Melodrama:

The term melodrama refers to a dramatic work that puts characters in danger in order to appeal to the emotions. It may also refer to the genre which includes such works, or to language, behaviour, or events which resemble them. Originated in the 19th century It may also refer to the genre which includes such works, or to language, behavioir or events which resemble them. It is based around them having the same character in every scene. Melodrama offers a form of escapism to the viewer as it is an idealistic portrayal of life that faces harsh realities in an appealing way.

Hollyoaks is a clear example of how melodrama can be used as a sub-genre within soaps. A clear use of regional identity and gritty realism techniques are used but within an idealistic portrayal with the use of mise en scene and melodramatic plots.

SKINS

Mise en Scene

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbHUMNAZsd8

The beginning establishing shot shows what a typical funeral consists of. The guests are all dressed in black. Whereas, the low angle shot of the teenagers connotes a different feel changing how we would . The teenagers are wearing bright coloured clothes with blank expressions. This enhances the contrast between the characters and the relationship that they may have had with Chris.

As spectators we establish what there are two separate funerals taking place. The main characters are positioned at a higher level to represent a different level of emotional state as they overlook their friends funeral with dignity as they grieve in a sensitive way. The clear blue sky reinforces the use of a lot of high key natural lighting, This provides a sense of comfort to the difficult circumstance as the plot is resolved successfully.
The dialogue Who are these people is anchored with a shot of the teenagers looking towards the sky at the fireworks as the audience are familiar with the characters forming a personal effective relationship between the characters and the viewer as the characters gain closure.

Conventional Melodramatic locations show scale and idealistic view points as opposed to gritty, realistic settings. Instead, it represents wealth or tranquillity as a reward of having an accessible, easy, lifestyle.

90210 car SceneSound

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMhuI0xZVLo

The following scene abides by melodramatic conventions with the use of sound as techniques are used to enhance reality and

High tempo contrasting music is used throughout within a major chord. Sound bridging is a key convention during this scene as the sound sustained throughout separate scenes is used to indicate that the presence of one character is felt even in their absence which is displayed when Adrianna looks longingly. The non-diegetic music dominates the scenes and help form a plot resolution as the song draws to an end. This sound is anchored with the sound of sirens which is a convention of melodrama and it indicates tragedy. Foley sounds are also used during the car crash to enhance the key dramatic sound.

Contrasting music is used often in melodramas as it exaggerates the current emotion by defying what is expected whilst sustaining the image of the character leading an idealistic life.
Dialogue such as tell her that I love her is spoken in a soft tone of the character directly before he is injured in a car crash. A dramatic juxtaposition of scenes and effective sound effects highlight the enhanced, idealistic reality and melodramatic romantic plots.

Overall, sound within Melodramas is used to enhance reality which is the purpose of Melodrama. Soundtracks are used and music within a major chord to highlight the happy tone used throughout.

Hollyoaks- Editing Conventions

Straight cutting often used when two or more characters are talking, cutting back and forth between individuals. Cross cutting is used in Melodramas to allow viewers to see action taking place in more than one location by switching between separate scenes. Quick cross cutting between scenes exaggerates drama by creating suspense that all will be explained with time. Graphics the use of colour with the red and white trim on the Hollyoaks logo suggests energy, strength and danger whilst also suggesting love and passion. Shot reverse shot Character is often shown looking off screen, then the other character is shown looking back at the first character Over the shoulder Exaggerates the idea of the viewer being an onlooker, letting them see things from their point of view. This shot type focuses attention on what the character is focusing on. Typically the subject is in focus, this creates a dramatic feel as the subject comes across as victimised. This is a convention of Mellodramas to exaggerate situations Montage Compresses time and is often accompanied by non diegetic music to heighten the dramatic quality. Montaging clips creates a fast moving pace, often experienced in TV Melodramas. Reverse Cutting Alternating over the shoulder shots, generally used in conversational scenes. Reverse cutting creates a dramatic effect as you are seeing both sides from each perspective. Fading TechniqueUsed regularly in Hollyoaks to softly bind two scenes taking part in different locations.In this shot fading is used to put two ideas together. This shot shows the conventions of Mellodramas as it is a very exageratted dramatic version of real life events.

These editing techniques are often conventional of this sub genre as it combines the dramatic techniques used with realistic shot types such as over the shoulder to present the idea that we are observing the drama conforming soap conventions as well.

Hollyoaks-Cinematography
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duYe7bk8m3A A CU is used as one character says I need your help this is to show the desperation in her face and eyes, using close up helps show emotion and also links into melodrama as it makes it more dramatic. A mid shot shot reverse shot is used as two characters are having an argument this helps show the audience the characters point of view and what they are feeling it also helps enhance characters relationships. An ECU of a letter is used to help show the audience it is very significant and it also helps add drama as it leaves the audience in suspense of what the letter says this links into the melodrama genre and it being over the top. An establishing shot is used of a wedding venue to show the setting of the scene, it is surrounded by plants, flowers and perfect green grass. This represents the idea of exaggerated reality. It is almost to perfect to be realistic . A low angle shot is used as a car smashes through the wedding venue this makes it look like the audience is looking up at the car this makes the crash seem bigger and more dramatic.

A clear use of characterisation is highlighted with melodrama to identity stereotypical good and bad characters through the use of mise en scene e.g. clothing and dialogue. Melodrama places characters in danger in order to appeal to an audience and their emotions.