Musicals are one of the most unique and interesting pieces of film. Musical film is a genre that is characterized by songs that are interlaced into the character's narrative, they are sometimes accompanied by dancing as well. The songs are often used to continue the plot or develop the different characters and what defines them. There are certain times when the songs are used to simply have a break in the storyline.
Content:
The conventions of musicals can vary depending on the style of the film. But some commonalities are:
Firstly, all musicals have songs that are sung by the characters. These songs are strongly focused on the story and the character. The music and the lyrics are used to further the plot and to also support it. Musical characters are usually very well-developed and have strong characteristics that show during their songs. These songs are also usually film scores created specifically for each character or scene.
Dancing is a very important factor in most musical films. The different dancing styles can depend on the style of the song that is sung. Dancing is also used to establish character, intensify dramatic conflicts as well as further plot development. Dancing adds a very interesting visual show for the viewers which is a reason why musicals are very popular.
A variety of musical styles is also very essential for the musical genre. A good musical usually has a wide range of music genres. This helps keep the audience entertained and keeps everyone engrossed in the story.
Production techniques:
The number one production technique in the musical genre is definitely sound. Sound is the number one technique used to make a musical. Without sound, musicals would not be able to tell their story. Sound is able to rouse elements such as mood, and personality, and can foreshadow future events. What uniquely differentiates musicals from theatrical plays is that songs become part of the storyline.
Mise-en-Scene is also an essential production technique that seems to stand out in many musicals. The set and costume designs of most musicals help the audience get a sense of the story and characters. As seen in this picture from the musical “Hairspray”, there is very vibrant and unique clothing used for these characters. These colors help us understand the story and showcase the character's personality. As well as the film's tone.
Marketing:
While all ages and genders seem to enjoy the musical genre, the primary audience is predominantly females aged 18-30.
One of the main ways that musicals are marketed is by advertisements. A show’s brand and ad campaign communicate an emotional promise. They really try to capture all the emotion of the musical and publicize it.
Another way musicals are marketed is by using the songs that musicals produce. Not only are people watching the film, but they are also able to listen to all songs the characters sing without a need for watching the whole film. A good example of this is the musical “Mamma Mia”, a lot of these songs are listened to on a daily basis.
Samples:
Hamilton is one of the most recognized films from the musical genre. It has been a huge hit ever since its release. Hamilton is a hip-hop musical that contains songs as well as rap. Lin-Manuel Miranda's Pulitzer prize-winning transformation of Ron Chernow's biography, Hamilton, into a hip-hop musical took the world by storm in 2016. At the center of this groundbreaking, the multi-award-winning musical is the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton, whose ambition drove him from the position of Caribbean outsider and bastard child to American war hero and George Washington's right-hand man. In the process, Alexander Hamilton powerfully shaped America as we have come to know it -- and gave us all a template for what it means to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and realize the American Dream. This exploration of Hamilton's political mastermind was called "the most exciting and significant musical of the decade." David Brooks of the New York Times declared seeing Hamilton to be "one of the most exhilarating experiences I've had in the theater." With heart, humor, and respect, Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical breathes vibrant, colorful life into this story of America's founding fathers. This musical utilizes dancing and songs to create an amazing story, these tools help shape the story and characters. The songs used in Hamilton all helped tell the story of Hamilton.
It’s 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland, and quirky, plus-sized, teenage Tracy Turnblad has one dream: to dance on "The Corny Collins Show". When she gets put in detention with the African-American students in the school, they teach her some of their dance moves, and her newfound groove wins her a spot on Corny’s show. Overnight, Tracy transforms from a nobody into a star and uses her newfound influence to advocate for racial integration on the television show. Tracy faces scrutiny and bullying from the network producer, Velma, and her popular, but vicious, daughter, Amber. With the help of the teenage heartthrob Link, host Corny Collins, and Motormouth Maybelle (the host of "Negro Day" on Corny's show), Tracy overcomes the odds and succeeds in her mission to integrate "The Corny Collins Show". Tony Award-winning Hairspray continues to be one of the most widely produced musicals today, not only because of its wit and charm but also because of the beautiful message of acceptance and progress that it portrays. Hairspray's use of songs and choreography tells the amazing and inspiring story of Tracy.
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