Genre Research

Drama exhibits situations based on real-life stories; circumstances, therefore, portraying realistic characters the audience can emotionally connect with.  The plot is usually dramatic and follows the protagonist journey dealing with their conflict and dilemma. As a result, the storyline keeps the audience emotionally attached and maintains tension ongoing through climaxes and anti-climax, until the resolution stage in the narrative, which is normally a happy ending.

 Genre Drama also has sub-genres:

Mental illness

Social

War

Youth rebellion

Drugs

  

In action, it includes explosions, chase sequence, physical stunts and massive destruction. This appeals to the male target audience, who stereotypically tend to be aggressive and violent, therefore gain a sense of escapism. The special effect is important to make action film realistic and exciting as possible for the audience.  

The plot usually consists of good vs. evil protagonist usually white male and antagonist Middle Eastern. Therefore protagonist is set in life threating positions and consistently at high risk while completing their mission to victory.  On the other hand females in most action films are objectified and most commonly portrayed as the damsel in distress. Along with futuristic cars and high tech machinery action film are set in big modern cities or exotic locations.  

Action films tend to include aspects of other genres known as sub-genres:

Action comedy – Subgenre involving humor 

Action thriller-Subgenre involving lots of action and explosions

Action adventure –Subgenre of adventure set in exotic place involves protagonist travelling to different locations


Horror consists of the main characters venturing into and isolated or spooky environment. The protagonist is usually the character able to avoid death from the antagonist (serial killer) but provoked with fear putting them at high risk. All Horror films follow the narrative theory, however, the resolution phase is not always a happy ending. Low key lighting and fast editing create tension and a mysterious atmosphere, which keeps the audience in suspense.

There are sub-genres of Horror

Action horror

Comedy horror

Gothic horror

Psychological horror