2 Possible Genre Choices

 2 Possible Genre Choices 

Week 1, Blog 2 

Friday, January 31, 2025

As we dive deeper into this Portfolio Project journey, it is time to consider the various options for the genre we will choose for our film opening video. 

When considering which genre options to research and review, I have considered some factors such as to be original and stand out. I want to create an unusual story that connects well with the chosen genre. I want my project to feature creative settings, wardrobe, and dialogue, so I want to select a genre that embodies these elements. I plan to organize my project thoroughly, ensuring that every step in choosing the film genre is feasible within the resources we have. I view this Portfolio project as a challenge to identify resources and solutions, and I want to select a genre that represents that. I also want to draw inspiration from some of my favorite films and genres. 

Comedy
Comedy is the "type of drama or other art form the chief object of which, according to modern notions, is to amuse. It is contrasted on the one hand with tragedy, and on the other with farce, burlesque, and other forms of humorous amusement."

Some of its characteristics include

• Everyday situations: One of the main characteristics of comedies is that they usually include humor that comes from everyday experiences. This gives viewers a sense of recognition while it also allows them to laugh at the exaggeration of the situation. The contrast between what is expected and what occurs often provides the reason for the humor. A sense of suspense and surprise, are also crucial aspects of comedy.
• Provide themes and morals: Although the main purpose of comedies is to make people laugh, they can also be used to share a message or express knowledge. Sitcoms, or humor-focused television programs, have been the most common comedies. Sitcoms frequently center on a main cast of characters who encounter numerous difficulties and setbacks throughout the series. Stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, and improv comedy are constantly showing either important themes or morals of the story. 
• Exaggerate: To make people laugh, they frequently exaggerate or develop absurd scenarios. This can be done to make fun of a certain topic or to produce a more exaggerated sense of humor, among other things. For whatever reason, this kind of content frequently intends to make the audience laugh.
• Fast plot development: Comedy usually moves quickly, which keeps viewers interested. This may be a result of fast and simple jokes or the frequent use of physical humor. For whatever reason, it's obvious that comedies are meant to keep viewers entertained all the way through.

Notable films 

Mean Girls (2004)

Mean Girls is a great example of a comedy movie because incorporates humor through everyday high school situations, important themes such as the effects of gossip and toxic relationships, exaggeration of situations, and fast plot development. The film humorously portrays relatable experiences such as the development of an "American high school cafeteria", peer pressure, and teenage drama, showing the contrast between expectations and foolish outcomes.  Regardless of its comical atmosphere, it emphasizes the dangers of superficiality and gossip while showing important lessons about friendship, social acceptance, and personal development. With silly examples like the "Burn Book" and the portrayal of a school fight as a wild animal fight, exaggeration takes place in the movie. The plot moves quickly, has memorable moments and clever dialogue, and entertains viewers while making messages about society.

Mean Girls Film Opening 

Mean Girls iconic comic scenes

Hot Pursuit (2015)

A great example of another comedy film is Hot Pursuit, The movie shows a situation in which a professional police officer and an impulsive witness must work together to survive a crazy and dangerous journey. It demonstrates in different ways the importance of friendship, female empowerment, and trust even with its comical tone. Exaggerated situations that keep viewers laughing, like crazy car chases, creating fake identities, and silly misunderstandings, are what make the comedy so successful. It is a humorous and captivating experience because of its fast plot development, quick but clever jokes, and scenes with action and adrenaline. The movie follows stereotypical beliefs at first, however, among its many plot twists, it shows another side of common beliefs and dives deeper into societal and cultural stereotypes. 

Hot Pursuit comic scene example

Hot Pursuit Film Opening

Drama

Drama is "intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue. A state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces."

Some of its characteristics include

• Major Conflict: In dramatic films, the protagonist is forced to step outside of their comfort zone by conflict. The choices the character makes during their journey determine everything. The plot advances and eventually defines the characters based on their responses and reactions to conflict. Usually, the characters end up in trouble because of their bad decisions.
• Growing plots: Dramas have deep plots that emphasize the focus on characters' choices and the slow growth of conflicts. Slowly increasing tension lets characters deal with complex problems. Conflicts frequently occur from their imperfections or past, and their actions bring the plot connected.
• Characters: A character embodies a certain personality, set of values, and beliefs. The viewpoint that the audience identifies with and is at the center of the conflict is that of the story's protagonist. The protagonist is in conflict with the antagonist. The antagonist is often seen as a villain. The antagonist may, however, be nature, an idea, or even the protagonist working against themselves. There could be an internal or external conflict with the main character.

Notable Films 

The Notebook (2004)

The Notebook is a great example of a drama film since the main conflict centers on the love story between Noah and Allie, who are from different socioeconomic backgrounds and deal with a variety of challenges, such as pressure from society and disapproval from Allie's family. Their decisions influence their characters and use the plot, particularly Allie's conflict between doing what she wants to do and living up to her family's expectations. The tension builds as viewers watch the couple's challenges, separation, and eventual reunion thanks to the story's slow plot development. As both characters struggle with regret, longing, and time passing, the movie deals with internal conflict. The Notebook illustrates the depth and emotional intensity that define a great drama film, with its character development and the deep significance of love, loss, and memory.

The Notebook film opening  

The Notebook dramatic scene

La La Land (2016)

La La Land's primary conflict centers on the relationship and aspirations of Mia and Sebastian, who are stuck between preserving their love for one another and pursuing their own goals. Their journey is defined by the decisions and sacrifices they make as the plot develops, emphasizing the conflict between love and professional success. From Sebastian's wish to preserve traditional jazz to Mia's auditions and self-doubt, the film's developing plot lets audiences observe the characters' challenges. As the protagonists struggle against both their fears and societal pressures, internal and external conflicts are shown throughout the story. The audience can relate to their aspirations and heartbreak because of their complex personalities. La La Land shows the emotional complexity and depth of love, sacrifice, and ambition.

La La Land's opening scene

La La Land dramatic scene example

Sources 

• Cyrus Henry Hoy. (2014). Comedy | literature and performance. In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/art/comedy
• Rafiq, M. (2023, October 14). What Is a Comedy? Types & Characteristics of Comedy. Owlcation. https://owlcation.com/humanities/What-is-a-Comedy-Detailed-Analysis-Explanation
• Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (2025, January 24). Merriam-Webster.com. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drama#dictionary-entry-1
• Nelson, K. (2021, May 26). 6 Essential Traits of a Great Drama Screenplay. ScreenCraft. https://screencraft.org/blog/6-essential-traits-of-a-great-drama-screenplay/
• Intelliminds. (2024, September 21). What Is the Difference Between Cinematic Drama and Melodrama? - Greenlight Coverage. Greenlight Coverage. https://glcoverage.com/2024/09/21/difference-cinematic-drama-melodrama/
• Elements of Drama | Definition & Examples. (2022). Study.com. https://study.com/learn/lesson/elements-of-drama-characters-setting-symbolism-parts-of-a-play.html