Melodrama: ‘a sensational dramatic piece with
exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions’
- http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/melodrama
Theatrical History
The term "melodrama" comes from Greek it means 'melos' meaning music and 'dran' meaning to perform. Melodrama is referenced from an art in which people recite lines over the top of music or alternating between speech and musical sections.
The compositions are important when discussing melodrama particularly through the use of harmonies and melodies creating motifs for the characters and enhancing the emotional aspects of the plot.
Melodrama is closely linked to Vladimir Propp through the use of stock characters, for example 'good' and 'evil', the hero has a upbeat sound motif to show he is the hero and he is saving the damsel whereas the villain has a dark sinister sound motif expressing danger.
The compositions are important when discussing melodrama particularly through the use of harmonies and melodies creating motifs for the characters and enhancing the emotional aspects of the plot.
Melodrama is closely linked to Vladimir Propp through the use of stock characters, for example 'good' and 'evil', the hero has a upbeat sound motif to show he is the hero and he is saving the damsel whereas the villain has a dark sinister sound motif expressing danger.
The earliest use of melodrama goes back to the stage productions of the late 1800s and the early 1900s. Theatres took melodrama to a new level in France in the 19th century, where playwright Rene Charlies Guilbert de Pixérécourt expressed his real-life experiences into his successful plays.
Towards the end of the 1800s, theatrical melodramas began to fall out of favour. They continued develop the idea of melodrama which was performed privately in homes and small venues.
Performers only acted a little as they delivered their lines as it was more about reciting the lines rather than acting the part.
The characteristics of a melodramatic performance is:
19th Century Staging increased the interest in historical accuracy. Charlies Kemble's production of Shakespeare's King John (London, 1823) was claimedto be historically accurate after this every production wanted to be historically accurate which lead to realism with the use of lighting increased scenic realism but also the plays themselves were still romanitc and melodramatic but the movement and the acting was realistic.
Towards to 20th century the melodramatic elements started to fade and became less important to theatres, at the time of the silent film in the late 1910s, actors could only use their gestures and facial expressions to get the plot across to the audience. During this time the melodramatic music element was used to enhance emotional aspects of the story
Melodrama is now used in movies where producers and directors have applied the melodramatic elements these elements are used in classic films. An example of this is in 1946 It's a wonderful life. Considering suicide as an overwhelming emotion. Melodramatic elements of music would have been used to show this as a tragic time for the characters and would try and portray this to the audience.
Performers only acted a little as they delivered their lines as it was more about reciting the lines rather than acting the part.
The characteristics of a melodramatic performance is:
- "Music drama" the use of music heightened the emotions or signify the character. For example; the villain.
- Good and evil embodied in stock characters.
- Episodic form - Villain poses a threat, the hero saves the day, happy ending.
- Uses special effects: fires, explosions, drownings and earthquakes.
19th Century Staging increased the interest in historical accuracy. Charlies Kemble's production of Shakespeare's King John (London, 1823) was claimedto be historically accurate after this every production wanted to be historically accurate which lead to realism with the use of lighting increased scenic realism but also the plays themselves were still romanitc and melodramatic but the movement and the acting was realistic.
Towards to 20th century the melodramatic elements started to fade and became less important to theatres, at the time of the silent film in the late 1910s, actors could only use their gestures and facial expressions to get the plot across to the audience. During this time the melodramatic music element was used to enhance emotional aspects of the story
Melodrama is now used in movies where producers and directors have applied the melodramatic elements these elements are used in classic films. An example of this is in 1946 It's a wonderful life. Considering suicide as an overwhelming emotion. Melodramatic elements of music would have been used to show this as a tragic time for the characters and would try and portray this to the audience.
Conventions of a Melodrama
Sound in Melodramas
Non-Diegetic Sound: Non Diegetic Sound is used in melodramas this are created throughout the scene for example gun shots, slaps and explosions which are sounds that actually happen and not added in afterwards.
Diegetic sound - Diegetic sounds are also used in melodramas but these are added in during the editing section when creating a film or a video. These sounds include glass smashing which is to create realism however it is exaggerated and louder than if it was a Non Diegetic Sound.
Melodramas use music in their films to create exaggeration and over the top drama. This can be included with expressing certain characteristics to a villain for example; sly, danger music to create a tense atmosphere and to portray that character in a bad way.
Lighting in Melodramas
Usually Soap Operas use a range of lighting from natural light when outside 'in the square' to show real life time and that it does turn from day to night in most episodes. However, they also use artificial lighting when inside houses this is to brighten up the room as there is not much natural light that goes inside it.
EastEnders is a prime example for using both natural and artificial lighting. Natural lighting when outside or in places such as the garage to show time does not stand still it carries on like in the 'real world'. Artificial lighting is also used when in the pub or the Mini Mart, however the lighting they use is naturalistic and using the lighting in the room will determine how bright that room is rather than having a few lights around and dim and the upper lighting above the set on full making it unrealistic lighting.
No comments:
Post a Comment