Action
Genre conventions (content)- All most all action movies follow the same plot. They are are a form of escapism. There is always a protagonist (usually a well known actor) that puts themselves through a series of challenges that leads to violence, contain high speed chases, and lots of fight scenes. There are lots of guns and blood mixed with extreme stunts. The end result usually involves the protagonist coming out on top. They are usually based in well known, urban cities and span to multiple locations. During the mission, conflict with a girl usually comes in play like a damsel in distress. There is drama that builds with the protagonist that leads them to try to save the girl. The overall tempo is very fast paced, hence the genre, the opposite of boring. The protagonist usually has strong big muscles and appears likable to the audience. The antagonist in the movie usually is foreign and draws a contrast to the protagonist, although usually being muscular as well. What they believe in are usually opposites. They make the antagonist unlikeable to the audience by their actions, usually harming a loved one from the protagonist. Although they are predictable, action movies are very entertaining.
Genre conventions (production techniques)- The most common production technique among all action films is the fast pace editing. The director never wants to bore the audience so there are many cuts, (action/ reaction) tracking shots, and handhelds. At the same time there are a lot of slow motion scenes to add drama, as well as close ups to establish a character relationship. Establishing shots are also common, as they introduce the setting to the viewer. There are lots of sounds effects creating a relationship between diegetic and non diegetic sound. There could be a fight scene with some rap/ up tempo music playing in the background, or you can hear them actually fighting and hear things exploding. As far as costume design, the antagonist usually wears dark clothing and the protagonist wears bold colors, not necessarily light colors.
I can’t think of a more perfect example that embodies an action movie. Two big name white buff actors, The Rock and Vin Diesel save the world from blowing up, usually from nuclear bombs while driving around in modded up Lamborghinis. Vin Diesel is torn between his girl and his friends and turns on both, while eventually going back and reuniting with everyone. Tons of guns, explosions, bad acting, and girls. Everything a Hollywood action movie embodies.
Another beautiful example of an action movie. As you notice, Tom Cruise has the top part of the title and the actual movie title is below him. He is the star, and they make the protagonist look invincible as he never dies. Literally, there have been like 10 mission impossibles. Just like Fast and Furious there are tons of fast cars, guns, and unrealistic extreme stunts. The setting is always in a modern area with bright lights as well.
List of 5 other action movies.
Representation problem- There are serious gender/ racial equality flaws in action movies. The vast majority of lead roles involve a white male. It’s hard to think of any scenario where the woman does not play a subsidiary role to the man and is seen as a weakness and or sex symbol. The presence of lead African Americans in action movies is sparse as well, but we do have Black Panther which may be the changing of the corner. Most of the time there is a side role set out. The roles in which these two races/genders are placed in is not ok.
I do not believe they are fair or correct. Society almost places barriers on actors, and people have come to expect the same type of people in the same spots because it’s what we are conditioned too. The “sexiest man alive” in 2018 is Idris Elba who is African American. I do not understand the constant presence of white men in action movies, it’s not like they are superhuman or physically gifted and can do things any race can’t. There is no secret to this issue, not only in action films, but in all films. A couple years ago there were 0 African American Oscar nominees. That speaks for itself.
As far as woman, there is only one lead action role I can think of, which is Star Wars. They have done a great job introducing Rey as the main role. It is a much needed and well praised move. I can understand why people are hesitant to make a woman the lead of an action role because of the typical “men are stronger “ thought. However, I go to the gym everyday and I often see woman lifting a lot more than some of these men. The role of woman almost feels like pre 19th amendment, where the woman stays back and plays a side piece to the man. There needs to be more change.
Overall, due to what we are conditioned too, I would retain the lead big name male actor but I would also include an equally big female. The male actor definitely needs to be more diversified, as well as films in general.
Bibliography- 1. Kelleher, B. (2012, December 17). Conventions of the 'Action' Films Genre. Retrieved from https://prezi.com/bv6yzdksczgu/conventions-of-the-action-films-genre/?webgl=0
2. Codes and Conventions of Action Adventure Films. (2013, May 13). Retrieved from https://brianair.wordpress.com/film-theory/codes-and-conventions-of-action-adventure-films/
3. Media, M. (2016, October 06). Action Film Conventions. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQNocXiY3Ww&feature=youtu.be
4. Schraeder-Bidwell, P. (2013, June 28). Codes and Conventions of Action and Adventure Films. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPAnl7wVwGM&feature=youtu.be
5. Cram, L. (2012, November 04). Conventions of the genre action. Retrieved from https://www.slideshare.net/LillieCram/conventions-of-the-genre-action
