Musical film genre

Fox

There are certain things audiences expect from every musical out there. We call those thing tropes.

From classic musicals like The Wizard of Oz to modern hits like La La Land, the musical genre continues to captivate audiences with its ability to combine the power of music with the art of storytelling.

It offers a unique form of emotional expression, inviting viewers to experience narratives in a way that is both visually captivating and emotionally resonant.

Let’s look at some tropes of the genre:

1. Opening Number: Many musicals start with a dynamic and catchy opening number that introduces the tone, setting, and sometimes even the main characters of the story.
2. “I Want” Song: Often in the beginning of the film, a character expresses their desires and goals through a solo song. This helps establish the character’s motivations and gives insight into their journey.
3. Love Ballad: A staple of musicals, the love ballad is a heartfelt song where characters express their romantic feelings for each other. It’s a pivotal moment in developing the central romance.
4. Villain’s Song: Antagonists in musicals sometimes get their own song where they reveal their motivations and plot. These songs can be darkly captivating and provide depth to the villain’s character.
5. Dance Numbers: Elaborate dance routines are a hallmark of musicals. They can express joy, celebrate an event, or convey emotions that words alone can’t capture.
6. Reprise: A reprise is when a song is sung again later in the story, often with altered lyrics or a different context. It can highlight character development or emphasize changes in the plot.
7. Showstoppers: These are big, impressive musical numbers that are often the highlight of the film. They’re designed to amaze and entertain the audience.
8. 11 O’Clock Number: A powerful song that usually takes place near the end of the musical, often giving a character a moment of realization or transformation.
9. Breaking into Song: In some musicals, characters break into song in the midst of their daily lives, sometimes leading to surreal and humorous situations.
10. Big Finale: The grand finale often brings together key characters and reprises important songs, providing resolution and closure to the story.
11. Fantasy Sequences: Musical numbers that transport characters into imaginative and fantastical worlds, revealing their innermost desires or fears.
12. Group Numbers: Ensembles of characters come together to sing and dance in lively, energetic scenes that celebrate camaraderie or a common purpose.
13. Tap Dancing: A classic element of musicals, tap dancing adds rhythm and energy to dance sequences, creating visually impressive performances.
14. Parallel Songs: This technique involves two characters or groups singing separate but related songs simultaneously, showcasing contrasts or connections between their situations.
15. Breaking the Fourth Wall: Some musicals have characters directly address the audience or acknowledge that they are in a musical, adding a playful metafictional layer.