This is a PowerPoint explain melodrama using the example of La Lola the Mexican TV drama

1. MELODRAMA - LA LOLA
Jade Thompson

2. Definition and Origins
• The definition of melodrama is ‘a sensational dramatic
piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events
intended to appeal to the emotions.’
• The origins of melodrama was primary from the theater
from the 19th century, despite other influences, becoming
the most popular by 1840. The name was both Greek
and French, melos which is music in Greek and drame
which is drama in French made melodrame which is
French and become melodrama in early 19th century.

3. Stereotypical characters
There are five stereotypical characters used in melodrama which
include:
• A hero
• A heroine
• A villain
• A villain accomplice
• A faithful servant
In the Mexican soap opera ‘La Lalo’ there are characters which
fit the stereotypical. There is the hero which would be the main
character Lalo. The villain who is Romani due to using witch craft
to turn Lalo into a women, the villain accomplice would be the
lady that help Romani cast the spell on him and the faith servant
would be Lalo best friend that he lives with, Grace because she
helps him get ready and gets him to his important presentation.

4. Functions
• Catharsis – Melodrama would be seen as catharsis due to it
being over the top and very dramatic which allows the viewer to
be distracted and not having to think about sensitive topics
which they could be experiencing For example in ‘La Lola’ the
storyline is based on the main character being changed into a
women by using witchcraft.
• Escapism – Melodrama could be used a escapism due to it not
also being realistic. Again this is shown in ‘La Lola’ with the use
of witchcraft and the over use of body language creating a
scene of humour.
• Realism- There is also use of realism with it being a soap. For
example in ‘La Lola’ the characters all have to work, have
relationship and friendships. Even though the show isn’t realistic
the whole way though there are key element to keep viewer to
believe its real.

5. Conventions
• Melodrama soap operas are very difference compared to British soap operas.
This is because of the techniques used whilst and after filming but also the
storyline and the sexual content. In ‘La Lalo’ the Mexican soap opera they micro
to represent the characters in more casual and humorous way. The micro
features which are different compared to British soap operas includes pans, types
of special effects, the type of establishing shots and the transition of the scenes.
• An example would include in ‘La Lalo’ the use of close ups are often and are used
to help bring the audience attention to certain props and objects. An example of
this would be the close up on the car which help represents Lalo as wealthy.
Another camera angle which was used was a low angle shot Lalo, that allows the
viewer to see Lalo as superior but also see the mise on scene around him
including his suit, sunglasses, phone and Bluetooth earpiece.
• Another example would be the use of fast montage, this is not used in British
operas however, in ’La Lalo’ fast montage with used when the characters were
rushing to set up there presentation which could help would tension for the viewer.
• Unlike British soap opera, ‘La Lalo’ they used a tilted and hand held scene when
Lalo is trying on the clothes with Grace which creates and atmosphere for the
audiences feel uncomfortable and on edge which maybe because they are
running late already and they are messing around.

6. Conventions - Sound
• In British soap operas the use of music is usually only
used as background music or for introducing and is also
very quite however, in ’La Lalo’ which is an melodrama
soap opera the music is jazzy and upbeat, played loudly
and used in scene but also during transitions.
• One major difference between British soap operas
compared to ‘Lo Lalo’ use of voice overs. It very unlikely
that a British soap opera where as in ’La Lalo’ starts using
a voice over to introduce the characters.