What are the three primary genres of film studied in cinema surveys?

The three primary genres of film studied in cinema surveys typically center around drama, comedy, and action because these categories encapsulate a broad range of narrative styles and themes that dominate mainstream cinema. Drama serves as a foundational genre, focusing on character development and emotional storytelling, allowing for deep exploration of human experiences. Comedy brings humor and often reflects societal norms, making it a significant genre for understanding cultural contexts and audience reactions. Action films are prominent for their extensive use of visual effects, stunts, and fast-paced narratives, often appealing to wide audiences and showcasing advancements in filmmaking technology.

While other genres like horror, fantasy, and thriller can certainly be important in film studies, they do not provide the same foundational basis as drama, comedy, and action for a comprehensive understanding of cinematic history and trends. Similarly, genres such as documentary, animation, experimental, musical, western, and romance each hold their own significance, but they are often viewed within a more niche context or as sub-genres rather than primary classifications when surveying the overall landscape of cinema.