How does genre affect audience expectations?

Genre plays a significant role in shaping audience expectations by establishing specific thematic and stylistic anticipations. When viewers approach a film, they often rely on the conventions and tropes associated with the genre to guide their understanding and experience of the narrative. For instance, a horror film typically prepares the audience for suspenseful situations, unexpected scares, and explorations of fear. Conversely, a romantic comedy sets expectations around humor, romance, and often a feel-good resolution.

This expectation based on genre allows audiences to engage more deeply, as they are primed to look for certain elements, such as character archetypes, plot structures, and visual styles that are characteristic of that genre. This shared understanding helps facilitate a connection between the audience and the film, enhancing their viewing experience.

While genre influences box office performance and might affect marketing strategies, it fundamentally alters how viewers approach and interpret the film itself, making the setting of specific thematic and stylistic anticipations the more accurate representation of genre's impact.