Melodrama —— “女人电影”和“小妞电影”
The word 'melodrama' comes from the combination of music (“melos” in Greek) and drama. The definitions of melodrama within the film industry have changed over time. In 1930s, melodrama in Hollywood could be used to describe action films, but now it usually refers to 'relationship films', which characterized by the “unrealistic, pathos-filled, campy tale of romance” or repressive social situations with main characters (often including a central female character) that would directly appeal to feminine audiences.
Three Main Traits of Melodrama：
Always been concerned with “popular culture”. Although the subject matter may sometimes be the lives of the rich and sophisticated, the appeal has always been to the widest possible audience (in this case, Titanic seems more like a melodrama film than film noir);
Often been despised by critics – 'melodramatic' is seen as a term of abuse, whether it describes a dramatic scene in a film or our behavior in real life. Definitely linked to this is the association of melodrama with feminine. Melodramas are often mainly about women, very often written by women, and at certain times have been enjoyed by women to a much greater extent than by men;
Focuses on emotional conflict; much of it centered around family and sexual relationships.
sources:
http://www.fathom.com/course/10701053/session3.html
http://itpworld.wordpress.com/2008/10/30/what-is-melodrama/
http://www.filmsite.org/melodramafilms.html
Three Main Traits of Melodrama：
Always been concerned with “popular culture”. Although the subject matter may sometimes be the lives of the rich and sophisticated, the appeal has always been to the widest possible audience (in this case, Titanic seems more like a melodrama film than film noir);
Often been despised by critics – 'melodramatic' is seen as a term of abuse, whether it describes a dramatic scene in a film or our behavior in real life. Definitely linked to this is the association of melodrama with feminine. Melodramas are often mainly about women, very often written by women, and at certain times have been enjoyed by women to a much greater extent than by men;
Focuses on emotional conflict; much of it centered around family and sexual relationships.
sources:
http://www.fathom.com/course/10701053/session3.html
http://itpworld.wordpress.com/2008/10/30/what-is-melodrama/
http://www.filmsite.org/melodramafilms.html
