Genre Research Urban Drama

Urban Drama

• What is “urban drama”?• As a Sub-Genre, Urban Drama, has the aim of providing a realistic outlook

on society, in comparison to the conventional “Drama” piece• As mentioned before, society has a prominent role to play, as the

protagonist, can be a reflection of where he or she originates from, almost making them a “Product of their environment”.

• These films, can be seen as “educational” as they seek to educate the audience on the on going's within the urban areas of major cities. They also focus on major social issues such as Race/Sexuality/Gun-Knife Crime/Inner city gangs and the violence that may dominate the lives of the main characters.

Where did it start?

• The wider Drama genre, films can be traced back to the early 20th century.

• Drama films initially depended on in-depth development of realistic characters and emotional themes, which would only have educated the audience on different aspects of life, during the respective periods.

• Early films such as “The Grapes of Wrath”(1940) was used to show the effects of “Depression”. While “Citizen Kane” (1941) focused more on complex character relationships and emotions.

• As the influx of inhabitants from the country, moved to inner city states, the interest in the lives of inner city civilians inevitably grew.

• As time went on, the “drama’s” started to evolve into more sinister substances, as they sought to reflect the change in “street life”

Early Urban Dramas

Do the right thing (1989) New Jack City (1991) Boyz N the Hood (1991) Juice (1992)

Poetic Justice (1993) Above the Rim (1994)Menace to society (1993)Dead Presidents (1995)

The Birth of Urban Drama• Urban Drama was undoubtedly born out of a new found fascination from

within cinema about the influx of country people to inner-city states. Early urban dramas, also strived to pay more attention to the aspects involved with Urban Life.

• Early Urban Dramas, were predominantly based around white characters, which is evident in Midnight Cowboys (1969). Midnight Cowboys, focuses on country people trying to adjust to the “big city lights” that inner states bring. Their upbringing, can lead to them influencing not only the actions of themselves, but of those around them. This often makes theses films able to add a humour, as the “country” people, will almost certainly act and talk in a different manner to the “city” people, which may endear themselves to the audience, while the film does not stray to far from its aim of social commentary.

• As African American Hip Hop became a more prominent feature in society, “Hood Films” started to emerge to compensate the growing interest in African American culture.

Modern Urban DramasBelly (1998) The Wood (1999)

Love & Basketball (2000)

Training Day (2001)

Baby Boy (2001) Paid in Full (2002) KiDULTHOOD (2006) Shank (2010)

Modern Urban Dramas Ctd.

• As urban and society life in general becomes more diverse, the more it could be argued that the true meaning of modern urban drama becomes harder to identify.

• In society, there is a more than growing interest in Urban Dramas. As modern Urban music becomes more prominent, the more the focus in the main issues in urban dramas is often lost. This is mainly because, most black films have been mostly affiliated with “black hip hop”.

• However, there are still films that aim to create a social realism for the audience, in which topics are in the fore of urban society. Topics such as Racism, Oppression and Violence.

Highest Grossing Urban Dramas

1 American Gangster (2007) $266,465,037

2 Dangerous Minds (1995) $179,519,401

3 Training Day (2001) $104,873,233

4 Crash (2004) $98,410,016

5 Finding Forrester (2000) $80,049,764

6 Boyz N The Hood (1991) $57,504,069

7 Magnolia (1999) $48,451,803

8 New Jack City(1991) $7,624,353

9 Colors (1988) $46,616,067

10 Midnight Cowboy (1969) $44,785,053

All revenues are based upon Domestic takings

Themes

• Ideological:• The most common theme within Urban Dramas, involves predominately

young men, as the protagonists. The characters, often live in “the ghetto” or a run down area, in which they face obstacles in their day to day life. Obstacles that they may face include: peer pressure, violence, racism and prejudice.

• Relationships are explored within Urban Dramas, as is evident in films such as “KiDULTHOOD”, in which the protagonist, has a “girlfriend”, which could act as a “prize trophy” which means that the female was highly coveted within the neighbourhood. The girlfriend, could also act as an educational tool, as she may be from a different ethnic group in comparison to the protagonist, therefore educating the audience on inter-racial relationships.

• There is also usually a summary of what happens to the protagonists and what the conclusion to his “quest” through the piece was. Most endings show the protagonists overcoming the obstacles they once faced, or either ending up in jail or even worse, dead. This reinforces the idea of educating the audience, with more socio-realism aspects.

Narrative StructureBeginning: Protagonists are established, while the scene is set for the potential “rough” environment that they live in to be developed. Other characters linked towards the protagonists are also established.

The protagonists “way of life” is established, as they the “layers” of complications they face are revealed to the audience. This may include school, friends and crime.

Complications: The Protagonist (s), start to come into contact with potential hazards through their environment or an Antagonist.

The complications could be a direct result of the actions of the Protagonist (s), as their actions may have caused a reaction which in turn may put their life at risk. I.e. (They beat someone up because they said the wrong thing to them, which acts a catalyst for the start of a developing cycle).

The full extent of the Protagonist (s) are revealed, as they become under threat as repercussion for actions. However in some cases, they do not necessarily need to do anything for them to be in danger, but can be associated with someone that did something. As a result, the Protagonist (s) have to live “looking over their shoulder”

At this point the Protagonist (s) may be struggling with their family life, while also regularly “bunking” school or dropping out all together.

The protagonist (s) associates will start to be revealed, while their pastimes will also be included. This would also be a time when potential love interests may be revealed to the audience. Most commonly through the protagonist (s) communicating with the audience with their thoughts, to show their emotions. As is evident in “The Wood”.

Resolution: The resolution of the narrative conventionally follows different paths. The Protagonist (s) either resolves their differences with the Antagonist (s) which may have been the consequence of an altercation between the two. The Protagonist (s) may see the life they are living to be to dangerous, or may be informed by a “loved one”, their life is too dangerous. Fatalities may have occurred, which in some cases may involve the Protagonist (s) or the Antagonist (s). Another common resolution is Jail for both Antagonist (s) and Protagonist (s) or one may leave his environment to start “a new life”, more likely with their love interest.

This is the structure that most conventional Urban Drama’s follow, however, some films may be designed to incorporate most if not all of these elements to create social-realism. While some films may decide not to follow any of these elements, but can they be considered to be Urban Dramas?

Character Structure

Urban Drama Archetypes

Protagonist(s)

Usually made up of one main Protagonist, who is one of a group of 3 or 4 of a tight knit group, who have differing attitudes to life in general. Conventionally, the group is usually made up of males, but may include females.

The “Serious one”: This character is often portrayed by someone who commands respect from others, and is not happy if they do not get it. Often leading to misdemeanours This character could also be incorporated with a “violent” element to their nature.

The “Joker”: The polar opposite of the the “serious one” as this character is usually carefree, usually resulting in calamitous mistakes, while also being the source of humour.

The “Sensible” one: This character usually tries to steer clear of trouble, but once their friends are involved, they also get involved. This character also serves as the voice of reason towards their peers

This is conventionally portrayed as just one person, but may on some occasions, be a group of people. This person(s) may be a long term enemy to the protagonist, rival group member or a disloyal friend (which is deemed unacceptable)

Others: Usually there is someone older than the protagonist(s) who they look up to advice and stature. This maybe a Parent, Grandparent or older sibling or other member of family.

Antagonist(s):

ElementsThere are various elements that are synonymous with Urban Drama. These elements seemingly have the aim of adding to the socio-realistic effect.

This elements could be used as an educational tool, in which it gives an insight to the life's some inhabitants of urban areas may live. But it could also have a detrimental effect, as the films could be seen as “glorifying” the happenings of urban life. Urban Drama’s also seem to come under closer scrutiny than other films of its type, mainly because of its portrayal of post-colonial Britain.

Technical AspectsSound

•Diegetic sounds may include the sound of conversation, usually in a colloquial tone. The sound of weather(if necessary); the sounds of vehicles passing and gunfire(if necessary)•Non-Diegetic sounds may include the post production inclusion of soundtracks and songs which are played to fit in accordance with the screenplay. The music played is often relevant in content in context with the screenplay.

Editing•The editing of Urban Drama, follows a similar pattern of conventional Dramas.•Post Production may include voice- over's or narratives to go in accordance with the screen play. Editing may also include sounds being amplified to have a greater effect upon the audience. Transitions may be included, to keep a “flow” towards the production. While Cross cutting is often used in a split screen form.

Technical Aspects contdMise-en-scene

•Mise-en-scene may include the use of highly populated(sometimes overpopulated, which may suggest a tight knit community) housing estates or projects. There may also be signs of poverty, with the “rare” showing of a beggar or addict looking for drugs or food.•The repertoire of clothing used may vary, as the characters as individuals differ. However, in Urban Dramas, it is conventional for characters to be generally seen in over fitting clothing usually white or black, with jeans and trainers. Further accessories may include baseball caps, sweatshirts, hoodies and vests.

Cinematography•The use of a panning shot, to explore the scene may be used, as the establishing shot, to show the environment the characters live in. •Action to action shots may be used to show an inevitable argument ensuing between two people. P.O.V’s and Over the Shoulder Shots, help to keep the audience interacted with the screenplay, while eye line matches further involves the audience. There will also be uses of Low and High Angles to show the “shift of power”, between different characters and close-ups to show different emotions ranging from disdain to joy to sadness. All which show the volatile and vulnerable nature some characters may display.

Shared Market ConventionsWithin the Urban Drama category, there are similarities in the use of tools which are used to promote the idea of the story that is planned to be portrayed within the movie. The front cover aims to give a brief outline of what the movie is to be about, with the portrayal of characters, their mise-en-scene and their surroundings. Within this picture, the characters will usually be the protagonist(s), with each having a “grimacing” look to convey the message of the hardship of the surroundings that they live in.

However, there are on some occasions, where promotional posters convey characters in a more neutral pose and surroundings. This sometimes gives an ambiguous meaning to the role of the characters and whether the screenplay will follow or subvert conventions.

Trailer Analysis (Menace 2 Society)•The trailer begins with the conventional shot of the name of the studios that produced the film (New Line Cinemas). Through this shot, there is a sense of edge, as there is eerie non-diegetic music being played in the background.

•As the shot changes, a mid close up of a man, (later revealed as a teacher), is heard talking about the dangers of “street life”. The shot changes to a young man, who is shown to listen intently when he says “you can get killed” in reference to the aforementioned street life.

•There is then a period of montage editing, whereby there are several very brief clips of pictures, which follow the words of the teacher saying “you need to think about your life”. The young man, then seemingly looks out the window, in thought. This is where the trail of montage editing is used, when there the clips are shown, almost in the form of a blink, which could invoke the idea of “your life could be gone in a blink of an eye”. Throughout this period, the eerie music is still playing in the background. The use of montage editing helps to create meaning, as the clips shown are of tender moments with people that he loves and the life he may leave behind if he dies.

•There is then a significant scene, where the same young man from the classroom is introduced with the use of a panning shot in an interrogation room, being told that “being a black man in America isn’t easy”. This idea of him not living a safe life is reinforced when, after this scene, there is a brief montages of family, police and a funeral, which then changes to the teacher talking to the young man, as he is talking to him, there is a shot of automatic weapons coming out of an off the screen car window and preparing to shoot. The teacher then says “survive”, which acts as the catalyst for the shots to start ringing out.

Trailer Analysis (Menace 2 Society)•After this shot, the eerie music disappears and a more jazz, classical sound enters. The first shot the audience sees is the young man, in a more “lighter mood”, whereby he is seen walking and laughing with an a friend. The friend displays elements of “street life” through his mise-en-scene, as he is wearing a vest top and low sitting trousers, which display his underwear.

•The shot then changes to the young man in school, through the mid close up, the audience is able to see that the young man is not the most fond of school, as he shows a nonchalant attitude to the words being spoken in his class. However, the audience is not able hear the words, as they hear a voice over in the background, telling the young man that “he should be glad that he graduated from high school and that he is alive at eighteen”. This reinforces the idea of the “street life” he is living where by there could be a high death rate. As the scene progresses, the female voice (Jada Pinkett) tells the young man, that “he needs to do something with your life, before you end up like him”. The “him” is a man in prison, who the young man goes and visits. It is obvious that they have a connection, as when they are talking, the young man is seen crying. This man is later revealed as his mentor, who is advising him to get out of the “street life”.

•He then says “I’m not gonna end up like he did alright” reassuringly. The screenplay however seemed to suggest otherwise to the audience. After this shot, there is a clip of a group of men running away down an alleyway, a low angle shot of him sitting down heads in his hands as if in a dilemma. There is also a picture of The Last Supper, above him, which bares religious connotations to the audience.

•After this scene, there is a montage of clips, which are all come and go, quickly. However, all these clips show the young man being involved in crime, crying and socialising with people. There is also shots of his friend, that he was walking with, but this time he has a Shotgun and is seen smiling with glee. Within these clips, there is also evidence of a multi-faceted environment, as there are shootouts, tender love scenes, but also fights, coupled with “emotionally charged” moments. Throughout this section, there is no diegetic sound, with the only soundbeing non-diegetic in the form of background music, with the singer saying “brother, brother, brother, there’s far too many of you dying”

•The background music then decreases in volume, and there is a clip of a another young man in a restaurant of some kind, saying “you know I’m down, but you also know that life has better things to offer than what’s on the streets out there”. While this is being said, there is a montage of clips which show happy moments between the first young man and the people he loves and friends.

Trailer Analysis (Menace 2 Society)•As the trailer starts to come to an end, the title is being Is seen being spread across the screen. After the first part of the title is shown, there is a shot of a person putting a gun in his trousers and hiding it with his clothes. There is then another shot of the title, which shows the young man embracing family members. The final instalment of the title showing, shows the young man getting arrested and kissing his girlfriend. This reinforces the idea of a multi-faceted environment to the audience.

•The full title is then constructed, with the voice over saying the name. The teacher is then seen saying “The HUNT is ON! And you’re the PREY!” This could connote to the audience the hardship of the life that the young man is living. While all these clips are showing, the background music is still playing, which could connote the African American influenced music of Jazz.