This is a look into the history of the drama genre, looking throughout the decades to show the development of how it has grown and became what is today.

2. Definition
Drama (modern genre). In the context of film and television, drama is a type of narrativefiction (or semi-
fiction) intended to be more serious than humorous in tone, focusing on in-depth development of realistic
characters who must deal with realistic emotional struggles.

3. History
- In the early years of the drama genre the style of drama films where very pantomime styled which can also be
described as melodrama. The films that were made mainly are silent. An example of this is in the 1940’s a film
released The Grape of Wrath was released in this style and followed the effects of depression.
- 1950’S saw the rise of dramatic films and there focused had changed and focused on more the character
relationships and developments. For example in 1950 there was the release of All About Eve which would follow this
theme and focused on the women and there relationship with men.
- 1960’s saw the theme of drama went into the theme of politically driven dramas for example of releases Judgment
at Nuremberg in 1961.
- The 70’s saw drama film release some influence films for example the release of Taxi Driver in 1972 and one of the
biggest sport drama franchises Rocky. There also was still the theme of war films which were based on World War II
giving a more realistic adaptation of film for example Patton in 1970.
- In the 80’s Drama films put the emphases on highly emotional themes for example Do the Right Thing and the
colour purple. Also character studies of African America culture and history. There was also the theme of science
fiction theme with ET in 1982 and The Accused in 1988.
- Crime drama was a huge theme with the use of crime dramas for example Goodfellas in 1990. As well as that there
was more child orientated dramas when it came to children movies especially Disney movies like The Lion King.
- Then in the modern day the drama genre has expanded hugely as the audience has increased with the taste of
watching dramas.

4. Conventions
- In drama films there are many conventions of drama films that it uses
- The first is that it portrays a character journey and development so the audience can get attached to the character
and feel connected to them
- It can focus on real life characters, situations, settings and stories.
- Social interactions with different groups within the film.
- The uses of dramatic sound and exaggerated performance.

5. Sub Genres
- In drama there is a mixture of genres that will allow the overlapping of genres to create a variety of films. For
example there is:
- Crime Drama – Which is generally focusing on a character that involves criminal activity or law enforcement and
the justice and legal system.
- Historical Drama – This sub genres focus on the dramatic events in history. A popular film that has been used is
war films.
- Comedy Drama – This focuses on using humour and serious content but been able to balance the use of it to
make a drama but also making people laugh as well.
- Melodrama – This sub genre uses plots which will appeal to enhancing the emotions to the audience. Which can
use the themes of tragedy, illness, neuroses or emotional and physical hardship.
- Romantic Drama – This dwells on the elements of romantic love.
- Period Piece Drama – This Sub Genre focus on a specific time era, which adds to the plot but also the characters
and costumes as well. These style of films are often based on a novel.
- Other sub genres that is around are – Horror drama, Psychological Drama, Docudrama, Sport Drama and Sci-Fi
drama

6. Examples of Films