Portfolio Research Genre #2

 The next genre I will be researching is the action genre, which I have found an interest in as of late.

The action genre consists of audiences who want immense spectacle and suspense. The people who crave this are typically on the younger side of the demographic, consisting of young adults and teenagers, but, older demographics may also enjoy action films. It is also important to note that the genre appears more towards the male demographic than the female one. Although, with recent times, modern action films are expanding to include more diverse representations to expand this demographic.

Car Chase from Black Panther (2018)

 The action genre typically consists of similar stories where a protagonist goes against a villian, usually a single person who controls an army to attack the protagonist. During the film, the protagonist goes through extraordinary feats to beat the villian, in which the protagonist typically wins. Throughout action films, many scenes of violence are displayed including the portrayal of car chases/crashes, gunfights, explosions, among other graphic sequences, which add to the spectacle of films of the genre.
Narrative structures typically include the use of revenge plots or escape plots, where the protagonist must escape from a group or place, like prison.

 Action films also use distinct filmmaking strategies to portray the action. Digital effects are used heavily throughout production to ensure that no actors are injured during the set. Physical effects are also used to portray a characters state without causing the actor harm, which can look real if done correctly. Strong framing is required in the genre, as action is typically fast-paced and difficult to follow. So, framing needs to be used to quickly catch the viewers attention on where to look.

 Action films focus on marketing towards the spectacle. Action trailers typically consist of moments on intensity and spectacle to get ticket sales, for example. Narrative images are also important for action films, which typically consist of superheroes or other prominent figures, like John Wick. Narrative images create an image of the plot for audiences and by tailoring specific heroes to the audience, a well established image can be made, which is great for marketing.

Here are some examples of Action films:

John Wick (2014)

John Wick follows a former hitman who gets revenge on the people who robbed his home and killed his dog. Directed by Chad Stahelski, the film is praised for its intense action sequences and directing, and includes famous stars, Keanu Reeves and Micheal Nyqvist.

The Avengers (2014)

The Avengers follows a group of superheroes who learn to fight as a team to stop Loki and his army from infiltrating Earth and taking its residents as servants. Directed by Joss Whedon, the film contains famous stars like Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johansson. It was praised for its innovative action sequences and was nominated for the "Best Achievement in Visual Effects" during the 2013 Oscars.

Sources:

Whedon, J. (Director). (2012). The Avengers [Film]. Marvel Studios; Walt Disney Pictures. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0848228/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_the%2520aven

Stahelski, C. (Director). (2014). John Wick [Film]. Summit Entertainment; Thunder Road Pictures; 87Eleven Productions.                                                                            https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2911666/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_john%2520wick

Gilbo, S. (2022, February 15). The 10 things every action story needs. Savannah Gilbo. https://www.savannahgilbo.com/blog/action-conventions

Martin, B. (n.d.). Codes and conventions of action-adventure films. Brianair. https://brianair.wordpress.com/film-theory/codes-and-conventions-of-action-adventure-films/