1. Romantic Comedy: "When Harry Met Sally" (1989) - Directed by Rob Reiner, this film follows the classic  conventions of the romantic comedy genre. It tells the story of two friends, Harry and Sally, who eventually fall in love.  The film adheres to the typical formula of boy meets girl, they face obstacles, and ultimately, they get together in a  heartwarming and predictable way. What makes it conventional is its reliance on well-established genre tropes and a  straightforward narrative structure. 

2. Action Blockbuster: "Jurassic Park" (1993) - Directed by Steven Spielberg, "Jurassic Park" is a prime example of a  conventional Hollywood blockbuster. It features a clear hero-versus-villain dynamic, spectacular special effects, and a  predictable plot where a group of people must escape from dangerous dinosaurs. The film is designed to provide thrills,  excitement, and a sense of wonder but doesn't stray far from the tried-and-true blockbuster formula. 

3. Superhero Movie: "The Avengers" (2012) - Directed by Joss Whedon, "The Avengers" embodies the conventions of  the modern superhero film. It brings together a team of well-known superheroes, including Iron Man, Captain America,  Thor, and the Hulk, to battle a common enemy. The film follows the typical structure of superhero origin stories, team ups, and epic battles, catering to the expectations of a wide audience of fans.

 

1. Experimental Film: "Koyaanisqatsi" (1982) - Directed by Godfrey Reggio, "Koyaanisqatsi" is a non-conventional film  that lacks a traditional narrative or characters. Instead, it relies on a montage of stunning visuals and Philip Glass's  mesmerizing score to convey a message about the impact of technology on the natural world. The film challenges the  audience's perception of cinema by prioritizing visuals and music over plot and dialogue.

 

2. Found Footage Horror: "The Blair Witch Project" (1999) - Directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, this film  is presented as a documentary made up of found footage. It follows a group of amateur filmmakers as they venture into  the woods to investigate a local legend, the Blair Witch. The movie blurs the line between reality and fiction, creating a  sense of unease and fear through its shaky, first-person camera work and minimalistic storytelling.

 

3. Art House Film: "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" (2004) - Directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie  Kaufman, this film is a non-conventional romantic drama. It tells the story of a couple who undergo a procedure to erase  each other from their memories after a painful breakup. The film employs nonlinear storytelling, dreamlike sequences,  and existential themes to explore the complexities of love and memory. It challenges conventional narrative structures and  engages the audience on an intellectual and emotional level.

 

1. Budget and Production Scale: 

∙ Mainstream films typically have larger budgets, allowing for extensive special effects, star-studded casts,  and grandiose sets.

∙ Non-mainstream films often have lower budgets and prioritize creative storytelling over costly production  elements. 

2. Audience Appeal: 

∙ Mainstream films aim to reach a broad audience and often adhere to established genre conventions and  mainstream tastes. 

∙ Non-mainstream films may target niche or more discerning audiences, exploring unconventional themes  and styles. 

3. Distribution and Marketing: 

∙ Mainstream films receive extensive marketing campaigns and widespread theatrical releases, often in  multiple countries. 

∙ Non-mainstream films may have limited theatrical distribution and rely on film festivals, word-of-mouth,  or specialized cinemas. 

4. Creative Freedom: 

∙ Mainstream films may face studio interference and commercial pressures, potentially leading to formulaic  storytelling. 

∙ Non-mainstream filmmakers often enjoy more creative freedom, allowing them to experiment with  unique narratives and filmmaking techniques. 

5. Narrative and Style: 

∙ Mainstream films often follow familiar storytelling structures and character archetypes, aiming for broad  accessibility. 

∙ Non-mainstream films are more likely to employ unconventional narratives, symbolism, and artistic  styles to provoke thought and emotion. 

And, personally, I like to watch both types of films