Movies provide an easy way to get a feel for the conventions of distinct genres, and the materials used to promote the movies have developed genre conventions of their own.
For this discussion, go to an online film streaming service such as Netflix and find a tab titled “Genres.” Choose one genre, such as drama, horror and observe the following:
the images used, the typefaces, the colors, the descriptions of the films, focusing on commonalities, conventions
any outliers of the genre/exceptions to it (items, images, descriptions not fitting the conventions)
Based on the above observations, compose an extended definition of the genre you chose:
What are its signature conventions, most recognizable features?
Do these conventions suggest anything about the viewer and his or her expectations, values, beliefs?
Based on your observations, how has this particular genre evolved through the years, decades?
