One of the ways we distinguish between works of pure entertainment and works of art is character. (Do not fall into the trap of thinking that art cannot be entertaining; it certainly can.)
In works of entertainment, the characters are simple and unchanging. They have few characteristics and they don’t really grow or demonstrate insight. The challenges they face are typically external ones: often, they are trying to survive, or stop the bad guys.
In works of art, the characters are complex, much like actual human beings. They have internal, psychological struggles. They are capable of realizations, epiphanies (look it up). They have many characteristics, sometimes conflicting ones.
Entertainment films are sometimes referred to as genre films. A genre has a formula, such as:
Debonair spy + spectacular chase scenes + weird villain + beautiful woman + gadgets = the SPY genre (i.e. James Bond).
In works of entertainment, the characters are simple and unchanging. They have few characteristics and they don’t really grow or demonstrate insight. The challenges they face are typically external ones: often, they are trying to survive, or stop the bad guys.
In works of art, the characters are complex, much like actual human beings. They have internal, psychological struggles. They are capable of realizations, epiphanies (look it up). They have many characteristics, sometimes conflicting ones.
Entertainment films are sometimes referred to as genre films. A genre has a formula, such as:
Debonair spy + spectacular chase scenes + weird villain + beautiful woman + gadgets = the SPY genre (i.e. James Bond).
OR:
A sheriff + bank robbers + a saloon + horses + tumbleweeds = WESTERN.
A sheriff + bank robbers + a saloon + horses + tumbleweeds = WESTERN.
Other genres: PRISON, ACTION/ADVENTURE, SPOOF, HORROR, VAMPIRE, SLASHER, SLAPSTICK COMEDY, HEIST, SCI-FI, FANTASY, SUPERHERO, ROMANTIC COMEDY, WAR, GANGSTER, DISASTER, MURDER MYSTERY, DETECTIVE STORY…
NOTE:
Drama and comedy are not “genres” in this sense. Those words are too broad. A genre has predictable elements; a “drama” does not. See?
NOTE:
NOTE:
Sometimes genres overlap: a spy movie is also action/adventure, for example.
To complicate matters, there are times when a seeming “genre” film is art, usually when the characters prove to be complex and multi-faceted, and grow—or at least have flashes of realization. When this occurs, we say that the film TRANSCENDS THE GENRE or is GENRE-BUSTING. A great example of this is The Godfather. It’s not just a gangster movie; because Michael Corleone and other characters are so rich, so authentic, so believable, the movie becomes a work of art.
To complicate matters, there are times when a seeming “genre” film is art, usually when the characters prove to be complex and multi-faceted, and grow—or at least have flashes of realization. When this occurs, we say that the film TRANSCENDS THE GENRE or is GENRE-BUSTING. A great example of this is The Godfather. It’s not just a gangster movie; because Michael Corleone and other characters are so rich, so authentic, so believable, the movie becomes a work of art.
discuss one film:
Ocean’s 12
Ocean’s 12
Or
Chinatown
Does your film transcend its genre, or not? Prove it (according to the above). Of course you must first establish what the genre entails. 500 words.
Chinatown
Does your film transcend its genre, or not? Prove it (according to the above). Of course you must first establish what the genre entails. 500 words.
