Rick Altman

Definition

Rick Altman is a prominent film theorist known for his contributions to genre theory, particularly in how films can be categorized and understood through their conventions and audience expectations. His work emphasizes the importance of both the textual elements of film and the socio-cultural contexts in which films are produced and consumed, revealing how genres evolve and interact with viewers' interpretations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rick Altman argues that genres are not fixed categories but are dynamic systems that evolve based on cultural changes and audience perceptions.
2. He introduced the idea of 'semantic' and 'syntactic' aspects of genre, where 'semantic' refers to the specific elements that define a genre, while 'syntactic' refers to the relationships and patterns among those elements.
3. Altman emphasizes the role of audience expectations in shaping genres; he suggests that viewers bring their own experiences and knowledge when interpreting films.
4. His work critiques traditional genre theory by advocating for a more nuanced understanding that incorporates both textual analysis and audience interaction.
5. Altman's theories have influenced how filmmakers approach genre conventions, often playing with or subverting these expectations to create innovative cinematic experiences.

Review Questions

• How does Rick Altman's perspective on genre challenge traditional views of categorizing films?
  • Rick Altman's perspective on genre challenges traditional views by arguing that genres are not static labels but fluid categories shaped by cultural contexts and audience interactions. He emphasizes that genres evolve over time and are influenced by societal changes, thus requiring a more dynamic approach to understanding them. By introducing the concepts of semantic and syntactic elements, Altman encourages a deeper analysis that goes beyond mere classification.
• What role does audience expectation play in Rick Altman's theory of genre, and why is it significant?
  • Audience expectation plays a crucial role in Rick Altman's theory of genre as it shapes how viewers engage with films and interpret their meanings. According to Altman, audiences come to films with preconceived notions based on their past experiences with similar genres, which influences their expectations for narrative structure, themes, and character development. This interaction between viewer expectations and filmic conventions is significant because it highlights the collaborative nature of meaning-making in cinema.
• Evaluate how Rick Altman's contributions to genre theory impact contemporary filmmaking practices.
  • Rick Altman's contributions to genre theory have a profound impact on contemporary filmmaking practices by encouraging filmmakers to think critically about genre conventions and their relationship with audiences. By recognizing that genres can be manipulated or subverted, filmmakers are now more inclined to experiment with traditional forms, leading to innovative storytelling approaches. Altman's emphasis on cultural context also prompts creators to consider broader societal issues within their works, allowing for richer narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.

Related terms

Genre: A category of artistic composition characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter, used extensively in film to classify movies and set audience expectations.

Intermediality: The concept of interaction between different media forms, which can influence how genres are perceived and represented in film.

Cultural Context:

The social, historical, and cultural environment that shapes the creation and reception of films, crucial for understanding how genres resonate with audiences.