✍️Craft of Film Writing Unit 5 – Genres and Subversion in Film

What's This Unit All About?

• Explores the concept of film genres and how they can be subverted to create unique and compelling stories
• Examines the conventions and tropes associated with various film genres (action, romance, horror)
• Delves into the ways in which filmmakers can break away from traditional genre expectations to surprise and engage audiences
• Discusses the impact of genre subversion on storytelling and how it can be used to convey deeper themes and messages
• Provides examples of famous films that have successfully subverted genre conventions and analyzes their techniques
• Offers insights into how aspiring screenwriters can apply the principles of genre subversion to their own work

Key Genres We're Diving Into

• Action: Fast-paced, high-stakes stories featuring physical conflict and daring heroes (Die Hard, The Matrix)
  • Often involves a clear protagonist facing off against a formidable antagonist
  • Relies heavily on thrilling set pieces, chase sequences, and explosive confrontations
• Romance: Focuses on the development of a romantic relationship between two characters (Titanic, The Notebook)
  • Typically follows a "boy meets girl" structure with obstacles that test the strength of their love
  • Explores themes of passion, sacrifice, and the transformative power of love
• Horror: Aims to evoke fear, terror, and suspense in the audience (The Shining, A Nightmare on Elm Street)
  • Often features supernatural or psychologically disturbing elements
  • Plays on primal fears and the unknown to create a sense of unease and dread
• Science Fiction: Speculative stories that explore the impact of advanced technology, alternate realities, or future societies (Blade Runner, Inception)
  • Frequently delves into philosophical questions about the nature of humanity and our place in the universe
• Comedy: Designed to elicit laughter and amusement from the audience through humorous situations, dialogue, and characters (Bridesmaids, Anchorman)
  • Can range from slapstick and physical comedy to more sophisticated forms of satire and irony

Classic Genre Conventions

• Each genre has its own set of established conventions and tropes that audiences have come to expect
• These conventions help to quickly establish the tone, setting, and characters of a film
• Examples of classic genre conventions include:
  • The tough, wisecracking hero in action films
  • The "meet-cute" and grand romantic gestures in romance films
  • The jump scares and creepy atmospheres in horror films
  • The advanced technology and dystopian futures in science fiction films
  • The misunderstandings and awkward situations in comedy films
• Adhering to these conventions can make a film feel familiar and accessible to audiences
• However, strictly following genre conventions can also lead to predictability and a lack of originality

Subversion: Flipping the Script

• Genre subversion involves taking the established conventions of a genre and twisting them in unexpected ways
• This can be done by introducing elements from other genres, inverting traditional character roles, or upending audience expectations
• Subversion can breathe new life into tired genre tropes and create a sense of surprise and novelty for viewers
• Examples of genre subversion include:
  • An action film where the hero is an unlikely or unconventional figure (The Incredibles)
  • A romance that explores the darker, more toxic aspects of relationships (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind)
  • A horror film that subverts the "final girl" trope by having her turn the tables on the killer (You're Next)
• Subversion can also be used to comment on or critique the assumptions and values embedded within a genre
• When done effectively, genre subversion can lead to more complex, nuanced, and thought-provoking stories

Famous Films That Break the Mold

• Pulp Fiction (1994): Subverts the crime thriller genre with its non-linear structure, quirky characters, and unexpected moments of humor and violence
• Scream (1996): Deconstructs the slasher horror genre by featuring self-aware characters who openly discuss horror movie tropes and clichés
• The Princess Bride (1987): Playfully subverts the fairy tale romance genre with its irreverent humor, meta-commentary, and genre-blending elements
• Cabin in the Woods (2011): Turns the horror genre on its head by revealing a complex, behind-the-scenes mythology that controls and manipulates the characters' fates
• Groundhog Day (1993): Puts a unique spin on the romantic comedy formula by trapping its protagonist in a time loop, forcing him to confront his flaws and grow as a person
• Get Out (2017): Blends elements of horror, satire, and social commentary to create a subversive thriller that tackles issues of race and privilege in America

How Subversion Impacts Storytelling

• Genre subversion allows filmmakers to tell more complex, layered stories that challenge audience expectations
• By breaking free from the constraints of genre conventions, writers can explore new narrative possibilities and delve into deeper themes
• Subversion can make a story feel fresh and unpredictable, keeping audiences engaged and invested in the characters and their journeys
• It can also be used to comment on social issues, critique cultural norms, or offer new perspectives on familiar topics
• However, subversion must be handled carefully to avoid alienating audiences or losing sight of the story's core emotional truths
• Effective subversion requires a deep understanding of genre conventions and a clear vision for how to twist them in meaningful ways

Applying This to Your Own Writing

• When incorporating genre subversion into your own screenwriting, start by identifying the key conventions and tropes of your chosen genre
• Consider which elements you want to embrace, which ones you want to subvert, and why those choices serve your story and themes
• Look for opportunities to blend elements from different genres in unexpected ways, creating a unique and compelling narrative
• Develop complex, multi-dimensional characters that challenge stereotypes and defy easy categorization
• Use subversion to explore deeper themes and ideas that might be difficult to address within the confines of a traditional genre story
• Be mindful of your audience's expectations and find ways to surprise them without completely alienating them from the story
• Remember that subversion should always serve the story and the characters, not just be used for the sake of being different or shocking

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques

• Subverting genre conventions can be taken even further by playing with narrative structure, tone, and style
• Experimenting with non-linear storytelling, unreliable narrators, or meta-fictional elements can add additional layers of complexity and subversion to a story
• Mixing tones and styles within a single film can create a sense of unease or disorientation that enhances the subversive effect (Parasite, which blends elements of comedy, thriller, and social drama)
• Subversion can also be achieved through the use of unconventional filmmaking techniques, such as breaking the fourth wall, using unexpected visual or sound design, or employing unusual editing patterns
• Advanced genre subversion often requires a high level of technical skill and a willingness to take creative risks
• Filmmakers who successfully push the boundaries of genre and storytelling can create truly groundbreaking and memorable works that redefine the medium (Mulholland Drive, Memento, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind)
• However, it's important to remember that not every story needs to be subversive or genre-defying; sometimes, embracing and perfecting the conventions of a genre can be just as effective and satisfying for audiences