Inception falls within the Sci Fi genre due to it's use of fictional science, which is central to the plot, and the dystopian worlds featured in the films due to the scientific instruments used. In addition to Sci Fi, Inception could also be considered to have a subgenre of Action/Adventure, as it features violence prominently in the film, although it isn't vital to the plot and is shown to not be intended in the story.
I agree with Barry Keith Grant's theory in that all genres have subgenres. This is because Inception is classified as a Science Fiction film due to the reasons stated above, but also has several key elements that relate it to other genres. For example, the frequent use of violence relates to an action film, as stated above, and the popular heist subgenre of action/ adventure is also key to the film, as it follows the generic conventions in terms of plot almost perfectly - problem (Cobb wanting to see his family, unable to), planning the heist (introduction of characters and development, showing of skills), heist (the literal heist), pay off (Cobb reunited with his kids). In addition, the themes of the film, for example, that some crimes are morally ambiguous (which is shown in the film by the antagonist, Fisher, also getting a reward, his father's praise, as well as the protagonist), is also frequently part of the heist subgenre.
Patrick Phillip's theory, that genres give the audience comfortable reassurance, I also believe is accurate because it is shown in Inception. The Science Fiction genre promises complex equipment and technology, along with a threat not possible (or very unlikely) in the real world, along with impossible scenes, usually action oriented, to reinforce the plot. Inception features all of this, as the device used to enter people's dreams isn't explained in the film (although a manual was released prior to the film), it adds to the mystery of the device and the concept of Inception, without having to dive into he scientific aspects of it. In this way, Inception differs slightly to the genre, as it fails to explain many concepts and processes, which is usually a staple of the science fiction genre. This can be seen as being used to throw off viewers, making the plot seem more intricate than it actually is, as the process of inception in the film is described as very complex and dangerous, but is rarely shown in this way.
In addition, the main, recurring threat in the film, the imagined aspect of Mol (who can be considered the main antagonist) repeatedly acting against Cobb even though she is dead in the real world, is a classic example if a trope in science fiction, an enemy that is not only hard to understand, but can't be defeated by physical means, instead being an enigma action for the audience to wonder about.
There are also numerous action sequences in Inception (the corridor fight scene, the building being destroyed and flooded sequence) that would be impossible in a different genre, without the technology available, making it another characteristic of sci fi films. These scenes reinforce the idea that what the characters are doing, and what the plot is revolving around, in unconventional and confusing, which helps the audience relate to the characters as they feel the same way.
Although not entirely conventional, Inception's marketing did benefit from the common conventions usually associated with advertising heist and science fiction films. Using mystery and intrigue is not uncommon for heists films that have a mysterious aspect, which benefitted Inception as it's an independent film. For example, using clues and puzzles in magazines to attract readers to the film's website is unique, but not a-typical for a film that has large amounts of mystery, like sci fi and some action. In addition, immersing the audience in the world with mock-manuals and guides, to make the film more believable and make the audience more interested in the film.
However, Inception does also oppose this rule. The $1,000,000 budget used on advertising highlights this point, in addition to the extensive methods used for advertising that were relatively unique - a game with unlockable posters of the film, for example. These things both prove both prove that Inception couldn't rely on it's genre(s) to reduce expenditure, due to it not being part of a film series.
I also agree with Rick Altman's theory that genre offers pleasure to an audience. Science fiction often features intellectual pleasure through puzzles and mystery, which Inception featured constantly throughout the film (the concept of Inception, mazes and dangerous situations with no obvious means of escape), confirming the theory as it stuck to it's genre's usual pleasures. Panning shots of problems being solved, calm and methodical non-diegetic music all added to these scenes to heighten the intellectual pleasure.
As Inception can also be considered an action film, as it features action and adventure throughout. This results in visceral pleasure being a key part of the film, fast paced action (the corridor fight scene - with fast action cuts, forward tracking shots, shaking camera angles as well as a fast and dramatic score - non - diegetic sound) making the audience feel excited and often fearful for the characters. So this theory is also reinforced by these scenes, making me agree with the theory more.
I do not agree with David Bordwell's theory that any genre trope can appear in any other genre. This is because Inception almost only features tropes that are encoded into the sci fi and action genres, while featuring only a couple from other genres. For example, the main goal of the story being the family, connoting the importance of family to the viewers, isn't typical for either of the two genres, but is a central part of Inception. However, there are no other examples of other characteristics of genres in Inception, which is why I disagree with this theory.
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