Genre Research: Action and Drama

Genre: Action

Common Camera Angles (CAMS):

• Low-angle, high-angle.

Common Mis-en-scene (CLAMPS):

• The costumes are usually detailed and expressive of the character.
• The lighting usually enhances mood, often puts emphasis on dramatic scenes.
• The actors are usually portrayed in a serious manner.
• The makeup is minimal.
• The props are usually hand props, like guns and phones.
• The setting is often somewhere recognizable or famous.

Common Editing:

• Most of the editing makes the movie visually appealing and gives a more enticing/interesting appearance.

Elements:

• Some common conventions include fight scenes, two or more opposing sides (in which the protagonist comes out the winner), and a high-stakes plot or conflict.

Examples:

• Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Baby Driver.

Common Sounds:

• Sound effects added to action scenes.
• Energetic/dramatic/suspenseful music.

Elements I Like:

• The fight scenes and editing add an element of excitement and visual appeal that I enjoy about action movies.

Elements I Dislike:

• Action movies often seem all the same, as many do not have original plots and are simply knockoffs of other more popular movies.

Genre: Drama

Common Camera Angles (CAMS):

• Bird's Eye/God's Eye/Aerial shots and Eye Level shots are common.
• Pans and tilts are used often.
• Extreme close ups and medium shots.

Common Mis-en-scene (CLAMPS):

• Costumes used to emphasize themes and personalities.
• Lighting is dark, realistic.
• Actors are emotional, serious.
• Makeup is minimal to give a sense of realism.
• Props are fewer in order to direct focus to actors.
• Setting contributes to theme or plot.

Common Editing:

• Editing mainly enhances shot and dramatizes events.

Elements:

• Clear, evident plots to make them easy to understand and follow.
• Emotional scenes and relationships between characters.

Example films:

• Jaws, Titanic, Schindler's List.

Common Sounds:

• Usually diegetic and would naturally belong in the location of the shot.
• Emotional music to add to themes.

Elements I Like:

• Plots are often engaging and easy to follow.

Elements I Dislike:

• Some dramas are overdramatic or cheesy.