Genre Theory - Christian Metz

Christian Metz was a french film theorist (1931-1993) who believed that genre goes through a cycle of changes during their lifetime. There are four stages to this cycle:

1. Experimental Stage
2. Classic Stage
3. Parody Stage
4. Deconstruction Stage

1. Experimental Stage

The beginning phases of genre. Have the foundation are built, so the generic codes and conventions.

2. Classic Stage

Where the codes and conventions of a genre become seen as iconic and idealized as 'the' guidelines for the genres.



3. Parody Stage

Now that the codes and conventions have been established, widely recognized and accepted, they can be parody - people use them and mock them. This is based on the fact the audience have understood the codes and conventions from the classic stage.




4. Deconstruction Stage

Now the genre can begin to evolve and merge with others. Genre becomes less clear out and the 'rules' can be broken.