Clichés

Definition

Clichés are overused phrases, ideas, or elements that have lost their original impact or meaning due to excessive repetition. In film and media, clichés often manifest as predictable plot devices, character archetypes, or visual tropes that audiences recognize but may find unoriginal or uninspiring. Understanding clichés is crucial in genre theory and analysis as they can define a genre's characteristics while also indicating the need for innovation and fresh storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Clichés can serve as shorthand for storytelling, allowing filmmakers to quickly communicate ideas or emotions without extensive exposition.
2. While clichés can help create familiarity within a genre, over-reliance on them can lead to uninspired and unengaging narratives.
3. In genre theory, clichés are analyzed to understand audience expectations and the boundaries of creative expression within specific genres.
4. The subversion of clichés is often a key strategy in innovative storytelling, where creators twist familiar elements to surprise audiences.
5. Clichés can change over time; what was once considered fresh can become a cliché as it becomes more widely used in film and media.

Review Questions

• How do clichés function within genre theory, and why is it important for filmmakers to be aware of them?
  • Clichés play a significant role in genre theory by establishing recognizable patterns that define genres. They help filmmakers understand audience expectations, allowing them to create works that resonate with viewers while also potentially falling into repetitive storytelling. Being aware of clichés enables filmmakers to either utilize them effectively or challenge them, leading to more innovative and engaging narratives that stand out.
• Discuss the impact of clichés on audience engagement and how they can influence a film's reception.
  • Clichés can significantly impact audience engagement by providing comfort through familiar narratives; however, excessive use may lead to disengagement due to predictability. When audiences recognize clichés, they may find films less engaging and more formulaic. Filmmakers must balance the use of clichés with originality to maintain interest and foster emotional connections with viewers, as audiences increasingly seek fresh perspectives in storytelling.
• Evaluate the role of subverting clichés in contemporary filmmaking and its significance in creating innovative narratives.
  • Subverting clichés has become a vital technique in contemporary filmmaking as creators seek to break free from traditional storytelling molds. By flipping familiar tropes on their head, filmmakers can challenge audience expectations and create memorable experiences that provoke thought and discussion. This approach not only revitalizes tired genres but also encourages creativity within the industry, pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible in narrative construction.

Related terms

Archetype: A typical example of a character, theme, or plot that serves as a universal symbol within narratives across various genres.

Stereotype: A widely held but oversimplified idea of a particular type of person or thing, often contributing to predictable character behaviors in films.

Genre Conventions:

The established features, themes, and styles that define a specific genre and guide audience expectations regarding narratives.