Essay Plans

Question one

"Genres must adapt in order to survive"- Discuss

INTRO- definition of genre
- it is dynamic
- talk about slasher genres target audience and how it relates to question

YES I AGREE-

- although they must conform to audience expectations, genres also need to change in order to capture the zeitgeist of the time

- there is new technology which means that there can be more special effects made and therefore genres can be changed to be made different

- cultural differences and how times have changed...teenagers are more liberal...go on dates etc...slasher is therefore a genre which needs to surprise and shock audiences

- there is more competition in the industry and therefore films have to compete and therefore be innovative and original.

NO I DON'T AGREE

-audiences have certain expectations of the film and therefore it should stay the same to satisfy their preferences

- the slasher genre always conforms to a set of conventions which define it as that genre it shouldn't be changed as thats how it is classified..."if it's not broke..don't fix it!"- could talk about differences between the two TCMS...or compare psycho and switchblade romance

Conclusion

Overall i believe that genres do need to adapt to survive as it must adhere to the spirit of the age and the different ways of living now taking place.....however to some extent it should adapt as the slasher genre for example needs to fulfil its audience expectations so that they are satisfied.


Question 2

"Can we determine genre from mise en scene alone?"

INTRO- what is mise en scene?
- how does it show the different conventions in the genre?(what aspects)
- which genres and films will you talk about and why isit relevant?

YES I AGREE-

-mise en scene is important because it shows all the conventions...
aspects such as:
costume
lighting
makeup
props
setting

...all important as they show the main conventions and audience expectations....i.e. things like blood etc....ICONOGRAPHY...

NO I DON'T AGREE

there are several other factors which determine the genre...

-repertoire of elements is important...

- media language(style)...fast cuts can determine the pace and mood of the situation...slow cuts...show build temsion....all adds to suspense which determines slasher genre

- sound is important- music....diegetic?...contrapuntal?...adds to tension and suspense

narrative theories- the final girl
- binary oppositons- night and day, good and evil etc.
-equilibrium theory
- narrative enigmas

Conclusion-

mise en scene is important to an extent...

however other factors also determine the genre and these include aspects of media language such as sound and style and also the narrative and theories...these are all significant in determining the genre.