Exam 9: Film Genres

Social processes can be reflected in genre innovations.For example,films such as Aliens reflect the new conceptions of gender in the 1970s.

Select any film genre that has been discussed in this course.Provide two examples of conventions that are significant to the genre.Now cite two specific scenes from films that provide examples of innovative handling or unique adaptation of those conventions.

Drawing on class readings and screenings,describe the kinds of conventions and iconography used to evoke the monstrous forces at the center of the horror film.Suggest some reasons for the enduring appeal of this genre.

Drawing on class readings and screenings,describe the typical narrative patterns used to integrate song-and-dance numbers into musicals,commenting especially on the importance of romance.

A genre's iconography consists of

One characteristic of any given genre is that its form remains unchanged over time.

Sports films do not have their own plot patterns,iconography,or themes--they only borrow from more traditional genres.

John Ford's The Searchers is a major example of which genre?

Based on the genre film(s)screened or discussed or both in class,indicate two conventions of character,plot,theme,or iconography that are distinctive of the genre.Then,for each convention you select,show how the film(s)you select exemplify the genre.As evidence,cite specific scenes that use the conventions.

Which of the following is NOT a film genre?

The typical Western thematically places the hero between savagery and civilization.

Filmmakers avoid mixing the conventions of more than one genre.

Discuss the common "reflectionist" argument that genres mirror larger events and trends in society.Drawing on examples from class readings and screenings,suggest the strengths and weaknesses of this argument.

Many scholars believe that the cultural explanation of the emergence of the subgenre of family horror films in the 1970s indicated viewers'

Which of the following is NOT a convention of the romantic comedy?

Film scholars argue that genre conventions,repeated from film to film,

The Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers film Swing Time is an example of the backstage musical.

Briefly describe how ideas about genre are used by people within the film industry,by film reviewers,and by ordinary moviegoers.

The term subgenre refers to

Film Art suggests that the Western deals with "the conflict between civilized order and the lawless frontier." Drawing on readings and screenings,suggest what conventions and iconography of the Western are associated with that conflict.