AUDIENCE EXPECTATIONS FROM GENRE

Through secondary research I have found some key audience expectations of the Dystopian genre:

• Set in the future 
• A world strictly controlled by the government/an authoritarian figure
• Featuring technology that we do not have today
• A protagonist fighting against the government/authoritarian figure 

I conducted a survey of my own and asked four subjects, ranging in age and gender. (Different participants shown with different colours)

1) What settings would you expect to see in a Dystopian film? 

The future. Possibly outer space. Big city maybe. Normally dark and unwelcoming environments rather than sunny welcoming ones.

Set in a city that has gone to ruin and is dark, quiet and grungy.

A setting that involves some level of security and secrecy and government or equivalent control. Either strongly focused on technology/fantasy/nature in terms of environment. 

2) What characters would you expect in a Dystopian film / any particular features you would expect characters to have? 

Futuristic costumes and haircuts. Do not think there is many commion themes in characters. 

Always see male characters and a traditional manly protagonist that is muscular. 

Relatively 'normal' characters but usually stereotypes are bravery, violence and a previously undiscovered skill that develops.

3) Any particular plot features you expect of Dystopian genre?

Often time travel. They are normal in action/thriller/sci fi categories rather than comedy. 

Always need a big twist near the end that surprises you. Always have big scenes where they show off Dystopian setting. 

Romance, violence, struggle against the controlling unit of the Dystopian world. Good vs evil or a play on what is good and what is evil.