Clichés

Definition

Clichés are overused expressions, ideas, or themes that have lost their originality and impact due to excessive repetition. In the context of film, they often manifest as predictable plot points or character archetypes, which can hinder the creative evolution of a genre. Clichés can serve as shortcuts for storytelling but also risk alienating audiences who crave fresh and innovative narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Clichés often arise from the formulaic nature of specific genres, where certain elements become predictable and expected by audiences.
2. While clichés can provide familiarity for viewers, they can also lead to viewer disengagement if not handled creatively.
3. Genres that heavily rely on clichés might struggle to evolve unless filmmakers find ways to subvert these tropes.
4. Subverting clichés can reinvigorate a genre, offering audiences new experiences while maintaining recognizable elements.
5. Filmmakers who recognize and play with clichés often create a meta-narrative that comments on the very conventions they are using.

Review Questions

• How do clichés contribute to the evolution of film genres?
  • Clichés contribute to the evolution of film genres by establishing familiar patterns that audiences recognize. However, when filmmakers rely too heavily on these overused elements, they can stagnate a genre's growth. To evolve, genres need innovative approaches that either reinvent clichés or subvert them entirely, pushing boundaries and creating fresh narratives that engage audiences.
• In what ways can filmmakers effectively subvert clichés to enhance their storytelling?
  • Filmmakers can enhance their storytelling by deliberately subverting clichés through unexpected character decisions, unique plot twists, or by flipping traditional genre conventions on their head. This creates surprise and intrigue for the audience while simultaneously paying homage to established tropes. By acknowledging these clichés and then taking them in an unexpected direction, filmmakers can create memorable experiences that stand out in the genre landscape.
• Evaluate the impact of clichés on audience reception and genre innovation in contemporary cinema.
  • Clichés can significantly impact audience reception by creating both comfort and frustration; viewers may enjoy familiar elements but also seek originality. In contemporary cinema, the overuse of clichés often leads to viewer fatigue, prompting filmmakers to innovate beyond traditional boundaries. By evaluating audience reactions to clichéd elements, filmmakers can understand the need for fresh perspectives that not only entertain but also provoke thought and discussion about genre conventions.

Related terms

Tropes: Commonly recurring themes, motifs, or conventions in storytelling that can be both clichés and effective narrative devices.

Genre: A category of artistic composition characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter, often evolving over time.

Subversion: The act of overturning traditional conventions or expectations within a genre, often by presenting new perspectives or twists.