Representation Analysis

Why is the Drama genre so popular?

The drama genre in film has been around for decades with classic films such as Casablanca exemplifying the meaning of drama. A drama is driven by the characters instead of special effects or complex action sequences. The relationship between characters is always complex and multifaceted in a well-done dramatic production.

This genre appeals to a wide variety of people, allowing drama productions to usually perform well, however, in films with well-known actors the profit margin might be slightly less. These kinds of films are usually more serious in tone and can elicit more intense reactions from audiences. The script of a drama is usually dialogue heavy in order to develop relationships between characters with conversation. A Drama is usually centered around a main conflict, internal or external. The story usually involves two main protagonists, either in conflict with each other or coming closer together. In the psychological drama Copcycat, Detective Monahan (Holly Hunter) tries to catch a serial killer, Peter Foley (William McNamara), and in the romantic drama Brooklyn, Eilish (Saoirse Ronan) and Tony (Emory Cohen) progress in their relationship and become extremely close by the films end.  

Also the set design and costume design also influences the story as historical dramas/period pieces depend on the social/political structure of the time to develop their characters. For example, in the film Australia the mother/son relationship that develops between Lady Ashley (Nicole Kidman) and Nullah (Brandon Walters) is attacked by racial prejudices and the social hierarchy of pre World War II Australia.  This propels the plot forward and adds key dramatic element to the film.

This genre is marketed to different groups of people specifically, but usually draws in large audiences. Teen dramas appeal to 13-18 year olds and for the most part those demographics make up the core of audiences, but dramas with certain themes, like historical or romantic draw in large groups of several demographics from 13-50+. Dramas usually rely on established actors playing key roles and this is played up in marketing campaigns. Sometimes supporting actors are also well known in order to attract a different demographic. For example in The Edge of Seventeen, Hailee Steinfeld would draw in teens while the inclusion of Woody Harrelson as a supporting character would draw in older demographics.

A Star Is Born (2018)

This film perfectly exemplifies the drama genre. The plot focuses almost exclusively on the progression and eventual deterioration of the two main characters relationship. While some may classify this as a musical because of how important music is to the plot, the music is also perpetuating the drama of the film because music is what drives the relationship between Ally (Lady Gaga) and Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper). The film also relies heavily on closeups, a key dramatic element used to express intense/heightened emotion. The internal conflicts that Jackson faces in the wake of Ally’s meteoric rise to fame lead to external conflicts between him and Ally leading to his eventual suicide. Conflict is a key element in dramatic films. 

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

This film is another great example of the drama genre, specifically the historical and romantic sub genre. The initial relationship between Elizabeth (Keira Knightly) and Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFayden) is prickly and then devolves into outright loathing and then by the end of the film evolves to blissful marriage. How does the film achieve such a monumental change in the characters’ relationship? The beautifully adapted dialogue from the classic Jane Austen novel is the element of the film that makes this film so dramatic. Closeups also achieve their intended purpose in making the audience feel the emotions the actors are trying to express. The costume design is well done, however, it does not distract from the characters and instead forces you to pay attention to their faces as the costumes are not ornate or over decorated, rather more muted colors are utilized. 

Moonlight (2016)

Mudbound (2017)

Australia (2005)

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

Forrest Gump (1994)