Urban DramaGenre Research

Urban Drama?

Not many people understand the concept of a Urban drama. This is mainly because it does not conform to the other common Drama’s as an Urban Drama takes into account the society. Giving the mise-en-sence a more visible focus as the common skyline of the busy city might be substituted with the grittiness of area with elements of graffiti and vandalism.

Urban Drama therefore become more about today’s urban society as well established scenes depicted a sense of realism as the film might have a similar

story to one which might be heard on the news. These stories consist Racism,

Gun Crime, Drugs, Gangs, Music (predominantly Rap, R&B and Grime)

and most importantly the lack of money as this is mainly the reason why the characters are to seen to be in difficult situations.

Background Knowledge

Ideological Elements

The idea in most Urban Drama’s it to simply “get rich” and live a comfortable life. This is not only common in Urban drama’s but also the American dream.

Characters are seen to desperately turn away from bad, but due to the environment they live in they are constantly dragged back with links from racism, loyalty, friendship and getting equal.

In most Urban Drama’s there is always a happy ending however the main character is often killed giving a sense of reality within the drama.

However even with such a story line there is always another positive consequence to weight out and give balance. This allows the audience to feel as their isn't always a negative outcome which we always hear on the news.

Narrative Structure

Iconography

Waist DeepMarketing Campaign

Poster Analysis

Waist deep is an urban drama, which consists of the common aspects an audience would expect to see in a film like this. These aspects include violence, money, drugs and women.

The background of the poster is black which suggests that the plot is dark and has mystery to it; it also improves the focal point and allows the actors to be the main subject.

The trap line ‘His son, his life, his freedom, he’s taking them all back’ this along with the gun suggests the actor has loses so much and finally gets fed up then, which forces him to use violence to take ‘them all back’

This poster also hold the common aspects which most posters hold, which is the title, trap line and the actors names to help improve the film.

Tyrese Gibson is facing away from the audience which show the total opposite to Meagan Good, this could show that Tyrese has more things to worry about as he is also holding a gun which is a key prop in a film of this genre.

Soundtrack

Trailer Analysis

Other Urban Media

There are many other forms of media’s which also simulate an urban vibe. The main form being music with artists such as Notorious B.I.G and 2Pac both have song which express common events in “the ghetto” and the consequences.

Gimmie the Loot by Notorious B.I.G. The song title alone has connotations to robbery and possible casualties. This song delivers a story about Biggy and another character stealing from a store for money.

Brenda’s Got A Baby by 2Pac, this whole song explains how a woman becomes pregnant however due to the lack of education she has she find it hard to survive.