Genre Theory - Media Studies

Question 1

Steve Neal thinks that genres are made up of which two things?

Answer 1

Repetition and difference

Question 2

Steve Neal’s genre theory says that genres are made up of repetition and difference. What does this mean?

Answer 2

A genre is often made up of things that are repeated - conventional elements that we are familiar with

Question 3

Which genre is often associated with dark low-key lighting, atmospheric tense music, jumpscares, abandoned buildings and forests?

Answer 3

Horror

Question 4

True/False: Audiences enjoy familiarity of repeated conventions

Answer 4

True

Question 5

Why do audiences enjoy repetition of elements in films?

Answer 5

They are familiar to us and easy to recognise - they make the genre easy to identify straight away. It’s what we expect

Question 6

Why do audiences enjoy differences in elements in films?

Answer 6

It’s unusual, strange, odd and engaging. Makes us sit up and take notice

Question 7

Which elements of the Kiss of the Vampire poster are repeated from other vampire/horror movies in the 50s and 60s?

Answer 7

Bats, moonlight, castle, colour red to signify blood, mention of the word vampire, damsel in distress, man in black and red suit

Question 8

Which elements of the Kiss of the Vampire poster are different and challenge conventions of a typical vampire movie?

Answer 8

The fact there is a female vampire and a male victim on the floor at her mercy