WHAT IS AN ACTION FILM?
Action is a genre that typically is very fast-paced and have the viewer at the edge of their seats during the duration of the film. Action films consist of the protagonist going through a series of events that normally involve violence, like chase downs, fight scenes, or explosions. It is more about the execution of the plot instead of the plot itself. The target audience for action films are males aging from 25 to 34.
GENRE CONVENTIONS (CONTENT)
There are millions of action movies and yet mostly all have many things in common. For instance, the protagonist has to have some type of advantage over others and special talents. In addition, the protagonist must have an antagonist that is trying to stop him from achieving his goal. Along with the protagonist, everyone's lives are usually in danger. As the plot commences, more lives are in stake. For example, in the film Troy (2004), Achilles has a special talent gifted by the gods and has a goal to achieve which is to destroy Troy.
GENRE CONVENTIONS (PRODUCTION STRATEGIES)
Although every director has their own personal techniques they like to use when filming their action movies, most of the techniques are usually similar. For example, an establishing shot is crucial because it provide the viewer an image as to where the action is taking place and sets the stage.
When introducing characters, long shots work perfectly. Not only do long shots work perfectly when introducing characters, but also when the protagonist wins their 'battle' and come out of the altercation as a hero. For instance, in Top Gun, when Maverick has a successful day in the training school, they idolize him with a long shot, conveying the idea that he is the man. Also, close ups and extreme close ups are also common shots used due to the focus it puts on the character's emotions during the heat of a moment.
IINSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS (MARKETING)
All films generally start their marketing strategies by establishing their target audience. For action films the target audience is typically males aging from 25 to 34. It also depends on the subgenre, action films can easily be tied into another genre, like action/adventure or action/war. Since action is generally associated with chaos, they try to appeal more towards an exciting poster. A great example of a well made movie poster for an action movie is The Avengers, due to the representation of all the main characters and all the chaos and explosions occurring in the background. It is clearly eye catching for someone that is trying to watch an exciting film.
EMBODYING THE GENRE
John Wick (2014)
A specific film that embodies this genre perfectly is John Wick. The protagonist goes on a killing rampage to find the people that killed his puppy. This movie exemplifies the genre because of the various fighting scenes that occur, the explosions, the car chase downs, it has it all. It develops a sense of adrenaline through the viewers body not letting you sit down still for more than 10 seconds.
Top Gun (1986)
Top Gun is another great example of an action movie. The film consists of a young pilot that is invited to a top program called Top Gun. He faces multiple obstacles during his course there and even loses some loved ones. Their is constant action between him and his competition to see who is the best pilot and who is capable to fight overseas. This portrays the genre due to the jet chase downs bring immense amount of adrenaline to the viewer and continuous conflict between Maverick and Iceman.
OTHER ACTION FILMS
1. 1917 (2019)
2. The Hunger Games (2012)
3. The Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
4. The Gray Man (2022)
5. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
