1. Genre Analysis
Genre, in film theory refers to the method based on similarities in the narrative elements from which
films are constructed. They are then classified into files or genres. Some popular genres in Hollywood
include Comedy, Chick flick, Horror, Teen, Musicals, Drama etc. Films are also be subdivided by their
characteristics and the content shown in the film. For example: Family movies, children’s film , cult films
and silent films. Genres are basically used by film makers to appeal to different audiences classified by
either Age, ethical background, region etc.
There are different codes and conventions followed by different institutions of various genres. They can
be separated into three dissimilar groups – technical codes which refer to the camera techniques and
shots used symbolic codes that are used for signified or conventional effect and written/audio codes
that also add to the media text. These give the text meaning and determine the response of the viewer
or audience.
Codes and Conventions of Films belonging to the Action genre include, for example : The James Bond
Series. Throughout the James Bond series, the character “007” has been shown using extraordinarily
advanced technology. Secondly, there has always been one female character which has been shown to
help out “007” during his quest. Reference films include Quantum of Solace , Die Another Day and
Casino Royale. Secondly , other action movies such as Batman for example depict a different
understanding of codes and conventions. Firstly ,throughout the Batman series , there are always
multiple villains who work together to take over the fictional “Gotham City”. Batman Begins(2005)
includes Pengiun whereas The Dark Knight(2008) includes The Joker and Two-Face. In either movie,
there is not one antagonist.
Codes and Conventions of Films belonging to the Horror genre include , for example: The Saw Series.
Throughout the Saw series , one popular convention followed is that when the Antagonist “Jigsaw” kills
a victim , he does not carry it away one way or another , he simply lets it stay there until it is discovered
by either the police or by special agents (depending on the movie). For example: A victim’s body is
discovered in the starting of Saw 2, is left there to rot until discovered by the police 27 days later. Same
is the case with all the other movies in Saw.
Codes and Conventions of Films belonging to the Drama Genre include, for example: in movies such as
No Strings Attached(2011) and Black Swan(2010) , the protagonist(s) wants ”something” , for example:
playing the role of the Swan in Black Swan or the male character trying to get together with the female
“friend”, but in either case , there is an outside force which is involved which tries to stop the
protagonist from achieving what he/she wants. For example: A competitor in Black Swan steps in to win
the heart of the Dance Judge and take away Natalie Portman’s hope of becoming the Swan.
Comedy films are no doubt imaginative and wide, each movie has its own pace, its own setting but the
plot is sometimes similar in certain comedy films. There are groups of the characters (or one/two
characters for that matter), they set out to reach a goal and then for one reason or another, they are

2. unable to. Movies which follow this convention include Due Date, Hangover, Hangover 2 and Pineapple
Express.
Codes and Conventions of Films related to the genre “Chick flick” include, firstly, in chick flick movies
woman are usually shown as the super power since they are made to appeal to wider range of female
audience. For example: In the early scenes of the The Bounty Hunter(2010) it is shown that the female
character kicks the male character to get away from him , the concept of girl power or the female
gender being superior over the male counterpart can clearly be seen. Secondly , this convention has also
been shown in movies such as Mean Girls. Some other frequent elements of chick flicks include having a
female protagonist, thematic use of the color pink (along with metaphorical allusions of the color), and
romance and/or dating based storylines. Chick flicks are typically perky, upbeat, modern, and post-
feminist in tone, although some movies do have sad and dramatic elements as well. The setting for a
chick flick can vary. Movies such as Never Been Kissed transport viewers back to the torment of high
school, while Notting Hill takes place in a book store. The female characters in a chick flick are usually
strong women who overcome adversity to reach their goals. The key to a successful chick flick is a
message of female empowerment, although a snappy soundtrack and closets full of designer clothes
also help boost ratings. Since many chick flick movies are also classified as romantic comedies, they
often feature a female lead character struggling with a humorous romantic predicament. Many chick
flicks of this type are loosely based upon Cinderella and other similar fairy tales. Recent examples
include The Princess Diaries, Ever After, and A Cinderella Story. However, 10 Things I Hate About You
and other movies based on modern interpretations of classic Shakespeare plays have also done quite
well at the box office. Another popular theme for the chick flick movie genre is the bonds between
friends. Thelma & Louise, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, Mona Lisa Smile, and The Sweetest
Thing are examples of popular chick flicks that place friendship above romance. In short, a Chick flick
film usually contains love scenes, kissing, something sad (which is usually when the couple can’t get
along together for some reason) , a string of events which lead to a happy ending and a Flipper. As the
codes and conventions of Chick Flick movies are so similar that critics have stated that most Chick Flick
movies are basically the same movie with the same plot and same idea , with the name changed.
My film has the genre of "drama" with a sub-genre of "comedy". There are similar conventions of chick-
flick such as a gradual woman empowerment pattern emerging as the story moves forward. Taking the
example of The Princess Diaries, we see the main female protagonist being a shy, underconfident girl
until she finds self empowerment through being a princess and self-actualization. In drama, it is very
popular to have an issue that the main characters try to solve. It might be a mystery that need to be
solved or maybe a fight that the charachters had. There are many emotional undercurrents and the
diagetic and non-diagetic music is used in such a way as to increase emotional turmoil at places, and
releive tension at others.