Genre Theory

Daniel Chandler(2001)

Conventional definitions of genres tend to be based on the notation that they constitute particular conventions of content( such as themes or settings) and/ or form( including structure and style) which are shared by the texts which are regarded as belonging to them.

According to chandler genres create order and simplify vast information available. it appeals are need to organize. This means people understand things because of the genre and if it didn't follow this it would be confusing.

John Fiske ( 1989)

genre is a way of categorizing texts and they are then divided based on common elements.

Barry keith Grant ( 1995)

He suggest that sub-genres and hybridity lets the viewers and audience identify them to familiar and recognizable characteristics.



Trailers

The Notebook is a romance film, and follows many of the typical scenes.

The notebook is a romance film and follow these conventions, because of this the trailer can be linked to genre theory and how it is used and presented in the trailer


Fiske
Apply Fiske theory to the trailer , we can find there are common elements in this trailer and others of the same Genre for example the note book trailer has Elements which are shared in other romance films
1. highlighting the class of the individuals in the film
2. the couple spending time together
3. the soft music which indicates happiness and love
4. The difference of the people involved
5. Romantic gesture (hugs and kisses)


In comparison to another big romance film titanic these have the same common elements and it will be in many of the other films within this genre will have these common elements.

This also links to chandlers theory about common elements such as settings and themes, Both of the settings in the trailer highlight the Romance side such as dancing in the ship in the titanic trailer and the dancing in the road. The settings highlight key romantic plot moments and show the connection of the character and the themes are common of the romance genre.

Grants theory highlights Hybrids within movie trailers , it so common for romance films and the drama genre. The notebook trailer has Themes of Drama and romance however doesn't hybrid with other genres. Its main focus is romance

genre-theory