American Beauty

    Many film favorites are of the Drama genre where it can be very diverse. With a Drama, the aim of the film is to move viewers emotionally. Many times the characters are emphasized and they must deal with a conflict. The movie is the journey that the character goes through and what happens during that difficult time.  

American Beauty: Film Opening 

This film is a personal favorite of mine and fits in the Drama genre. The opening scene introduces the characters. The main character is narrating and he describes his daughter and wife from his point of view. Within the first few seconds of the male talking, you can hear his monotone voice. Already, a main characteristic is revealed. As the film opening continues, he is shown normally going throughout his day. Nothing spectacular or interesting really happens. But that is the point of the character development. He does start the narrating by directly telling the audience that he is going to die. This element gives the story a hook for the audience to latch on to. By showing the character's dull life, the audience is able to connect with him and feel sympathy for him.

American Beauty- opening scene 

https://prezi.com/rb5k_semwcvg/drama-as-a-genre-codes-and-conventions/
https://www.slideshare.net/libbyannjones/research-into-drama-film-genre
http://www.screenwritersutopia.com/article/49c9661c