Forgotten Movie Genres: Why They Aren’t Made Anymore

While Hollywood continues to produce a diverse range of films, several genres have fallen by the wayside, no longer being part of mainstream cinema. These include Screwball Comedies, Westerns, Musicals, Film Noir, and Parody Films. This article explores why these once-popular genres are no longer as prominent in the film industry.

Screwball Comedies: A Vanished Art Form

Screwball comedies, which were prevalent from the 1930s to the 1940s, were a predecessor to modern romantic comedies. These films revolved around the struggle and competition between the main characters, often through witty banter and physical humor. They were characterized by a gueule tròi (a combination of sarcasm and insults) battle of the sexes, with the narrative usually culminating in a sweet resolution. Despite their clever dialogue and entertaining elements, screwball comedies are unlikely to be made today due to the sensitivity and strict rules surrounding sexuality and romance. The Production Code, enforced by religious conservatives, led filmmakers to use innuendos as a way to navigate these restrictions. However, with the relaxation of these rules, contemporary filmmakers no longer feel the need to resort to such tactics.

Westerns: The Fall of a Genre

Westerns were once a cornerstone of Hollywood, particularly in the early 20th century. From classics like The Great Train Robbery to more recent films like Hostiles, they have been a significant part of the industry. However, the mytho-historical basis of these films - which often glorified westward expansion at the expense of Amerindians - is now discredited. This has robbed Westerns of their foundation and left them in a niche position. While a few Western films are still made today, they are usually satirical or deconstructive of the genre, as seen in Hostiles.

Musicals: A Dying Art

Musicals were a ubiquitous feature in Hollywood's early days, particularly after the advent of sound. From the 1920s to the 1960s, the rise of the New Hollywood movement, which favored more experimental films, led to a decline in live-action musicals. Modern musicals are predominantly animated, as shown in films like Cats and The Prom. While the musical as a genre still exists, especially with Broadway adaptations and Disney remakes, live-action musicals are not as common as they once were. The exception is the occasional well-received film like All About Eve.

Film Noir: A Lost Era

Despite their enduring influence in modern films, true film noirs have not been made since the 1960s. These crime dramas were popular in the 1930s and 1950s, but their cheap and often temporary appearance on set led to a decline in their popularity. Film scholars debate whether film noir should be considered a distinct genre, as some argue that it was simply the combination of a setting (often dark and gritty) and a narrative style (often involving complex moral ambiguities). The reason for its decline remains unclear, but it might be due to changing economic and social factors that no longer favor such production methods.

Parody Films: A Declining Trend

Parody films, though less common today, were once a staple of the film industry. Films like Young Frankenstein showcased the humor of familiar tropes and narratives. However, parody films of recent years have suffered from a lack of depth and humor. Modern parodies often rely on gratuitous references and crass humor, failing to capture the essence of their subjects. One of the few successful contemporary parodies is Popstar: Never Stop, Never Stopping, a film that offers a biting and hilarious commentary on modern pop culture. The decline of parody films might be attributed to a shift in the film industry, where films became more self-referential and self-aware, making the traditional parody film redundant.

The disappearance of these genres from mainstream cinema is complex and multifaceted. While some may never return to their former popularity, others might reappear in new forms or settings. As the film industry continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see if these genres find a new chapter in the modern film world.