The drama and action genres often are associated with one another, especially when it comes to the American film industry, because they're stereotypically associated with this subgenre. With our film opening focusing on the dramatic aspect, it means we do have a smaller target audience, however it also means for a more story-driven narrative, compared to excess action sequences that can be seen in numerous examples.
One of these action genre examples can be seen in 'Die Hard,' known for it's simplistic plot and memorably over the top portrayal of the antagonist, by Alan Rickman. This film is a good example of the action genre conventions of violence outweighing the story arc, and this simplicity relates to our film opening, in the sense that it was suggested that we don't make it too complicated, due to the lack of funding and minimal filming schedule. This film was a critical and commercial success, making $140 million at the box office and attracted audiences by elaborating on the violent aspect of the action genre, with numerous uses of guns, blood and explosions. In relation to the Uses and Gratification theory, this excess use of fictional scenarios suggest this film fulfils the need for audience members to be entertained. In comparison, we will attract drama genre audiences by using symbolism to provide context on the characters, while also making a point of not using the previously mentioned signifiers from the action genre, because of the lack of budgeting as well as our narrative being more story driven. This film appealed to it's target audience of adults by containing consistently rude language, the extremity of the violence, and having an intense atmosphere throughout the narrative to reflect the thoughts and feelings of the characters.
Another that's often combined with drama is the thriller genre. It has more similarities to drama, in the sense that they're less action-orientated and have a more unique narrative, with twists and cliff-hangers in the stories being used consistently within the thriller genre. Our group hopes to replicate this lack of predictability by not giving too much away in the opening, while also linking back to the symbolic element in order to make the audience speculate and hopefully still be surprised at this refreshing approach to the drama genre.
A good example of a thriller is the film 'Now You See Me.' Based around the concepts of trickery and deception, this film had multiple twists and unexpected turning points in it's narrative, engaging it's audience while also making them care more about the main characters. What made this film a critical and commercial success (making $350 million at the box office) was the fact that it still had a fast pace, wide variety of characters, iconic settings, numerous A-list actors, and yet none of this was over-shadowed by extensive action sequences, maintaining the film's verisimilitude and thus relatable narrative. This therefore appealed to a more civilised audience that prioritise plot and character development over special effects. By contrast to 'Die Hard,' this film expands more on the Uses and Gratification theory's need for knowledge, with the multiple twists and turns in the film, as well as the main concept of deception and trickery, being at the core of this film, compelling the audience to continue watching and aid in the films pacing in the process, instead of the less realistic and more entertaining action sequences that can be seen in 'Die Hard.'
We will attract audiences by using signifiers that are associated with the drama genre, such as in-depth character development, subtle non-diegetic music that reflects the thoughts and feelings of the main protagonist, naturalistic settings and an enigmatic atmosphere to compel the audience to continue watching.
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