Task 14 - Genre conventions in Drama

Summarise your findings of the genre conventions in film openings from your chosen genre.  

My chosen genre is Drama

The Pursuit of Happyness

Main conventions:

•  Real life situations
• Realistic characters, settings and narrative.
• Character developments through the journey
• Social interaction with other characters
• Dramatic storyline, conflict
• Targets audience’s emotions
• Audience can relate
• Happy ending

In the genre drama there are two main sub- genres: tragedy and comedy. these sub-genres are very popular within audiences who like drama.

The film that I have chosen to analyse is The Pursuit of Happyness. The opening of the film begins with titles on a black screen which soon move onto moving images. The titles slowly glide across the scenes and then fade out. First the directors, producers, corporations and main actors are introduced and then almost 1 minute into the film the title is displayed on the centre of the screen with a black background. The soundtrack is slow and melodious music – almost like a lullaby playing. The music is very happy and seems to be building up to something. The audience is introduced to the characters and the setting. We see the house that they are living in and the city where they are staying. This is because through the use of a high establishing shot we are shown the San Francisco Bridge which is located on northern California. The story is set up as first we see a man with his child – which makes the audience assume he is a single dad. Then a homeless man is shown sleeping in the middle of a crowded street and this insinuates that the narrative may be about homelessness. This reveals that the gene is a tragic drama. There atmosphere represents everyday life. The different scenes show some people living on the streets whilst others and in smart business suits on their way to work. The contrast between the two is highly significant and noticeable.

The fact that the title is spelt as ‘happyness’ rather than happiness demonstrated that the film narrative is about being happy. The title gives away the plot as it literally means to pursue happiness. This suggests that throughout the film the characters journey will include him and his son trying ti find happiness and make a better life for themselves.