Genre Conventions

My team and I conducted our own research and analyzed the key elements present in each genre. I have put together a spreadsheet that breaks down each genre, covering its common themes, character types, cinematography, sound, mise-en-scène, editing, and a reference movie.

I have analyzed seven genres: action, horror, comedy, thriller, sci-fi, romance, and mystery.

Starting with action, it typically revolves around themes of injustice or revenge.


often leading to chaos or even the potential end of the world. This appeals to audiences as it blends familiar elements with unexpected twists, making the outcome less predictable.

Moving on to my favorite—horror. As the name suggests, jump scares and supernatural entities are essential. Though I get scared to death and take ages to recover, I absolutely love the genre—just not enough to watch it alone at night! While the introduction and plot often follow a familiar pattern, what keeps me on edge is the process of confronting the entity—or whether defeating it is even possible.

Most people prefer comedy, but I don’t usually watch it as a standalone genre—I find it more engaging when combined with others. Many comedy shows, especially sitcoms like F.R.I.E.N.D.S., use non-diegetic audience laughter to enhance the humor and encourage viewers to laugh along. Comedy is defined by puns and humor, but the most crucial aspect is how the actor delivers it—if not communicated effectively, the joke might not land as intended.

Onto thriller—it's not exactly my favorite, but still decent to watch. The genre tends to be serious and often ends on a grim note, which might be why it doesn’t quite appeal to me. That said, thrillers are packed with intense scenes and heart-dropping moments, keeping viewers on edge throughout.

Sci-fi is also one of my favorites, with the classic Star Wars as a key reference. It blends science, logic, futuristic gadgets, advanced vehicles, and often unexplainable events. However, this genre isn’t for everyone—it requires a certain level of interest to truly enjoy. Otherwise, it can feel too complex and leave viewers puzzled.

Romance is a popular choice for many, likely because it’s more lighthearted and often ends on a happy note. This genre is widely watched across different languages, with Korean and Chinese dramas being among the most popular. As a K-drama addict myself, I’ve noticed that each language brings its own unique touch to the genre, allowing viewers to choose what suits their taste best.

Last but not least, mystery—tied with horror as one of my favorites. A key reference for me is the Nancy Drew TV series (2019), which perfectly captures the essence of the genre. Mystery keeps the audience engaged, making us feel like we're part of the investigation. It’s also where some of the most mind-blowing plot twists happen—like the best friend turning out to be the villain. Additionally, this genre challenges memory and attention to detail, as viewers try to piece together clues and solve the mystery before the show does.

This research has helped me develop a new skill I didn’t realize I needed—it’s now much easier for me to focus on my work, analyze, and break down the typical elements of any genre I’m working on.

Here’s a reference to the spreadsheet I created:

Genre Conventions .

Comments

  1. Shenbagapriya B16 February 2025 at 17:26

    Your detailed analysis and insights truly reflect your effort and dedication—great job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sangamithra Viswanathan16 February 2025 at 21:12

      Enjoyed your post. Made me travel through my memories. Good work

      Delete
    2. Neha Ashok Raj AS Level17 February 2025 at 03:57

      Thank you so much Mam and Athai, your comment means a lot..

      Delete

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