MELODRAMMELODRAMAA

RESEARCH RESEARCH TASKTASK

Kate Wigley & Grace Donovan

DEFINITION:DEFINITION:● A melodrama is a dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events

● It is intended to appeal to the emotions of the audience.

● A drama, such as a play, film, or television programme, characterized by exaggerated emotions & stereotypical characters

ORIGINS:ORIGINS:● The term originated from the 19th century from the French word ‘Melodrame’

● The word ‘Melo’ means ‘Music’ in Greek

● The word ‘Drame’ is French for ‘Drama’

EXAMPLES INCLUDE:EXAMPLES INCLUDE:● HOLLYOAKS● DOWNTON ABBEY● DAYS OF OUR LIVES● HOME AND AWAY● NEIGHBOURS

STEREOTYPESTEREOTYPESS

SWEETHEARTSWEETHEART

TART WITH A TART WITH A HEARTHEART

THE HUNKTHE HUNK

GANGSTERGANGSTER

VILLAGE BULLYVILLAGE BULLY

THE GOSSIPTHE GOSSIP

LOVEABLE ROGUELOVEABLE ROGUE

STORYLINES:STORYLINES:CATHARSIS storylines are when the viewer goes through the same emotions as the charactershttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEGybmq1AI0

In this scene of ‘Hollyoaks’ the director wants the viewer to react in the same way that the characters do. For example: when Riley gets shot and Mitzeee starts to cry, the viewers may also cry. This means that the viewers build a relationship with the characters – meaning that the storyline is ‘Cathartic’

STORYLINES:STORYLINES:ESCAPISM storylines are when the viewer needs to escape from daily woes to something that wouldn’t usually happen in real lifehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M3moEeErr8

In this trailer for ‘Downton Abbey’ extravagant manor houses are shown as a form of escapism for the viewer. The houses shown in this trailer are not something that the viewers would see everyday so it is a nice way for them to escape daily troubles

STORYLINES:STORYLINES:REALISM storylines are when the characters are dressed in expensive clothes so that the viewer aspires to be like them

These characters are shown to be wearing glamorous clothes, handbags, jewellery and have ‘perfect’ hair and looks. This is so that the viewer wants to be like them

SOUND:SOUND:NON-DIEGETIC SOUND:Throughout Melodramas, non-diegetic sound is used such as gunshots, slaps and explosions. These sounds are real to the scene however, they are added in afterwards. Non-diegetic sound is also used at the start of every Hollyoaks episode as a way to create a certain atmosphere. This then fades out when the characters start talking.

DIEGETIC SOUND:Diegetic sound is also used such as doors slamming or glasses smashing. These sounds are also realistic to the scene, but they aren’t added in afterwards.

The different sounds used add to the genre of ‘Melodramatic’ as the noises can be over-the-top and dramatic.

LIGHTING:LIGHTING:The lighting ranges from natural light to artificial light.In Hollyoaks, artificial lighting is used sometimes depending on the atmosphere of the scene. Whereas in Eastenders, a slightly blue colour is used to represent an ordinary and ‘gritty’ lifestyle.

CAMERA WORK:CAMERA WORK:The camera shots are usually fast paced and short. This is to add to the drama and build up tension for the viewers. Hollyoaks uses Close Ups to show the character’s emotions and facial expressions. Compared to Coronation Street where no Close Ups are used.

SCENES:SCENES:● An episode of Hollyoaks will last for 30 minutes whilst an episode of Downton abbey lasts for an hour

● In each episode there is usually 3 or 4 different storylines going on

● Each storyline will start with an establishing shot so that the viewer knows which story they’re following. Before cutting off to another storyline there is usually a small cliff-hanger

● Because there are so many different storylines happening, the viewer feels like they have to watch every episode in order to understand what’s going on. Whereas in Eastenders, if you miss an episode you will still understand most of the story

COSTUMES:COSTUMES:

The type of costumes in Hollyoaks are usually very glamorous and expensive looking. This is so the viewer wants to dress the same way and also matches the wealthy lifestyles they live.