Research- Conventions of Drama Genre

 Conventions Of Drama Genre:

A drama tells a story of human conflict through dialogue and action. The human conflict presented in the film is often emphasized, and usually in the drama genre, the conflict the character faces is either with; themselves, another character, nature or society. In drama, the narrative is often very serious but this changes within the sub-genres of drama. Dramatic conventions are able break the illusions reality such as through suspension of disbelief, where the audience is convinced to accept that something is true when clearly it is not. All forms of theater have dramatic conventions, such as the poses used by actors to establish a character. 
Overall, a film can be defined as part of the drama genre because of the way that the audience sympathies, which is done through a high level of tension.

Conventions of mise-en-scene:

In drama films, low-key light is common as dark and dull lighting show tension and sadness. In gritty dramas, the costumes are often worn out, torn and faded clothes. Not always do the costumes have to be dull, like in teen drama, the costumes are just simply plain t-shirts or hoodies with jeans, as everyday outfits make the drama seem more realistic. Actor's performance revolves mostly around the expressions and the body language, to portray the effects of the tragic story on the character's personality. The color grading in drama films tends to be of darker themes, such as in the shades of dark green and blue. But such is not always the case, as in historical period dramas the tone is kept more warm. 

Example of various color grading in drama films:

                                  

Conventions of camerawork:

The most common camera shots found in drama will be close ups of characters and objects, low angle and high angle- to portray strength and weaknesses amongst characters, and extreme close ups. Close ups and extreme close ups add tension and intimidation by showing a character's emotions. For example, an extreme close up of a person's eyes can depict how the character is feeling. The close emphasis on the eyes can also make the audience understand the uncomfortable and tense situation.

Conventions of sound:

Sound effects are generally used to establish location, weather, time of day or a character's feeling. In drama, realistic sounds are used to portray realism and thus allows audience to feel better connected to the film and characters. In drama, you can observe incidental music which enhances a theatrical atmosphere. Another common thing found in drama films is voice over. Narration is often used to convey a story of the character's past or character's thoughts/inner monologue. One of the most dramatic yet classic thing that happens in the drama genre is the sound of the clock ticking. Music is also an essential aspect of the drama genre, music is used in genre to enhance what is occurring in the scene. Drama films often use classical/vintage music.

Conventions of editing:

 Editing in drama, like cinematography, influences how the audience sees the characters within the scene. Spiritually driven scenes are further enhanced through the use of various editing techniques: One example of this would be ‘Shot Reverse Shot’.This type of shot is common in all films however there are various reasons for this. Usually occurring in conversation, it allows the audience to see each characters reaction during the action shown on screen. 
Long shots, in drama, are extended takes which gives the audience time to clarify how the characters are feeling. Ellipsis and expansion of time play an important role in drama films. For example, a bomb is dropped, and in the next few scenes we see slow motion of people shouting to take shelter, an aerial shot of the area being destroyed and burned along with mid close up shots of the people, focusing on their reaction to the destruction and chaos.