Vocabulary: film genre

From Greek bios (life) + graphein (to write). Often shortened to "bio" (social media bios, etc.). Distinct from autobiography (self-written).

• an account of someone's life written by another

  She wrote a biography of Churchill.

• the use of humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize or expose folly, especially in politics

  "Animal Farm" is a famous political satire.

• a film about a real person's life

  The singer's biopic won several awards.

Originally a WWII slang term for a huge bomb capable of destroying a city block; now mainly used for hit movies, books, or products.

• a movie, book, or product that is very successful commercially

  The studio is hoping their summer release will be a blockbuster.

Short for "independent". Also used for music (indie rock, indie pop) and video games (indie games). Sundance Film Festival is the premier indie film showcase.

• produced independently from major commercial companies, especially in film or music

  She prefers indie films over Hollywood blockbusters.

Short for "romantic comedy". Golden age: 1990s-2000s ("When Harry Met Sally", "Notting Hill", "10 Things I Hate About You").

• a light, humorous film or show centered on a romantic relationship

  They watched a rom-com on their date night.

Coined from "mock" + "documentary". Examples: "This Is Spinal Tap" (1984), "The Office" (TV), "What We Do in the Shadows".

• a fictional film made in the style of a documentary

  "The Office" is a mockumentary.

Named after a physical prop (two flat sticks that make a loud slap on impact). Masters: Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, the Three Stooges, Mr. Bean.

• comedy based on exaggerated physical action, pratfalls, and absurd situations rather than wordplay

  The film relies heavily on slapstick.

French for "black". As a standalone genre label, short for "film noir". Neo-noir = modern updates (e.g. "Blade Runner", "Chinatown").

• a genre of film or fiction characterized by cynicism, dark themes, and morally ambiguous characters

  The director is known for his noir style.

Classic era: 1940s-1950s Hollywood. Hallmarks: femme fatale, hard-boiled detective, low-key lighting, voice-over narration. "Double Indemnity" (1944) and "The Maltese Falcon" (1941) are textbook examples.

• a style of crime film featuring cynical characters, shadowy cinematography, and bleak themes

  "Double Indemnity" is one of the greatest films noirs.

"Crime scene", "crime wave", "hate crime". "Crime and Punishment": Dostoyevsky novel. "Perfect crime": undetected one.

• an act that breaks the law

  They were charged with a serious crime.

"Declare war", "go to war", "at war". Distinct from "warfare" (the conduct of fighting, not the conflict itself).

• a state of armed conflict between different nations or groups

  The two countries have been at war for years.

• to engage in armed conflict

  The rival factions warred for control of the region.

Broadway musicals (New York) and West End musicals (London) are the two major traditions. Famous examples: "The Phantom of the Opera", "Hamilton", "Les Miserables".

• a film, play, or TV show in which singing and dancing play an essential part

  "La La Land" is a modern musical.

Set in the American Old West (roughly 1860s-1900s). Subgenres: spaghetti western (Italian-made, e.g. Sergio Leone's films), revisionist western, space western. "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (1966) is the iconic example.

• a film or novel set in the American frontier, typically featuring cowboys, outlaws, and gunfights

  John Wayne starred in dozens of westerns.

"Murder mystery": popular fiction genre. "Mystery shopper": undercover quality assessor. Religious: ancient mystery cults required secret initiation.

• something unknown or difficult to explain

  The cause remains a mystery.

Major studios: Disney, Pixar, Studio Ghibli (Japan), DreamWorks. Anime = Japanese animation.

• the technique of making moving images from drawings or models

  The film features stunning animation.

Famous documentarians: Ken Burns, Errol Morris, Michael Moore. "Mockumentary": fictional film in documentary style (e.g., The Office, Spinal Tap).

• a film providing a factual report on a subject

  He made a documentary about climate change.

A daydream or unrealistic wish; also a fiction genre.

1. the imagining of improbable or impossible things; a daydream

   He indulged in fantasies of winning the lottery.

2. a genre of imaginative fiction involving magic and invented worlds

   She writes epic fantasy novels.

Informal clipping of "science fiction". Sometimes considered slightly lowbrow; purists prefer the full term for literary works.

• science fiction, especially in film and television

  He's a huge sci-fi fan.

Pioneers: H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Philip K. Dick, Ursula K. Le Guin.

• fiction dealing with futuristic technology, space travel, time travel, or alien life

  "Dune" is a landmark of science fiction.

From medieval French "romanz": originally referring to vernacular Romance-language tales. "Romance languages": derived from Latin (French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian).

1. a love affair, especially a brief or intense one

   They had a whirlwind romance.

2. a genre of novels or films about love

   She prefers romance novels.

"Thriller" - Michael Jackson's 1982 album, the best-selling of all time. Common subgenres: psychological thriller, political thriller, legal thriller.

• a novel, film, or play with an exciting plot involving crime or espionage

  He loves reading thrillers.

"Horror movie": film genre. "To my horror": common formal phrase. Bigger feeling than "fear": combines fear with disgust.

• intense fear or disgust

  She watched in horror as the car crashed.

• a play or performance for theater or television; an exciting or emotional situation

  She acted in a school drama.

"Stand-up comedy": solo performance. "Sitcom": situation comedy (TV genre). "Romantic comedy" (rom-com): popular film genre.

• professional entertainment intended to make people laugh

  She studies improv comedy.

• the process of doing something

  The plan requires immediate action.