the risk of failure.
3. Marketing Texts: Trailers and promotions highlight a text’s genre by showing familiar codes and conventions to attract fans. Specialised TV channels and scheduling also use genre to target specific audiences and make it easier for viewers to find content they like.

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PART 1b: 

Media Factsheet 126 - Superheroes: A Genre Case Study

1) List five films the factsheet discusses with regards to the Superhero genre.

1. Superman
2. Batman
3. Spiderman
4. Green Lantern
5. Iron Man

2) What examples are provided of how the Superhero genre has reflected the changing values, ideologies and world events of the last 70 years?

Over the last 70 years, superhero movies have changed to match the values, ideas and world events of their time. They show what people cared about or were worried about back then, so these films aren’t just for entertainment, they also reflect what’s going on in the world.

3) How can Schatz's theory of genre cycles be applied to the Superhero genre?

Schatz’s theory works for the superhero genre because it shows how it’s changed over time. At first, it started with comics and early films setting it up (innovatior), then moved into a more classic style in the 50s with clear heroes and rules (classical). Later, stuff like Batman (1966) made fun of it (parody), and cartoons carried that on. It shows how the genre keeps changing but still feels familiar.

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PART 2: genre analysis case study

GENERAL:

                                                  

1) Why did you choose the text you are analysing?

 

I enjoy the movie and it uses suspense to keep viewers hooked, and has conventions of thriller.

2) To what genre did you initially assign the text?

Action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller

3) What is your experience of this genre?

I find this genre really exciting and fun to watch. I like the action and suspense, especially in intense scenes like in Jurassic World. The sci-fi and adventure parts make the story more interesting and keep me hooked.

4) What subject matter and basic themes is the text concerned with?

It is about bringing dinosaurs back to life and what happens when humans try to control nature. The main themes are how dangerous messing with science can be, the power of nature, and how people try to survive in crazy situations. It also looks at control, responsibility, and the consequences of what we do.

5) How typical of the genre is this text in terms of content?

It is typical of its genre because it has lots of action, suspense, and sci-fi elements like cloning and dinosaurs. It fits well with adventure and thriller movies by having a clear threat and characters trying to survive.

6) What expectations do you have about texts in this genre?

I expect these movies to have lots of action and exciting scenes, with some scary moments too.

7) Have you found any formal generic labels for this particular text? 

Yes, Jurassic World is labelled an action, adventure, sci-fi, and thriller movie. It mixes fast-paced action with science fiction and some tense moments which put viewers on the 'edge of their seat'.

8) Which conventions of the genre do you recognise in the text?

I noticed the usual themes like dangerous creatures, heroes trying to survive, chase scenes, and high stakes, and particularly in the Jurassic franchise there's the the science setting and the theme of humans messing with nature.

9) To what extent does this text stretch the conventions of its genre?

It stretches the genre a bit by showing how science is used for money and entertainment, not just for good. It also has some comedic parts that aren’t always in typical action or sci-fi films.

10) Where and why does the text depart from the conventions of the genre?

The movie adds more emotional stuff, especially with the kids and dinosaurs throughout, which makes it more family-friendly. It’s not just about action and scares but also about relationships.

11) Which conventions seem more like those of a different genre (and which genres)?

The funny parts almost make it seem like a comedy too.

12) What familiar motifs or images are used?

There’s the jungle/wild setting, dinosaurs as dangerous monsters, science going wrong, and lots of chase and escape scenes. The “monster” idea is a big one with the dinosaurs acting as threats.

MODE OF ADDRESS:

1) What sort of audience did you feel that the text was aimed at (and how typical was this of the genre)?

I think Jurassic World is aimed at loads of people, like families and anyone who likes action and adventure movies. That’s pretty normal for this kind of film since they want to reach as many people as possible and boost their movie.

2) What assumptions seem to be made about your class, age, gender and ethnicity?

The movie mostly assumes the audience is teens and adults who like exciting stuff. It doesn’t really focus on class or ethnicity. It’s for both guys and girls because there are heroes of both genders.

3) What interests does it assume you have?

It assumes you like dinosaurs/pre-historic creatures, action, and intense scenes. It also thinks you're into science stuff and big adventure stories with a bit of suspense.


RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER TEXTS:

1) What intertextual references are there in the text you are analysing (and to what other texts)?

Jurassic World has loads of references to the original Jurassic Park movies, like the music, old buildings, and even lines from the first film. It also has similar scenes, like the T-Rex roar and the raptors teaming up.

2) In terms of genre, which other texts does the text you are analysing resemble most closely?

It’s a lot like the other Jurassic Park movies, but also similar to other sci-fi action films like Godzilla or King Kong where humans face off against giant creatures.

3) What key features are shared by these texts?

They all have big action scenes, scary creatures, science experiments gone wrong, and people trying to survive.

4) What major differences do you notice between them?

Jurassic World feels more modern, with newer tech and updated graphics. It also focuses more on making the dinosaurs part of a theme park for tourists, which adds a different story line compared to the older films that were more about discovery and survival.