Synopsis
Mark Kermode reveals the film-making tricks and techniques behind classic movie genres, from romcoms to horrors.
Episodes
1
The RomcomMark begins with one of the most popular genres of all, the classic romantic comedy. They are sometimes sneered at by critics, but from the 1930s to the present day, many of our most beloved movies have been romantic comedies.60m2
The HeistThis time it is the turn of the heist movie, with its unique combination of suspense and action. Whether it is the big bank job or netting a fortune in diamonds, why, asks Mark, do otherwise law-abiding audiences find themselves rooting for robbers and even killers? More than any other genre, the heist movie plays with our sympathies, encouraging us to identify with characters we would run a mile from in real life.60m3
Coming of AgeMark explores the genre that captures the joy and pain of growing up - the coming-of-age movie. It is the most universal of all genres, the one we can all relate to from our own experience, yet it can also be the most autobiographical and personal.60m4
Science FictionMark explores the most visionary of all genres - science fiction, and shows how film-makers have risen to the challenge of making the unbelievable believable. Always at the forefront of cinema technology, science fiction films have used cutting-edge visual effects to transport us to other worlds or into the far future. But as Mark shows, it's not just about the effects.60m5
HorrorMark Kermode reveals the cinematic tricks and techniques used to create classic horror films, from The Phantom of the Opera to The Exorcist, Psycho to Get Out.60m
The RomcomMark begins with one of the most popular genres of all, the classic romantic comedy. They are sometimes sneered at by critics, but from the 1930s to the present day, many of our most beloved movies have been romantic comedies.60m2The HeistThis time it is the turn of the heist movie, with its unique combination of suspense and action. Whether it is the big bank job or netting a fortune in diamonds, why, asks Mark, do otherwise law-abiding audiences find themselves rooting for robbers and even killers? More than any other genre, the heist movie plays with our sympathies, encouraging us to identify with characters we would run a mile from in real life.60m3Coming of AgeMark explores the genre that captures the joy and pain of growing up - the coming-of-age movie. It is the most universal of all genres, the one we can all relate to from our own experience, yet it can also be the most autobiographical and personal.60m4Science FictionMark explores the most visionary of all genres - science fiction, and shows how film-makers have risen to the challenge of making the unbelievable believable. Always at the forefront of cinema technology, science fiction films have used cutting-edge visual effects to transport us to other worlds or into the far future. But as Mark shows, it's not just about the effects.60m5HorrorMark Kermode reveals the cinematic tricks and techniques used to create classic horror films, from The Phantom of the Opera to The Exorcist, Psycho to Get Out.60mCast
