Genre Research Activity
Genre
The fantasy genre is sometimes considered a sub-genre, due to similarities with science fiction and
horror films. However, the fantasy genre includes various distinct elements that set it apart from other
genres. This genre’s many features may be more likely to target younger audiences in some cases, but
fantasy films often appeal to older audiences as well.
The fantasy genre is sometimes considered a sub-genre, due to similarities with science fiction and
horror films. However, the fantasy genre includes various distinct elements that set it apart from other
genres. This genre’s many features may be more likely to target younger audiences in some cases, but
fantasy films often appeal to older audiences as well.
Genre Conventions - Content
A major feature of fantasy films is that the plot would likely not occur in reality, especially due to
strange occurrences or the modification of what is considered possible. They often involve unique
settings, such as imaginary worlds, other dimensions, fairytale locations, or altered versions of reality.
Mythical or supernatural creatures are also often present; examples are angels, fairies, dragons,
unicorns, gnomes, and dwarves. Other common elements are magic, myth, and ancient objects.
The protagonist usually has a fantastical (magical) experience, then relies on other mythical characters
to help them achieve their goal.
strange occurrences or the modification of what is considered possible. They often involve unique
settings, such as imaginary worlds, other dimensions, fairytale locations, or altered versions of reality.
Mythical or supernatural creatures are also often present; examples are angels, fairies, dragons,
unicorns, gnomes, and dwarves. Other common elements are magic, myth, and ancient objects.
The protagonist usually has a fantastical (magical) experience, then relies on other mythical characters
to help them achieve their goal.
Within the fantasy genre are numerous sub-categories, each with their own typical elements. These sub-categories include fairy tales, epics, heroic fantasies, sword and sorcery fantasies, and superhero movies. The fairytale category, for instance, will likely have a prince or princess as the protagonist and finish off with a “happy ending.”
Genre Conventions - Production Techniques
Fantasy films consist of high production value all-around. Primary colors are saturated, and high key
lighting is commonly used. Special effects and computer-generated images are also abundant
throughout films of this genre.
Fantasy films consist of high production value all-around. Primary colors are saturated, and high key
lighting is commonly used. Special effects and computer-generated images are also abundant
throughout films of this genre.
Institutional Conventions - Marketing
Marketing for fantasy films is based off of exhibiting the extraordinary plots and features that were
previously discussed. These films are intended to amuse people and captivate them, so conveying
that is necessary when creating trailers or advertisements. Popular American studios, such as Disney,
are known to make fantasy films and widely distribute or publicize them.
previously discussed. These films are intended to amuse people and captivate them, so conveying
that is necessary when creating trailers or advertisements. Popular American studios, such as Disney,
are known to make fantasy films and widely distribute or publicize them.
Film sample 1
Alice in Wonderland (2010): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9POCgSRVvf0
Alice in Wonderland is one film that clearly fits the fantasy genre. The story follows a girl who has the
magical experience of falling down a rabbit hole into a world where nothing is impossible. She
encounters a talking white rabbit, in addition to a mischievous talking cat and an army of playing cards
that work under the rule of the Red Queen. Special effects and CGI are key to the movie, and the high
production value of the costumes and makeup is evident. The trailer depicts the plentiful accounts of
unworldly happenings.
magical experience of falling down a rabbit hole into a world where nothing is impossible. She
encounters a talking white rabbit, in addition to a mischievous talking cat and an army of playing cards
that work under the rule of the Red Queen. Special effects and CGI are key to the movie, and the high
production value of the costumes and makeup is evident. The trailer depicts the plentiful accounts of
unworldly happenings.
Film sample 2
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cBja3AbahY
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a classic, well-known movie that also falls into the fantasy
genre. A boy named Charlie is the protagonist. He finds a golden ticket in his chocolate bar, which
allows him to go on a tour of Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory with the other lucky winners.
The movie is filled with bright, saturated colors and very advanced, thoroughly-developed candies.
Oompa Loompas take the role of unique characters as orange dwarves with green hair that help run
the factory. This trailer once again displays these wonderful elements of fantasy films.
genre. A boy named Charlie is the protagonist. He finds a golden ticket in his chocolate bar, which
allows him to go on a tour of Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory with the other lucky winners.
The movie is filled with bright, saturated colors and very advanced, thoroughly-developed candies.
Oompa Loompas take the role of unique characters as orange dwarves with green hair that help run
the factory. This trailer once again displays these wonderful elements of fantasy films.
Other Film Examples
- Twilight (2008)
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
- The Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)
- Enchanted (2007)
- Jumanji (1995)
- The Wizard of Oz (1939)
