Task 2.1 Research Into Existing Products: Metz Theory

In 1974 Christian Metz wrote the book ‘Language and Cinema’. In the book was a theory known as the ‘Metz Theory’ and it detailed genres. Specifically stating that they all passed through four stages/phases.

          • The Experimental Phase

          • The Classic Phase

          • The Parody Phase

          • The Deconstruction Phase

                                                                The Experimental Phase

The experimental phase is when the genre begins to form or where it is that the genre originates from such as English Literature. An example of this is Frankenstein, it originated from Mary Shelly’s Gothic Literature novel ‘Frankenstein’ before being made into a film (1931) during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Other examples of this are ‘The Cabinet of Dr Caligari’ and ‘Nosferatu’ which became ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ and ‘Dracula’. This genre of film took off after the horrors of the First World War swept Europe, this was because people now wanted to see the type of film and experience the adrenaline rush from being scared whilst not being in danger whatsoever.

The Classical Phase

The classical phase is the period of time when the genre produces its classic films. Examples of these for the horror genre are Dracula and Frankenstein, both filmed in 1931, during the Golden Age of Hollywood. This is when the codes and conventions of the film remain strict to a relatively linear plotline with similar dilemmas and endings, as well as openings. This is to deliver to the audience that are demanding more of the same cash generating formula.

The Parody Phase

This phase only ever appeals to a certain audience which is often not the same as the original target of the genre. This is due to the fact that the film is being made a mockery of, however it can also spring a new lease of life into a dying genre often by mixing its serious codes and conventions with that of a comic nature. The films plotlines often go off on tangents mixing in many different stories and characters from different films and genres with no actual relevance to the plot but to purely entertain the viewer. The most popular films from the parody phase in the 21^st century are the ‘Movie’ series (Scary Movie, Superhero Movie,  Date Movie etc).

The Deconstruction Phase

The deconstruction phase is when a film enters a period of hybrids being formed essentially reinventing the genre into something new. Great examples of this phase are ‘Se7en’ and ‘The Blair Witch Project’. They are horror-thrillers because an amalgamation of the two genres creates a new dark theme with a strong plotline, instead of something happening for the sake of it, as well as the adrenaline pumping scares that you get with a classic horror. Currently a very large proportion of genres are going through this phase.