Researching different types of Genres

I researched the conventions and elements of each genre by using Films and Series I have already watched or specifically watched to solidify my research. 

1. Action

Action is a genre of media that uses high-energy sequences, stunt and fight choreography with fast-paced editing that makes the audience perch at the edge of their seat in anticipation. A good example of this is "John Wick" (2014), directed by Chad Stahelski, where the character John Wick is put in a series of life-threatening situations once the son of his ex-gang boss kills his dog and steals his car. This movie relies heavily on story-telling and other action-based conventions while also incorporating a horror-Esque style through the color grading and lack of audience themed explanation. The viewers are shown scenes and are left to interpret them with little dialogue from the characters in the movie.

2. Adventure

 The conventions of Adventure based movies usually feature journeys, explorations, and quests, often in exotic locations., "Jumanji welcome to the jungle" (2017), directed by Jake Kasdan. is a movie about 5 people who end up getting stuck inside a game called Jumanji which they have to win in order to escape and go home. They included riddles to keep the audience and characters on their toes the conventions of an adventure movie have life threatening situations followed by comedic relief. They use action sequences and other action-based conventions to engage the audience.

3. Comedy

Comedy centered movies Aims to entertain and amuse, focusing on humor and light-hearted storylines like in "Crazy, Stupid, Love" (2011), directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa that includes the conventions of romantic comedies, slapstick, and satire. This movie is about a series of miscommunication between all characters that becomes more and chaotic as the story progresses and all of it un reviled in a singular scene. The character's reactions and dialogue make it funnier. It uses a bunch of punch lines gabbing the attention of the audience. 

4. Drama

Centers on realistic characters and emotional themes, often dealing with intense personal conflicts and situations. A very good example of this is the Netflix series Bridgton that is a romance centric series that includes social politics and issues. The story is set into motion by a gossip column that anonymously releases articles about the royals and the elite class of 1800 London. Everyone has a hatred for the articles, but they can't help waiting for the next one to drop. The characters are cunning and clever sabotaging each other however, the audience is positioned in such a way that they can't hate the characters by using the light and innocent color grading. Often using color to portray different character architypes.

5. Horror

Designed to frighten and scare, often featuring supernatural elements, monsters, or psychological terror. these conventions were perfectly used in the psychological horror film "The Ring"(2002), directed by Gore Verbinski. A video tape is being passed around mysteriously causing deaths of people within a week of watching the video tape. The story focuses on the protagonist trying to survive and free the spirit of the girl haunting the tape. The movie uses jump scares and suspense to keep the audience on edge along with gloomy color grading and an incredible plot twist. Using gore elements to make the audience feel uncomfortable, on contrast a touching and thought-provoking storyline to empathize with the antagonist.

6. Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)

Explores futuristic concepts, advanced technology, space exploration, and often includes speculative ideas. One pop culture shaping movie called "The Matrix" (1999) directed by the Wachowskis that coves a highly talked about topic that is the effect of technology on humankind. It's about a protagonist trying to save humans who r trapped in a system created by aliens. Many of the conventions of sciences fiction are rooted from the matrix like the Techo music, leather outfits, binary codes to signify hacking. It was one of the first movies to incorporate high quality CGI in an action movie, like the viral "The bullet time" that never done before created though VFXs. a movie way ahead of its time

7. Fantasy

Features magical or supernatural elements set in imaginary worlds, like "Alice in Wonderland" (2010) directed by James Bobin and Tim Burton. Showcasing Magical realism thought it's imaginative setting. The film follows Alice, a nineteen-year-old who accidentally falls down a rabbit hole and is transferred into a completely new world that she thought only existed in her dreams and is set on the journey to return home. In Wonderland the characters have exaggerated features and are larger than life along with an absurd narrative adding to the whimsical feel. The tone of fantasy is set by using ethereal music score setting up the audience 

8. Mystery

Focuses on solving a crime or uncovering secrets, often featuring detectives or investigators a great example is the mystery movie challenging conventions by having a female protagonist "Enola Holmes" directed by Harry Brad beer. Set is 1884 London. This movie uses earth tones and realistic historical sets and costume designs. The youngest daughter of the Holmes family Enola homes, sister to a famous detective Sherlock Holmes and a government official Mycroft Holmes. She is on a mission to find her mother who disappeared only leaving behind puzzles and clues. The movie features riddles, codes, hints that are conventions of Mystery genre. Often using fast paced editing and a protagonist that engages with audience by breaking the 4th wall. The audience is constantly anticipating the next move.

9. Thriller

Creates tension and excitement, often involving crime, espionage, or psychological suspense. A great example of the is the Korean psychological thriller "The Call" (2020). that intertwines the lives of two women from two different timelines through a mysterious phone call. Seo-yeon in 2019 and Young-sook in 1999. The film masterfully employs elements of time alteration, suspenseful plot twists, and deep character development to keep viewers on edge. With its dark visual and sound design, the movie creates an eerie atmosphere, while exploring themes of fate, consequence, and the butterfly effect. The powerful performances by Park Shin-hye and Jeon Jong-seo add authenticity and intensity to the story.

10. Romance

The romance genre centers around love stories and the formation of relationships, often with emotional and sentimental themes, despite the challenges both love interests have to go through. A striking example is "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" (2003), directed by Donald Petrie. This movie shows the dual point of view of both characters, planning on achieving opposite goals. Andie who is trying to lose a guy in 10 days to research for her blog to prove herself to her boss. On the contrast Ben is trying to win a girl over in 10 days because of a bet that costs his job. Coincidentally, they unknowingly pick each other for their goals. The movie depicts the internal struggle both characters have to go through, and is a beacon of growth as both characters learn to change fundamental parts of themselves to finally allow them to fall in love. Romance movies have strong emphasis on narrative and the chemistry of the main characters with was depicted really well in this movie. 

11. Musical

Features songs sung by characters, often accompanied by dance sequences, integrated into the narrative. An example of this is "Wicked"(2024) directed by Joe Mantello. It's a captivating musical story of two Female students, Glinda and Elphaba at a Magic School. Who dislike each other but slowly develop a beautiful friendship driven by powerful and memorable songs that convey the characters' emotions and advance the plot. Dynamic choreography and elaborate dance numbers add energy, that are conventions of a musical. Intricate costumes and imaginative set design along with whimsical color grading. The live orchestra enhances the emotional impact. Strong performances by the cast, through singing, dancing, and acting, further solidify the musical genre. Together, these elements create a captivating theatrical production that hooks audiences with the blend of music, storytelling, and visual spectacle.