Genre Essay

Genre refers to the method based on similarities in the narrative element from which films are constructed also known as codes and conventions. Films often have additional genres and are instead referred to as sub-genre .The 2008 slasher/psychological film 'prom night' is recognised as a slasher horror simply because of the use of phalic object such as the pocket knife the antagonist possess. The film is also known as a psychological horror because of the out of control urge of obsession which led the antagonist (a jailer ex teacher) to multiple murders. 

Moreover, the genre approach is effective because it helps the audience know what to expect in a film for example 'cabin in the woods' is a thriller horror because it includes a strong investigation angle to the film, whereas slasher films such as the 'scream' trilogy will involve a psychological killer whom kills a sequence of victims in a unique way with the use of a knife.

However, its not always clear to distinguish the differences between some genres as they could fall in the same category or it could be argued that some horror films don't necessarily follow the codes and conventions for example. in the trailer 'prom night' the final girl was not portrayed as a virgin or 'pure'. even though the theme of death by sex was followed and applied to the movie.