Jump to content

Psychological drama

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Psychological drama
Influences

Psychological drama, or psychodrama,[1] is a subgenre of drama and psychological fiction literatures that generally focuses upon the emotional, mental, and psychological development of the protagonists and other characters within the narrative, which is highlighted by the drama.[2][3][4] It is widely known as one of the main subgenres of psychological fiction; the subgenre is commonly used for films and television series.

Discussion of the subgenre

[edit]

The roots of the subgenre can be traced back to the early 20th century, emerging from a rich tapestry of literature that focused on the inner workings of the mind. As cinema evolved, filmmakers began to see the potential for the medium to explore complex psychological themes and narratives.[5]

Characteristics

[edit]

Similar with these psychological genres, but rather than using imagery to provoke fear, suspense or terror, they utilize dramatic settings to elicit a strong, emotional value from audiences. Psychological dramas commonly deal directly with the psychological state and mental health, emphasize on emotional conflicts and often serve as a portrait of introspective personal struggle.[3]

It can be also characterized as primary character-driven, in which attention will be particularly paid to the psychology of the characters, to their intimate problems more than to the storyline context.[6] The characters are confronted with doubts, dilemmas or inner personality conflicts. The challenges they encounter will often force them to react, making them go through a whole psychological process during the film, even a metamorphosis.[7]

[edit]

It often overlaps with other genres such as crime, fantasy, dark comedy, mystery and science fiction, and it is closely related with the psychological horror and psychological thriller genres. Psychological dramas use these genres' tropes to focus on the human condition and psychological effects, usually in a mature and serious tone, nearly similar to melodrama.

The difference between "drama" and "psychological drama" that places emphasis is that in the latter scenario, the focus is more on the psychological character of the characters and on existentialism in general, and not on the context of the narrative itself. So, the end is not necessarily tragic: the main character can doubt himself and sometimes overcome his intimate problems. Psychological drama can be very clearly distinguished from dramedy, as there is no to minimal humor in it like Good Will Hunting (1997) and The Truman Show (1998) but since the subgenre is rather devoid of humor.

Techniques

[edit]

Each films utilize a range of techniques to mirror the psychological landscape of their characters. Close-ups and subjective camera angles invite viewers into the character’s personal space, while disjointed editing and surreal imagery can reflect fragmented states of mind. The use of symbolism is also prevalent, with objects, settings, and colors imbued with psychological significance. Music and sound design play crucial roles, often used to heighten the emotional intensity and draw audiences deeper into the psychological experience.[5]

Themes

[edit]

These primary themes in the subgenre related to depiction of mental illness, psychological trauma, and society, but not limited to; other themes like alienation, self-doubt, and the quest for identity are common, with narratives often blurring the lines between reality and illusion to reflect the turmoil within the characters’ minds.[5]

It can be explore thematic elements include: denialism, depression, disability, distorted sequences, dysfunctional relationships, existential crisis, human sexuality, identity crisis, mass hysteria, mood swings, odd behaviors, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychological abuse, psychedelic art, and social issues.[8]

Examples

[edit]

Films

[edit]
The Whispering Chorus (1918) is considered an early example of this subgenre.[9]

Psychological drama films have generally rooted with traditional drama genre in the earliest years of 20th century, with these examples cited The Whispering Chorus (1918)[10] and Greed (1924).[11] Additionally, early examples of popular subgenre films in 1930s to 1950s include La vuelta al nido (1938),[12] Death of a Salesman (1951),[13] Johnny Belinda (1948),[14] A Place in the Sun (1951),[15] and The Snake Pit (1948)[16]

Several films generally used the subgenre have employed controversially social issues and/or psychosexual themes, most notably Stanley Kubrick's Lolita (1962),[17] A Clockwork Orange (1971), and Eyes Wide Shut (1999).[18] Other acclaimed films with similar themes including Last Tango in Paris (1972),[19] One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975),[20][21] The Ninth Configuration (1980),[22] Pink Floyd - The Wall,[23] Sophie's Choice (both 1982)[24] Heavenly Creatures (1994),[25] Breaking the Waves (1996),[26] I Stand Alone (1998), Magnolia (1999), Requiem for a Dream (2000),[27] The Piano Teacher (2001), Elephant (2003),[24] Enter the Void (2009),[28] Biutiful (2010),[29] Shame (2011),[30] Jagten[31] and The Master (both 2012),[32] Nymphomaniac (2013),[26] Whiplash (2014),[33][24] The Power of the Dog (2021),[34][35][36] and Blonde and The Whale (both 2022).[37]

Films have some thematically-linked franchises or trilogies to focus on aspects of human condition and psychological elements, notably Iñárritu's Death trilogy (consists Amores perros (2000), 21 Grams (2003) and Babel (2006)) and Krzysztof Kieślowski's Three Colours trilogy.

Asian films have contributed the subgenre, often employs several psychological and social elements. For example: Akira Kurosawa, a Japanese renowned filmmaker, known for his landmark filmography with the subgenre, notably Drunken Angel (1948)[28] and Ikiru (1952).[38] Each films including The Demon (1978), Batch '81 (1982), Silip (1986), Taare Zameen Par (2007), Himizu (2011),[39] Aparisyon (2012),[40] Like Father, Like Son and Norte, the End of History (both 2013), Black Stone (2015), Last Night (2017), and Family History and John Denver Trending (both 2019).

Television

[edit]

Animated series

[edit]

Animated series are examples of this subgenre only focuses on characters' experience with mental health and psychological trauma; these included Bojack Horseman,[50] Morel Orel, Steven Universe Future,[51][52] and Undone.

Japanese filmmaker and animator Hideaki Anno created Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Japanese filmmaker and animator Hideaki Anno, who is best known of creating anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, a notorious example of the subgenre, delves into heavy psychological elements in its latter half of the entire series.[53][54] The anime series was the subject to acclaim and controversy, especially for the latter centered on its final two episodes; this was resulted to reboot a feature film as an alternative ending.

Additionally, some anime series employed in psychological elements including Akagi,[55] The Flowers of Evil,[56] The Fruit of Grisaia[57], Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai[58], Scum's Wish[59][60], The Tatami Galaxy[61], Welcome to the N.H.K.,[62] and Wonder Egg Priority.[63]

Animated films

[edit]

A Silent Voice,[64] Anomalisa, It's Such a Beautiful Day, Inside Out (and its sequel), The Missing, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and When Marnie Was There[65] are among the examples of animated films used in the subgenre, usually having the characters' portrayal dealt with several themes such as anxiety attack, fear of abandonment and death, and society.

Adam Elliot is the most notable example of animated psychological drama films, confronted with bitterness and human conditions. His films included Harvie Krumpet (2003),[66] Mary and Max (2009),[67][68] and Memoir of a Snail (2024).

Literature

[edit]

Theater

[edit]

Filmmakers

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Psychodrama definition and meaning". Collins English Dictionary. Retrieved 2022-10-07.
  2. ^ "Top 100 Psychological Drama Movies". IMDb. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  3. ^ a b "Rate Your Music - Psychological Drama".
  4. ^ "Psychological Drama - Flickchart".
  5. ^ a b c "What is the Psychological Drama Film Genre?". European Studios. Retrieved 2024-06-24.
  6. ^ "Drame psychologique". www.lecinema.free.fr. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  7. ^ Jagu, Tony (4 April 2014). The Notebooks of a Cinephile. Société des Ecrivains. p. 196. ISBN 978-2-342-02123-3.
  8. ^ "Ciné-club : Le drame psychologique au cinéma". www.cineclubdecaen.com. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  9. ^ "The Whispering Chorus". www.listal.com. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
  10. ^ The Whispering Chorus, retrieved 2021-08-19
  11. ^ Greed, retrieved 2021-08-19
  12. ^ Zolezzi, Emilio (2006). Noticias del viejo cine criollo (in Spanish). Buenos Aires: Museo del Cine Pablo Ducrós Hicken. p. 23. ISBN 9789876030182.
  13. ^ Death of a Salesman (1951) - Flickchart, retrieved 2021-08-12
  14. ^ Johnny Belinda (1948) - Flickchart, retrieved 2021-08-12
  15. ^ A Place in the Sun (1951) - Flickchart, retrieved 2021-08-12
  16. ^ The Snake Pit (1948) - Flickchart, retrieved 2021-08-12
  17. ^ Lolita (1962) - Flickchart, retrieved 2021-07-06
  18. ^ Eyes Wide Shut (1999) - Flickchart, retrieved 2021-08-22
  19. ^ "Oscar-winning director Bernardo Bertolucci dies at 77". AP NEWS. 2021-04-20. Retrieved 2021-07-05.
  20. ^ One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) - Flickchart, retrieved 2021-07-01
  21. ^ Chandler, Sarah (2021-08-11). "Movies Like Requiem For A Dream For Fans Of Psychological Dramas". Looper.com. Retrieved 2021-08-15.
  22. ^ Reyes, Xavier Aldana (December 12, 2019). Gothic Cinema. Routledge. ISBN 978-1315395364.
  23. ^ Pink Floyd The Wall, retrieved 2021-08-19
  24. ^ a b c d Reilly, Kaitlin. "The Best Psychological Dramas For When You Need A True Mind Melt". www.refinery29.com. Retrieved 2022-01-12.
  25. ^ Heavenly Creatures, retrieved 2021-08-19
  26. ^ a b Breaking the Waves (1996) - Flickchart
  27. ^ "Movie Review Throwbacks: Requiem for a Dream |". www.ecufilmfestival.com. 2017-02-22. Archived from the original on 2023-01-21. Retrieved 2021-07-08.
  28. ^ a b Enter the Void (2009) - Flickchart
  29. ^ "Biutiful - Flickchart". AllMovie. Retrieved 2021-07-06.
  30. ^ Shame (2011) - Flickchart, retrieved 2021-08-12
  31. ^ Seferou, Aliki (2018-02-08). "The 11 Most Controversial Films in Denmark". Culture Trip. Retrieved 2022-09-03.
  32. ^ "The Master – review". the Guardian. 2012-09-02. Retrieved 2022-01-22.
  33. ^ Lee, Ashley (2014-10-10). "'Whiplash': What the Critics Are Saying". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2021-07-06.
  34. ^ "The Power of the Dog review: a gripping psychodrama". BFI. 17 November 2021. Retrieved 2022-01-12.
  35. ^ Gleiberman, Owen (2021-09-02). "'The Power of the Dog' Review: Jane Campion's Psychodramatic Western Is Impeccably Crafted but Lacks the Major Voices of 'The Piano'". Variety. Retrieved 2022-01-12.
  36. ^ "Review: 'The Power of the Dog' is a sublime gothic Western". AP NEWS. 2021-11-17. Retrieved 2022-01-12.
  37. ^ Syed, Armani (2022-12-09). "What to Know About 'The Whale' Controversy". TIME. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
  38. ^ Ikiru (1952) - Akira Kurosawa | Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related | AllMovie, retrieved 2021-07-06
  39. ^ "Minoru Furuya's Himizu Manga Gets Live-Action Film". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  40. ^ "Exclusive Interview: "I wanted to break as many rules as possible" Isabel Sandoval on her early films Señorita & Apparition now playing on Criterion Channel". The Queer Review. 2021-05-10. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  41. ^ Russell, John (23 August 2019). "Anna Paquin on Joanie's Story & Getting Answers in 'The Affair' Season 5". TV Insider. Retrieved 2021-08-29.
  42. ^ "Beef TV Series: Why you can't afford to miss series of the year". Show Snob. 2023-04-13. Retrieved 2023-04-24.
  43. ^ "Netflix's interrogation drama Criminal is both an intriguing and claustrophobic experiment in intensity". The Independent. 2019-09-23. Retrieved 2021-08-29.
  44. ^ O'Neill, Christina (2018-04-03). "Jenna Coleman to begin filming new psychological drama in the west end". GlasgowLive. Retrieved 2021-08-29.
  45. ^ "'Death in California': A Gritty Psychological Drama". Chicago Tribune. 2018-12-15. Archived from the original on 2018-12-15. Retrieved 2021-08-29.
  46. ^ a b Turchiano, Danielle (2018-06-04). "The Importance of Leaning Into Dark Dramas During Dark Times in History (Column)". Variety. Retrieved 2021-08-23.
  47. ^ D'Addario, Daniel (2018-09-13). "TV Review: 'Maniac' With Emma Stone and Jonah Hill". Variety. Retrieved 2021-08-29.
  48. ^ Ashley, James (2021-08-03). "Ray Donovan Season 8 Release Date, Cast, Plot - All We Know So Far". The Bulletin Time. Retrieved 2021-08-29.
  49. ^ Ali, Lorraine (2021-12-09). "Trust us: It's time to catch up on 'Yellowjackets,' your next TV obsession". Los Angeles Times.
  50. ^ "How 'BoJack Horseman' Depicts Depression More Honestly Than Any Show On TV". Bustle. 8 September 2017. Retrieved 2022-01-06.
  51. ^ Chow, Kai-Ming (2020-09-12). "Steven Universe Future: Normalizing Mental Health Awareness". Cinemania. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  52. ^ King, Jade (2021-05-05). "Steven Universe Future Wasn't Afraid To Teach The Meaning Of Trauma". TheGamer. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  53. ^ Loo, Egan (September 8, 2007). "Human-Sized Eva Spear Auctioned for 13.7 Million Yen". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on July 22, 2018. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  54. ^ "CJAS Newsletter Archives -- In the Eyes of Hideaki Anno, Writer and Director of Evangelion". www.cjas.org. Retrieved 2021-08-27.
  55. ^ "AnimeNation Anime News Blog » Blog Archive » Ask John: What Are Some Good Psychological Anime?". 2012-01-27. Archived from the original on 2012-01-27. Retrieved 2021-08-29.
  56. ^ Webb, Charles. "Sentai Filmworks Bringing Rotoscoped 'Flowers of Evil' Anime To The U.S." MTV News. Archived from the original on January 4, 2020. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
  57. ^ "Sentai Filmworks Licenses "Le Fruit de la Grisaia"". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  58. ^ "Aniplex of America Adds Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai and DAKAICHI – I'm being harassed by the sexiest man of the year - to Fall 2018 Anime Line-Up". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  59. ^ "Scum's Wish [Anime Review]". Otaku USA Magazine. 2018-08-22. Retrieved 2021-08-29.
  60. ^ "Scum's Wish: A romantic drama that is decidedly unromantic". SBS PopAsia. 13 June 2017. Retrieved 2021-08-29.
  61. ^ "The Tatami Galaxy (TV) - Anime News Network". www.animenewsnetwork.com. Retrieved 2021-09-01.
  62. ^ "Right Turn Only!! - Hikikomori Festival". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2021-08-23.
  63. ^ "The Best Anime of 2021 Winner". IGN Southeast Asia. 2021-12-14. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  64. ^ "A Silent Voice (movie) - Anime News Network". www.animenewsnetwork.com. Retrieved 2021-09-01.
  65. ^ "When Marnie Was There (movie) - Anime News Network". www.animenewsnetwork.com. Retrieved 2021-09-01.
  66. ^ Harvie Krumpet, retrieved 2021-08-22
  67. ^ "Mary and Max". Raising Children Network. Retrieved 2021-08-29.
  68. ^ "Mary and Max: rewatching classic Australian films". the Guardian. 2014-05-30. Retrieved 2021-08-29.
  69. ^ "Chicago, Volume 2: Book Of Justice by Yumi Tamura, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®". 2019-12-06. Archived from the original on 2019-12-06. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
  70. ^ MacIntyre, Linden (2021-08-10). The Winter Wives. Random House of Canada. ISBN 978-0-7352-8206-3.
  71. ^ "Linden MacIntyre investigates deception, financial crimes and identity in psychological drama, The Winter Wives". calgaryherald. Retrieved 2021-08-29.
  72. ^ Amazon.it https://www.amazon.it https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/102876145-final-psychodrama
  73. ^ Otterson, Joe (2022-01-24). "Hulu Orders Series Adaptation of Alexis Schaitkin Psychological Drama Novel 'Saint X'". Variety. Retrieved 2022-01-30.
  74. ^ "Author James C. Bennett's new book "Trish" is a stunning psychological drama of one man's confusion as he experiences different forms of his own reality". Benzinga. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
  75. ^ "Review: 'The Chinese Lady' a layered intimate psychological drama at the Long Wharf". news.yahoo.com. 21 October 2021. Retrieved 2021-10-24.
  76. ^ Chandler, Sarah (2021-08-11). "Movies Like Requiem For A Dream For Fans Of Psychological Dramas". Looper.com. Retrieved 2021-08-23.
  77. ^ Lost in Translation (2003) - Sofia Coppola | Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related | AllMovie, retrieved 2021-07-06
  78. ^ "In the Bedroom (2001) - Flickchart".
  79. ^ "Anomalisa". www.rcpsych.ac.uk. Retrieved 2021-07-06.
  80. ^ "Charlie Kaufman | Biography, Movie Highlights and Photos". AllMovie. Retrieved 2021-08-13.
  81. ^ "TSPDT - Andrei Tarkovsky". TSPDT. Retrieved 2021-12-27.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Psychological_drama&oldid=1246185622"