Page 66 - A Handbook Genre Studies in Mass Media

FORMULAIC ANALYSIS

volves Turkish gunmen who seek revenge against a tyrannical occupying
army. The opposing forces are Americans, reflecting anti-U.S. sentiment
in Turkey due to the U.S. role in Iraq. Journalist Sebnam Arsu notes,
“The commander’s name is Sam—as in uncle— . . . a sociopath, killing
people without a second’s thought and claiming that he is doing God’s
will. While fictional, some of the movie is based in part on real events,
and many of the scenes elicit knowing looks from the audience.” 19

Formulaic Setting

The setting is the physical background against which the action of a nar-
rative takes place. The elements that make up a setting include:

• The geographical location (including its topography and scenery)
• The physical arrangement of the location such as the windows and
doors of a room
• The time or period in which the action takes place

In some genres, the setting is the defining element. For instance, in
science fiction programs like Star Trek (1966–69), the exploration of outer
space was the focus of the series. At the same time, this setting served
as an arena for the exploration of a range of social issues, including race
relations, the cold war, and humans’ place in the universe.
The formulaic setting is also an essential element of the horror
genre. For instance, the castle contributes to an atmosphere of gloom
and terror. This gothic structure contains secret panels and underground
catacombs—secret places unknown to others. Altogether, the castle is
symbolic of the dark, dangerous, and evil world that awaits.
The formulaic setting furnishes perspective into the worldview of a
genre. Indeed, the meaning of the same setting may vary, depending on the
genre. New York City offers a good case in point. In situation comedies
such as Sex and the City, New York City is a bright, exciting place, filled
with opportunity and glamour. In Friends, the city was a homogeneous
place, populated almost exclusively by white people of about the same
age and income level as the stars of the series. In Seinfeld, New York
even had a small town feel to it. Jerry always seemed to be bumping into
George, Kramer, or Elaine on the street.
However, in dramas, New York City is depicted as a dark, foreboding
place. For instance the former WB network’s Everwood was the story of

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