Musicals- Genre Research

Musicals- Overview 

As I embark on this journey of producing an opening for a film, I must make every decision count, and this includes choosing the perfect genre. So today I am researching the genre of a Musical. So in order to understand it thoroughly, I investigated its basic definition. According to the Merriam-Webster, a musical is defined as "A film or theatrical production typically of a sentimental or humorous nature that consists of musical numbers and dialogue based on a unifying plot." Some other common features I found revolving the genre of Musicals were that it is considered to be one of the most escapist of all genres, it incorporates extravagant sets and locations, and several songs and dance routines.

Content

Musicals are mostly known for their combination of movement and sound. Sometimes there is confusion between musicals and films which include several songs or have a soundtrack. However, in order for a film to be considered a musical it must contain performances and not just music. While in most films a soundtrack is simply added and is presented as non-diegetic sound, in Musicals the characters sing and dance and therefore presenting diegetic sound.

I also found that Musicals are considered to be on of the most escapist of all genres. It is recognized for breaking the usual conventions of realism. For example lighting and stage props can sometimes change for specific songs or performances out of the blue. Therefore conventions of these performances are often characterized as artificial, as the music and props that accompany routines are derived from "nowhere". In addition to this they seem to often be set in a fantasy land where music randomly appears and everyone can sing. 

As for the plot and the characters the music and songs are often used to progress the plot. Musicals are a sort of unification between music and plot. The stories that are told through musicals are also often happy and Utopian where good always ends up prevailing over evil. While intense emotions and feelings in melodrama are usually suppressed or otherwise expressed through stylistic means, in Musicals characters feeling are openly expressed through song and dance. 

Production Techniques

Musicals I found often have extravagant or lavish sets and locations when they are filming. On screen Musicals are often made too look like they are on a theater stage. Typically scenery can go from realistic normal setting to over the top colorful scenery. The scenery is also equally as extravagant as the costume design of the different characters. Musicals I found are very colorful and amplify several features of normal film so the visual aspect is fairly important. Therefore, the costume design makeup design and set design is very important to the production of Musicals. 

Examples

The Greatest Showman

The Greatest Showman is a film based on the story of P. T. Barnum played by Hugh Jack-man and taking a risk of starting a circus. Throughout the movie there are several musical numbers and dance routines that express individual characters feelings to further progress the plot. One of the Musical's most well-known song from its successful soundtrack goes by the name of The Greatest Show. The part in the film where it is performed features extravagant choreographed dance, with animal from the circus, extravagant costumes, confetti, and acrobatics. The song captures the feeling and the story of Barnum's dream. Therefore showcasing the main features of Musicals with extravagant performances, set designs, and dance routines.

The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music is one of the most well-known Musicals of all time and was made in 1965. The film is based on the true story of the Vonn Trap family singers which are a group of seven children united by Maria their governess, played by Julie Andrews, through their love of music. The real story took place right after World War II so costume design and set design played an important part in establishing the time at which it took place. While the movie is much less extravagant than the bright and colorful performances of the Greatest Showman it still showcases the most important features of Musicals. The film incorporates performances of songs by characters to help progress the plot and to demonstrate the feelings of the characters.

Conclusions:

Overall I found that a lot of work goes into the production of Musicals especially with dance choreography performances extravagant sets and costumes. Overall I feel choosing this genre for a film opening with the capabilities and resources available to a student would not be ideal.

Other Examples include:

La La Land, Mamma Mia, Les Miserables, Into the Woods, and Hairspray.

References:

• Clapp, J. (2014, May 7). Codes and Conventions of Film Musicals. Retrieved from http://facweb.northseattle.edu/jclapp/HUM%20110/Handouts%20and%20Lectures/Musical%20Genre%20Conventions.pptx 
• Film Reference (n.d.). Musicals. Retrieved from http://www.filmreference.com/encyclopedia/Independent-Film-Road-Movies/Musicals.html
• Hoffman, M. (2013, April 1). The Musical Film Genre: Capturing the Magic of the Stage on the  Screen. Retrieved from http://www.cinemablography.org/blog/the-musical-film-genre-capturing-the-magic-of-the-stage-on-the-screen
• Tikkanen, A. (2008, August 13). Musical Film. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/art/musical-film