Representation

In my project or in any project of the sorts, representation is a big deal. Making sure everyone is portrayed correctly on screen is essential for all media. In particular to my project, I would like to focus on the representation of criminals. When we see criminals in the media, they are often associated with fear, treated as misfits, and disliked in general. It is not often where you get a deeper look into their mind and personality.

One example of media that represents criminals is the famous, The Dark Knight, directed by Christopher Nolan. In this film, it is the Joker, played by Heath Ledger, who faces off against Batman, played by Bruce Wayne. Being the villain, the Joker takes role as the one who everyone hates, the outcast who wants to tear apart society. Everything surrounding the character relates to negativity and no emotion, just pure evil. I feel like these representation characteristics are unfair. Surely, some criminals can be extremely evil and contribute negatively to the world, but many have a personality of their own, with thoughts and ideas that are not all evil. In terms of the Joker, criminals are represented in more of a dehumanizing fashion.

Another example of media that represents criminals is the film, Guardians of the Galaxy. In contrast to The Dark Knight, this movie represents criminals in a completely different way. The protagonists are actually all criminals, and this movie captures the emotional side of them, something not usually portrayed in regards to that group in the media. By still tying in their radical thoughts and beliefs to more human ones with actual feelings, I feel like this movie represents criminals fairly. The movie showed that even criminals can change as the characters leave behind their past to save the world.

Overall, my movie opening will retain and challenge representation characteristics from both The Dark Knight and Guardians of the Galaxy. I would like to focus more on the mind and personality of a criminal, not just their actions. I want to humanize them, and not just treat them as a nuisance to society. Also, I would like to incorporate justice, as with all crime comes consequences. I want to still show the evil related to that of a criminal similar to The Dark Knight, but also show the lighter side of things like Guardians of the Galaxy. Most importantly, I want criminals to be represented fairly and accurately.

Genre Research: Drama

1. Drama

2. Genre Conventions (Content)
More often than not, drama films tend to be realistic pieces. They often use real life characters, situations, settings and stories to portray a character’s journey and developments. Dramas often circulate around love and a relationship. The characters often exhibit heightened emotions and the protagonist is typically easy to relate to for the target audience. The plot consists of some kind of twist and climax and intense emotional moments. However, the heart of drama is some form of conflict and depictions of hardships relating to physical as well as emotional pain.

3. Genre Conventions (Production Techniques)
Setting- Setting can range from a school in the suburbs to an office building in an urban city. Setting widely varies in drama films. Rain is a typical feature in drama movies to encourage feelings of sadness and loss.
Shots/Angles- Variety of shots are featured in drama films. Close-ups are commonly used to foster intimacy with the characters.
Characters- Exaggerated performance (tears are not uncommon in these movies). Protagonist is usually relatable to the target audience and is often sympathized.The antagonist goes to extreme lengths to hurt the protagonist and is hardly even sympathized by the audience.
Editing- Editing is less dramatic in this genre compared to action and adventure films. Shots are typically cut together in a way that makes you feel immersed in story. Typically more raw, natural, and real.
Color/Lighting- Lighting typically depends on the specific mood the scene is trying to emulate.
If you want a more sensual feeling, darker red tones would be perfect. If you want a more sad feeling, bluer colorless tones would be a great compliment.
Sound effects/Music- Emotion provoking music/sound effects. Sometimes the less dramatic sound is better to induce the most emotion.

4. Film Example #1: Titanic
This classic movie from the 90s is not only known for its incredible story and cast, but for being on of the top grossing movies in the world. It portrays the story of rich seventeen-year-old, Rose, falling in love with poor artist Jack, aboard the infamous R.M.S Titanic. This drama features all the typical conventions such as a love story between Rose and Jack and a loss following the sinking of the ship. The incredible cast featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet do a great job in producing pure and raw emotion. The incredible scenery, shots, and editing makes you feel like you're part of the movie.

5. Film Example #2: 12 Angry Men
Another classic comes from the 50s and it features 13 jury members deciding a murder case. The one man who questions the verdict of who is guilty, challenges and changes the mind of his 12 other colleagues by urging them to reconsider the evidence. Taking place in a single room, it breaks the typical conventions of a typical drama film as the story is told specifically through the emotional performances by all the men in the room.

6. Other Film Examples: