Genre Theory

Genre theory is simply a system used to categories films into different genres, such as horror, drama or western. Conventionally these are based on themes and settings, or a particular structure to the film. These genres are defined by many elements that combine together in order to create a genre. These elements include the mise-en scene, iconography and style.
Firstly, mise-en scene is everything we can see within the frame, such as costume, props and location. These elements all go into making a film into a genre. For example, a western will most likely have Stetsons, horses, drinking whisky, and will be set in the ‘Wild west’, where as a horror film will properly have teenagers, alcohol and lots of blood.

Iconography links closely in to the mise-en-scene. It is the idea that cretin elements of the mise-en-scene can become near essential in creating a genre. For example, think about how many times you will see blood or a murder weapon such as a huge knife in a horror film. We almost expect it, and it therefore becomes iconic.
Style is all to do with the technical codes. This includes camera work, lighting, sound effects, speech, music and editing. These are the things that build the atmosphere in the way that creates the genre.
However it is easy to underplay the differences within genre. Steve Neale says “genres are instances of repetition and difference”. Some films can have a genre, without following a lot of the conventions. For example the TV series ‘Firefly’ is a very popular western with a difference. It is set in space, yet it still is classed as a western by critics and fans alike, due to the narrative, mise-en-scene and style.