1

Genre and Genre Theory Paper

Name of Student

Institutional affiliation

Course Title

Professor’s Name

Due Date
 2

Abstract

The genre theory assumes that films in the same categories may have similar

conventions, structure, style, and themes. However, such similarities do not justify assuming that

the films are the same because there are certain differences in conventions. Genres are used to

capture the audience's attention because they instill various emotions such as empathy, escapism,

laughter, and sadness. Genre refers to genres such as plays, novels, poetry—romance, drama,

comedy, and tragedy. The features in the film lead to the division and classification of the genre.

For example, the plot, settings, characters, sound, and star persona are the main features used to

classify films into genres. The genre theory delves into the deeper meaning of genre based on the

audience's expectations. This paper will describe genre and genre theory in detail. It will also

offer a synopsis of the romantic film “Knocked Up (2007)” and explain the conventions that

qualify it to be a romantic comedy movie. The movie has a romantic mode that leads to comedy.

Keywords: romantic, comedy, Knocked Up, movie, film, genres, genre theory, romance.
 3

Genre and Genre Theory Paper

Genre denotes the classification and style in plays, novels, poetry—romance, drama,

comedy, and tragedy. The characteristic elements in the film lead to the division and

classification of the genre. For instance, the plot, settings, characters, and sound are the main

features used to classify films into genres (Grant, 2012). The genre theory delves into the deeper

meaning of genre based on the audience's expectations. "Genre theory revolves around the ideas

surrounding how we define and distinguish genres, and how we categorize films into genres

based on usually conventional factors" (Goodykoontz & Jacobs, 2014). In other words, genre

theory helps categorize a film when similar aspects are involved. Classifying films together

provides a means of comparison. The movie "Knocked Up (2007)" is a real-life fiction with a

sense of humor clustered around a romantic epitome.

Romantic comedy is one of the genres in film. According to Goodykoontz & Jacobs

(2014), "the basic plot of a romantic comedy is that two characters meet, part ways due to an

argument or other obstacle, then ultimately realize their love for one another and reunite."

Romantic comedy can be classified as a hybrid genre since it has numerous conventions of

comic films (Grant, 2012). Romantic movies are centered on light-hearted, humorous plotlines

that emphasize romantic ideals. It usually involves two characters from the opposite gender who

part ways due to challenges such as an argument. However, at the end of the film, the lovers

ultimately reconcile. In the romantic film genre, "the audience wants the two characters to get

together because they also believe they are meant to be together" (Goodykoontz & Jacobs,

2014). The encounter of the two characters from the opposite gender in unusual circumstances is

the leading convention of a romantic comedy—the characters in such a film display variations in

situations, social status, and temperament.

 4

The film "Knocked Up (2007)" targeted the modern-day youth generation to expound on

beyond comedy issues. The piece deals with more contemporary issues in present-day society.

The film is full of stoner mannerisms and awkward romance to suit the intended audience. Judd

Apatow wrote and produced the movie. The female protagonist, Allison Scott, and her sister

Debbie go to a club to celebrate their promotion. In the process, Allison encounters Ben, a

marijuana smoker, with whom they had a conversation. Debbie is forced to rush home after

being informed about their daughter's sickness leaving Allison and Ben. They later left the club

and had sex at Allison's house. The film unveils the consequences of a drunken one-night stand

between Allison and Ben, which leads to an unwanted pregnancy. Ben is more shocked about the

results of early parenthood. However, Ben decides to take responsibility, unlike other men. The

events in the film confirm that it is a romantic comedy based on humorous plotlines based on a

romantic ideal. The couple's main obstacle is the unwanted pregnancy, which they are forced to

deal with even though it will change their lives. Their performance reveals immense humor and

humanity. Ben is faced with the struggle of accepting early fatherhood since he does not have a

job or any other source of income. An argument ensues between the couple, which makes

Allison hate Ben due to immaturity. However, they eventually reconcile and decide to take care

of their daughter together.

Various conventions make the movie "Knocked Up (2007)" a romantic comedy. The

fantasy of mutual erotic affection is structured in the events that unfold in the piece. For instance,

the romantic ideal is evident in Allison's encounter with Ben at a nightclub, eventually leading to

sex. The viewers are lured by the challenges of Allison and Ben, which creates an urge to wait

for what will happen next. The scene when Allison discovers that she was pregnant and calls Ben

confirms the romantic mode. Perhaps, another scene unveils the changes in Ben's life, including
 5

stopping marijuana smoking and reading the antenatal guide to be a better father. A typical

depiction of romance is evident in the last scene when Allison and Ben decide to raise their

daughter as a family.

The movie "Knocked Up (2007)" can also be classified as a comedy. Romantic comedy

still falls in the comic genre, which instills humor in the viewers. The events that unfold in the

movie evoke laughter. The scene when Ben puts on a condom and later removes it is humorous.

Besides, Allison experiencing hormonal changes and mood swings is comical. This is very

interesting since it unveils the common experiences of pregnant women. The argument on

pregnancy and drunkenness also evokes laughter. For instance, Alison claims that she was drunk

while Ben asks her if her vagina was drunk (Apatow, 2007). This statement and many more

make "Knocked Up (2007)" film a comic and romantic piece. The bouncer harassing Debbie and

Allison is also humorous. For instance, the bouncer claims that Debbie is old and Allison is

pregnant and, therefore, he doesn't prefer a bunch of pregnant women hovering around the club.

The third convention in the movie "Knocked Up (2007)" is a happy ending, a common

element in a romantic comedy. A happy ending is an over-utilized convention in romantic

comedy films. This feature expands the boundaries of reconciliation after an argument in this

specific genre. In the movie's last scene, Ben and Allison are happy as they welcome their baby

in the labor room. Ben tells Allison how much he loves her. Ben agrees to support the kid, a

responsibility that he previously denounced. In the end, viewers witness a happy family despite

the challenges the lover birds have faced. Viewers agree that the movie is a typical example of a

romantic comedy. The romance in the film results in comic situations that leave the audience

laughing. The female protagonist finds affection regardless of the ups and downs.
 6

In conclusion, the humor and romance in the movie "Knocked Up (2007)" make it a

typical example of a real-life romantic comedy. This paper has defined genre theory and events

in the film that qualifies it to be a romantic comedy. As illustrated, the characteristic features in

the film lead to the division and classification of the genre. For instance, the plot, setting,

characters, sound, and star persona are the main features used to classify films into genres. The

genre theory delves into the deeper meaning of genre based on the audience's expectations. The

conventions of a romantic comedy are met in the film because it involves two characters having

sex. The main challenge faced by the couple is the unwanted pregnancy based on the fact that

Ben is young and still not ready to have a child. However, the film has a happy ending since the

two protagonists decide to live together as a family. They are full of happiness after their baby is

born.
 7

References

Apatow. J. (2007). Knocked Up. [Film].

Goodykoontz, B., & Jacobs, C. P. (2014). Film: From Watching to Seeing, San Diego, CA:

Bridgepoint Education.

Grant, B. K. (Ed.). (2012). Film Genre Reader IV. Austin, TX, USA: University of Texas Press.

Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com