Genre analysis V2

GENRE ANALYSIS

ACTION

In General…In general, action films include a lot of continuous high energy, a lot of physical stunts and activity as well as chase scenes and fighting scenes. Action films mostly have props that would be related to fast paced action like weapons, sports cars which are usually used in the final scene where the hero becomes triumphant over the villain.The main action usually centres around a male action hero who is powerful and dominant. Women in action films usually play the roles of accomplices or romantic interests of the male hero, however some modern action films have started featuring strong female characters to broaden demographic appeal.The main male character almost always has a struggle against incredible odds that usually involve life threatening circumstances that are created by the villain. Action films have traditionally been aimed at male audiences, aged 13 to mid-30s. Action films are some of the most popular films in the American and world-wide markets.

Popular Action Films

The James Bond collection of films are some of the most popular action films in the world with worldwide grossing profit of over $6 billion. The first James Bond; Dr No was released in 1962 and it follows the stereotypical action layout, with James Bond played by Sean Connery battling the mysterious Dr No, a scientific genius bent on destroying the U.S space programme. The most recent James Bond is Skyfall. Daniel Craig is the actor who plays the part of James Bond and in Skyfall, the hero once again goes up against a villain, this time Raoul Silva; a man from M’s past whom there is a score to be settled with.

The First Action Film…(The great Train Robbery – 1903)

The Great Train Robbery is essentially the first action film to have ever been made. It was made in 1903. The film is 12 minutes long and is about some bad guys perpetrating a heist on a train with people being robbed at gun point. There is also fight scenes, people getting shot and even a small explosion. One aspect of the film has been used in many modern action films, this being the fight scene on top of the moving train where someone gets thrown off. It has been likened to a silent version of Broken Arrow.

ActorsJason Statham and Angelina Jolie are two of the most renown action film stars.

Jason Statham has been in; - The Expendables 1, 2 & 3- Transporter 1, 2 & 3- The Mechanic - Blitz

Angelina Jolie has been in; - Tomb raider - Wanted - Gone In 60 Seconds- Salt

Directors

Michael Bay is one of the most famous action film directors. He is known for directing high-budget action films that are known especially for their fast edits, stylistic visuals and extreme use of special effects. He directed Transformers 1, 2 & 3 and Bad Boys 1 & 2.

Awards

The Saturn award for best action or adventure film is one of the most prestigious awards that an action film can receive. ‘Fast and Furious 6’ won the 2014 award. ‘Salt’, ‘The Dark Knight’ and ‘Casino Royale’ have also won the award in previous.