Drama Movie Primer

For the second genre primer of the month, I decided to focus on drama movies. Dramas are a pretty broad genre as they fit with a lot of different films. The drama genre is also the most Oscar-baiting, with most prestige films being classified a dramas. This is also one of the most influential genres, with a lot of classic films coming from it. There are plenty more iconic films than the ones I have listed, but these are the ones that I felt best represent the genre. With all that said, here is the Drama Movie Primer.

1. Citizen Kane (1941)

Citizen Kane is probably one of the most famous movies out that and widely regarded as the best film ever made, consistently at the top of AFI and other organization rankings. This movie is known for revolutionizing the art of filmmaking. This was one of the first films to use the technique of Deep Focus, which allowed full scenes to be kept in sharp focus as compared to shallow focus used up to that point. The movie was also innovative with its unusual camera angles as compared to the era's standards. The movie also used visible ceilings and mechanical sets to create a sense of immersion in the scenes. From a storytelling standpoint, Citizen Kane was groundbreaking for its nonlinear storytelling, something that is commonplace in films today.

2. Casablanca (1942)

Casablanca is widely considered one of the best films ever made. This is a film often studied in film schools and cited by filmmakers as an inspiration; its themes of love, sacrifice, and moral dilemmas are timeless, even though it was made in 1942. It is also regarded as an effective propaganda film for its message of unity against tyranny, and it features iconic characters and lines such as "Here's lookin' at you kid," and "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

3. 12 Angry Men (1957)

12 Angry Men is groundbreaking for storytelling confined to a single room. This showcased the power of acting, dialogue, and character interaction to build suspense. The movie also had to use unique camera angles to maintain the feeling of a single small room, something the movie is often praised for. The movie is also famous for showcasing the dramatic impact of differing viewpoints and the process of deliberation. The movie is also widely regarded as one of the best movies ever made, with a place in the IMDB top 5 highest rated movies. 12 Angry Men is often cited as an inspiration for other isolated/single-room films.

4. The Godfather (1972)

The Godfather is widely known as the best movies ever made. It was both critically and commercially successful and is the second-highest rated film on IMDB. The movie is groundbreaking for its modernization of the gangster/crime genre, humanizing the characters in the Italian American culture instead of the more stereotypical gangsters seen up to this point. The movie launched the careers of Francis Ford Coppola and Al Pacino while cementing Marlon Brando as one of the greatest actors of all time. The Godfather has also cemented itself in a permanent place in popular culture with countless aspects, especially Marlon Brando's performance being spoofed and referenced today. You'll even see The Godfather references in a kids' movie such as Zootopia, which just proves how ingrained in culture the film is.

5. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is one of the rare films to win "The Big Five" at the Oscars (Best Actor, Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, and Best Director), which is an achievement enough, but is also groundbreaking for its portrayal of a psychiatric ward. The film helped raise awareness of the need for humane and individual-centered care in psych wards. The movie also features iconic performances from Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher, with Louise's role as Nurse Ratched often cited as one of the best villain performances of all time. The influence of this film can also be felt in other psych ward films, with a recent example being Joker: Folie a Deux.

6. Taxi Driver (1976)

Taxi Driver is a groundbreaking film from Martin Scorsese. Not only was this film a breakout film for Martin Scorsese, but it was also an iconic role for Robert DeNiro. Taxi Driver uses the idea of an unreliable narrator that would go on to be used in many other films, such as Joker, Birds of Prey, Gone Girl, and Fight Club. Taxi Driver also set a bit of a formula for dramas like this, with Joker being a big example. The movie also features the iconic line of "You Talkin' to Me?" which has been quoted and spoofed in countless other movies.

7. Schindler’s List (1993)

Schindler's List is a groundbreaking film due to its unflinching portrayal of the Holocaust. This movie is often considered a masterpiece for its writing, acting, and cinematography. This movie is an important device that accurately portrays the horrors of the Holocaust, bringing more awareness to what really went down and is considered by many to be an important historical document. The film has also had a huge cultural impact, bringing more awareness to the Holocaust and inspiring the creation of organizations like the USC Shoah Foundation. Even to this day, Schindler's List continues to be the most widely seen film about the Holocaust.

8. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The Shawshank Redemption is a surprising film that is the highest-rated movie on IMDB. It didn't do well when it first came out, but it slowly built its way up and currently has an impressive 9.3/10 on IMDB. This movie set the standard for the prison life/prison break movie. There are a lot of prison movies and TV shows that take inspiration from The Shawshank Redemption. I played a LEGO game once with a level that pulled from the film. Many people view this film as life-changing due to its messaging of hope and maintaining the human spirit in the face of despair.

9. Forrest Gump (1994)

Forrest Gump is another drama heavily embedded in pop culture. Everybody knows the line "Life is like a box of chocolates...." and Forrest has become a bit of a cinematic icon. The movie brings a unique way of going through periods of history, with Forrest bringing a sense of innocence to the events. The format of the movie, with a narrator taking us through various short stories over the course of time, is something that has been commonly used in many other films, such as Big Fish and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Forrest Gump is also an iconic character who has been spoofed and copied many times. The film has also been used by teachers as a launching point to discuss changing times in the 60s and 70s.

10. Good Will Hunting (1997)

Good Will Hunting is another inspiring movie, like many on this list. The movie is groundbreaking for its exploration of male vulnerability and is praised for its exceptional writing by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. The movie was also a breakout film for Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, and one of the more iconic roles for Robin Williams. The movie also set a standard for films about mentorship and challenges ideas about intelligence, saying that not all intelligence is academic, with more coming from experience and knowing when to open yourself up. The math problem scene is also very iconic, with many other TV shows and movies making reference to it.