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DISCUSSION

A.    Definition of Genre

A genre is a broad term that translates from the French to mean 'kind' or 'type.' In entertainment, this can translate to horror, romance, science fiction, etc. In general, these types differ for all sorts of reasons, from the actions in their plots to the feelings they elicit from the audience. However, in literature, there are some more defined genres. It is important to know which genre a piece of work falls into because the reader will already have certain expectations before he even begins to read.

Genre, in broad terms, refers to any works that share certain characteristics. If enough characteristics are in common, then the pieces are said to be in the same genre. In literature, there are four main genres to help the reader focus their expectations for the piece, though these genres can be broken down even further.

Genres of literature are important to learn about. The two main categories separating the different genres of literature are fiction and nonfiction. There are several genres of literature that fall under the nonfiction category. Nonfiction sits in direct opposition to fiction.

B.     Drama

The final literary genre is drama. This genre includes all plays or anything meant to be performed. In this way, one can argue that all scripted television shows and movies are a part of drama: they are written with the intention of being performed for an audience. The great playwright Shakespeare himself wrote for that same reason. All of Shakespeare's plays, the Ancient Greek plays, and any modern day musicals and shows are examples of drama.

Drama film is a genre that relies on the emotional and relational development of realistic characters. While Drama film relies heavily on this kind of development, dramatic themes play a large role in the plot as well. Often, these dramatic themes are taken from intense, real life issues. Whether heroes or heroines are facing a conflict from the outside or a conflict within themselves, Drama film aims to tell an honest story of human struggles.

Like fiction, drama can also delve into any imaginative subject matter; however, it might be limited based on the stage it must be performed on. Plays are also technically written in prose, but more specifically they are written as dialogue, which is conversation.

C.    Drama Sub-Genres

1.      Biography

A Biography drama incorporates dramatic elements into a biographical film. These films differ from Historical and “based in truth” films because they specifically chronicle the life of a person or a group of people. Biography films attempt to show a comprehensive and accurate picture of the specific subject, thus they tend to be serious and intense.

Examples: Ray, Monster, Blow

2.      Courtroom

Courtroom drama film uses the justice system as a main component of the plot. The story usually unfolds inside a courtroom with the prosecutor, judge, jury, and the defense. Tension plays a large part in courtroom dramas as the verdict can often mean life or death.

Examples: A Few Good Men, To Kill a Mockingbird, 12 Angry Men

3.      Dramedy

Dramedy film is a genre that has a dramatic tone yet important elements of comedy. In Dramedy film, the amount of drama and comedy are almost equally balanced. This balance provides comedic relief for the audience, while still addressing serious issues.

Examples: Little Miss Sunshine, The Royal Tenenbaums, Lost in Translation

4.      Historical

Historical is a sub-genre of Drama film that examines a specific time in history or group of people. Many Historical films aim to portray true events and people. However, most Historical films are only loosely based on these events and people. These films tend to focus on the more glorified societies and people in history such as the Romans, specific Kings and Queens, or important political figures.

Examples: 300, Frost/Nixon, Hotel Rwanda

5.      Melodrama

Melodrama film is a sub-genre that appeals to the heightened emotions of the audience. The plot and characters often are more unrealistic than those found in the traditional drama film. Melodramas usually cater towards a female audience and tell a story that centers on a great crisis and a heroic protagonist.

Examples: The Bridges of Madison County, Steel Magnolias, Sophie’s Choice

6.      Period Piece

Period Piece is a sub-genre of Drama film that focuses 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.

Examples: Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Romeo and Juliet

7.      Political

Political drama film contains themes, characters, and a plot specifically about politics and the political scene. The main protagonist is often at odds with the harsh reality of corruption in politics. Many Political Dramas are based in fact but focus on exploring conspiracy theories.

Examples: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Wag The Dog, The Manchurian Candidate

8.      Romance

Romantic Drama film is a genre that explores the complex side of love. The plot usually centers on an obstacle that is preventing love between two people. The obstacles in Romantic Drama film can range from a family's disapproval, to forbidden love, to one's own psychological restraints. Many Romantic Dramas end with the lovers separating because of the enormity of the obstacle, the realization of incompatibility, or simply… fate.

Examples: Romantic Drama film include Titanic, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Dr. Zhivago

9.      Tragedy

Tragedy Drama is a genre wherein the downfall of the character is caused by a flaw within the character. While Tragedy Dramas sometime put the character in extraordinary circumstances, this genre is really about the self-destructive behavior of the character. The flaws of the character come to a head and ultimately result in death or other form of degradation.

Examples: American Beauty, Death of a Salesman, The Great Gatsby

D.    Types of Drama

·         Crime drama and legal drama: character development based on themes involving criminals, law enforcement and the legal system.

·         Historical drama (epic) (including war drama): films that focus on dramatic events in history.

·         Horror drama: a film that focuses on imperiled characters dealing with realistic emotional struggles, often involving dysfunctional family relations, in a horror setting. The film's horror elements often serve as a backdrop to an unraveling dramatic plot.

·         Docudrama: the difference between a docudrama and a documentary is that in a documentary it uses real people to describe history or current events; in a docudrama it uses professionally trained actors to play the roles in the current event, that is "dramatized" a bit. Not to be confused with docufiction.

·         Psychodrama: an action method, often used as a psychotherapy.

·         Comedy-drama: a film in which there is 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. Melodramatic plots often deal with "crises of human emotion, failed romance or friendship, strained familial situations, tragedy, illness, neuroses, or emotional and physical hardship." Film critics sometimes use the term "pejoratively to connote an unrealistic, pathos-filled, camp tale of romance or domestic situations with stereotypical characters (often including a central female character) that would directly appeal to feminine audiences."^[3] Also called "women's movies", "weepies", tearjerkers, or "chick flicks". If they are targeted to a male audience, then they are called "guy cry" films.

·         Romantic drama: a sub-type of dramatic film which dwells on the elements of romantic love.