Importance of Genre

Importance of Genre

The genre of a film is usually quite obvious because of the trailers on tv or the posters you see. Film directors and producers need to have a genre to know what audience they are specifically targerting. Without a target audience they wouldnt know what they could or couldnt include in the film. Also if films didnt have a genre no one would know what to expect or whether they would want to watch it in case it had something they dont want to see. For example children wouldn't want to watch a horror film because it would scare them and parents wouldnt find it suitable. They watch animated disney films that are designed for them to watch. Genre also helps the audience decide what genre is their preference and know what type of films they enjoy watching for future reference. Each person has their own sort of films they like the most whether its horror, thriller, comedy or romance.

Genre Typecasting

Films of the same genre have similar features, for example the narrative, style and iconography are all similar. A genre can be identified be an iconic member of the cast who has repeatedly been associated with a specific genre. If the actress/actor is successful and popular then this can make the film more popular and receive a better revenue from all the fans that would watch.

Examples:

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling is known for romance/comedy films and is most well-known for 'The Notebook' and 'Crazy Stupid Love'. Now that Ryan Gosling has starred in such successful films and has built a big fan base, the next rom-com he makes will potentially also be very successful because he is now known for starring in previous popular rom-com's and the fan following he has will all go to watch it. Rom-com's usually include a very predictable storyline but because Ryan Gosling stars in it people will go to watch it still. Film producers would now choose Gosling for that genre because he has the image of an actor who plays in successful rom-com's which will make there film more money.

Angelina Jolie

Another example is Angelina Jolie. Ever since her first action film 'Lara Croft Tomb Raider' that made her popular, each action film she has done so far has been successful. In each film she plays a similar character that is a secret spy or assassin but people still go to watch her films because she is has a big following and the films she's in do well.