Introduction
Film is an important part of modern life. It is a popular form of art and entertainment. A film
tells a story using moving pictures, sound, music and dialogue. People of all ages watch films
for enjoyment, learning and relaxation. Film is not only made for fun. It also carries ideas,
messages and emotions.
Film reflects real life and society. It shows culture, tradition and social problems. Through
films, people can learn about history, love, struggle, and human values. Many films raise
awareness about social and moral issues. Some films even influence people’s thinking and
behavior.
Film is also a strong medium of communication. It can reach a large number of people at the
same time. Because of pictures and sound, messages in films are easy to understand. Film can
cross language and national borders. People from different countries can enjoy and
understand films in their own way.
The development of technology has changed film greatly. In the past, films were black and
white. Today, films use sound, color, digital effects and modern technology. Online platforms
have made films more available to people everywhere.
Brief History of Film
The history of film began in the late nineteenth century. At first, films were very simple.
They showed short moving pictures without sound. These films were black and white and
lasted only a few minutes. People were very excited to see moving images for the first time.
In 1895, the Lumiere brothers from France showed the first public film screening. This event
is considered the birth of cinema. Early films showed daily life. There was no story or
dialogue in these films.
Later, silent films became popular. Actors used facial expressions and body movements to
tell stories. Music was played live in cinemas to create emotion. Famous silent film stars like
Charlie Chaplin became popular all over the world.
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In the late 1920s, sound was added to films. The first successful sound film was “The Jazz
Singer” in 1927. This change made films more realistic and attractive. After that, films with
dialogue became common.
In the 1930s and 1940s, color films were introduced. This made films more beautiful and
lively. During this time, film industries grew in many countries. Hollywood became the
center of the world film industry.
After World War II, films began to show social and political issues. Different film
movements started in Europe and other parts of the world. Directors tried new styles and
ideas.
In the late twentieth century, digital technology changed filmmaking. Computers were used
for editing and special effects. Today, films are made using advanced technology. Online
platforms allow people to watch films anywhere and anytime.
Types of Films
Types of films refer to the different categories of movies that are created based on their
purpose, content, storytelling style. Each films type has its own unique way of presenting
stories and ideas.
By categorizing films into different types, we can understand their purpose, style and impact
on society more clearly.
There are common types of film, That are discussed in below:-
1. Action
Action movies focus on exciting events like fights or dangerous event. The main goal is to
entertain and keep the audience engaged. These movies often have heroes facing dangerous
situations and they rely on fast pacing and thrilling scenes.
Researcher: Thomas Schatz
Contribution: Schatz studied Hollywood genres and explained how action films follow
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certain conventions like fast pacing, physical stunts and clear heroes vs. villains. He analyzed
how these films communicate emotion and excitement.
Nature of Action Films:-
Fast-moving and energetic
Includes fighting, chasing, and explosions
Shows heroes and villains
Focuses on physical strength and bravery
Uses stunts and special effects
Bangla Version Movie English Version Movie
Film Type
(Producer) (Producer)
Mission Extreme (2021) – Jaaz Avengers: Endgame (2019) –
Action
Multimedia Kevin Feige
2. Adventure
Adventure movies show characters going on journeys, often in unknown places. They include
challenges, dangers and discoveries. Adventure films excite the audience with exploration
and the spirit of courage.
Researcher: John G. Cawelti
Contribution: Cawelti identified adventure as a narrative formula that emphasizes quests,
danger and discovery. He showed how adventure stories follow a predictable pattern of
challenge and resolution.
Nature of Adventure Films:-
Based on journeys and exploration
Set in unknown or dangerous places
Includes risk and survival
Shows courage and determination
Often involves treasure, quests, or missions
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Bangla Version Movie English Version Movie
Film Type
(Producer) (Producer)
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Adventure Adventure of Sundarbans (2017) – Matt Tolmach, Dwayne
Johnson
3. Animation
Animation movies use drawings, computer graphics or stop-motion techniques to create
stories. They are not limited to children; animation can be for any age. Animated films often
tell imaginative stories and allow creators to show things that are impossible in real life.
Researcher: Paul Wells
Contribution: Wells is a leading figure in animation studies. He researched how animated
films create meaning through movement, design and visual style rather than real actors. He
also showed how animation works across cultural contexts.
Nature of Animation Films:-
Created using drawings or computer technology
Allows unlimited imagination
Can show impossible events
Suitable for children and adults
Often includes moral lessons
Bangla Version Movie English Version Movie
Film Type
(Producer) (Producer)
Meena (UNICEF series) –
Animation Frozen (2013) – Peter Del Vecho
UNICEF
4. Comedy
Comedy movies are designed to make the audience laugh. They often include funny
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situations, jokes or humorous characters. Comedy can also include satire, parody or
lighthearted romance. The main purpose is entertainment and creating joy.
Researcher: Henri Bergson
Contribution: Bergson’s work on comedy explains the social and psychological basis of
humor. Film scholars later used his ideas to understand how comedy films make audiences
laugh through timing, exaggeration and absurd situations.
Nature of Comedy Films:-
Aims to make people laugh
Uses jokes, humor, and funny dialogue
Shows amusing characters and situations
Light-hearted and entertaining
Reduces stress and boredom
Bangla Version Movie English Version Movie
Film Type
(Producer) (Producer)
The Hangover (2009) – Todd
Comedy Golpo Holeo Shotti
Phillips, Daniel Goldberg
5. Crime/Gangster
Crime or gangster movies explore illegal activities, criminal minds and life in gangs. They
often show the struggle between criminals and law enforcement. These movies can also
examine the social or moral aspects of crime.
Researcher: Thomas Schatz
Contribution: Schatz analyzed the crime/gangster genre as part of Hollywood’s genre
system. He explained how these films show moral conflict, the rise and fall of criminals and
cultural values about law and order.
Nature of Crime Films:-
Focuses on illegal activities
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Shows gangs, criminals, and police
Includes violence and suspense
Explores moral and social issues
Often based on real crimes
Bangla Version Movie English Version Movie
Film Type
(Producer) (Producer)
Password (2019) – Jaaz The Godfather (1972) – Albert S.
Crime / Gangster
Multimedia Ruddy
6. Documentary
Documentaries are non-fiction films that provide real information about people, events,
history. They aim to educate or inform the audience. Documentaries can include interviews,
real footage and narration.
Researcher: John Grierson
Contribution: Grierson is known as the father of documentary. He defined documentary
filmmaking as “the creative treatment of reality.” His work set the basis for evaluating
documentaries as real-world representation.
Nature of Documentary Films:-
Based on real people and real events
Uses factual information
Includes interviews and real footage
Educational and informative
Raises social or historical awareness
Bangla Version Movie English Version Movie
Film Type
(Producer) (Producer)
Under Construction (2021) – Free Solo (2018) – Elizabeth Chai
Documentary
Unknown / Local Producer Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin
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7. Drama
Drama movies focus on emotional stories about life, relationships and personal struggles.
They reflect real-life situations and human feelings. Dramas often deal with love, family
issues, conflict or social problems.
Researcher: Rick Altman
Contribution: Altman studied how genres function through narrative structures. For drama,
he explained how real-life conflict, emotional depth and character development shape the
genre’s identity.
Nature of Drama Films:-
Reflects real-life problems
Focuses on emotions and relationships
Shows personal and social conflicts
Serious and realistic in tone
Often delivers strong messages
Bangla Version Movie English Version Movie
Film Type
(Producer) (Producer)
Television (2012) – Impress The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Drama
Telefilm Ltd – Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal
8. Fantasy
Fantasy movies involve magical or supernatural elements, often in imaginary worlds. They
include magical powers or impossible adventures. Fantasy allows audiences to escape reality
and explore creative worlds.
Researcher: Tzvetan Todorov
Contribution: Todorov proposed that fantasy arises when the narrative introduces a
supernatural event that cannot be explained within the laws of reality. This helps distinguish
fantasy from other genres.
Nature of Fantasy Films:-
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Set in imaginary worlds
Includes magic and supernatural powers
Features mythical creatures
Escapes from real-life reality
Highly imaginative and creative
Bangla Version Movie English Version Movie
Film Type
(Producer) (Producer)
Gohin Baluchor (2017) – Harry Potter series (2001–2011) –
Fantasy
Impress Telefilm Ltd David Heyman
9. Horror
Horror movies are made to frighten and shock the audience. They often include monsters,
ghosts, supernatural events or psychological terror. Horror explores fear and suspense and
often plays with dark themes.
Researcher: Noel Carroll
Contribution: Carroll developed a philosophical approach to horror, defining it as a genre
that creates fear through the threat of violation, monsters and the unknown.
Nature of Horror Films:-
Designed to frighten the audience
Uses dark and scary themes
Includes ghosts, monsters, or evil forces
Creates suspense and fear
Often has shocking scenes
Bangla Version Movie English Version Movie
Film Type
(Producer) (Producer)
Shapludu (2019) – Jaaz It (2017) – Barbara Muschietti, Roy
Horror
Multimedia Lee
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10. Romance
Romance movies focus on love and emotional relationships between characters. They explore
themes of passion, attraction, heartbreak and happiness. Romantic films can also combine
other genres, like comedy or drama.
Researcher: Steve Neale
Contribution: Neale studied popular genres and emphasized how romance films follow
recognizable patterns of desire, emotional conflict and resolution. He explored how
audiences emotionally invest in romantic narratives.
Nature of Romance Films:-
Focuses on love and relationships
Shows emotional attachment
Includes happiness and heartbreak
Emphasizes feelings and emotions
Often ends with emotional resolution
Bangla Version Movie English Version Movie
Film Type
(Producer) (Producer)
The Notebook (2004) – Marty
Romance Moner Moto Manush
Bowen, Wyck Godfrey
11. Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Science fiction movies explore futuristic technology, space travel, aliens and scientific ideas.
They often imagine what the future could be like or explore “what if” scenarios. Sci-Fi
combines imagination with science and technology.
Researcher: Darko Suvin
Contribution: Suvin defined science fiction as a genre based on “cognitive estrangement”—
using imagined science or technology to challenge real-world assumptions. He emphasized
how sci-fi explores ideas about society and future possibilities.
Nature of Science Fiction Films:-
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Based on scientific imagination
Includes future technology
Shows space travel or aliens
Explores future societies
Questions human progress and ethics
Film Type English Version Movie (Producer)
Science Fiction
Interstellar (2014) – Lynda Obst, Christopher Nolan
(Sci-Fi)
12. Thriller/Suspense
Thriller and suspense movies are designed to keep the audience tense and excited. They often
include mystery, danger or unexpected twists. These films make viewers anxious to know
what will happen next.
Researcher: Rick Altman and Alfred Hitchcock
Contribution: Altman analyzed how thrillers create tension using plot structures. Hitchcock,
although a filmmaker, provided major ideas on how suspense works, showing that audience
expectation is central to thrillers.
Nature of Thriller Films:-
Builds tension and excitement
Keeps viewers guessing
Includes mystery and danger
Has unexpected twists
Fast and gripping storytelling
Bangla Version Movie English Version Movie
Film Type
(Producer) (Producer)
Mission Extreme (2021) – Jaaz Inception (2010) – Emma Thomas,
Thriller / Suspense
Multimedia Christopher Nolan
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Film Format
A film format is the way a film is recorded or shown. It includes the size of the film, the type
of camera used and the method of recording. Film formats determine the quality, clarity and
appearance of the movie when it is projected.
1. Color Film: Color film is a type of film that shows images in natural colors instead of
black and white. It makes the story look more realistic and lively. This type of film is widely
used for entertainment and commercial movies.
2. Black and White Film: Black and white film shows images only in shades of black, white
and gray. It was used in the early days of cinema before color films were invented.
3. Negative Film: Negative film records inverted colors and light when exposed to light. It is
mostly used in photography and filmmaking. This type of film helps produce high-quality
images.
4. Slide Film: Slide film produces transparent positive images that can be projected on a
screen. It is also called reversal film.
5. Short Film: Short films are brief movies that usually last from a few minutes to 30
minutes. Short films are often made by students or independent filmmakers. It is easier to
produce than full-length films.
6. Experimental Film: Experimental films are creative and unusual films that do not follow
normal storytelling rules. They focus on visual art or new ideas. These films often explore
emotions, imagination concepts.
Conclusion
Film is a powerful form of art, entertainment and communication. It reflects life, society and
human emotions while educating and inspiring audiences. Throughout history, films have
evolved from simple black-and-white moving pictures to colorful, sound-enhanced and
digitally created works.
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Different types of films such as action, adventure, comedy, drama, romance, and science
fiction- serve various purposes and impact audiences in unique ways. Film formats, from
color and black-and-white to experimental and short films, allow creators to tell stories in
diverse styles.
Overall, films continue to be an important medium for storytelling, cultural expression and
social awareness in modern life.
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Reference
1. Schatz, T. (1981). Hollywood genres: Formulas, filmmaking and the studio system.
2. Cawelti, J. G. (1976). Adventure, mystery, and romance: Formula stories as art and
popular culture. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
3. Wells, P. (1998). Understanding animation.
4. Bergson, H. (1911). Laughter: An essay on the meaning of the comic.
5. Carroll, N. (1990). The philosophy of horror or paradoxes of the heart.
6. Neale, S. (2000). Genre and Hollywood.
7. Suvin, D. (1979). Metamorphoses of science fiction: On the poetics and history of a
literary genre.
8. [Link]
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