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Lesson 13
Introduction to Genre Theory
A particular style or category of
work characterised by a particular
form, style or purpose.
Costume
Acting
Cinematography
Iconography
Semantics Prohibition era, speakeasies, bootlegging, jazz,
guns, suits, flappers, violence , class
Syntax Alcohol and criminality will lead to the downfall
of American society. Exploration of the
underclass. Critique of the American Dream.
Examples: Public Enemies (dir. Wellman, 1931), Little Ceaser
(dir. LeRoy, 1931) & Scarface (dir. Hawks, 1932)
Semantics Immigrant life, Little Italy, xenophobia, family,
guns, drugs, mafia/ mob, violence, class, police,
pasta, corruption, Catholicism.
Syntax Celebration of the anti-hero, exploration of the
underclass, critique of the American Dream.
Examples The Godfather Trilogy (dir. Coppola, 1972-90)
Goodfellas (dir. Scorsese, 1990), Donnie Brasco
(dir. Newll, 1997)
Semantics Inner city ghettos, gang culture, rap, drugs,
guns, bling, violence, class, brotherhood, drive
by shootings, racism, nihilism
Syntax Exposing the failings of American race relations,
results of disenfranchisement. Exploration of the
underclass. Critique of American Dream
Examples Boyz n the Hood (dir. Singleton, 1991), Clockers
(dir. Lee, 1995)
Unforgiven -
A uniquely
different
western
Clint on
what makes
a good
western
The individual
Freedom
Honour
Integrity (honesty)
Self interest
The community
Restriction
Institutions
Compromise
Social responsibility
Nature
Purity
Brutalisation
Savagery
Culture
Corruption
Refinement
Humanity
Unforgiven (dir. Eastwood, 1992)
• Genre
• Iconography
• Western hero
• Other characters
• Representation of violence
• The law
• Binary oppositions
• Importance of landscape
• Myth
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