THE DRAMA GENRE

A drama film depends mostly on in-depth development of realistic characters dealing with emotional issues. Dramatic themes put the characters in conflict with themselves, others, society and even natural phenomena. Drama is one of the broadest movie genres and includes subgenres such as romantic drama, sports films, period drama, courtroom drama and crime. At the center of a drama is usually a character or characters who are in conflict at a crucial moment in their lives. Dramas often have tragic or at least painful resolutions and concern the survival of some tragic crisis. Drama films have been nominated frequently for the Academy Award – more than any other film genre.

THE DRAMA GENRE In the 1950s drama films had a very realistic feel as a “hunger for realism dominated” directors’ motivation. In the 1950s drama films had a very realistic feel as a “hunger for realism dominated” directors’ motivation. Dramatic films focused on character relationships and development. All About Eve (1950) focused on women and their relationship with men. Rebel Without a Cause (1955) displayed teen angst. Films like 12 Angry Men (1957) and Anatomy of a Murder (1959) show the inner workings of a courtroom. Dramatic films focused on character relationships and development. All About Eve (1950) focused on women and their relationship with men. Rebel Without a Cause (1955) displayed teen angst. Films like 12 Angry Men (1957) and Anatomy of a Murder (1959) show the inner workings of a courtroom.

THE DRAMA GENRE The 1960s brought politically driven dramas focusing on war, such as Judgment at Nuremberg (1961), Flashback (1969), and The Manchurian Candidate (1962). Sports dramas became inspirational with The Hustler (1961) and Downhill Racer (1969). The 1960s brought politically driven dramas focusing on war, such as Judgment at Nuremberg (1961), Flashback (1969), and The Manchurian Candidate (1962). Sports dramas became inspirational with The Hustler (1961) and Downhill Racer (1969). During the 1970s, modern dramatic directors made some of their first films. Francis Ford Coppola directed The Godfather (1972). Martin Scorsese directed Taxi Driver (1976), Mean Streets (1973), and the musical drama New York, New York (1977). Sylvester Stallone created one of the most successful sports drama franchises with Rocky (1976). In addition, sports dramas focused on the struggles of athletes, such as Brian’s Song (1970). War films were also produced, giving the most realistic adaptation of WWII in Patton (1970) and Apocalypse Now (1979) which show the trials and hardships of war. Both are considered classic war films. During the 1970s, modern dramatic directors made some of their first films. Francis Ford Coppola directed The Godfather (1972). Martin Scorsese directed Taxi Driver (1976), Mean Streets (1973), and the musical drama New York, New York (1977). Sylvester Stallone created one of the most successful sports drama franchises with Rocky (1976). In addition, sports dramas focused on the struggles of athletes, such as Brian’s Song (1970). War films were also produced, giving the most realistic adaptation of WWII in Patton (1970) and Apocalypse Now (1979) which show the trials and hardships of war. Both are considered classic war films.

THE DRAMA GENRE In the 1980s, dramatic film put emphasis on highly emotional themes. The Color Purple (1985) was a full character study of African American culture and history. War dramas again played a big part as Platoon (1986) showed the horrors of Vietnam. Drama, with a science fiction edge was a theme when Steven Spielberg directed E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982). In the 1980s, dramatic film put emphasis on highly emotional themes. The Color Purple (1985) was a full character study of African American culture and history. War dramas again played a big part as Platoon (1986) showed the horrors of Vietnam. Drama, with a science fiction edge was a theme when Steven Spielberg directed E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982). During the 1990s Goodfellas (1990) took a gritty, hard-edged look at mob crime. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) had strong themes of hope, as did the Holocaust-themed Schindler’s List (1993). Dramas also took a turn with thrillers such as Fight Club and the tale of suburban angst, American Beauty (1999). The AIDS epidemic and discrimination were explored in Philadelphia (1993), and comedy-drama was featured with films like Forrest Gump (1994), Jerry Maguire (1996), and As Good as it Gets (1997). During the 1990s Goodfellas (1990) took a gritty, hard-edged look at mob crime. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) had strong themes of hope, as did the Holocaust-themed Schindler’s List (1993). Dramas also took a turn with thrillers such as Fight Club and the tale of suburban angst, American Beauty (1999). The AIDS epidemic and discrimination were explored in Philadelphia (1993), and comedy-drama was featured with films like Forrest Gump (1994), Jerry Maguire (1996), and As Good as it Gets (1997).

THE DRAMA GENRE In the 2000s, biopics such as Ali (2001), 8 Mile (2002), Ray (2004), and Walk the Line (2005), have become popular among filmmakers. Gladiator (2000) is an epic, dramatic film, along with The Last Samurai (2003). The Gulf War and similar skirmishes were an inspiration for dramatic war films like Black Hawk Down (2001) and Jarhead (2005). Despite the drop in popularity of the romantic dramas, some of them have enjoyed big box office and critical success, as the controversial, groundbreaking Brokeback Mountain (2005). In the 2000s, biopics such as Ali (2001), 8 Mile (2002), Ray (2004), and Walk the Line (2005), have become popular among filmmakers. Gladiator (2000) is an epic, dramatic film, along with The Last Samurai (2003). The Gulf War and similar skirmishes were an inspiration for dramatic war films like Black Hawk Down (2001) and Jarhead (2005). Despite the drop in popularity of the romantic dramas, some of them have enjoyed big box office and critical success, as the controversial, groundbreaking Brokeback Mountain (2005).