Creation of a Short Film : Explorinng Drama as a Genre...

Genre itself comes from a french term meaning 'kind' or 'sort', the oxford dictionary defines genre as 'a style or category of art, music or literature' whilst as within film genre is defined as 'the similarity in the narrative elements from which films are constructed'. There is a variety of categories within film, from drama to horror, from romance to film noir, therefore it it is a term that provides a vast amount of variety. Within film drama is seen as the largest genre as it includes a large spectrum of films, and most films can be stated to include some dramatic elements. Harris et al defined drama as a genre as "a story in dramatic form, typically emphasizing conflict in key characters and written to be performed by actors"A film under the genre of drama depends mostly on in-depth character development, interaction and highly emotional themes, they also aim to ensure that the audience are also able to experience what other characters are also feeling. As a type of film, it aims to challenge over simplistic generalisation but bringing a more personal and complex level to film. The types of films show how a character copes with their problems, challenges and issues that arise within the plot, and therefore allow to an extent for the viewer to identify with the characters.

 HISTORY OF DRAMATIC FILM GENRE

1894-1950

From the silent era (1894-1929) to the 1950's Drama's were seen as a tool to teach the audience, for example 'The Grapes of Wrath' which was released in 1940 whereby the plot followed a poor Midwest family who is forced off their land, they travel to California suffering the misfortunes of the homeless in the Great depression, Orson Wells stated that this was not a biography of William Hearst but was a composite of many people from that era (see the above trailor of the film)

1950's

Within the 1950's there was a surge in well-known dramatic actors, within Glenn Ford, James Dean, Bette David and Marilyn Monroe being four very notable dramatic actors. Dramatic films focused on character relationships and development. For example 'All About Eve' (1950) focused on the relationship women had with men, and films like '12 Angry Men' (1957) and 'Anatomy of a Murder' (1959) showcased the inner workings of a courtroom (see the above trailor of the film 'All About Eve')

1960's

 

 



Within the 1960's there was a political drive for film dramas especially focusing on the war such as 'Judgement at Nurember' (1961) where an American court in occupied Germany tries four Nazi judges for war crimes and 'The Manchurian Candidate' (1962) whereby a former Korean War POW is brainwashed by communists into becoming an political assassin, however another prisoner may just know how to save him. Within the 1960's sport dramas also became an inspiration, such as 'The Hustler' (1961) where an up and coming pool player plays a long-time champion in a single high-stakes match (see the above trailor of the film 'Judgement at Nurember')





1970's



It was during the 1970's that more modern dramatic directors produced their first films. Such as 'Martin Scorsese directed 'Taxi Drive' (1976), 'Mean Streets' (1973) and the musical drama 'New York, New York; (1977). Within 1976 Sylvest Stallone also created one of the most successful sport drama franchises 'Rocky' (1976), whereby a small time boxer gets a once in a lifetime chance to fight the heavyweight champ in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect. War films were also produced, giving the most realistic adaptation of the war seen in film at the time for example 'Patton' (1970), 'Tora!Tora!Tora!' (1970) and 'Apocalypse Now' (1979) all show the trials and hardships of war and still today are considered classic war films (see the above trailor of the film 'Rocky')

 

1980's

 

 

Within the 1980's dramatic film but emphasis on highly emotional films. 'Do the Right Thing' (1989) and 'The Colour Purple' (1985) were full character studies of African American culture and history. Drama with a science fiction edge was also a theme within the 1980;s, with Steven Spielberg directing 'ET. The Extra-Terrestiral' (1982) and Ridley Scott directing 'Blade Runner' (1982) (see the above trailor of the film 'The Colour Purple')

 

1990's

 

 

Within the 1990's Drama was put into epic proportion when films such as 'Schindler's List' (1993) and 'The Shawshank Redemption' (1994 which had strong themes of hope were released. Dramas also took a turn with thrillers with, 'Fight Club' (1999), 'American Beauty' (1999) and 'Leon' (1994). There was also a focus on the AIDS epidemic and discrimination within 'Philadephia' (1993). Comedy-drama was also a feature within the 1990's with films such as 'Jerry Maguire' (1996) and 'Barton Fink' (1991) (see the above trailor of the film 'Jerry Maguire')

 

2000's

 

 

Within present day, Dramatic films showcase all themes of life. A major source of dramatic films is history, biographies such as 'Ray' (2004) and 'Walk the Line' (2005) and informative films on the lives of people in history. Within history the Gulf War has also been an inspiration for dramatic films such as 'Black Hawk Down' (2001) and 'Jarhead' (2005) (see the above trailor of the film 'Walk the Line')