Drama

A drama usually portrays realistic and believable characters as well as realistic settings and stories. Most dramas aim to move the audience in an emotional way as it easy for the audience to empathize with and sympathize with these believably realistic characters. At the centre of a drama plot there is always some form of conflict.

Textual analysis of 'End of Watch' (2012)

'End of Watch' is a documentary-style film that follows the daily lives of two young police officers in LA, played by Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena, and what happens when they meet criminal forces greater than themselves.

The film starts with the recording from a police car as it pursues a criminal's car through alleyways and streets in urban LA. Whilst the recording is playing we hear the voice of man who we can presume is one of the main characters and he is talking about loyalty and trust in the police force, as well as talking about the Miranda Rights. After the man has finished talking some loud, up-beat music plays and the dialogue on the recording is boosted so we can hear two men talking.

I think that this is a good opening sequence because it is different (I certainly haven't seen this done before, especially in a drama) and it catches the audiences attention. It draws the audience in because we want to know why they are chasing another car as well as wanting to listen to what is being said through the recording of the man talking. The use of the loud, fast-paced music helps to focus the audiences attention on what is happening in the scene as well as helping to build tension towards what might happen next.