One of the arguments I frequently find myself in--whether in a discussion about film, literature, or any other form of art--is whether a work that clearly exists within a genre, such as science fiction or fantasy, ought to be considered art at all. We got in to this in class somewhat, when we noted that many films today fit somewhat within the fantasy genre. Do these films have the same artistic value as a non-genre, "art" film?
I would argue yes. All literature takes place within a cultural dialog. When a film appears in a realistic setting, the dialog with which it is engaged is obvious to most everyone. But a fantasy film has its own set of rules and precedents to follow. To fully realize all that is being said, subtextually, in a fantasy film, one must be familiar with the history of the genre's discourse. If the viewer is not familiar with certain canonical fantasy texts, such as the Lord of the Rings, or Narnia, they will likely miss references made throughout the film, and thus miss some of the film's depth.
Like it or not, the popularity of genre is growing, so it's likely here to stay for the time being.
My question then: assume for a moment that you agree with my above argument. If that is the case, should genre-based works be accepted wholeheartedly into our study of literature and culture, or does the study of genre require a special skill set, such that genre studies should be its own area of emphasis.
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Both. Clearly the present style and use of alternate reality as a way to display emotion has become a classic way of interpreting experience. I think that although some of these films are just to entertain, the Lord of the Rings has huge effort put in to portray a higher realm, a more saintly view or accelerated level of understanding. It tries to create a feeling that darkness can be darker and light can be lighter.
But this isn't a new phenomenon- writers since the Odyssey have tried to portray alternate realities or fictional fantasy of greater or lesser worlds. So in my view these things are already treated as art, but due to the nature of popularity, art elitists may say it isn't art. But art is anything that attempts to express something- whether an emotion or an idea. So these films certainly can be studied in the whole of art and independently by their genre. So again both, for their independence and for their effect on the whole.
I think that genre-based works should be accepted into our study of literature and culture. But I also agree that it requires a special skill set and it should have it's own area of emphasis as well. I think in general courses you should have a taste of everything. It helps to expand your knowledge and understanding. I don't think you have to go into great details, but it's important to understand the different genres. Then if you really love it you could take more classes to further your studies on the different genres.
The first part of this write up reminded me a lot of this article that Roger Ebert wrote on the discussion of video games as art.
http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2010/04/video_games_can_never_be_art.html
In response to your question, I think that there are certain genres that lend themselves to artistic expression more than other, but that does not mean that other genres are incapable of producing "art". Part of being able to comprehend what "art" is, requires spending lots of time in that specific discipline and exploring the signs and symbols that create the worlds of meaning in each world. I think that we need to accept new forms of expression as viable candidates for understanding of our culture, but we also need to be - as individuals - wary of what we choose to participate in and what consequences our involvement in certain genres can have.
I feel that the study of genre goes perfectly with the study of pop culture. I feel that certain genres become more popular than others depending on what is going on in a certain culture. I also think however that if you really wanted to dive deep into the study of genre that it would require a special skill set and a different class than ours.
Yes I think it should be accepted into our study of literature and culture. I think some people feel it shouldn't because it is new and it is a newer expression of art. I could see a lot of older adults being hesitant about it because it is technology and not a form of art or literature the way they are used to seeing things. But in an age where we are moving forward and movies are changing, people have found new ways to express themselves and that includes through video. So yes I believe that it should be studied along side literature and culture. And the fact that you have to have a specific skill set to study it, doesn't mean that can't be taught or learned.
I think that genre films are a work of art. To me it seems that there is not a lot of difference between taking a style of film and interpreting it in a different way and taking a style of painting and interpreting it a different way. I feel like if you are creating something new and unique it should be considered art. Even if it falls into a definable category that other art pieces do. Genre has rules and the way that someone adapts and transforms those rules is a work of art. It shows their interpretation and creativity.
I agree that genre-based works can be considered art. Art has evolved beyond critique, no the saying is art is in the eye of the beholder. Therefore as the culture of art evolves our studies should evolve with it. We should study genre-based films and texts in school. And if this is a category of interest there should be an opportunity to further your study with specific classes.
The study of genres would be something great. However the skills sets is required because I believe that in today's society many people are not familiar with the literature, therefore missing the depth of the story.
I think it should be accepted into our study of literature and culture but it should also be something that is more available for people who want to pursue that special skill set. We can study genre-based works to an extent and anymore should be developed within each person's own subjects.
i think the study of genres would be a great addition and make studying and learning a little more enjoyable. I don't think a certain skill set should be required.
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