Genre Cycle

Goal

Genre Cycle

Film Studies

14 April 2016

Primitive stage:

In this stage, the filmmakers are creating a new genre which may have impact on the audience. One of the earliest films in 1900 called Cripple Creek Barroom was a short documentary scene. This scene takes place at a bar, with drunk fellows who was demanding for drink and causing drama. The barmaid escorted the drunk fellow out the door and was congratulated by the cowboys who was also at the scene. This film is one of the first film to have a plot within short amount of film.

Classical Stage:

In this stage, the audience is expecting a typical known structure. An example would be Dodge City which is a well-crafted and western film. This film had villians, hero and the main actress all together. Throughout that, the popularity of Westerns films and music became dominant. Films like Dodge City made these actors and actress famous which play a big role in structuring a genre.

Revisionist Stage:

In this stage, there are new discoveries found. Something new and very complex put together in a film. Such as The Gunfighter, has an actor who is an old gunslinger that retired from fighting but was challenged. There was clear plots to who were the bad and good guys. But it become more complicated because one person can be both. This portrays the complexity of a film.

Parody Stage:

In this stage, there is a consistency of comedy played. The Little Train Robbery has many nice stunts and scenery. They bring out suspense and curiosity from the audience to what is going to happen next. This film is from the 70’s in the western style.