A sub-section of the moving image studies is Film Studies. Over the next few weeks we will be studying a range of areas, this week focusing on Genre. Although we all know what genre is, a greater study of the word, it's etymology, the various sections, sub-genres and crossover genres and understanding how and why to properly categorize films.
With this in mind, we each decided on a favourite genre and got into groups with others who had chosen the same genre. I chose Sci-Fi (Science Fiction) as my favourite and in groups we further analysed the genre. In a group of 4, we tried to further analyse our favourite genres, discussing everything from codes and conventions to iconography to notable stars and more. Overall it helped us understand reading genre, and also why we enjoy certain genres, especially Sci-Fi.
To help further understand genre, we need to pick out the elements that make up Genre. Using an Infographic, we can make a visual aid to Genre theory. I have created a Sci-Fi infographic, looking at recurring themes, iconography, musical consistencies, notable cast and crew and a timeline. This shows the development and core ideas of the Genre.
With this analysis of genre in mind we were asked to create an "Ultimate Film List", listing our favourite films and trying to put them into specific genres.
My list is as follows (grouped in Genres and NOT ordered like a chart from best to worst):
2001: A Space Odyssey. Stanely Kubrick. UK/USA. 1968. Sci Fi
Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back. Ivan Kershner. USA. 1980. Sci-Fi
Inception. Christopher Nolan. USA/UK. 2010. Sci-Fi
Saving Private Ryan. Steven Spielberg. USA. 1998. War
Full Metal Jacket. Stanely Kubrick. UK/USA. 1987. War
Paranormal Activity. Oren Peli. USA. 2009. Horror
The Shining. Stanely Kubrick. UK/USA. 1980. Horror
Cool Hand Luke. Stuart Rosenburg. USA. 1967. Crime/Drama
Training Day. Antoine Fuqua. USA. 2001. Crime/Thriller
Flame and Citron. Ole Christian Madsen. Denmark/Chzech Republic/Germany. 2008. Thriller
Toy Story. John Lassiter. USA. 1995. Adventure
Ratatouille. Brad Bird. US. 2007. Adventure
Finding Nemo. Andrew Stanton. USA. 2003. Adventure
Loose Change: Final Cut. Dylan Avery. USA. 2007. Documentary
Gran Torino. Clint Eastwood. USA. 2008. Drama
Dead Poets Society. Peter Weir. USA. 1989. Drama/Coming of Age
For A Few Dollars More. Sergio Leone. Italy/USA. 1965. Western
Enter The Dragon. Robert Clouse. Hong Kong/USA. 1973. Martial Arts
The Dark Knight. Christopher Nolan. UK/USA. 2008. Action
Die Hard With A Vengance. John McTiernan. USA. 1995. Action
The Social Network. David Fincher. USA. 2010. Drama/Biography
Gross Pointe Blank. George Armitage. USA. 1997. Action/Comedy
The Breakfast Club. John Huges.USA. 1985. Comedy/Coming of Age
Superbad. Greg Mottola. US. 2007. Comedy
Clerks 2. Kevin Smith. US. 2006. Comedy
Adventureland. Greg Mottola. USA. 2009. Comedy
Team America: World Police. Trey Parker. USA. 2004. Comedy
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. John Hughes. USA. 1986. Comedy/Coming of Age
BIG. Penny Marshall. USA. 1988. Comedy
Le Dinner De Cons. France. Francis Veber. 1998. Comedy
