Genre Research: Action

 

    Action movies have multiple sequences that include fighting, which require many angles to capture the intensity of the scenes. High angles, low angles, Dutch/canted angle, and eye level angle are all used in this genre. Movements such as pan, tilt, tracking shot, and zoom are also commonly found in action films. Common shots are Bird’s Eye view, three shot, two shot, extreme close-up, close-up, medium close-up, medium shot, medium long shot, wide shot, and establishing shot. 

    Elements such as costumes in this genre consist of clothing that transform actors into their characters while also being functional for action sequences. Lighting is typically high contrast with a focus on characters to emphasize the action. The acting in action films is dramatic and often requires a great amount of physical action. Makeup can be used to create effects such as wounds or prosthetics are used to change an actor’s face. Props are commonly used such as weapons or items that hold significance to the plot. The sets in action movies each have their importance in each scene to move the story along for the characters.  

    Movies in the action genre use a great variety of editing, such as a cutaway, split screen, cross cutting, dissolve, fade out, action match, and jump cut. Common sound uses in action movies consist of diegetic sound, non-diegetic sound, sound bridge, voiceover, ambient sound, and dialogue.  

    Examples of action films are Predator, Die Hard, Rambo, Robocop, Mad Max, Kill Bill, The Matrix, The Dark Knight, The Bourne Ultimatum, John Wick, Commando, The Expendables, Escape from New York, The Terminator, and Independence Day. 

    Elements that I like about action movies are the exciting stunts and intense feelings that are invoked in the audience. If we chose to use this genre, I would incorporate these elements. Parts of action films that I do not like include a poorly written plot where there is too much reliance on violence without meaningful context. I would balance the amount of action sequences to also focus on storytelling if this genre was chosen.