Genre Presentation Summary

1. Dystopian films are rooted in the literature that was published in reaction to the Industrial Revolution. Novel such as 1984 played on the themes of dehumanization and controlling governments. In the film noir era, more serious and impactful dystopian films were released and there was an increase in dystopian films based on politicial issues, "loss of American innocence" and other historical events. Common elements of dystopian novels include overpowering governments and controlled groups of people. This is used to establish the idea that the public was becoming more controlled by governments greedy for power and paranoid of treason. Along with this idea, themes of artificiality, dehumanization, fear, secrets and lies are included. On the other hand, the resolution to dystopian films include rebels and a protagonist that sees the truth. This protagonist actions enlighten the rest of society, which experiences a kind of rebirth. Famous films in this genre include The Matrix, V for Vendetta, The Hunger Games and Divergent. 

2. Heist films show the planning and realization of a heist. Usually considered the great American classic style, this genre actually was grounded in a European film of 1955. However, films in this genre famous in the 40s and 50s still remain classics to this day. One of the most versatile genres, the heist plot allows space for variation and thus has been able to adapt to each era with ease. Conventions of the genre include a central plot of taking on a high-stakes job involving a large sum of money. Usually, the plot is risky and unthinkable. The characters typical of a heist film include a gang of characters with a diverse set of talents. The heist film includes three parts: preparation, heist, fallout. The unique characteristic of heist film is that it recognizes the honor and purpose in thieves. It recognizes them as people, going so far as to suggest that their job is indeed a real job. Notable films include Reservoir Dogs, Ocean's Eleven and Inception.

3. Lasty, the genre that interested me most was the road film. Road films incorporate various conventions of westerns, comedians, crime films, dramas and action-adventure films. I think it's fascinating that this genre can be such a great amalgam and still be realistic in its portrayal of life and the struggles it brings. The idea of the quest is critical and parallels the journey of a lifetime in that we all have a set path and ideas of where we are going, but we all face unexpected obstacles and learn lesson we had not anticipated. Coventions of this genre include a notable car, car trouble and traveling East to West. This all include ideas of struggles to force enlightment. The car is interesting because the enclosed space fores meaningful conversations that might not otherwise take place, In addition, the long hours of journey may reveal the true nature of people. I really like the idea that a journey can teach a person about themself and about their relationship with the world and other people. This knowledge at the end found in road films is the aspect I would like to most focus on because I think it's a very relevant issue to us as teenagers as we try to find ourselves in the next few years. Some films include My Own Private Idaho, Thieves Like Us and Wizard of Oz.