Psychological drama, or psychodrama,^[1] is a subgenre of drama and psychological fiction literatures, generally focuses upon the emotional, mental, and psychological development of the protagonists and other characters within the narrative, which is highlighted in a dramatic work.^[2][3][4] It is commonly used for films and television series.

Discussion of the subgenre

The roots of the subgenre can be traced back to the early 20th century, emerging from a rich tapestry of literature that focused on the inner workings of the mind. As cinema evolved, filmmakers began to see the potential for the medium to explore complex psychological themes and narratives.^[5]

Characteristics

Similar with these psychological genres, but rather than using imagery to provoke fear, suspense or terror, they utilize dramatic settings to elicit a strong, emotional value from audiences. Psychological dramas commonly deal directly with the psychological state and mental health, emphasize on emotional conflicts and often serve as a portrait of introspective personal struggle.^[3]

It can be also characterized as primary character-driven, in which attention will be particularly paid to the psychology of the characters, to their intimate problems more than to the storyline context.^[6] The characters are confronted with doubts, dilemmas or inner personality conflicts. The challenges they encounter will often force them to react, making them go through a whole psychological process during the film, even a metamorphosis.^[7]

Related with genres

It often overlaps with other genres such as crime, fantasy, dark comedy, mystery and science fiction, and it is closely related with the psychological horror and psychological thriller genres. Psychological dramas use these genres' tropes to focus on the human condition and psychological effects, usually in a mature and serious tone, nearly similar to melodrama.

The difference between "drama" and "psychological drama" that places emphasis is that in the latter scenario, the focus is more on the psychological character of the characters and on existentialism in general, and not on the context of the narrative itself. So, the end is not necessarily tragic: the main character can doubt himself and sometimes overcome his intimate problems. Psychological drama can be very clearly distinguished from dramedy, as there is no to minimal humor in it like Good Will Hunting (1997) and The Truman Show (1998) but since the subgenre is rather devoid of humor.

Techniques

Each films utilize a range of techniques to mirror the psychological landscape of their characters. Close-ups and subjective camera angles invite viewers into the character’s personal space, while disjointed editing and surreal imagery can reflect fragmented states of mind. The use of symbolism is also prevalent, with objects, settings, and colors imbued with psychological significance. Music and sound design play crucial roles, often used to heighten the emotional intensity and draw audiences deeper into the psychological experience.^[5]

Themes

These primary themes in the subgenre related to depiction of mental illness, psychological trauma, and society, but not limited to; other themes like alienation, self-doubt, and the quest for identity are common, with narratives often blurring the lines between reality and illusion to reflect the turmoil within the characters’ minds.^[5]

It can be explore thematic elements include: denialism, depression, disability, distorted sequences, dysfunctional relationships, existential crisis, human sexuality, identity crisis, mass hysteria, mood swings, odd behaviors, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychological abuse, psychedelic art, and social issues.^[8]

Examples

Films

Psychological drama films have generally rooted with traditional drama genre in the earliest years of 20th century, with these examples cited The Whispering Chorus (1918)^[10] and Greed (1924).^[11] Additionally, early examples of popular psychological drama films in 1930s to 1950s include La vuelta al nido (1938),^[12] Death of a Salesman (1951),^[13] Johnny Belinda (1948),^[14] A Place in the Sun (1951),^[15] and The Snake Pit (1948)^[16]

Several films generally used the subgenre have employed controversially social issues and/or psychosexual themes, most notably Stanley Kubrick's Lolita (1962),^[17] A Clockwork Orange (1971), and Eyes Wide Shut (1999).^[18] Other acclaimed films with similar themes including Last Tango in Paris (1972),^[19] One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975),^[20][21] The Ninth Configuration (1980),^[22] Pink Floyd - The Wall,^[23] Sophie's Choice (both 1982)^[24] Heavenly Creatures (1994),^[25] Breaking the Waves (1996),^[26] I Stand Alone (1998), Magnolia (1999), Requiem for a Dream (2000),^[27] Elephant (2003),^[24] Enter the Void (2009),^[28] Biutiful (2010),^[29] Shame (2011),^[30] Jagten^[31] and The Master (both 2012),^[32] Nymphomaniac (2013),^[26] Whiplash (2014),^[33][24] The Power of the Dog (2021),^[34][35][36] and The Whale (2022).^[37]

Films have some thematically-linked franchises or trilogies to focus on aspects of human condition and psychological elements, notably Iñárritu's Death trilogy (consists Amores perros (2000), 21 Grams (2003) and Babel (2006)) and Krzysztof Kieślowski's Three Colours trilogy.

Asian films have contributed the subgenre, often employs several psychological and social elements. Akira Kurosawa, a Japanese renowned filmmaker, is considered a landmark example of his filmography with the subgenre, notably Drunken Angel (1948)^[28] and Ikiru (1952).^[38] Each films including Himizu (2011),^[39] Aparisyon (2012),^[40] and Family History (2019).

Television

• The Affair^[41]
• The Bear
• Beef^[42]
• Criminal^[43]
• The Cry^[44]
• A Death in California^[45]
• The Handmaid's Tale^[46]
• Maniac^[47]
• Ray Donovan^[48]
• Riget
• This Is Us^[46]
• Yellowjackets^[49]

Animated series

Animated series are examples of this subgenre only focuses on characters' experience with mental health and psychological trauma; these included Bojack Horseman,^[50] Morel Orel, Steven Universe Future,^[51][52] and Undone.

Japanese filmmaker and animator Hideaki Anno, who is best known of creating anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, a notorious example of the subgenre, delves into heavy psychological elements in its latter half.^[53][54]

Additionally, some anime series employed in psychological elements including Akagi^[55], The Flowers of Evil^[56], The Fruit of Grisaia^[57], Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai^[58], Scum's Wish^[59][60], The Tatami Galaxy^[61], Welcome to the N.H.K.^[62], and Wonder Egg Priority^[63].

Animated films

A Silent Voice,^[64] Anomalisa, It's Such a Beautiful Day, Inside Out (and its sequel), The Missing, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and When Marnie Was There^[65] are among the examples of animated films used in the subgenre, usually having the characters' portrayal dealt with several themes such as anxiety attack, fear of abandonment and death, and society.

Adam Elliot is the most notable example of clayography and animated psychological drama films, confronted with bitterness and human conditions. His films included Harvie Krumpet (2003),^[66] Mary and Max (2009),^[67][68] and Memoir of a Snail (2024).

Literature

• Chicago, Yumi Tamura (2000)^[69]
• The Winter Wives, Linden MacIntyre (2021)^[70][71]
• Saint X, Joe Otterson (2022)^[72]
• Trish, James C. Bennett (2022)^[73]

Theater

• The Chinese Lady, Lloyd Suh (2021)^[74]

Filmmakers

• Paul Thomas Anderson - An American filmmaker known for his depictions of flawed characters and exploration of subjects and themes such as dysfunctional families, alienation, loneliness and redemption.
• Sofia Coppola - An American filmmaker, daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, known for psychological drama films such as The Virgin Suicides (1999)^[75] and Lost in Translation (2003).^[76]
• Todd Field - An American filmmaker well known of his filmography introduced with psychologically-mind characters and themes, including In the Bedroom (2001),^[77] Little Children (2006),^[24] and Tár (2022).
• Alejandro González Iñárritu - A Mexican filmmaker who has directed numerous films that focus on aspects of the human condition.
• Charlie Kaufman - An American director and screenwriter, whose work explores universal themes like identity crisis, mortality, and the meaning of life through a metaphysical or parapsychological framework, notably his most acclaimed work Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004).^[78][79]
• Tom McCarthy - An American filmmaker and actor, well known for his critically acclaimed independent films The Station Agent (2003) and The Visitor (2007).^[80]
• Andrei Tarkovsky - A Soviet and Russian filmmaker, known for his philosophical and psychological movies dealing with existence, faith and dreamlike memories, such as Solaris (1972), Mirror (1975) and Stalker (1979).^[81]

See also

• Social thriller
• Tragedy
• Courtroom drama
• Postmodernist film
• Social issues

References