Research Essay Topics

A key feature of the melodrama that has caught my attention is the music that accompanies the action. Music is a crucial component of the melodrama because as a result of it, the scene changes mood and makes the viewer feel the action on a different level. For example, if something bad is about to happen the music is eerie and scary, which makes the viewer feel scared as well. If the scene is a happy one or a resolution, the tone is major and the music is uplifting, making the viewer feel happy as well. Usually when we watch movies we don't pay attention to the music but if you do, you realize that the emotions you're feeling throughout the movie are influenced not only by the action on screen but also by the music. If you take out the musical accompaniment in a movie the emotions on screen and your own become bland and not as distinct. I would approach this topic by watching melodramas and analyzing what scenes and the emotions in those scenes are accompanied by. Then I would try to maybe see what the movie would be like without the music accompanying it. I could maybe accomplish this by watching a silent movie with and without music and see the difference. I would also maybe research the process in which movie directors work along side the composers who compose the movie's soundtrack or how in modern movies they choose pop songs to go along with screenplay.

Another topic that is of interest to me is how modern romantic comedies or teen movies incorporate key features that originate from the melodrama into the movie to enhance it. For example, I recently watched the movie "That Awkward Moment" where of course a guy and a girl get into a relationship. While they have their fling and before a relationship, they steal a key to Grammar C park in New York City. Then problems come up and the guy does not want to be in a relationship because he made a pact with his friends to stay single. He does not go to the girl's father's funeral as a result because that would mean they're in a relationship, and a few days later he goes to see her but she says he wasn't there for her when she needed him most, so their relationship is over, and she gives him back the key to the park. In the end he makes a big public speech where he reminds her of the first conversation they had, and tells her she knows where to find him. Of course they meet in Grammar C park. This movie utilized symbols that are typical of the melodrama, as well as coincidences and the audience knowing some information that the other characters do not. If I chose this route I would probably watch a couple movies and see how they used melodramatic techniques and how that enhanced the story line.