Drama Genre Research

Drama

Drama films are realistic presentations and stories with veristic life situations that show true to life three dimensional characters facing problems with either themselves, other people, or forces of nature. They show human beings as realistically as possible, being neither good nor bad people, yet still having their peaks and their downfalls.

A drama films target audience is usually towards young adults and adults of both genders due to strong scripts they usually have.

Conventions of the Story Line

• They portray real life situations and have believable characters in realistic settings. The character should be relatable enough for the audience to sympathize or empathize with them. Fixed increase of tension with set climaxes and anticlimaxes to keep audience engaged.The main point of the Drama is some form of conflict; Struggles either mental, physical, or emotional. The goal of the picture is to move the watchers emotionally. Therefore, the ending is usually hard-hitting to leave a lasting impression on its audience.

Production Techniques

• Overcast and natural lighting used to create either a dark or realistic dramatic tone of the scenes.Most shots are eye level. Low and High angles to emphasize dominance or being small.Editing is done to seem smooth and natural. No wacky editing or sounds for comedic effect.

Institutional Conventions

• Trailers, movie posters, and talk shows

Examples

• Million Dollar Baby

Million Dollar Baby is the story of a woman who trains to be a boxer while in her 30s and becomes successful. The story is serious and a very realistic hypothetical of an extremely talented female boxer. The script pulls on emotions and leaves the viewers still thinking about the film. It meets all the criteria as a drama film.

• Blackklansman

Blackkklansman is the story of an African American police officer infiltrating the Klu Klux Klan to prevent attacks. The story is very true to life in highlighting the racism in the country during the 1970’s and portraying it in a realistic way, without sugar coating or using comedic relief. The ending is impactful and leaves an ongoing impression on the watcher.

More Examples

• The Pianist (2002)

• Room (2015)

• Titanic (1997)

Citations

• Drama Films, www.filmsite.org/dramafilms.html.
• Burton, Nikki. “Conventions of Drama Genre.” Conventions of Drama Genre, 1 Jan. 1970, bca2media2013group14.blogspot.com/2012/09/conventions-of-drama-genre.html.
• WonderHowTo. “How to Make a Dramatic Film.” WonderHowTo, WonderHowTo, 6 Apr. 2010, film-producing.wonderhowto.com/how-to/make-dramatic-film-333238/.