Genre and Hybrid Genres

Definition of genre

A Category of film which is based upon key elements, style, and conventions that also conforms to a specific target audience. 

A list of different film genres:

• Action 
• Adventure
• Comedy
• Drama
• Documentary
• Horror
• Science Fiction
• War
• Historical/period 
• Musical
• Crime
• Thriller
• Disaster
• Western
• Fantasy
• Romance
• Sport

Conventions of a particular film genre

Science Fiction               

• Technological advancements
• Hero/villain
• External threat
• Usually set in the future
• May not take place on earth
• Usually based on scientific technology or principles
• Could feature a range of different fictitious creatures or aliens
• The plot may evolve around the hero trying to save other people from the dangers of the villain or threat

Horror

• Suspense  
  
• Danger
• Distress
• Death and injury 
• Hero & villain
• A solution to a problem usually undertook by the hero of the film
• Graphic scenes featuring blood and gore, plus other sorts of nasties
• Important iconography, such as weapons (chainsaws, machetes, knives, and sharp pointy gloves) and costumes 
• A location that typically has dark history to it 

Hybrid Genre

A film that features characteristics or elements of two or more different categories of film is known as having a hybrid genre. An example of this is Shaun of the Dead which is a combination of horror and comedy element. The advantage to an audience of a film being a hybrid genre is that it appeals to a larger audience. This is also the reason why most big blockbuster films are a mixture of different genres.

Some examples:

• Horror & Comedy - Shaun of the Dead, Braindead, An American werewolf in London
• Romance & Comedy (Romcom) - Knocked Up, My big fat Greek wedding, There's something about Mary
• Western & Comedy - Blazing Saddles 
• Crime & Thriller - Se7en, The Silence of the Lambs
• Science Fiction & Action - Terminator 2: Judgement Day, The Matrix, Aliens, Predator