Genre Theory

Barry Keith Grant

Grant suggests subgenres are used as more specific categories and allow audiences to identify and recognise them by using familiar and what has become recognisable characteristics. This is clear in the Scream film series as characteristics of naivety and masked identities are visible in each film, depicting the slasher subgenre of horror.

These characteristics are also present in the Friday the 13th slasher horror franchise. Character's in this film somehow always end up in the killer's grasp due to their curiosity.

Commonly, the male characters often put on an act of bravery instead of fear as they stereotypically think egotistically, however, some females possess this trait on occasion.

Steve Neale

It has been suggested by Neale that 'genres are instances of repetition and differences'. This is evident in across the SAW film series, where iconography such as blood, weapons, sharp objects and torturing devices are used to depict the horror genre.

Neale's theory is also supported by 500 Days of Summer where the classic romantic comedy story occurs; boy meets girl, boy falls in love, girl breaks boy's heart. Romantic comedies usually include theatrical performances backed by an uplifting, positive soundtrack to illustrate the events taking place in the film. This is very different to that of the horror genre as incidental music is used across this genre to create tension and build suspense.

Notice that nearly every person in the frame during the dance number wears an item of blue clothing except for the main character, highlighting his oblivion as he believes that his love story will end happily, which is not the case as the love between him and his partner deteriorates as the film progresses. Predominant, light colour palettes such as this is typical of a romantic comedy. In this case, the blue palette resembles loyalty, trust and faith.