Question 1

What is the difference between a genre and a film movement?

Accepted Answer

A genre is a category of film defined by shared conventions, themes, and iconography (e.g., horror, sci-fi). A film movement is a group of films made during a specific period that share a common style, philosophy, or production context (e.g., French New Wave, New Hollywood). While genres can span decades, movements are usually shorter-lived and often react against dominant trends. For example, the 'New Hollywood' movement of the late 1960s-70s revitalised genres like the crime film ('Bonnie and Clyde') and the Western ('McCabe & Mrs. Miller') by infusing them with a more cynical, auteur-driven approach.

Question 2

How do I analyse a film's genre in an exam?

Accepted Answer

Start by identifying the genre(s) the film belongs to. Then, discuss specific conventions: iconography (e.g., spaceships in sci-fi), narrative structure (e.g., the 'final girl' in horror), character types (e.g., the lone hero in Westerns), and themes (e.g., fear of the 'other' in horror). Use film language to explain how these conventions are presented (e.g., low-key lighting creates suspense in horror). Crucially, consider whether the film conforms to or subverts genre expectations, and why. Finally, link your analysis to the film's context (e.g., how 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' 1956 reflects Cold War paranoia). Always use specific examples from key scenes.

Question 3

Why are superhero films so popular in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

Superhero films have become dominant due to several factors: advances in CGI allow for spectacular visual effects; the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) created a successful shared universe model that encourages repeated viewings; and the genre's clear moral framework (good vs. evil) offers comfort in a complex world. Additionally, superhero films often address contemporary issues like terrorism ('The Dark Knight'), identity ('Black Panther'), and surveillance ('Captain America: The Winter Soldier'). From an industrial perspective, they are 'tentpole' films that guarantee global box office returns, making them low-risk for studios.

Question 4

What is the 'New Hollywood' era and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

The New Hollywood era (roughly 1967-1980) was a period when a new generation of directors (e.g., Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg) gained creative control over their films, often challenging traditional Hollywood conventions. This era produced genre-defining films like 'The Godfather' (crime), 'Jaws' (thriller/horror), and 'Star Wars' (sci-fi). It is important because it marked a shift from studio-controlled, formulaic films to more personal, auteur-driven works that reflected the social upheavals of the time (Vietnam, Watergate). The era also established the blockbuster model with 'Jaws' and 'Star Wars', which still dominates Hollywood today.

Question 5

How has the horror genre changed since the 1960s?

Accepted Answer

The horror genre has evolved significantly. In the 1960s-70s, films like 'Psycho' (1960) and 'The Exorcist' (1973) focused on psychological and supernatural threats, often reflecting societal anxieties (e.g., loss of innocence, family breakdown). The 1980s saw the rise of slasher films ('Halloween', 'Friday the 13th') with more graphic violence and formulaic plots. In the 1990s, 'Scream' revitalised the genre by being self-aware and deconstructing horror tropes. The 2000s brought 'torture porn' ('Saw') and remakes of Asian horror ('The Ring'). Recently, 'elevated horror' ('Get Out', 'Hereditary') uses the genre to explore serious themes like racism and trauma, earning critical acclaim.

Question 6

What is genre hybridity and can you give an example?

Accepted Answer

Genre hybridity is when a film combines elements from two or more genres to create something new. This allows filmmakers to attract wider audiences and explore fresh ideas. A classic example is 'Blade Runner' (1982), which blends sci-fi (futuristic setting, androids) with film noir (dark visuals, detective protagonist, femme fatale). The hybridity helps explore themes of humanity and identity in a high-tech world. Another example is 'Shaun of the Dead' (2004), which mixes horror (zombies) with comedy (slacker humour), using the genre blend to parody zombie films while still delivering genuine scares.

US Genre Film (1961–present day)

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Related Topics in OCR GCSE Film Studies

3D film

Aesthetics

Characters

Cinematography (including lighting)

How to Revise US Genre Film (1961–present day) — OCR GCSE Film Studies

Examiner Tips for US Genre Film (1961–present day)

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