Lecture

Melodrama in American Film

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In course

HUM-233: Film history and theory

CINEMA JAPONAIS, IMAGINAIRES DU DESASTRE : Ce cours vise à proposer une histoire du cinéma au prisme du cinéma japonais, et de différentes approches critiques et théoriques en lien avec la production de représentations du désastre. ...

Description

This lecture explores the concept of melodrama in American film, focusing on the dramatic revelation of moral and emotional truths through a dialectic between pathos and action. It analyzes the key elements of melodrama, such as the rural setting, the dichotomy of good versus evil characters, and the hero's journey. The discussion delves into the use of pathos and action to convey irreversible time and the expression of passion in melodramatic storytelling.

Official source

Related concepts (7)

Pathos

Pathos (ˈpeɪθɒs, USˈpeɪθoʊs; plural: pathea or pathê; πάθος, for "suffering" or "experience") appeals to the emotions and ideals of the audience and elicits feelings that already reside in them. Pathos is a term used most often in rhetoric (in which it is considered one of the three modes of persuasion, alongside ethos and logos), as well as in literature, film and other narrative art. Emotional appeal can be accomplished in many ways, such as the following: by a metaphor or storytelling, commonly known as a hook; by passion in the delivery of the speech or writing, as determined by the audience; by personal anecdote.

Private revelation

In Christian theology, a private revelation is an instance of revelation, in a broader sense of the term, of divine reality to a person or persons. It contrasts with revelation intended for humanity at large, which is sometimes termed public revelation. Within Catholicism, an official skeptical predisposition toward accounts of private revelation is maintained. When recognized by the authority of the church - after their credibility and religious significance has been judged positively by the local Catholic bishop - these messages are considered helpful to believers "in a certain period of history".

Emotional choice theory

Emotional choice theory (also referred to as the "logic of affect") is a social scientific action model to explain human decision-making. Its foundation was laid in Robin Markwica’s monograph Emotional Choices published by Oxford University Press in 2018. It is considered an alternative model to rational choice theory and constructivist perspectives.

Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation, also erroneously called the Book of Revelations, is the final book of the New Testament (and therefore the final book of the Christian Bible). Written in Koine Greek, its title is derived from the first word of the text: apokalypsis, meaning 'unveiling' or 'revelation'. The Book of Revelation is the only apocalyptic book in the New Testament canon. It occupies a central place in Christian eschatology. The author names himself as simply "John" in the text, but his precise identity remains a point of academic debate.

Cinema of the United States

The cinema of the United States, consisting mainly of major film studios (also known metonymously as Hollywood) along with some independent films, has had a large effect on the global film industry since the early 20th century. The dominant style of American cinema is classical Hollywood cinema, which developed from 1910 to 1962 and is still typical of most films made there to this day. While Frenchmen Auguste and Louis Lumière are generally credited with the birth of modern cinema, American cinema soon came to be a dominant force in the emerging industry.

Related concepts (7)

Pathos

Private revelation

Emotional choice theory

Book of Revelation

Cinema of the United States