6.2 TYPES OF PROGRAMMES 103 Even if genres have the same features throughout different periods, some genres became experimental in the Seventies reflecting societal upheaval. FILM GENRES Even if films and their genres have gone through a fascinating metamorphosis over the decades, reflecting cultural shifts, technological advancements, and changing audience tastes, they have always shared the same features. Some film genres Cinematography refers to the art and methods of using cameras in making a film. ONLINE RESOURCES What is a logline? Western films usually take place in the American Old West, featuring deserts, saloons, and open landscapes, and characters include sheriff and outlaws with a clear distinction between heroes and villains. cliffhanger: scena mozzafiato doom: destino tragico filth: sudiciume, oscenit graphic: crudo ominous: cupo, sinistro quest: ricerca anche interiore tilted angle: inquadratura inclinata o angolo olandese swashbuckling: bravata, spavalderie con duelli 236 BIG AnD sMAll sCREEn In romances, the protagonists often meet in an unexpected way, setting the tone for their eventual love story, and they have different personalities, social statuses, or lifestyles. A key part of the fun is misunderstandings that drive the plot. Noir often revolves around crime, betrayal, and existential despair. Plots are filled with corruption and a sense of inevitable doom. Characters are usually represented by the cynic detective, the femme fatale, and the antihero navigating a world of deception and danger. They are often set in smoky nightclubs, and shadowy alleyways, evoking a world of crime and loneliness. Their visual style is represented by high-contrast lighting with dramatic shadows, often using fog to create an ominous atmosphere. The use of deep-focus cinematography and tilted angles intensifies unease. Action/Adventure films are films in which both action scenes and puzzling challenges are combined. The action genre involves more explosions, chases, and combats than the adventure one, which involves a quest and is built around it. It works as pure escapism for those watching. While there isn t always a clearcut antagonist, you can rely on maps, swashbuckling, cliffhangers, and courage. War films are based on real wars, giving insight into significant events like World War I, Vietnam, or medieval conflicts. They usually share themes linked to bravery, sacrifice, leadership, and the impact on civilians. In thrillers and crime films characters are placed in lifethreatening situations, whether it s espionage, crime, or psychological turmoil. Dark lighting, intense closeups, and dramatic colour contrasts build the mood and heighten suspense. Sci-fi films deal with sentient robots, virtual reality, exploring artificial intelligence, intergalactic voyages, as well as the moral dilemmas surrounding human-machine interactions. Special effects and cutting-edge visuals are their most remarkable technical aspects. Horror films often explore dark subject matter and deal with transgressive topics or themes. Typical elements are monsters, apocalyptic events, and religious and folk beliefs.