Film modes and genres

Modes:
Overtones and undertones, specific colouration that give meaning to a scene or the film as a whole; it can be formalist, realist, fantastic or mixed

Genres:
Function of the film towards the audience; they can be factual, fictional or abstract

Characteristics:

  • Dictates editing, sound design, etc…
  • Considering the genres, certain conventions are expected from the audience
  • Explains what can be happening offscreen (ex: sound will most certainly remain realistic in a realist mode. If it is not, it could be interpreted as a subjective sequence)

Related induced effect: Narrative schema
Related inductor effect: Editing; sound design

(Johnson, 1974)

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