Period dramas are films set in past time periods that rely on accurate costumes, sets, and locations to portray the era authentically. They often adapt classic novels or are based on historical figures and events. The plots typically center around love, family, and relationships between protagonists and antagonists, and commonly critique the social norms of the time depicted.

1. Codes and Conventions of
Period Drama

2. • Some period drama films as
adaptations of classic novels,
such as “Pride and Prejudice” or
“Jane Eyre”, however some are
works of fiction, whilst others are
based on historic figures such as
“The Duchess”.

3. • Period dramas can range from any date in
history, for example a period drama could
be set in the 1800’s or the 1960’s, for
example “Ashes to Ashes” would be
classed as a period drama as it is set in
the 1970’s.

4. • This genre relies heavily on mise en scene, the
costumes, props and lighting and setting are key
to making a period drama look convincing of the
era it is set in.
• The appropriate locations would also need to be
sourced, for example if the period drama were
set in the Victorian era, the sets and locations
would need to have Victorian architecture to
make the set look believable.

5. • The plotline usually centres on love, family and
relationships. In period dramas the main
characters are usually a young hero or heroine
as the protagonist, and the antagonist.
• The plotlines are usually complicated – such as
“The Other Boleyn Girl” this focuses on a very
complex story, involving emotions and
relationships between the characters.

6. • Period dramas will usually include and
criticise the dominant ideology of the time.
• For example “The Duchess” criticises the
treatment of women in the 18th century.