Media Language - Genre

Question 1

Genre Theory

Answer 1

Steve Neale
- repetition but also difference, variation and change
- genres change, develop and vary

Question 2

Summary

Answer 2

• blend of gangster, historical drama and western (hybrid genre)
• season 1, episode 1 first aired on 12/09/13
• genre conventions are used and modified to appeal to audiences

Question 3

Repetition: Conforming to Gangster Genre

Answer 3

• the protagonist is an anti-hero
• themes of family loyalty and criminal activity
• iconography of guns, smoking and alcohol
• these codes ensuring the audiences pleasure and profitabilty
• specific stock characters e.g. Arthur is the ‘mad dog’

Question 4

Difference: Western Genre

Answer 4

• Neale’s assertion that genre evolves over time — hybrid genre
• opening sequence involves an overhead, tracking shot of Tommy riding on a horse through the village
• in response, the villagers run and hide — he is feared much like the anti-heroes in the western genre
• intertextual reference creates a verisimilitude to the western genre
• by combining genres, the show appeals to a larger audience, enhancing its profitability

Question 5

Repetition and Difference: Tommy

Answer 5

• he embodies typical gangster traits e.g. feared but respected, violent sometimes, serious and mysterious
• he contradicts typical gangster characters e.g. not the eldest but the one in charge, thinks before acting (only violent if extremely provoked), calm and intelligent and shows vulnerability due to his PTSD from fighting in WW1
• layered characterisation adds depth to the genre (changed over time)

Question 6

Repetition: Gangster Themes

Answer 6

• theme of family loyalty, unwavering commitment to eachother despite external threats (much like other gangster series e.g. The Sopranos)
• presence of stock characters e.g. Aunt Polly as the ‘Matriarch’, Arthur as the ‘Mad Dog’ etc …
• these previously established conventions help to secure a pre-existing audience

Question 7

Difference: Historical Drama Genre

Answer 7

• conforms to this genre through sets, props, costume etc..
• subverts it through focusing on the working-class of birmingham from 1919 onwards
• contrasts to typical wealthy, elite and aristocratic period dramas that are very common in todays media
• offers a more gritty and violent view on historical England
• highlights Neale’s argument that genres develop over time
• Knight uses popularity of period drama to draw audience in, and then subverts expectations by focusing on a different social class

Question 8

Conclusion

Answer 8

• genres can combine repetition and difference (as they evolve over time) to appeal to pre-existing audiences, whilst also bringing in a new one
• hybrid of gangster, historical and western involves complex characterisation
• the subversion of the historical genre reinforces Neale’s theory of evolution within genres over time whilst also ensuring a broad appeal to acheive commercial and critical success