My Selected Genre and Why Conventions are so Important

    In film, audiences tend to rely on certain conventions in what they are watching to quickly identify the type of story they will be experiencing and what they should expect. Though this is not always the case in terms of knowing exactly what they'll be experiencing, they will most likely be able to identify the film's genre. In dramas, you can expect conventions such as a character-driven narrative, emotional realism, and interpersonal conflict. Though this isn't present in all dramas, it's the basis for what you should expect when you're aware of the film's genre. Recognizing a film's genre through conventions should allow the viewer to understand how they should be expected to engage with the content.

    Conventions shape expectations, and that is made aware when taking a deeper look into different genres. Taking thrillers, for example, this genre often creates an uncomfortable and tense experience due to an absence of sound, a claustrophobic form of screenwriting, and heightened performances. When looking at dramas, the emphasis on realism and emotion can create a more relaxed feeling in the audience; so these two comparisons show us why a good use of conventions matters in filmmaking. They guide how audiences interpret tone, characters, and events, which then helps the audience feel oriented and prepared.

    It is common for conventions to be used traditionally, but at times, the director can choose to subvert these conventions. The use of subversion works best when the audience already understands the framework of the genre, and by breaking these conventions, it can create heightened tension, surprise, or a deeper meaning. Though subversion can be a great addition to a film, if these genre signals are not clear, subversion can seem confusing rather than intentional.