Genre Research Activity - Drama

Drama Films: The Art of Emotion

Dramas typically tend to have a story that is more grounded in the real world. This allows the viewer to connect more with the characters and have an understanding of the world it takes place in. The drama films generally have conflict, as most films do, but they are often focused on the character development of the characters and how they evolve throughout the story. The main character/characters almost always finish the story a different person than who they started out as. Dramas also often spread awareness of certain issues, from widespread social issues to problems many people experience. Some dramas even cover real events, for example Titanic. However, they often stray from what actually happened to create an immersive experience. 

Dramas tend to use shots that add intensity to what is being shown, for example, close up shots, which can be used to show the emotions a character is going through. Dramas also have complex scripts, with many different layers to the storyline. If you completely unable to predict what happens in a story, you know it was well made. 

Dramas are not based off of necessarily intense stories to make them intense, like action movies. Instead, they often are intense due to what the characters are feeling, and their personal and emotional stakes, not physical.

A great example of a drama film is the move Whiplash (2014). Directed by Damien Chazelle, it tells a story of an inspiring drum student and his abusive band instructor. The movie is based off of experiences that the director himself went through when he was in band.  His main message is about the pursuit of greatness and its cost. However, the movie also shows what the effects of emotional abuse can be, spreading awareness of that issue. There are really only two main characters in the entire movie, and the storyline itself seems fairly simple. However, with the use of masterful dialogue, genius camera angles, and twist and turns in the plot, Whiplash ends up being one of the most intense movies I've ever seen. 

Another example of a drama film is the Quinten Tarantino movie Inglourious Basterds (2009). This movie takes place during WWII, an event everyone knows about. However, the plot itself is completely fictional: A group of Jewish soldiers who get revenge on the Nazis in WWII. The plot is far from real, but the setting of WWII helps the viewer understand the context. Inglourious Basterds doesn't rely on a fast pace to keep the viewer intrigued. There are many singular scenes that last well over 20 minutes. To add intensity, the movie uses intense dialogue and situations that keep the viewer wondering what will happen next. The best part about the movie is that the viewer isn't sure if the movie takes place in our world until the very last scene. We know how WWII ends, but will the same thing happen in the movie?

Here are some more great examples of drama movies:

1. Pulp Fiction (1994) - Quentin Tarantino: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110912/

2. Almost Famous (2000) - Cameron Crowe: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0181875/

3. Shutter Island (2010) - Martin Scorsese: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1130884/

4. Baby Driver (2017) - Edgar Wright: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3890160/

5. The Breakfast Club (1985) - John Hughes: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088847/