What is the fundamental definition of drama as a genre in film and television?

In film and television, drama is defined as a category or genre of narrative fiction, or semi-fiction, that is intended to be more serious in tone than humorous. It is a form of storytelling that typically involves conflict, whether emotional or social, and its subsequent resolution within the narrative.

How does the Screenwriters Taxonomy differentiate between 'drama' and 'genre' in film?

The Screenwriters Taxonomy posits that terms like 'drama' and 'comedy' are too broad to be considered distinct genres. Instead, they are classified as 'Types' of film, with specific genres being defined by a film's atmosphere, character, and story. The taxonomy lists numerous sub-types of film and television drama.

What is the broader definition of 'drama' in the context of narrative storytelling?

In a broader sense, drama encompasses all forms of cinema or television that tell fictional stories through actors representing characters, a concept known as mimesis. This distinguishes it from other narrative forms like novels, short stories, or poetry.

How was the term 'drama' understood in theatre before the advent of cinema and television?

Prior to the modern era of film and television, 'drama' in theatre referred specifically to a type of play that was neither a comedy nor a tragedy. This narrower definition is the one that film and television industries, along with film studies, have largely adopted.

What is a docudrama, and how does it differ from a documentary?

A docudrama is a dramatized adaptation of real-life events where the general facts are presented as more-or-less true. Unlike a documentary, which uses real people to recount history or events, a docudrama employs professionally trained actors to portray the individuals involved in the dramatized event.

What characterizes a docufiction film?

Docufiction films blend elements of both documentary and fiction. They intermingle actual footage or real events with recreated scenes to tell a story, offering a unique hybrid narrative approach.

What is a comedy drama, and how does it incorporate humor?

A comedy drama, also known as a dramedy, is a genre that balances serious content with humor as a more central component of the story, rather than just using it for occasional comic relief. It aims to evoke a broader range of moods by combining dramatic elements with comedic ones.

Who coined the term 'hyperdrama,' and what does it describe?

Film professor Ken Dancyger coined the term 'hyperdrama.' It describes stories where characters and situations are exaggerated to the point that they resemble fable, legend, or fairy tale.

What defines a 'light drama'?

Light dramas are characterized as light-hearted stories that, despite their tone, remain serious in nature. They offer a less intense emotional experience compared to other dramatic forms while still exploring significant themes.

What is the primary focus of a psychological drama?

Psychological dramas concentrate on the inner lives and internal struggles of their characters. They delve into the characters' psychological problems and emotional complexities, making the internal landscape as important as the external plot.

How is a satirical drama distinguished from other dramatic forms?

A satirical drama uses sharp social commentary, often employing irony or exaggeration, to expose faults in society or individuals. While it may contain humor, its primary aim is critical observation, making its overall tone pointed rather than purely comedic.

What is meant by a 'straight drama'?

A 'straight drama' refers to a film or television production that does not adhere to a specific sub-genre approach or stylistic convention. It is essentially considered drama by the absence of comedic techniques or elements.

What are the typical narrative elements of a tragedy in film and television?

Similar to tragedies in early theatre, film and television tragedies typically focus on the downfall or suffering of a main character. This often occurs due to a series of unfortunate events, frequently culminating in the character's demise by the end of the story.

According to the Screenwriters Taxonomy, what is the purpose of combining a film's type (drama/comedy) with its genre?

Combining a film's type (like drama) with its genre (like horror) does not create a separate genre itself. Instead, according to the Screenwriters Taxonomy, this combination provides a more nuanced understanding of the film, such as identifying a 'Horror Drama' as a dramatic horror film rather than a distinct genre.

What are the core themes explored in crime dramas?

Crime dramas typically explore themes of truth, justice, and freedom. They often feature a fundamental dichotomy between the 'criminal' and the 'lawman' and frequently use intricate plots and dialogue to keep the audience engaged and guessing.

What are the defining characteristics of a fantasy drama?

Fantasy dramas are characterized by a sense of wonderment, often set in visually intense worlds populated by mythic creatures, magic, or superhuman characters. The costumes and settings frequently reflect mythology and folklore, mirroring the hero's inner struggles.

What narrative and thematic elements are common in horror dramas?

Horror dramas often feature central characters who are isolated from society, frequently teenagers or young adults, who are subsequently killed off. Thematically, these films often serve as morality tales where the killer enacts violent penance for the victims' sins, representing battles between good and evil or purity and sin.

How do 'life dramas' or 'day-in-the-life' films approach their subject matter?

Life dramas, also known as 'day-in-the-life' films, take small, everyday events in a person's life and elevate their importance. The protagonists often grapple with multiple, overlapping issues simultaneously, mirroring the complexities of real life.

What central beliefs about love do romantic dramas typically reinforce?

Romantic dramas often reinforce specific beliefs about love, such as 'love at first sight,' 'love conquers all,' or the idea that 'there is someone out there for everyone.' The narrative typically centers on characters experiencing the process of falling in and out of love.

What is the typical narrative structure and thematic concern of a science fiction drama?

Science fiction dramas often tell the story of a protagonist and their allies facing an 'unknown' element that has the potential to alter humanity's future. This unknown could be a villain, a creature, or a scientific scenario, prompting the audience to contemplate human existence, time, space, and the nature of being.

What are the common thematic elements and narrative structures in sports dramas?

Sports dramas, within the sports super-genre, typically involve characters playing sports. The narrative often centers on an 'Our Team' versus 'Their Team' dynamic, where the protagonists strive for victory, recognition, or redemption. The focus can be on a team, an individual athlete, or an individual player within a team.

What is the typical narrative focus and expectation in a war drama?

War dramas usually tell the story of a small, isolated group of individuals facing an external force that threatens them, often leading to a final fight for survival. A central expectation is the protagonists confronting death, with the underlying theme that even an outmatched enemy can be defeated if the hero can find a way.

What are the common settings and visual expectations for a Western drama?

Western dramas are often set in the American Southwest or Mexico, frequently featuring outdoor scenes that showcase scenic landscapes. Audiences can expect elements like fistfights, gunplay, and chase scenes, along with spectacular panoramic views of the countryside, deserts, and skies.

According to the Screenwriters Taxonomy, which categories are considered 'pathways' rather than genres?

The Screenwriters Taxonomy identifies categories like 'Melodrama' and 'Screwball Comedy' as 'pathways' rather than distinct film genres.

How does the Screenwriters Taxonomy classify 'romantic comedy' and 'family drama'?

Within the Screenwriters Taxonomy, 'romantic comedy' and 'family drama' are classified as macro-genres, indicating a broader classification than specific film genres.

What defines a 'family drama' within the Screenwriters Taxonomy?

A family drama, classified as a macro-genre, is a story where many of the central characters are related. The narrative focuses on how the family unit collectively responds to a significant challenge, and it is further broken down into micro-genres like Family Bond, Family Feud, Family Loss, and Family Rift.

What are the common plot elements and audience appeals of melodrama?

Melodrama films use plots designed to evoke heightened emotions, often dealing with crises of human emotion, failed relationships, strained family situations, tragedy, illness, or hardship. They can be characterized by unrealistic, pathos-filled tales with stereotypical characters, sometimes pejoratively called 'women's movies,' 'weepies,' or 'chick flicks.'

What subjects are typically explored in liturgical, religious, or Christian dramas?

Liturgical, religious, or Christian dramas focus on religious characters, mystery plays, beliefs, and themes of respect related to faith.

What character archetypes and narrative elements are central to crime drama, police procedural, legal drama, and courtroom drama?

These related sub-genres focus on character development revolving around themes involving criminals, law enforcement officials, and the legal system, exploring concepts of justice and the consequences of actions within these frameworks.

What is the primary focus of historical dramas?

Historical dramas concentrate on depicting dramatic events and narratives from history, bringing past eras and significant occurrences to life through fictionalized storytelling.

What professional roles and interactions are central to medical dramas?

Medical dramas typically focus on the lives and work of doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff, often depicting their efforts to save victims and exploring the daily interactions and challenges within a medical setting.

What age group and settings are characteristic of teen dramas?

Teen dramas primarily focus on the experiences and lives of teenage characters, frequently featuring a secondary school setting as a significant backdrop for the narrative.

What does the term 'mimesis' refer to in the broader definition of drama?

In the broader sense of drama, 'mimesis' refers to the act of actors representing characters, which is the fundamental method by which fictional stories are conveyed in film and television.

What is the core conflict that drives a drama, according to the text?

The primary element that drives a drama is the occurrence of conflict—whether emotional, social, or otherwise—and its subsequent resolution within the storyline.

What is the distinction between docudrama and docufiction?

While both blend reality and fiction, docudramas are dramatized adaptations of real events using actors, focusing on the general truth of the facts. Docufictions, however, intermingle actual footage of real events with recreated scenes.

What is the purpose of comic relief in a drama?

Comic relief refers to humorous scenes or characters intentionally included in otherwise serious productions to provide a temporary break from the dramatic tension and emotional intensity.

What is the significance of 'conflict' in the definition of drama?

Conflict is identified as a primary element in drama, referring to emotional, social, or other forms of struggle that the characters face and that drive the storyline towards its resolution.

How does the Screenwriters Taxonomy view the terms 'drama' and 'comedy' in relation to film classification?

The Screenwriters Taxonomy considers 'drama' and 'comedy' to be overly broad terms that function as 'Types' of film rather than specific genres. Genres, according to this taxonomy, are defined by more specific elements like atmosphere, character, and story.

What does the term 'macro-genre' signify in the context of film classification, as mentioned in the article?

The term 'macro-genre' is used within the Screenwriters Taxonomy to classify broader categories like 'romantic comedy' and 'family drama,' distinguishing them from more specific micro-genres or pathways.

What is the characteristic approach of 'straight drama' as defined in the article?

'Straight drama' is defined as a type of film that does not attempt a specific stylistic approach but is characterized by the absence of comedic techniques, focusing purely on dramatic elements.

What is the typical narrative arc for characters in a war drama?

War dramas often depict a small group of isolated individuals facing an external threat, leading to a series of deaths or metaphorical destruction until a final confrontation. The narrative emphasizes the protagonists' struggle against overwhelming odds and the expectation of confronting mortality.

What are the key elements that define a 'Western drama'?

Western dramas are typically set in the American Southwest or Mexico, often featuring outdoor scenes with expansive landscapes. They commonly include action elements like fistfights and gunplay, along with visually striking panoramic shots.

What is the role of 'actors' in the broader definition of drama?

In the broader sense of drama, actors are essential as they are the means by which fictional stories are told. Through their performance, they 'represent' characters, engaging in mimesis to bring the narrative to life.

What is the primary function of the 'Screenwriters Taxonomy' as described in the text?

The Screenwriters Taxonomy serves as a framework for classifying film and television narratives, distinguishing between broad 'types' like drama and comedy, and more specific 'genres' based on atmosphere, character, and story. It also categorizes elements like 'macro-genres' and 'pathways.'

What is the relationship between 'melodrama' and 'soap opera' as suggested in the text?

The text suggests that melodramas, particularly those appealing to feminine audiences, are often considered 'soap-opera' drama, indicating a shared characteristic of heightened emotions and domestic situations.

How do psychological dramas explore character development?

Psychological dramas focus on character development by delving into their inner lives and exploring their psychological problems. This approach makes the internal emotional and mental states of the characters a central element of the narrative.

What is the core thematic concern of 'family dramas'?

Family dramas center on the dynamics and relationships within a family unit. The core theme revolves around how the family as a whole reacts to and navigates a central challenge or conflict.

What distinguishes 'docudrama' from 'docufiction' in terms of content presentation?

Docudramas dramatize real events using actors to portray the individuals involved, aiming for factual accuracy in their general outline. Docufictions, conversely, intermingle actual documentary footage with recreated scenes, blending factual recording with fictionalized elements.

Drama Film And Television Wiki: The Narrative Tapestry: Exploring Film and Television Drama

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Defining Drama

Core Concept

In the realms of film and television, drama denotes a narrative genre characterized by a serious tone, distinct from humor. It is often further specified by its macro- or micro-genre, indicating particular settings or subject matter. The fundamental element driving a drama is the presence and resolution of conflict, whether emotional, social, or otherwise, within its storyline.

Broader vs. Narrower Sense

Broadly defined, any cinematic or televised fictional narrative employing actors to represent characters through mimesis is a form of drama. This aligns with drama as a distinct narrative mode. Historically, in theatre, drama referred to plays that were neither comedies nor tragedies. This narrower sense is the one predominantly adopted by the film and television industries and academic studies.

The Essence of Conflict

At its heart, drama thrives on conflict. This conflict can manifest in myriad ways: internal struggles within a character, interpersonal disputes, societal pressures, or clashes against external forces. The narrative arc typically charts the progression and eventual resolution of these conflicts, providing the narrative's driving force and thematic depth.

Classifying Dramatic Forms

Docudrama

Docudramas are cinematic or television productions that dramatize real-life events. While striving for factual accuracy, they often take creative liberties. The key distinction from documentaries lies in the use of actors to portray historical figures and events, rather than relying solely on archival footage or interviews with actual participants.

Notable examples include:

Black Mass (2015)
Zodiac (2007)

Docufiction

Docufiction blends documentary and fictional elements, interweaving actual footage or real events with staged or recreated scenes. This hybrid approach offers a unique perspective, blurring the lines between observed reality and narrative interpretation.

Examples include:

Interior. Leather Bar. (2013)
Your Name Here (2015)

Comedy Drama

Often termed "dramedy," this subgenre integrates humor as a central component within an otherwise serious narrative framework. It balances poignant or dramatic themes with comedic elements, creating a nuanced emotional landscape for the audience.

Examples include:

Three Colours: White (1994)
The Truman Show (1998)
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Hyperdrama

Coined by Professor Ken Dancyger, hyperdramas feature exaggerated characters and situations, elevating them to the level of fable, legend, or fairy tale. This style often employs heightened reality to explore archetypal themes or conflicts.

Examples include:

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Maleficent (2014)

Light Drama

Light dramas present narratives that are serious in nature but maintain a generally light-hearted tone. They often explore relatable human experiences with a degree of optimism or gentle observation.

Examples include:

The Help (2011)
The Terminal (2004)

Psychological Drama

This subgenre centers on the internal lives and psychological complexities of its characters. Plots often delve into mental states, emotional turmoil, and the subjective experiences that shape behavior and narrative progression.

Examples include:

Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Oldboy (2003)
Whiplash (2014)
Anomalisa (2015)

Satirical Drama

Satirical dramas employ irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to critique societal norms, institutions, or individual behaviors. While potentially incorporating humor, their primary aim is sharp social commentary, exposing flaws and advocating for change.

Examples include:

Thank You for Smoking (2005)
Idiocracy (2006)

Straight Drama

This classification applies to dramas that eschew specific subgenre conventions or comedic techniques, focusing purely on a serious narrative tone. It represents a foundational approach to dramatic storytelling without overt stylistic embellishments.

Examples include:

Ghost World (2001)
Wuthering Heights (2011)

Tragedy

Mirroring classical theatrical tragedies, these narratives often focus on the downfall or profound suffering of a protagonist, driven by a series of unfortunate events. The arc frequently culminates in a somber or devastating conclusion for the central character(s).

Examples include:

The Elephant Man (1980)
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
The Green Mile (1999)
The Mist (2007)
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008)

Genre and Type Interplay

Screenwriters' Taxonomy

The Screenwriters' Taxonomy posits that film genres are primarily defined by atmosphere, character, and story. It classifies "drama" and "comedy" not as genres themselves, but as fundamental types of film. These types are then combined with eleven super-genres to provide a more nuanced understanding of a film's narrative structure and thematic content.

Clarifying Combinations

Combining a type (e.g., drama) with a super-genre (e.g., horror) does not create a distinct new genre. Instead, it refines the classification. For instance, a "horror drama" is understood as a horror film with a predominantly dramatic tone, rather than a genre separate from horror or drama itself.

Examples of type/genre combinations:

Crime Drama: Focuses on themes of justice, truth, and the conflict between law and criminality.
Fantasy Drama: Features a sense of wonder, often set in visually rich worlds with mythic or supernatural elements.
Horror Drama: Characterized by isolation, escalating peril, and often serving as a moral allegory.
Life Drama (Day-in-the-life): Elevates mundane events to significant narrative moments, exploring characters' everyday struggles.
Romantic Drama: Revolves around themes of love, relationships, and emotional connection.
Science Fiction Drama: Explores existential questions and humanity's future through speculative scenarios.
Sports Drama: Centers on athletic competition, often highlighting themes of teamwork, perseverance, and redemption.
War Drama: Depicts the experiences of individuals in conflict, emphasizing survival and the human cost of war.
Western Drama: Set in the American West, often featuring vast landscapes and themes of frontier justice.

Misidentified Categories

Certain classifications, such as "Melodrama" or "Screwball Comedy," are considered pathways within the taxonomy, not distinct genres. Similarly, "Romantic Comedy" and "Family Drama" are recognized as macro-genres, indicating broader thematic groupings rather than specific genre definitions.

Examples of categories considered pathways or macro-genres:

Family Drama: Focuses on familial relationships and their reactions to challenges.
Melodrama: Characterized by heightened emotions, often involving romantic crises or familial hardship.
Liturgical/Religious/Christian Drama: Centers on religious themes and characters.
Crime/Police/Legal/Courtroom Drama: Explores the criminal justice system and its participants.
Historical Drama: Dramatizes significant events from the past.
Medical Drama: Focuses on healthcare professionals and hospital environments.
Teen Drama: Centers on the experiences of adolescent characters, often in school settings.

Structural Formats

Serial

Serial dramas unfold a continuous narrative across multiple episodes, often featuring ongoing character development and plotlines that carry over extended periods. This format allows for deep exploration of complex themes and character arcs.

Procedural

Procedural dramas typically focus on a specific profession or activity, with each episode often presenting a self-contained case or problem that the protagonists must resolve. Common examples include police procedurals and legal dramas.

Miniseries

A miniseries is a television program that tells a complete story within a predetermined, limited number of episodes. This format allows for a focused narrative, often adapting novels or historical events with a defined beginning, middle, and end.

Telenovela

Telenovelas are serialized television dramas, typically broadcast daily or weekly, characterized by heightened emotional content, dramatic plot twists, and often focusing on romantic relationships and family sagas.

Téléroman

Similar to telenovelas, téléromans are serialized dramatic programs, particularly prevalent in French-speaking regions, that follow ongoing storylines and character developments over a series of episodes.

Thematic Explorations

Buddy Films

Buddy films, a subgenre of drama (and often action or comedy), focus on the dynamic relationship between two central characters, typically contrasting personalities who must overcome differences to achieve a common goal.

Crime and Justice

Dramas exploring crime often delve into the complexities of law enforcement, criminal behavior, and the pursuit of justice. They frequently examine moral ambiguities and the societal impact of illegal activities.

Romance

Romantic dramas place love and relationships at the forefront of their narratives, exploring themes of attraction, commitment, and the emotional journey of partners. They often reinforce societal beliefs about love and connection.

Science Fiction

Science fiction dramas utilize speculative concepts—such as advanced technology, extraterrestrial life, or future societies—to explore fundamental questions about human existence, ethics, and the nature of reality.

Sports

Sports dramas center on athletic endeavors, often highlighting themes of competition, teamwork, personal sacrifice, and the pursuit of victory or redemption. They frequently showcase the physical and psychological demands of sport.

War

War dramas immerse audiences in the experiences of conflict, typically focusing on the struggles of individuals or small groups against overwhelming odds. They often explore themes of courage, loss, and the human condition under extreme duress.

Western

Western dramas are set against the backdrop of the American frontier, often featuring rugged landscapes and narratives of survival, justice, and conflict in a developing society.

Categorical Overviews

By Location

Dramatic television series and films are often categorized by their geographical origin or primary setting, reflecting distinct cultural influences and storytelling traditions.

Examples of lists include:

Arab World
China
Hong Kong
India
Japan
Pakistan
Philippines
South Korea
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey

By Genre

Films and series are also classified by their specific genre, such as action, comedy, or fantasy, often combined with the overarching type of drama.

Examples of genre lists include:

BL (Boys' Love)
Buddy
Comedy Drama
GL (Girls' Love)
Period
Legal
Medical
Police
Political
Sitcom
Soap Opera
Teen Drama

By Format

The structural presentation of a drama—whether serial, procedural, miniseries, or telenovela—also serves as a key classification method.

Key formats include:

Serial
Procedural
Miniseries
Telenovela
Téléroman

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Drama (film and television) Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon academic and encyclopedic sources. It is intended for educational and analytical purposes, providing a structured overview of film and television drama.

This is not professional film criticism or industry advice. The classifications and examples presented are based on established taxonomies and may not encompass all nuances or evolving trends within the field. Always consult primary sources and expert analysis for comprehensive understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Narrative Tapestry

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Defining Drama 🎭

📜 Core Concept

🎭 Broader vs. Narrower Sense

🗣️ The Essence of Conflict

Classifying Dramatic Forms 🗂️

🎬 Docudrama

🎞️ Docufiction

😂 Comedy Drama

🌌 Hyperdrama

☀️ Light Drama

🧠 Psychological Drama

🧐 Satirical Drama

😐 Straight Drama

💔 Tragedy

Genre and Type Interplay 🔗

🧩 Screenwriters' Taxonomy

⚖️ Clarifying Combinations

🚫 Misidentified Categories

Structural Formats 📐

🔄 Serial

Procedural

Miniseries

Telenovela

Téléroman

Thematic Explorations 💡

🤝 Buddy Films

⚖️ Crime and Justice

❤️ Romance

🚀 Science Fiction

🏅 Sports

⚔️ War

🤠 Western

Categorical Overviews 📚

🌍 By Location

genre By Genre

By Format

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining Drama

Core Concept

Broader vs. Narrower Sense

The Essence of Conflict

Classifying Dramatic Forms

Docudrama

Docufiction

Comedy Drama

Hyperdrama

Light Drama

Psychological Drama

Satirical Drama

Straight Drama

Tragedy

Genre and Type Interplay

Screenwriters' Taxonomy

Clarifying Combinations

Misidentified Categories

Structural Formats

Serial

Thematic Explorations

Buddy Films

Crime and Justice

Romance

Science Fiction

Sports

War

Western

Categorical Overviews

By Location

By Genre

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice