Pre-reading: Themes, Genre and Style

Define the Genre
Film genres are identifiable types, categories, classifications or groups of films that all incorporate similar techniques or conventions. For example:

• content
• subject matter 
• structures 
• themes 
• mood 
• period
• plot
• settings
• recurring icons
• stock characters
• narrative events 
• situations 
• motifs
• styles
• props
• stars

In relation to Mise en Scene, genres usually incorporate similar, reoccurring/predictable elements within MES. This helps the audience to define the film and categorise it into a particular genre. For example; horror films may use stereotypical dark/dim lighting in a old or abandoned looking setting/location. The colour tone used in the genre is usually dark, dull colours, this usually helps to portray a 'lonely' atmosphere and create tension. There are also reoccurring props used in horror films, these could be for example a weapon of some sort, depending on the setting/location and era, the prop may vary. Often, horror films incorporate a minimal amount of props to create the feeling of suspense and loneliness, and to also make the audience focus on the narrative and characters. Blocking may also be used to portray to the audience what is unknown to the character, but something we as the audience can see. Blocking also provides hierarchy and dominance.

Define the Style 

German Expressionism 

It lead the world in productions, dealing with the supernatural; sci fi and monsters. 

Began when moviemaking was peaking

Known as an important milestone in film 

Movie making used more in studio productions to get more control over setting / artistic properties

Symbolism and  claustrophobic atmosphere were popular in German Expressionism

Movies were no longer always happy or realistic

A popular film that explores German Expressionism is METROPOLIS ; one of the earliest versions of horror films 

The style of the film and it's messages:

Physcologically mysterious 

Express a different view point on things like life 

Usually stressful and unstable

Sets are usually assymetrical with silhouettes and shadows being an important part

After ww1 people embraced the artistic style of German Expressionism 

As there was little budget to invest into film, this resulted in nonrealistic sets 

German Expressionism made a huge impact on how we control lights and scenery 

Expressionism included horror films and film noir