1. Generic conventions which
audiences expect when they see
an action, horror, sci-fi or
thriller film

2. Action films:
• The main generic convention from an action film is that there's unrealistic
characters and events that seem to for example ‘defy gravity’ .
• There are usually loads of big explosions, fights, car chases and guns such as in
The Bourne Identity.
• There's often a over exaggerated and predictable chain of events.
• Because of this people usually see action films for the cinematography and
special effects not the story, such as Avatar.
• Character types you often get is a strong masculine protagonist who overcomes
and setback, or ‘saves the world’ and is a hero like in James Bond films; you can
get a feminine, often sexualised damsel in distress who needs saving by the
protagonist like in The Dark Knight; you get an evil antagonist who gets defeated
by the protagonist.

3. Horror film:
• The main generic convention from an horror film is that there's events or
characters that are intended to be evil, frighten and terrify you which is the main
purpose of the film such as a gory murder like in Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
• Characters are very stereotypical and predictable, such as badly behaved
teenagers who go in an abandoned, then you can expect something bad to
happen.
• sound is exaggerated and jumpy.
• Paranormal, religion, murder, supernatural etc. are themes often used in horror
films.

4. Science fiction films:
• The main generic convention of sci-fi films are that they are futuristic and full of
technology that is a different perspective we are used to, such as the film Alien.
• They are often set in space, on a spaceship or in a high tech building such as Dr
Who.
• Narrative is often good vs evil, which can be similar to action and horror however
there's always advanced technology involved, such as the human race is under
attack from aliens like in Mars Attacks and a strong protagonist has to defeat
them and becomes the hero.
• Character types often found in sci-fi is a very intelligent protagonist who uses his
intellect to defeat the enemy/obstacle like in Interstellar, or a strong masculine
protagonist who uses technology to aid his win like in GI Joe.

5. Thriller films:
• Similar to horror, action and a little bit sci-fi there is generally good vs evil or an
obstacle the protagonist has to overcome, however thrillers are more realistic
and convincing, there's very little over exaggeration and mostly little special
effects.
• There's often tension, mystery, murder, uncertainty etc. created within the genre
such as in Shutter Island
• Dark settings like alley ways, staircases, car boots etc. are used, Chiaroscuro
lighting is used a lot in Noir thrillers because it creates a sinister and creepy effect
which goes with the story.
• You can get a variety of characters, such as a underdog or criminal who turns out
to be good and save/overcome the antagonist, a very common character is a
femme fatal which is a dangerous and deviant women who is attractive yet
powerful as well and often manipilative, for example in the film Original sin.