Final answer:
The importance of the personal code of the hero and meeting audience expectations for genre films is a nuanced issue. While both elements are critical, especially for certain genres, films must also provide originality alongside familiar components to be successful. Additionally, the ever-changing landscape of film technology and audience preferences influences the viability of different film genres.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that two elements are more important than others to keep the basic types of genre film viable - the personal code of the hero and the ability of the film to give the audience what it desires and expects - is overly simplistic but not entirely untrue. In the context of the movie business, which is dominated by major studios, there is a strong push to find a balance between originality and familiarity. For a film to succeed, it often needs to tap into the audience's expectations but also offer something new and engaging, as suggested by the statement in The Player that successful films need a blend of violence, suspense, laughter, hope, heart, sex, and a happy ending.
Different film genres, such as comedy, horror, or fantasy, cater to specific audience expectations and genre conventions. For instance, comedies like The Hangover and Tropic Thunder succeeded due to their creative humor, while horror films like The Shining and Halloween leveraged character-driven suspense over special effects. Fantasy franchises such as Harry Potter and The Hunger Games captivate audiences with imaginative storylines and compelling effects. Thus, while the personal code of a hero can be crucial in certain genres, especially action or adventure, the film's alignment with audience expectations across all genres is equally vital.
Moreover, the evolution of technology and audience preferences means that films must continuously adapt to retain their viability. For example, innovations like CinemaScope and Cinerama have been used historically to enhance the movie-going experience, satisfying the desire for storytelling and spectacle. Consequently, while core elements such as a hero's personal code may remain significant, the dynamic nature of film production and audience expectations makes it crucial to consider a wider range of factors for a film to succeed in its genre.