Genre and Plot (Movie: Dirty Dancing)
Dirty Dancing is a movie released on August 21, 1987, and was directed by Emile Ardolino. Its plot follows an equilibrium, disruption, and a new equilibrium. Frances “Baby” Houseman (Jenniffer Gray) has grown up in a privileged surrounding, and all expect her to join college and eventually get married (equilibrium). Unexpectedly, Frances develops a crush on Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), a person whose background is entirely different from hers (disruption). Frances even pays for Jonny’s dance partner for an illegal abortion, which caused friction with her father (Dr. Jake Houseman), who bans her further association with Johnny. However, Frances manages to see Johnny in private, and they fall in love (disruption).
The movie Dirty Dancing belongs to the romantic drama genre. As outlined in the book, romantic dramas often explore love and do not have a happy ending. The book’s editor John Belton describes that romantic dramas have themes such as forbidden love, obsessive love, passionate love, and love at first sight. Therefore, romantic dramas act as great fanaticizes for the audience, especially if the lovers declare their love for each other. John Belton also explains that romantic dramas do not have fairy tale endings. Although love serves as the central theme for romantic dramas, the characters subordinate the love element in the end to provide serious drama.
The film upholds the characteristics typical of romantic dramas because it presents realistic characters. However, it undermines the genre in its ending. Dirty Dancing relies on the relational and emotional development in portraying realistic characters involving intense interaction in real-life situations and settings. Hence the film aims at presenting an honest story of the struggles of man. The plot centers on the obstacles that are preventing love between the two main characters as Johnny’s and Frances’ love affair faces disapproval from Dr. Jake Houseman. The majority of the romantic dramas end with the lovers separating due to pressure from the obstacles. However, dirty Dancing, unlike many romantic dramas, ends with Frances and Johnny reconnecting and having a final dance at the musical show.