Genre Research Activity

Genre: Musical

What sets the Musical genre apart is that it tells its story with songs and dances. Characters break into song as an emotional outlet to advance the plot's action. Most musicals maintain a light, casual atmosphere; many concern themes of love, dreams, and maturation. Many musicals include a romantic subplot in which a relationship involves the main character. Often, these characters are larger than life with huge personalities and emotions, which make them quite fun to watch. Musicals sometimes take on a more dreamlike or fantasy feel where singing and dancing seem completely natural in their world. 

  

On the other hand, regarding the production techniques, musicals are primarily identified with choreographed dance numbers. These routines are well-choreographed and captured to show the whole performance. The music plays an important part in the movie, where original songs composed match the emotional moments of the story or move the plot along. The musical numbers use bright lights to make scenes appear lively or magical; highly vibrant set designs and costumes usually catch much attention. The sound design is also immensely important in musicals, ensuring every lyric and note is clear to understand the story. 

  

From a marketing perspective, the soundtrack or single key songs of many musicals are marketed before the release of the movie in an attempt to generate hype. If the musical is based on a Broadway show that was popular, this fact is brought into the marketing campaign. Musicals also tend to star actors or singers famous to attract audiences, and their involvement in the film is greatly highlighted in the trailer and posters. Visual spectacle plays a great role in musicals; therefore, colorful set decorations, dramatic dance scenes, etc., are often put to the front line when creating trailers and posters. Most of the time, musicals become family-friendly entertainments since audiences of all ages seek participation. 

  

A great example of a modern musical is La La Land 2016. The movie tells the story of two dreamers- Mia and Sebastian- through music and dance, struggling in their careers and personal lives in Hollywood. The songs represent their hopes and struggles, while the bright colors and emotional dance scenes of the film give it a classic musical feel with a modern twist. Another example is The Greatest Showman, 2017, which narrates the story of P.T. Barnum and the creation of the circus through powerful songs with energetic choreography, while Barnum's ambitions and challenges are underlined; a flashy production design makes every musical number feel larger than life. 

  

Other musicals include West Side Story 1961 & 2021, Mamma Mia! 2008, Chicago 2002, Les Misérables 2012, The Sound of Music 1965, Grease 1978, and Moulin Rouge! 2001. Each of these films acts as a reflection of different aspects of the musical genre, from energetic choreography to engaging storytelling through song.