Dramas are the most common classification for films to fall under. These stories are driven by serious and realistic plots that push the development of a character throughout the film. New films such as Instant Family and even romances like Sleepless in Seattle fall under this genre. Romances are considered one of the many "sub-genres" of the dramatic umbrella. Among these sub-genres are romances, melodramas, historical dramas, and biographics. Additionally, dramas (typically) do not contain graphics, special effects, or actions.
2. Genre Conventions - Content
Dramas, because of how large the genre is, does not have a defined structure. A theme that is common in all dramas, however, is that there is one character that is followed throughout the film. This character usually goes through a plethora of situations where they have to surpass obstacles. These characters are also paired with an event or another character that provides either positive or negative situations for the main protagonist. This associative character/event can even be the comedic relief of the film. An example of an event that would be paired with the central character is the music that plays on Baby's iPod in Baby Driver.
3. Genre Conventions - Production Techniques
In this genre, there are a plethora of "cheesy and sappy" editing techniques utilized. Montages are used plentifully to show what a character does in a specific amount of time; these segments are often matched with close-ups and non-diegetic sounds that help the audience feel a specific emotion to how the character progresses from before to after montage.
In addition to montages, the usage of costumes is reminiscent of clothing found in the real world. Mothers will wear cardigans and jeans and fathers will usually wear collared shirts. Teens all wear some form of denim and a jacket. Children are always seen in brighter colors. These are all stereotypical outfits that these people would usually wear.
4. Film Sample #1
Forrest Gump follows a man (Forrest Gump) who discusses the various events that have occurred in his life. Primarily, he frequently alludes to his childhood love, Jenny, throughout the film.
This film utilizes flashbacks as a way to show the audience the various experiences that Gump has had in his life. By using different actors and differences in costume design of the character, the audience can understand we are seeing Tom Hank's character at various ages in his life. A famous montage is also used to show a passage of time from when Gump first starts running across the US to when he stops. Costume design is used here as well, as a false beard is applied to Tom Hank's face to show his character aged.
Another technique used in this film is the non-diegetic sound heard when the famous line "Run Forrest, run" is exclaimed by Jenny. The music emphasizes how spectacular the brace falling off Forrest's legs is. This allows the audience to feel the same excitement Forrest did when he began to run. The voice over found in this sequence also allows the audience to recall that this is Forrest narrating the events of his past.
5. Film Sample #2
Instant Family is a film that recently hit theatres this year; it follows a couple that tries adopting children and how they eventually come together to form a happy family. It attempts to capture the attitude of the parents when they are trying to raise adopted kids and express the emotions of the children who are trying to become accustomed to their new lives.
This film uses a plethora of non-diegetic sound to envelop the audience into the story. These songs make the audience empathize with the struggles of the parents and the children trying to become accustomed to their new and difficult life.
Another strategy utilized by this Drama is that their mise-en-scene elements were reminiscent of real locations. The family's home is large and clean, with no loose objects scattered around their living rooms. This is typical of a higher middle-class family home, which is kept neat and orderly. The home of the foster parents is dirty, unkempt, and the children are playing outside. In a true impoverished home, the family probably cannot afford to keep the house in good conditions. There is also a home that is being demolished, so the support beams are visible as well as tarp that is outside the structure of the house. Tools are also seen around the inside of the establishment with diegetic sound present with the drilling of nails into walls of the home.
6. Other films in the "Drama" genre
- Crazy Rish Asians
- The Martian
- Gone With The Wind
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
- The Internship
- The Help
- A Star is Born
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