The Metz Theory

Christian Metz was a French film theorist who explored genre development over his 40 year career. He pioneered the Metz Theory where he suggested that each film passes through four individual stages.

• The experimental
• The classic
• The parody
• The deconstruction

These four stages can be recognised clearly in the horror and romantic comedy genres.

THE EXPERIMENTAL STAGE

The first films made in a genre, these films are experimental as they explosre narratives and themes never done before. This is essentially the foundations of basic conventions found in later stages.

Horror

• Nosferatu
• The Cabinet of Dr Caligari

Romantic Comedy

• Girl Shy
• Trouble In Paradise

THE CLASSIC STAGE

The genre now has well established general conventions. This is also usually the stage in which the genre is at its most successful.

Horror 

• Frankenstein
• Dracula

Romantic Comedy

• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
• Breakfast At Tiffany's

THE PARODY STAGE

The parody stage is where the forms and conventions of the genre are mocked in a rather satirical sort of way.

Horror 

• Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein
• Scary Movie

Romantic Comedy

• Date Movie
• Another Gay Movie

THE DECONSTRUCTION STAGE


Films now begin to take different parts which are normally the generic elements and amalgamate them into dividing sub genres.

Horror 

• Se7en
• The Blair Witch Project

Romantic Comedy

• Groundhog Day
• Love Actually