Genre Research: Exciting Actions

 The last genre I will be researching is the genre of action! This genre is not something that I personally consume a lot of, which makes it all the more exciting to learn about! Actions are defined as a film with a fast moving plot, characterized by violence and intensity. It’s one that seems most difficult to recreate with the small budget and materials of a j gib school student trike myself. But after research, if it’s something I am interested in, I may create a very interesting opening to an action film!

Camera Angles, Movements, and Shot

Action movies usually take place in unusual situations, so establishing long shots are used to show settings. We know where characters are and how they will be interacting with the environment around them. An example of this is in “Blade Runner 2049” (2015) where our dystopian setting of the films original city is shown. Another camera technique that is prominent in action movies are they high low shots. Are protagonists and antagonists are shown, these camera angles are used to convey whether they are on top in the plot or on a downfall. Additionally, we see a lot of bird eye view. For example, chase scenes in the “Fast and Furious” movies often switch to aerial shots to show the chaotic action all together.

It’s well known that action films involve a lot of, well, action! Therefore, the camera is often always in motion. Pans and tilts are used as the camera pans around a situation, often following the main character as they make their way through the chaos. Zooms are used as we quickly move form subject to subject. 

Sound

Like thrillers, I’m my research I’ve found that sound is also a crucial element to adding substance to an action film. As tension builds up, music plays a large part in adding to the energetic suspense. The non-diegetic sound of dramatic music will always be heard, it’s practically a law in this genre. An example of this is in “Mad Max” (2014) as the cars rush down the road, loud beating music plays in the background. Sound effects are also used in action scenes, for example the clinking of swords or the shooting of guns, which are all added in post production.

Editing

Unlike comedies with their modest editing, in action films post production is a very important process to go through. This genre often features tons of fast cutaways as the subject goes through fast paced situations. Action match shots and eyeliner match shots are also frequent. These are useful because they show the character, and then whatever situation they are going through. Editing is also important as this is the time where sound effects and music are added. Which as we established, make it break your action movie and it’s exciting tone!

MISENSCENE

Action films often feature surreal characters, some with superpowers or insane abilities. This men’s s that they often have intricate, in normal costumes that you would never see in a normal person. In situations where character are in fights or violent situations, props and makeups are used. With makeup you can create the effect of blood or injuries, something you will always see in action.