Genres and generic conventions

When we watch openings to certain genres of films, there are certain things that an audience will expect to see. These are called generic conventions.

Horror:

Examples of generic conventions we expect to see in a horror films are:

• blood
• murder
• an antagonist
• tense music
• 'jumpy' moments
• dark/isolated/mysterious locations
• screaming
• one character who is more brave, another character who is more scare

Action:

Examples of generic conventions we expect to see in action films are:

• weapons
• violence
• death (possibly)
• fighting
• antagonist and protagonist
• dramatic music
• attractive female
• male lead character
• a chase

Thriller:

As thrillers are quite similar to horrors and actions, the generic conventions we expect to see are quite similar. They are:

• chases
• a possible murder
• weapons
• 'jumpy' scenes
• suspense building music

Comedy:

Examples of generic conventions we expect to see in comedies are:

• slapstic humour
• sexual references (normally in adult comedies)
• things to make you laugh
• one or two main characters who are the funniest
• attractive girls are often used
• one character who is classed as a 'NERD' or is a lot more stupid
• relatable character

Rom-com:

Romantic comedies are very similar to comedy films, however they use elements of romance; hense the genre name. Examples of generic conventions we expect to see in these films are:

• sexual references
• things that makes you laugh
• relationship between a male and female
• weddings are usually involved

Drama:

Examples of generic conventions we expect to see in drama films include:

• realistic storylines
• sympathy towards one charcter
• possibly a murder
• investigators/police officers
• antagonist
• real life issue

Sci-fi:
Examples of generic conventions used in sci-fi films include:

• space
• sometimes the supernatural is included
• unusual occurences
• police officers are often used
• futuristic battles
• life on another planet

Documentaries:

Examples of generic conventions used in documentary films include:

• background information on the specific person
• their childhood is explained at the start
• voice over
• dates of important events
• brief introduction on what is going to be said in the film