Action/Adventure

Action/Adventure

1. Every story requires action of some kind, be it dramatic psychological change or physical. In action and adventure movies, psychical-derring-do and exciting brshes with danger are the primary narrative.

2. Iconography

   • Exciting chases (high speed vehicles)
     • shoots-outs/ scenes of combat
       • physical combat
         • lone heroes facing multiple enemies
           • arch-villains and their henchman
             • explosions
               • Weaponry, with heavy emphasis on firearms
                 • fast cars and exotic vehicles, e.g. helicopters

3. Setting

   • contemporary American cities (LA)
     • exotic foreign locales
       • self-contained worlds
         • worlds in dire need of heroism

4. Narrative

   • tough cop heroes who must bend or ignore the rules in order to stop some dangerous criminal threat
     • quests for objects with both protagonists and agonists locked in competition
       • ordinary people forced to assume the mantle of heroism by dangerous new circumstances.
         • espionage- themed conspiracy- driven narratives where the main character is pursued by governmental agencies
           • circumstances forcing a reluctant warrior or group of warriors the protect a threatened community.

5. Style

   • they aim to generate suspense and excitement, action films often use expressionistic film language techniques. sound effects will be exaggerated and music may be anthemic with readily noticeable motifs being used for both characters and their enemies.
     • wide aspect ratios are used to capture as much action in frame as possible. Fast moving cameras may track alongside the action to increase the sense of excitement and speed. Handheld camera work is used to give the action a sense of gritty immediacy. slow motion and speed ramping techniques extend or interfere with the flow of the narrative. editing is fast paced an quick cuts are used.
       • Mise-en-scene, locations create excitement. car chases unfold in the busiest and most cinematic locations. fight sequences happen in the most visually appealing locations. props are used to create excitement and effect. weapons and vehicles will be impressive and outlandish.
   • costumes are used to reinforce meaning. the costumes will reinforce their status as heroic figures.

6. Characters

   • tough cops
     • scheming criminal master minds
       • fearsome henchmen
         • interfering bureaucrats who impede the heroes progress
           • heroic adventurers
             • reluctant warriors
               • sympathetic outlaws

7. Themes

   • can one man/ women working alone defeat the force of evil?
     • what is the nature of heroism?
       • can violence only be repelled with more violence?
         • how far should one go to survive?
           • Can heroes driven to violence ever really be apart of the communities they protect?

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