Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Genre Research - Action

A movie enrolled in the action genre, also known as an "action adventure," is defined as, "a genre of film, TV, literature, etc., in which the primary feature is the constant slam-bang of fights, chases, explosions, and clever one-liners," according to literaryterms.net. Action adventures often follow a certain set of conventions or codes that producers either choose to follow or go against to convey the purpose of their film. These conventions include, but are not limited too, the camera angles and movements, the lighting, the editing techniques. and Mis-en-scene. To start off with, movies or productions in the action genre, that follow the conventions of the genre, typically use two-shots, tracking-shots, drone, shots, high angles, and finally close ups. As an example, tracking shots are typically used to convey a sense of high suspense, such as in a high speed car chase or an antagonist running from a protagonist. On the other hand, two-shots may be used to convey a sense of safety, as typically people are safer in groups. Another key aspect of the action genre is the mis-en-scene. Mis-en-scene by definition, "refers to what we see onscreen in a film. It’s the film’s visuals; meaning, all of the elements that appear on camera and their arrangement." This includes, the costumes, staging of the set, makeup, the actors, props, and locations. To kick it off, costumes in the action genre are typically used to convey the roles of an actor in the film. For instance, a cop may be dressed in their full uniform or a criminal may be dressed to blend in with the local area. In terms of lighting, action films are typically well lit accompanied by large bright flares such as explosions or flames in order to convey a "rebel" like character. Actor gender and racial profiles are typically not of significance, but in recent years we have seen increasing minority casts in large and significant roles, to protest social injustices. Furthermore, settings are usually in well populated areas to convey a sense of suspense as typically the antagonist is putting others in danger while the protagonist is in hot pursuit. Finally, props typically consist of weapons, such as handguns or knives and fast cars. Another important aspect of the Action genre is editing. Many post-production techniques, are used in action films, as if they were to happen in "real life" many actors in addition to the common public would be put at risk. As such green screen overlays, flashbacks, flashforwards, cross-cuttings, jump cuts, and actions matches are used to convey the purpose of the action genre. At last, action films make use of certain sound effects that convey or break suspense, for example gradual and slow building sounds that peak at the climax of an event or sharp sound effects. 


Generally speaking, the action genre makes use of multiple, smaller, aspects in the 4 aspects of general film. However, in terms of the overall plots common themes consist of continuous movements, quick plot developments, multiple stunts or dangerous tasks, battles or armed conflicts, martials arts or hand to hand combat, and prolonged chasing acts. A few examples of action films that have been produced include Spectre (2015), Skyfall (2012), The Incredibles (2004), Enter the Dragon (1973), and Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003). 



In conclusion, after extensive research into the Action genre there are both elements that we do and do not like. For instance, the building of suspense, gradually building sounds, jump-cut and action match editing techniques, and common settings are all aspects we like, and believe would benefit the overall production of our film. However, there are certain aspects that we believe are not fitting to the overall theme of our movie. For example, the fast and continuous pacing, prolonged chase scenes, weapons and martial arts, and dangerous stunts. Overall, the action genre seems to be a relative fit for our movie, but is missing key aspects that are important to convey the purpose of our film. We believe we may need to go back to the drawing board and dive into the thriller and horror genre to make an appropriate decision.


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