The Classification of Films in Specific Genres - Literature review Example

Film Genres Short Essay Introduction In his article, Film/Genre, Rick Altman strives to explain the need for the classification of films in specific genres. In doing this, he outlines some of the common film genres thus investigating the unique features of each genre that helps distinguish the numerous genres. He explains that classification is vital in the study and growth of the film industry. He alludes to the numerous other classifications in the contemporary society in underscoring the need to classify films. Classification of films according to genres is the most appropriate mode of classification that ensures the growth and appreciation of the film industry. In doing this, the film critic therefore outlines specific features that influence the classification of films since they contribute to the uniqueness of each genre. Among the film genres are comedy, thriller, epic and horror among many others. The film critic contends that people may classify films differently thus validating the existence of numerous genres. Despite the relativity of the classification system, the author further outlines numerous markers of a genre thus helping in the identification and classification of films in the industry. Key among the factors he presents is that “genres have clear stable identities and border”. Such is a fundamental explanation that film developers and critics consider in order to understand both the industry and the specific films. Every film genre is unique to the thematic issues represented and the tools used by the developers in representing the themes (Schatz, 2003). Altman therefore alludes to the features of film to develop the boundaries and identities of every film. This enhances the classification of films thus the consumption of such vital media products. In classifying films, the critic therefore explains that people must investigate the generic blueprint of films this implies that each film genre has specific attribute, which he explains as the boundaries and clear stable identities. Every film must therefore portrays the features attributed to every film (Tudor, 2006). This enhances the consumption of films thus the growth of the industry. Finally, the critic refers to the audience as the most influential party in the consumption of film. He therefore explains that the audience must identify and recognize that the film belongs to a specific genre. Audiences develop their preferences depending on the thematic issues that every film addresses and the genre among others. This makes the film classification in genres important in enhancing the consumption of film. The audience therefore recognizes attributes of a film that help them classify the films in specific genres. To help distinguish the uniqueness of every genre, the critic explains that every genre specific structural, topical and corpus placement. This explains that among the fundamental factors that help classify films in specific genres is the themes addressed in the films and the film structures. This enhances the consumption of the media contents as the audience easily identify with the topics addressed in every film. Such classification is vita since it helps the consumers analyze and criticize the films thus evaluating the ability of the developers to position a film in a particular genres and meet the demands of the consumers. He however acknowledges the fact that films in different genes may share some fundamental characteristics. This may compound the classification process thus resulting in the placement of a single film into two or more genres. This often arises from the specific thematic issues and the structures that different developers may use in producing a film. Horror is a key film genre. Numerous film moguls have produced horror films throughout the history of the industry. The consistency of the genre to date validates some of Altman’s arguments key among which is that the genres are trans-historical. This implies that the genres have remained the same throughout the history of the film industry. While numerous other film genres arose along the history, horror is among the genres that have remained consistent throughout. Horror as a genre of film seeks to provoke adverse emotional reaction in their audiences. This provokes fear in the audiences. In order to do this, the developers of such films use have consistently portrayed particular themes that help elicit such reactions from their target audiences. Key among the themes are supernatural and macabre among many others. The success of every horror films relies on the creativity of the developers to abide by the rules that define every film genre. Produced in 1960, Village of the Damned, is a British horror film of a gothic caliber. The developers of the film place the plot in a prehistoric society in the 1630, a period in which the existence of witches was a crime though commonplace. Every feature of the film is strategic to the portrayal of the horrific themes. The society for example is essential since it validates the actions. The fact that the audience cannot corroborate the claims owing to the earlier placement makes it easier for the developers to explore such horrendous themes. The story in the film revolves around a vengeful witch who returns from the grave in search of her look alike descendant. The search turns into a bloodbath as the witch and her fiendish servants kills anyone who comes between them and their quest. The boundaries of a horror film for example remains limited to the need to elicit fear in their audiences. As such, the developers of the film address numerous themes that can help achieve this. Key among the themes is witchcraft. The topic remains under investigated and often misunderstood by many. This leaves room for speculation, an opportunity the developers of The Village of the damned exploits in enhancing the action in the film. Haunt is yet another theme that remains uninvestigated (Altman, 1999). The relationship between the living and the dead through spirits is a feature of the film that compounds the gravity of the factors the developers of the film address in the film. The vagueness that surrounds the themes provides a conducive ground for the developers of the film to explore thus enjoy the success the film received when it opened. The events in the film are extraordinary including such supernatural features as resurrection and haunt among many others. The film is characteristic of other horror films as the developers represent specific horrific themes that elicit fear from their audiences. The structure and the thematic issues addressed in the film corroborate the claims of Altman among other film critics. References Altman, R. (1999). Film/Genre. New York: bfi publishing. Schatz, T. (2003). The structural influence: New directions in film studies. New York: OUP. Tudor, A. (2006). Genre. London: British film institute. Read More