1. Storyline: The storyline is often the biggest giveaway to a film’s genre. Pay attention to the main plot elements and how they unfold throughout the movie. If it revolves around a mystery or crime, it might be a thriller or crime drama.

2. Character types: Certain genres tend to have specific character archetypes and roles. For example, action movies typically have a strong hero figure, while comedies often feature quirky characters in absurd situations.

3. Setting: The location and time period of a film can allude to its genre. Period pieces are set in specific historical eras, whereas dystopian films will paint an often bleak and futuristic world.

4. Visual style: Each genre can boast a distinct visual style, including color palettes and cinematography techniques that can clue you into the film’s genre.

5. Tone: The overall atmosphere and tone of a movie can signify its genre, whether it’s light-hearted and funny, intense and dramatic, or eerie and suspenseful.

6. Music: A film’s soundtrack can give insight into its genre by supplementing key moments with appropriate music that elicits emotion or sets the mood

7. Pacing: The speed at which the story unfolds can reveal if you’re watching an action-packed adventure or a slow-burning drama.

8. Themes: Each genre typically addresses specific themes that resonate with audiences on emotional, psychological, or societal levels.

9. Tropes and clichés: Film genres tend to follow established trends when it comes to storytelling devices and plot points – recognize these standard patterns to anticipate what kind of movie you’re engaging with.

10. Subgenre classification: Many films blend different elements of various genres, creating subgenres like romantic comedies or sci-fi thrillers – identifying these hybrid combinations can help determine the overarching genre.

11. Marketing materials: Trailers, posters, and promotional items can provide clear indications of a film’s genre based on the images, taglines, and clips they showcase.

12. Production elements: Behind-the-scenes information concerning directors, screenwriters, or production companies that lean toward specific genres can offer clues about a movie’s classification.

13. Fan reception: Finally, take note of reviews and audience reactions to get a sense of the genre from those who have already watched the film. Utilize online forums, movie review websites, and social media to gauge the general consensus.

All in all, determining a film’s genre calls for a careful analysis of various aspects related to filmmaking – from storytelling techniques to visual presentation. By employing these 13 strategies, you’re sure to categorize any movie with confidence and precision.