Melodrama
Subject: Melodrama in Films
Recently in class we saw a clip of Titanic where Rose is getting on a life boat while Jack and her fiancé are watching her leave. Subtle music sets the scene and then the music intensifies as Rose decides that she can’t leave without Jack. The two run to each other and her former fiancé doesn’t like this (which is understanding). He is able to pull a gun and chase Jack and Rose to the bowels of the mighty ship. There, he runs into water and decides to stop chasing…saying, “I hope you enjoy your life together.”
This is an example of melodrama accompanied by comic relief. However, these events probably wouldn’t have happened on the real Titanic. So there is a lack of realism, but it does make for a very good story. The odds that Rose can leap from the boat back to Titanic are slim and somebody shooting a gun on board a sinking ship without anyone trying to stop them seems unreal. But while somebody is watching this it draws them into the film…realistic or not.
posted by Michael Todd @ 10:24 AM
3 comments
3 Comments:
I thought the melodrama in Titanic was interesting as well in the clip shown in class because it did not seem realistic at all. However, when I saw the film at the movie theatre, I completely bought into the drama. I was so drawn into the film by that point that it just seemed natural for Rose to jump back onto the boat, for them to get shot at, etc. Out of context, the clip almost looked silly. Do you think the film became more melodramatic from beginning to end? Was it over the top?
I agree with Pamela that out of context the clip did provide comic relief, but also as she said in context it makes sense. I think that it is some what reasonable that guy who knows he is going to die chases after the man who will not allow him to die happy. By happy I mean that he knows that the woman he loved will be missing another man instead of him, and that is one of the fears people have that no one will miss them when they die.
Yes, the scene was a little out of the realm of realism, but that is what held the audiences attention. The action, passion, and desire to be pursued are what made this a riveting moment. However, you talk about how it is unreasonable for a man shoot a gun on a sinking ship and no one stepping in. But for me, it is unreasonable to run down to save a girl that doesn't want to be saved. I would just jump on the lifeboat in her steed and say peace out.
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