Analysing Genre

Genre Theory

Genre is the term given to organised categories of types of films depending on the themes and conventions featured within them.

Daniel Chandler (2001) 

Chandler posed a theory that genres create order to simplify the mass of information which is available. 

John Fiske (1989) 

Fiske states that genres are categorised through common elements.

Barry Keith Grant (1995)

Grant suggests that sub-genres allow audiences to identify them specifically by their familiar and recognisable characteristics. 

Fight Club (1999)

Chandler refers to genres as being a distinctive type of text. When looking at the genre of psychological thrillers, the aim of the trailer is to not reveal much of the tension within the film. especially the plot twist that is Fight Club. When looking a Barry Keith Grant's theory of hybrid genres, fight club shows elements of other genres such as features of fighting films seen in the trailer itself.

Requiem for a Dream (2000)

 The confusion the audience faces when watching the trailer for Requiem for a Dream is what Fiske and Chandler would support as distinctive for the genre of psychological thrillers. Barry Keith Grant's theory of hybrids and sub genres would also tie Requiem for a Dream to the genre of Drama as well as psychological thriller.

Shutter Island (2010)

   The rural location pulls away from the conventional suburban or rural location which goes against Fiske's theory of genres being based on common elements as this is unconventional. Looking at Chandler and Fiskes references to media texts being distinctive, Shutter island provides the tension and mystery needed to secure an uncomfortable atmosphere within the trailer itself. Shutter Island boderlines with elements of horror which keeps the thriller comfortably in its own genre.