1. Action
2. Genre Conventions (Plot)
Action films have a fast moving plot, usually including numerous accounts of violence. The protagonist typically has to endure numerous challenges to defeat an antagonist by means of massive destruction, death, weaponry usage, car chases, and many nail biting fight scenes that leaves the audience gripping the edge of their seats.
3. Genre Conventions (Content)
Setting- Movies usually take place in urban, well known areas.
Camera shots- There tend to be very fast paced shots in action films. Close ups help show emotion, establishing shots are important to show where the action is taking place, and tracking shots help produce those incredible chase scenes.
Editing- Computer generating imaging (CGI) is common in the action genre. The editing is fast paced to leave the audience engaged.
Color/Lighting- Lighting is mostly on site such as daylight and streetlamps. Often dark colors like black and brown are worn by the villain whereas more bright colors are worn but the protagonist. Many action movies include very dark colors and minimalist design elements.
Sound effects/Music- High drum beat/intense music, explosions, gun shots, running, screaming, car engines.
4. Institutional Conventions (Marketing)
Action movies usually promote the specific actor in an action franchise. For instance, Tom Cruise in the Mission Impossible series is often a key part of advertising for the movies. Additionally, a specific director is often promoted to give the idea to the audience that the movie is going to be good. Michael Bay is known for his incredibly intense Transformers movies. He built up a credible reputation to create action movies in which people enjoy. As follows with the other film genres, film posters, trailers, and social media advertisements are a norm to the action genre. Making sure you connect with your specific audience is key in promotion.
5. Film Example #1: Avengers: Infinity War
A group of superheroes called the Avengers fights against a universal force threatening all life named Thanos. Their goal is to protect Earth and stop Thanos from collecting all six infinity stones which could destroy the lives of half the universe. This movies contains all the normal conventions of an action movie. From rapid cutting fighting scenes, to incredible CGI of nonhuman creatures in combat with the Avengers team, the movie leaves the audience in awe with every shot, exactly what an action film should do.
6. Film Example #2: Die Hard
This classic movie from the 80s shows the more traditional approach to the action genre that doesn't involve CGI like the Marvel franchise does. After terrorists take over a hotel, it is up to an ordinary man to save the hostages. The incredibly choreographed fights scenes and the bountiful use of guns help solidify its role as one of the top action films to date. This movie proves that CGI is not needed to make an explosion that rocks the seats of its audience. The movie boosts adrenaline with the high speed pace perfect for anything in the action genre.
7. Other Movies in the Action Genre
