Steve Neale – A Level Media Studies Eduqas Revision

Overview of Steve Neale

Steve Neale is a renowned media theorist known for his contributions to the field of film genre studies.
He is recognised for his book “Genre and Hollywood” which provides an in-depth study of Hollywood genres.
Neale’s work draws upon the concepts from structuralism, a theory of sociology that suggests elements of culture must be understood in terms of their relationship to a broader system.

Genre, as per Neale, is essentially a categorisation system that helps to sort different films based on common characteristics.
The categorisation is based primarily on the film’s story content, setting, character types, and production values amongst other elements.
Recognising genre helps viewers predict the nature of the film and sets out certain expectations.

Neale argued that genre films are a balance between repetition and difference.
The repeated elements form the basis for genre classification, whilst the differences help keep the genre fresh and appealing to the audience.
Too much repetition can lead to predictability and boredom, whereas too much difference can confuse audiences and lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction if genre expectations are not met.

Neale’s theory is highly applicable in the production and consumption of Hollywood films.
Producers use genre traits to plan their films and marketing strategies, guiding audience expectations and aiding the commercial success of a film.
However, they simultaneously incorporate elements of difference to provide new content that can intrigue and attract audiences.

Neale’s theories have proved influential in the study of media, particularly in the analysis of films and TV shows.
It has been a foundation for further research in genre theory and has influenced the way scholars and critics analyse Hollywood’s output.
By incorporating the balance of repetition and difference, students and scholars can observe how media texts both conform to and resist generic conventions.

Some critics argue Neale’s theory is too simplistic and fails to account for the wide range of factors that influence genre evolution.
It has been suggested that genres are far more fluid and complex than Neale’s theory implies, undergoing continual reinvention beyond a simple dynamic of repetition and difference.
The theory has also been critiqued for focusing primarily on textual analysis and neglecting wider socio-cultural factors, such as audience reception and industrial practices.