Is Genre the subject of the film, or the technique? 

A Movie genre consists of many types of movies categorized by movie genre. But, now the definition of the movie genre is getting somehow into complexity, because of the explosion of the new technology in the cinema industry and it is still controversial. 

Normally the filmmakers define the movie genres into action adventure film, comedy film, documentary film, experimental film, horror film or (thriller lately), melodrama film, musical film, mystery film, romance (romantic film), science-fiction film and Western films. 

Lately, with that said development of the cinema technology and with everything being computerized, we started to hear about a complex of film genres, such as romantic drama, which is further defined with an extension of romantic fantasy drama, action animation film, psychological film, street action racing and other new genres of films. 

But, as you see from the example of the romantic drama, many genres of film have other names pointing to the same genre, as in the example of anime film , which is animation film. 

The Complexity of the Film Genre! 

Spectators used in the old days to define the film genre by other words. For example, when one wants to go to the cinema to see a western film, he simply says cowboys. But, is this a film genre? 

This is a point to explain that not all of the movie genres defined by spectators are exactly the same genres we know about, when we look to the measures implemented to define a film genre. 

According to the location of the movie production, each of the locations defined in this specification by cultures and countries could be a genre of film sub-divided into other genres by subject/themes and techniques. 

For example, when we say Bollywood Movies, we immediately get to the location and know it is India and when we say a Middle East movie, we get to the location and the language of that location. 

My Genre is Social Drama  

The purpose of a dramatic storyline is to move the audience emotionally. Drama films depend mostly on the development of realistic characters dealing with emotional issues. 

In most cases the film concentrates on normal character(s) that is dealing with a conflict or dilemma. Dramas often give actors a chance to stretch into a role that other genres wouldn’t allow them to do. This is because drama films focus on building up characters that the audience can engage with. 

The central theme of a Social Drama genre is that it is character driven. A drama film doesn’t have some elements e.g. amazing (possibly CGI- created) location (adventure), awesome stunts or explosions (action) and there is no excitement or fear from a dark, spooky castle (thriller). But without these elements, a drama film has to take the audience on an emotional rollercoaster ride. This is done through that the story line revolves around emotions of the influential characters. A Social Drama film offers intense character development and tells an honest story of human struggle. The heart of a Social Drama film is conflict. There is a climax in Social Drama films usually and they are extremely plot driven. A drama film is essentially a drama film because of the way it makes the audience relate and sympathize with the characters. This is done through a mixture of a cleverly written script, a heightened level of tension and a good use of editing. 

How a Social Drama Film Is Structured?  

A Social Drama film is structured in a very specific way in order to keep the audiences attention, and make them become emotionally attached to the action what is going on in the film. To do this they structure the films to have climaxes and anti-climaxes so that there are peaks and troths in the tension. This keeps the audience interested and stops their mind wandering from the film. 

Sub genres of drama Drama is a very broad genre and sub-genres of drama often overlap. Sub genres include… 

 Crime drama  

Generally follows a character(s) involved in criminal activity or law enforcement and the justice/legal system. 

Historical drama  

Films that focus on dramatic events in history particularly war films. Examples: 

Comedy drama  

A drama film that uses an equal, or nearly equal balance of humour and serious content. 

Melodrama  

A sub-type of drama films that uses plots that appeal to the heightened emotions of the audience. These films often put the character in danger to appeal to the emotions of the audience. Melodramatic plots often deal with “crises of human emotion, failed romance or friendship, strained familial situations, tragedy, illness, neuroses, or emotional and physical hardship.” 

Romantic drama  

Drama film which dwells on the elements of romantic love. 

Period Drama  

These drama films focus on a specific time era. The era in which the film is set adds not only to the plot, but to the characters and costumes as well. A Period Piece films are often based on a novel. These films tend to have a longer run time than traditional Dramas. 

CODES & CONVENTIONS.  

All genres have some similar features through which we recognize them.  

Codes and conventions – are responses to what the industry believed the consumers / audience wanted. Codes and conventions in film industry were used to insure maximum pleasure or engagement of audience in relation to the film narrative. 

Codes and conventions differ with film industry. Hollywood & Bollywood film industry follows the codes and conventions for the same genre in a different way. For example Hollywood films are realistic, they usually follow the genre & theme in a simple way where as Bollywood films are more exaggerated and they add more “spice” because their audience prefer to see such films so they need to keep the wishes of their targeted audience in their mind. 

 In normal viewing we experience simultaneously a number of codes which all comes under the MISEN SCENE.  

Mis en scene is a French word. It literally means “put in the scene”. It refers to almost everything that goes into the shot: Settings, Props, Costumes, Performance and Movement, Lightning, Camera and Camera Movement, Editing, Sound and Narrative. 

MIS EN SCENE  

Lighting  

Low key lighting is usually used in drama films. But High key lighting can also be used to show happiness or Dull Lighting (Portrays gritty and bleak nature) 

Camera Angles/Shots 

As far as the shots are concerned, close- ups of characters are used to show expressions and Low Angle and High angle shots are used to portray strength and weakness amongst characters  

Props 

 Knifes 

Guns  

Alcohol  

Mobile phones 

Drugs are usually used in drama films 

Setting  

• Flats, 
•  School 

•  Streets of neighborhood 
•  Gritty Drama 
•  Run Down Houses, 
• Flats, 
• Workplace For the type of Drama/Teen Drama that our group are going to portray, these locations/settings are the type that is vital to our drama as we are going for a gritty look. 

Costume  

The characters will be seen wearing costumes which the audience can relate to in a drama film. E.g. Business man in a suit, doctor in a white lab coat, Worn out, torn, dirty hand me down clothing, teenagers wearing hoodie and hat etc.  

Editing – Different editing techniques can be used in a drama film depending on its narrative. Mostly, shot reverse shots and parallel editing are most common.  

 Sound – Intense music is usually used in dram films. Filmi music can also be used in Bollywood drama films. 

Codes & Conventions of Social Drama Films:-  

Exhibits real life situations with realistic characters, settings, and stories 

Portrays journeys of character development  

Intense social interaction  

Purpose of a dramatic story line is to move the audience emotionally  

 Heart of drama is the conflict  

Conflicts include inner/outer realistic struggles depicting hardships, difficulty, and pain  

Audience can relate to the Characters (Preferred reading – Halls Theory)  Structured with climaxes and anti climaxes to keep the audience emotionally attached and the tension ongoing 

Codes & Conventions of Social Drama Films:-  

• Portrays a characters journey and developments  
• Exhibits real life characters, situations, settings and stories  
• Intense social interaction  Dramatic sounds and exaggerated performance.