Remember to examine how different genre theories can be applied to the text
Introduction
Introduction
Genre can be defined as the way a text can be categorised with other texts based on reoccurring elements and similarities. Genres are usually employed by producers because markets are already established, companies can become specialised and reuse things/be skilled in the practice. Gledhill, 1985, suggests, "genres are not discrete systems consisting of a fixed number of listable items". This means that the idea of genre is fluid, open to interpretation and that it is sometimes difficult to categorise texts into a genre, as there are no 'rules' which attribute a text to a particular genre. My AS film opening Captive can be analysed in terms of the conventions it uses in order to suggest a genre. Chandler suggests that genres can overlap, as is evident in our film, a horror-thriller. Lacey states that "there are repertoires of elements that work together to suggest a genre", these can provide a useful framework for analysis, and are as follows: setting, character, iconography, narrative and style.
- Setting
Abandoned WW2 site, isolation... Compared to Cabin in the woods e.g. (isolation)
- Character
Use of young male protagonist (Stock Character) and young child female antagonist . Challenges Propp's theory of stock characters - Steve Neale - Difference is absolutely essential in the economy of genre but trend in modern horror films such as the ring, juxtaposition of a child form (frequent connotations if innocence) against an evil character....BINARY oppositions - Levi Strauss - Good/Evil
- Narrative
Enigma code (Barthes) - Build in tension, influenced by the rising soundtrack and leaving on a cliff hanger. Challenging Todorov's equilibrium theory and genre conventions generally, reinforcing an above quote. Use of time manipulation devices - flashbacks
- Iconography
Props - dolls, blood, rope, Cameras
- Style
Colour correction, editing fast cuts, disorientated camera work with POVs
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