Despite often clearly definable characteristics, however, it is important to remember that genres are not fixed entities, but are instead constantly evolving. Often the boundaries between genres become blurred. In most cases films represent a “genre hybrid” – or a combination of attributes from several different genre backgrounds. Studying genre reveals a pattern of repetition and difference. In other words, some films do have identifiable similarities, but they also contain new elements or similar elements used in new ways. Try the following exercise to find out more about the fluid and complex nature of genre classification. .
