Genre tropes

[Gunga Diner]

Every type of genre has its trappings. Movies like Scream and Behind the Mask were clever about their observations of the conventions of the Slasher genre. But what are the conventions of the superhero movie? They all have their similarities. But what are they?

Here's what I can gather.

-Usually origin stories
-Origin is typically driven by a paternal guilt complex
-Scene where somebody comes up with the name
-Villain is frequently a powerful business figure whose motivation is driven by their rejection from the company
-Powers and costumes come from military technology/experiments; usually accidental
-Stan Lee cameo
-Effects-driven opening credits that try to evoke the look of the comic/set the tone for the movie
-Danny Elfman music
-Scenes of the hero getting used to their powers, frequently played for laughs
-Scenes with the casual civilians of the city the Hero lives in reacting to a fight scene

What else?

 

[gooti]

The unattainable love interest.

 

[Milu]

The second movie may feature a ten minute retirement from the hero (Superman 2, Spider-Man 2, The Dark Knight).

 

[Mario_Galaxy]

The all too convenient damsel in distress who also happens to be the hero's love

 

[some guy]

Villains falling to their deaths.

 

[Gunga Diner]

The second movie may feature a ten minute retirement from the hero (Superman 2, Spider-Man 2, The Dark Knight).

Glad I'm not the only person who was seeing this.

 

[Mario_Galaxy]

^ One of the many reasons I actually liked Iron Man 2. He embraced being a hero. Even after he fights with War Machine, he's still in costume when he's eating!

 

[Milu]

Villains falling to their deaths.

You couldn't escape this trope during the 80s-90s, especially with animated Disney movies.