Drama- Genre Research

Overview

As I have already viewed several other possible genres one of the genres I have yet to thoroughly research is Drama. This seems like a very viable possibility to choose for my film opening as it does not seem to have difficult production techniques tied to it, in order to learn more I conducted the following research. First I found the definition of the word Drama described by the Merriam- Webster as "a movie or television production with characteristics (such as conflict) of a serious play." As I carried out further research I found some of its other major features included intense and serious plots, realistic characters, and realistic situations. I also found that Drama is a very general genre and that it encapsulates various other genres. Some films are even categorized as Drama if they do not fit in any other genre due to the fact the genre is so general.

Content

The plot of Drama films is often serious and emotional. These films often try to portray real-life struggles and issues and tell a story. Characters are essential to the success of these movies as their character development and emotions carry a deeper meaning in the movie. Therefore I found that the plot of movies in this genre can sometimes almost be described a simple, while the deeper meaning can be found in the inner conflict of characters. 

Characters in these movies often experience a conflict in either of three ways. They either confront a problem with themselves, with another character or with nature. As these movies are often serious they take advantage of trending subjects or issues in order to attract and resonate with a larger audience. Overall the Drama genre portrays a serious yet realistic plot with the aim of highlighting a bigger picture of a struggle of humankind.

Production Techniques

When it comes to the production techniques of the Drama Genre it often varies from movie to movie due to it being so general. However, since most of the themes surrounding Drama movies are realistic and relatable they are often not over the top or extravagant. The same could be said of the costume design for the characters. However, as previously stated there are some exceptions. Production focuses heavily on directing and scripts in order to present an empathetic and deep end result with which audiences can resonate with. 

Examples

Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump is a well-known classic based on a book of several adventures and even historical moments as seen through the perspective of a man with a low IQ by the name of Forrest Gump played by Tom Hanks. The movie focuses on the inner conflicts of the character. The focus of the movie is the plot as it is often described as an emotional movie. This is a perfect example of how movies in the Drama genre often have simple plots but present a deeper meaning through the inner conflict of characters.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas 

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a film that tells the story of an 8-year-old boy by the name of Bruno played by Asa Butterfield who moves to a new residence right next to a concentration camp where he starts a forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy by the name of Shmuel. This movie is yet another demonstration of how Drama films often seem to have relatively simple plots but try to show a deeper meaning or message often about mankind through inner conflicts and emotion. The set design and costume design of the movie is also important as it establishes the time in which it takes place.

Other examples include:

The Pursuit of Happiness, Girl Interrupted, Roma, Creed, and Green Book

Conclusions

Overall the Drama genre seems to be a very viable option for the opening of my film. Especially since the production techniques of the film often depend on the story that is chosen. So realistically, choosing this type of genre to produce an opening from would be the best option for the resources available to a student.

Resources

• Reich, J. (n.d.). What is Genre and How is it Determined? Retrieved from https://milnepublishing.geneseo.edu/exploring-movie-construction-and-production/chapter/2-what-is-genre-and-how-is-it-determined/
• Biograph Company (n.d.). Drama Movie Genre. Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html