Might be another big reach, might not be… but in any case, I’d argue it applies.
Just like there are likely parallel universes where we all exist as different versions of ourselves, so too do certain stories. Especially if the experience changes depending on how you choose to view it. Several of my stories can be interpreted as genres I didn’t list them as, and it does indeed open the door to many possibilities.
For example, I was told once that Finding Elpis could even be interpreted as a horror story because the band is forced to perform across the galaxy with no way to escape. It blew my mind. And The Letter Man, which I wanted to write as a pure romance, lent itself very well to thriller, so much so that I couldn’t ignore the subtext. Either way, it’s the same story that can be enjoyed both, or even more, ways.
I think that’s really neat.
What works of yours (or not of yours) do you feel can be enjoyed in genres other than what you intended? How does that affect your experience?
1 person likes this
That's fascinating. I don't think I have written anything that can be taken as such, however, I have seen a vlog that interprets the comedy films Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1993), The Room (2003), and The Terminator (1984) as horror movies. The latter's inclusion is perhaps not very surprising, but the takes on the other two are interesting.