Different genres of film

The film industry is very large and creates millions every year. When people think of the film industry, they are normally thinking of the bright lights of Hollywood and the glossy style films that are produced there. However, there are many more genres within the film industry! We are going to look at 7 different genres of film, although there are many.

The Action Genre...

Action Films act like an escape for the audience,                                 

 Action Films include the renowned James Bond.

Conventions of the action genre:

•           High energy

•           Stunts and Chases

•           Fights and Destruction

•           Explosions

•           Adventure

 Hero and Villain

The Comedy Genre

Within the Comedy genre there are many sub-genres including slapstick, spoofs and parody and romantic comedies. The obvious aim of a comedy film is to make the audience laugh, conventions of the comedy genre include;

•           Light hearted plots

•           One- Liners

 Jokes

The Crime/Gangster Genre

As the media obsession with crime, gangsters and young offenders escalates, more and more modern gangster films are being produced including 50 Cents ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin.’ This type of film focuses on the sinister actions of criminals and mobsters, conventions of gangster films include;

•           Crime

•           Armed Robberies

•           Drugs

•           Murders

•           Drive by Shootings 

The Drama Genre...

Quite possible the largest film genre, Dramas do not generally focus on special effects or comedy, Dramas are often plot driven and serious, they  portray realistic characters and life settings. Dramas are all about character development and involve life stories.

Common themes within a drama include;

•            Drug addiction

•           Racism

•           Corruption

•           Domestic Violence

•           Mental illness

Although dramas often deal with the ills of society, they seem to place the blame on an individual and not except that it is a social problem

The Historical GenreHistorical films are often very elaborate and set against a panoramic backdrop. Conventions of Historical films include;

•           Myths

•           Legends

•           Lavish Costume

•           Dramatic Scope

•           Sweeping Musical Score

The Sci-fi Genre Science fiction (Sci-fi) films are often futuristic, visionary and imaginative, conventions of the Sci-fi genre include;

•           Heroes and Villains

•           Aliens/ Outer Space

•            Quests

•           Futuristic Technology

•           Human existence being in danger

•           Often portray the dangerous, sinister side of knowledge

The Horror Genre

Our worst fears are captivated within a Horror film, their sole purpose is to scare its audience, while captivating and entertaining.  Horror films are often terrifying and shocking. There are many sub-genres of horror and they often overlap, Conventions of horror include;

•           Blood and Gore

•           Murder

•           The Supernatural

•           The Psycho killer

•           Darkness

•           Vulnerable females