Focus: Film Genre Analysis

For this assignment you will be doing a genre analysis of a film. I suggest you pick a film that you are familiar with as it will make your analysis easier. However, make sure it is a GOOD film and not a "fluff" piece that has very little substance to it either cinematically or from a storyline perspective.

Refer to the Prezi on film genres and the handout on Blackboard on Film Analysis Terms.

A genre analysis should cover the following:

1) Identify the actual genre of film you are analyzing

2) Identify briefly what type of audience this film appeals to and why

3) Identify at least ONE past film (20-50 years) of a similar genre your film compares to and ONE recent (within 10 years) film your film fits in with

4) Detail briefly the critical reaction your film received-Rotten Tomatoes is a good place to start

5) Detail and discuss the film on the following:

Narrative -How the story is told using similar--sometimes formulaic--plots and structures, predictable situations, sequences, episodes, obstacles, conflicts and resolutions that your film presents and how and why they are representative of the film genre your movie falls into

Characterization - similar types of characters--sometimes stereotypes-- roles, personal qualities, motivations, goals, behavior that are depicted in the movie that are also representative of the genre

Themes--topics, subject matter social, cultural, psychological, professional, political, sexual, moral values that are depicted in the film and how they are also representative of the genre

Ideology-what type of underlying set of assumptions about the world, people in the world does the film present

6) Detail and discuss the cinematic formulas used in the film and how and why they are representative of the genre

7) Conclude with a two or more paragraphs where you take a stand/make an argument of how and why you think the film you chose is an important film in the genre it falls into.

Length: 4-5 pages.