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Genre Research - Comedy Drama | Amber Smales

Comedy Drama
Comedy-dramas, often known as dramedy, are a sub-genre of drama and combine conventions of comedy and drama. In this genre, the plot doesn't always end happily this shows elements of drama but comic leads or comic elements are added in to maintain a light tone.

This genre originated in the silent era and from then on was developed to what it is now in modern times. Filmmakers such as Preston Sturges and Howard Hawks made the perfect balance between drama and comedy. In the 70's and 80's was when daring filmmakers began to add dark social issues into the genre. This made different media pieces seem more realistic and related to the lives of those who watched films of this genre. The story-lines of this genre often focus on daily routines and relationships.

Hennesy by Jackie Cooper, was the first American film that successfully blended both comedy and drama together. The TV show was military themed, this theme is serious and dramatic yet adding comedic elements to it added the light tone that the comedy-drama genre tends to convey.


Comedy-drama films are often associated with a single camera production format which is a method of film-making. This method only uses one camera, multiple angles and shots are taken using the same camera.


Films that are Comedy-Drama
Hannah and Her Sisters
By Woody Allen (1986)
Juno
By Jason Reitman (2007)



History of Comedy-Drama
The genre of comedy drama originated from the Greek god Dionysus and the genre began as 'Old-Comedy' in Greece during the fifth century BCE. In the middle ages comedy continued to be shown through plays and festivals. William Shakespeare showed comedic elements through his plays such as A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Taming of the Shrew. Comedy was popular during this time due to the political and religious changes. Jesters were popular entertainers and entertained the likes of the King and Queen. During the 18th and 19th century melodrama became popular. Melodrama is a sub-genre of comedy where a persons actions are over-dramatized.


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