This week’s reading on film genres (FA, Ch. 9: ‘Film Genres’) explored how genres work, their conventions, and how filmmakers either follow these frameworks or introduce innovations. As I read, I noticed exciting connections between this chapter and the films we’ve watched so far, including Rear Window, Singin’ in the Rain, and The Grand Budapest Hotel. Viewing these films through the lens of genre alone gives me a better understanding of how the directors’ choices both add to and challenge their respective genres.
Each of these films uses its genre differently, from adhering to traditional conventions of genres to creatively blending them in new ways. Rear Window stays within the boundaries of the thriller genre while deepening its film’s themes. Singin’ in the Rain plays with the musical genre’s conventions to comment on the film industry’s evolution. Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel presents a more complex case in terms of genre. While it can be categorized under comedy, it blends adventure, mystery, and drama. The movie uses familiar elements like a heist, a murder mystery, and a chase, all presented in Anderson’s distinctive visual style, which is very innovative under the comedy branch.
Walters, Jack. “See How They Run: Adrien Brody’s 10 Best Movies, according to Letterboxd.” ScreenRant, Screen Rant, 25 Sept. 2022, screenrant.com/see-how-they-run-adrien-brodys-best-movies-letterboxd/. Accessed 28 Oct. 2024.
Genres serve as mirrors to societal values and concerns.Rear Window delves into topics of voyeurism, loneliness, and the intricacies of urban life.Singin’ in the Rain explores the contrast between illusion and reality, highlighting Hollywood’s transition from silent to sound film. The Grand Budapest Hotel explores themes of nostalgia, fascism, love, and grief, among an environment of constant conflict and chaos. Analyzing these films by their genre illustrates how each responds to its historical setting while stretching the genre’s bounds.
Guidi, Virginia. “What Is Genre ?” Medium, Medium, 13 Apr. 2023, medium.com/@Guidi_virginia/what-is-genre-212ca0cba12d.
Viewing these films through genre shows how filmmakers use familiar styles to explore deeper themes. Genres provide a recognizable structure, but the inventive twists and other choices within these genres bring fresh insights, letting filmmakers engage audiences while subtly challenging cinematic norms.