2. Codes and conventions of a music film-
drama
In the case of the film Whiplash, the drama takes shape as a conflict between
2 antagonists. In this structure, some of the codes and conventions are:
1. The dreams of becoming famous and successful on his/her instrument
2. The hopes of getting a chance to show what they can do that turn into a
nightmare
3. The iconic clash situations between the musicians and the teacher that reveal
the character of both
4. Scenes in which the musician thinks it is his/her fault that he/she is not good
enough, and that he/she must try harder
5. Scenes that show internal states of a musician when he/she feels and
processes the music
3. 6. The reactions of the people around the musician relating to his/her problems,
either support or lack of understanding
7. Scenes when the musician pushes himself beyond his/her capacities with
psychological or physical consequences
8. The breakdown scene when things change beyond repair
9. The punishment the teacher gets for his/her misbehavior
10. The consequences for the musician: has his/her world returned to normal,
stayed broken, got its success?
4. Codes and conventions of a drama
Displays real life situations with realistic characters, settings and stories
Reveals journeys of character development
Intense social interaction
The purpose of a dramatic storyline is to move the audience emotionally
There must be a climax in the storyline
The audience must be able to easily relate to the characters
There is some form of realization at the end of a film
A happy ever after
