DVD's Blogs: Genre Research: Mystery

The Depths of the Genre : Mystery

The mystery genre is characterized by narratives that center around a puzzling crime, situation, or circumstance that needs to be resolved. Stories within the genre are similar to puzzles, providing the audience with clues to decipher the unknown elements.

Typical Target Audience

Mysteries appeal to a broad spectrum of viewers, including those who enjoy suspense and unexpected endings, are captivated by the criminal mind, value intricate plots, and love seeing law enforcement solve crimes.

Production Techniques

Developing tension in the screenplay and bringing it to life through direction.
Creating suspense through cinematic techniques: production design, sound design, cinematography, and music score.
Tension is created by the use of lighting, frame composition, and camera movement.
Using distinctive architectural and color theory to create unsettling sets.

How is the mystery genre marketed

The overall goal of marketing in the mystery genre is to capture the enigmatic and suspenseful tone of the film, enticing audiences with the promise of a puzzle that they can enjoy unraveling themselves. This is often achieved through a combination of suspense-driven promotional content and a strategic use of media channels to reach the target audience effectively.

Film Sample #1: "Se7en"

"Se7en" is a classic example of a modern psychological thriller-mystery. It revolves around two detectives, Somerset and Mills, who are investigating a series of gruesome murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. The film embodies the mystery genre by creating a dark and suspenseful atmosphere throughout. The audience is drawn into the detectives' journey as they try to decipher the motives and identity of the killer. The film skillfully builds tension and intrigue as it leads the audience through a series of cryptic clues and plot twists.

Film Sample #2: "Chinatown"

"Chinatown" exemplifies how the mystery genre can explore society's murky underbelly, where corruption and hidden truths are revealed. It exemplifies the multi-layered narrative typical of vintage mystery movies, with an emphasis on revealing a complex, concealed reality.