Conventions of the Mystery Sci-fi Genre

Conventions of Sci-fi

The typical narrative in sci-fi films are that there is either new technology such as robots, new scientific principles such as time travel or new political systems such as that seen in the film Minority report. They always have conflicting sides of good and evil.

The time settings are usually in the past or the present as it contradicts historical records, however some sci-fi films are made in present day, such as the film Lucy.

Conventions of sci-fi would consist of futuristic props, costume, setting; all of which will display the scientific advancement of society.

Techniques used in these films would enhance the scientific and fictional elements of the film, such as special effects and close ups of technology or fictional object.

The common setting of sci-fi films would be in outer space, other worlds or alternative versions of Earth.

Conventions of Mystery

The typical story-line for a mystery film would be that the plot is 'usually based around the protagonist attempting to unravel the crime or situation by piecing together clues and circumstances, seeking evidence, interrogating witnesses, and tracking down a criminal.' a good example of this would be the film Non-Stop.

Characters may differ in this genre as the mystery may not be revealed until the last ten minutes, this means that characters may switch roles or change importance within the plot.  There does not necessarily need to be a certified detective, instead a civilian could solve the crime.

The setting of a mystery film is not set in stone, it can change depending on the journey the characters go through throughout the film, the plot will determine the setting.  However the scene of the crime will always appear at some point in the film.

Editing in the film is very important as it will create a particular mood depending on the transitions and the cuts between clips, such as a black out fade being used to add suspense and unease to the scene.

Pathetic fallacy is often used within mystery films, this means that the weather or setting will reflect the mood of the scene.

Sounds usually include soundtracks that are played at important points throughout the film.

The theme of a mystery film is usually seen as a conspiracy or pursuit of an object or a person.