CINEMATIC TECHNIQUE
COURSE OVERVIEW
Motion Picture Production, Distribution, and
Exhibition
Chapter 1, Film Art
Genre Overview
Chapter 4, Film Art
Film Technique
Chapter 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
CINEMATIC TECHNIQUE
Genre ( zhan-rah)
A way of classifying or grouping films that leads to
analysis of various kinds
The “Western”; the “Romance”; the “Epic”; the
“Horror”
“similar, familiar or instantly-recognizable patterns,
syntax, filmic techniques or conventions - that
include one or more of the following: settings (and
props), content and subject matter, themes, period,
plot, central narrative events, motifs, styles,
structures, situations, recurring icons (e.g., sixguns and ten-gallon hats in Westerns), stock
characters (or characterizations), and stars”
(filmsite.org)
CINEMATIC TECHNIQUE
Genre : Examples
HORROR
WESTERN
MUSICAL
CINEMATIC TECHNIQUE
Genre : Examples
HORROR
CONVENTIONS
 Music: use of minor keys, discordant notes
 Setting: use of large empty spaces
 Acting: edgy, hyper-expressive, over-the-top
 Cinematography: point-of-view, use of wide
angle lenses to exaggerate perspective
CINEMATIC TECHNIQUE
Genre: Functions
 Familiarity with conventions provides viewers a visual
shorthand to access the meaning being communicated.
 Industry can track genres by popularity and target certain
genres more than others - some examples???
 Ritualistic in nature, these conventions help viewers
affirm cultural values.
 Allow for “ambivalent social values” - the celebrated
“Godfather” is ultimately a criminal, yet we can empathize
with his character.
 Helps filmmakers quickly channel contemporary public
attitudes into established story-lines - example from current
cinema???
CINEMATIC TECHNIQUE
Genre: Other Useful Concepts
 Subgenre: gross comedy, heist thriller, more
examples???
 Genre mixing: The marriage of conventions drawn from
different genres - e.g. sci-fi/fantasy meets thriller in Back to
the Future, or fantasy meets comedy in Big
Discussion questions at the end of chapter, p 127.
CINEMATIC TECHNIQUE
Genre: Assignment!
Based on the author’s definition of genre and genreconventions, write a 2-page (double-spaced) Genre
Analysis of a favorite movie. You may use the
questions provided at the end of the chapter as helpful
guidelines in creating your mini-essay.
Due date: Feb 15, before class starts.
CINEMATIC TECHNIQUE
COURSE OVERVIEW
Motion Picture Production, Distribution, and
Exhibition
Chapter 1, Film Art
Genre Overview
Chapter 4, Film Art
Film Technique
Chapter 6, 7, 8, 9, 10