Genre Theory

Genre means a kind or type of something, a type or film or type of music. Genres include Horror, sci-fi, comedy and romance. These genres will have characteristics which are shown again and again that audiences recognise, such as in westerns we will see similar locations, costume and props.

Audiences develop an understanding that certain expectations may be fulfilled and they may take pleasure in predicting what will happen. The audience recognises key elements or conventions and respond accordingly.

These key elements are known as paradigms, have been identified in two types:

1. Iconographic: Signs and symbols, such as props and costume.
2. Structural: How sturcutes in the text deal with issues such as ideology and gender