lesson 13 introduction to genre theory. a particular style or category of work characterised by a...
TRANSCRIPT
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
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
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
