Stages of Genre Development
Seminal/Prototype:
These are first types of the genre, they introduce the conventions of the genre and are the groundwork's for all future films. In horror examples are Psycho and Peeping Tom. These were both made in the year 1960, and while the genre of horror has been around since the late 1800s they are seen as what created the standard stereotypes of the genre. Psycho particularly is regarded by many as the first and the best; everyone knows of the infamous shower scene and have taken this as inspiration. The creator of Texas Chainsaw Massacre is said to have been hugely influenced by Hitchcock. Before Psycho, horror movies were “monster” movies. They were fantasies in which men battled supernatural creatures – or turned into them. The monsters could be big (Godzilla) or small (The Fly), sexy (Dracula) or ugly (Frankenstein); they could be spectral and profound (I Walked With a Zombie) or literal and rubbery (The Creature From the Black Lagoon); they could come from outer space (Invasion of the Body Snatchers) or they could be the beast within (Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde). But they were all, one way or another, not quite of this earth. Instead with Psycho, the monster was man himself. A revolutionary idea.
Classic:
These are what are regarded as the 'classic' examples of the genre. While classic does not necessarily mean good- although it usually does- they do strictly follow the conventions. Halloween and Friday the 13th are two which often come to mind when you think 'what is a classic horror film?' Because they so strictly follow the conventions they are easily recognisable are essentially regarded as good by all. They aren't bizarre or made for a niche audience, they are simply just straight up horror.
Revisionist:
The term revisionist tends to mean when someone changes the opinion of what is seen as previously accepted. In relation to films this then means that a type that switches up the norm and changes the genre. Scream and Cherry Falls are both seen as satirical slasher films, they play against the genre. They both manage to make fun of the genre and also fit well into the genre, both regarded as great examples of horror films.
Parodic:
Parody's are, or used to be a couple years ago, prevalent in todays day and age. Comedy and Horror are the two most popular genres in cinema, I would say, and so by joining the two together you are sure to get success. Scary Movie is a prime example. The film gained $278 million at box office proving its success.
Hybrid:
A hybrid film is a mix of two different genres. The typical is the Rom-Com, something that is sure to bring in revenue. With horror its perhaps more difficult. Shaun of the Dead, a favourite of mine, is a mixture of horror-comedy, and is also hugely successful. Sci-Fi Horror also counts as a hybrid film i.e. Alien, another great success.
These are first types of the genre, they introduce the conventions of the genre and are the groundwork's for all future films. In horror examples are Psycho and Peeping Tom. These were both made in the year 1960, and while the genre of horror has been around since the late 1800s they are seen as what created the standard stereotypes of the genre. Psycho particularly is regarded by many as the first and the best; everyone knows of the infamous shower scene and have taken this as inspiration. The creator of Texas Chainsaw Massacre is said to have been hugely influenced by Hitchcock. Before Psycho, horror movies were “monster” movies. They were fantasies in which men battled supernatural creatures – or turned into them. The monsters could be big (Godzilla) or small (The Fly), sexy (Dracula) or ugly (Frankenstein); they could be spectral and profound (I Walked With a Zombie) or literal and rubbery (The Creature From the Black Lagoon); they could come from outer space (Invasion of the Body Snatchers) or they could be the beast within (Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde). But they were all, one way or another, not quite of this earth. Instead with Psycho, the monster was man himself. A revolutionary idea.
Classic:
These are what are regarded as the 'classic' examples of the genre. While classic does not necessarily mean good- although it usually does- they do strictly follow the conventions. Halloween and Friday the 13th are two which often come to mind when you think 'what is a classic horror film?' Because they so strictly follow the conventions they are easily recognisable are essentially regarded as good by all. They aren't bizarre or made for a niche audience, they are simply just straight up horror.
Revisionist:
The term revisionist tends to mean when someone changes the opinion of what is seen as previously accepted. In relation to films this then means that a type that switches up the norm and changes the genre. Scream and Cherry Falls are both seen as satirical slasher films, they play against the genre. They both manage to make fun of the genre and also fit well into the genre, both regarded as great examples of horror films.
Parodic:
Parody's are, or used to be a couple years ago, prevalent in todays day and age. Comedy and Horror are the two most popular genres in cinema, I would say, and so by joining the two together you are sure to get success. Scary Movie is a prime example. The film gained $278 million at box office proving its success.
Hybrid:
A hybrid film is a mix of two different genres. The typical is the Rom-Com, something that is sure to bring in revenue. With horror its perhaps more difficult. Shaun of the Dead, a favourite of mine, is a mixture of horror-comedy, and is also hugely successful. Sci-Fi Horror also counts as a hybrid film i.e. Alien, another great success.
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