2. +
Define: FILM GENRE
“In film theory, genre refers to the method based on similarities
in the narrative elements from which films are constructed.
Most theories of film genre are borrowed from literary genre
criticism. Besides the basic distinction in genre between fiction
and documentary, film genres can be categorized in several
ways” Source- Wikipedia.
In essence, what the wikipedia definition of “film genre” means,
is that narrative elements construct films. There are many subsections of film genre, ranging from fiction to documentaries.
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Genre: Drama
The sub-genre of Drama in film includes many Dramatic
themes such as violence, moral dilemmas, prejudice, domestic
violence and poverty.
4. +
Genre: Drama- The substance
within.
In a drama, the main character is one who the audience can
connect and interact with. The main characters personality
develops as the film progresses, emotions and tensions follow the
character throughout the film. The audience are able to empathize
with the character and understand what they are feeling as the film
progresses.
Dramas often challenge stereotypes and generalizations of
particular groups or people. Films that are of dramatic genre often
therapeutic in the essence that the audience can understand what
the character is experiencing and can identify themselves in
relation to the characters problems.
Dramatic films include a massive range of sub-categories
including law and order dramas, historical dramas (such as
“Downtown Abbey”) and thriller dramas.
5. +
The Evolution of Dramatic Film.
Early movies
From the silent era to the 1950’s Drama’s were tools to teach the audience. Films like The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
show the effects of the depression. Citizen Kane (1941) was said by Orson Wells to not be a biography of William
Randolph Hearst, but a composite of many people from that era.
1950s
In the 1950s, began a rise in well-known dramatic actors. Glenn Ford, James Dean, Bette Davis, and Marilyn
Monroe were notable dramatic actors. Dramatic Films focused on character relationships and development. All
About Eve (1950) focused on women, and their relationship with men. Rebel Without a Cause (1955) showcased
teenage angst. Films like 12 Angry Men (1957) and Anatomy of a Murder (1959) show the inner workings of a
courtroom. The 1950s was the debut of Akira Kurosawa, and films such as Rashomon (1950) and Seven Samurai
(1954).
1960s
The 1960s brought politically driven drama’s focusing on war, such as Judgment at Nuremberg (1961), and The
Manchurian Candidate (1962). Sports dramas became inspiration such as The Hustler (1961) and Downhill Racer
(1969).
Source: www.filmbug.com
