2. Think in terms of the key concepts • Media Language: forms and conventions • Institution • Audience • Representation
3. What binds films together under the heading of Action Adventure? Storyline and Plot: Tease out the differences between these two terms. Think about the characteristics of Action Adventure films in having fast moving plots which provide plenty of excitement and tension.
4. Structure: All Action Adventure films have recognisable narrative structures which offer a way of examining how a story is organised and shaped in terms of time and events. It is interesting to explore the rules of narrative structure with regard to Action Adventure. For example a defining feature of narrative is the high degree of narrative closure, with all problems resolved and/or our hero triumphant. So in addition to linear structure, narrative can often be seen in terms of oppositional structure too, as a fight between forces of good and evil.
5. Main characters: All Action Adventure films have a recognisable heroic central character, a hero or heroine who is able to overcome incredible odds. Whilst some films feature brave heroines, most narratives are organisedaround traditional gender roles. How have modern filmschallenged traditional female (and male) stereotyping?
6. Oppositional characters: Action Adventure films tend to feature characters that play opposite the key central character, for example either in the form of a relationship (hero/heroine) or in conflict (hero/villain).
7. Journey/Quest Action Adventure films often involve central characters working towards a final goal (such as seeking treasure). These narratives take place against the backdrop of a variety of exotic and sometimes glamorous locations. These can range from desert landscapes to urban settings. Not only can their use provide the audience with visual pleasures, but the location itself can serve an important narrative function as central characters find themselves battling with the challenges presented by it e.g. surviving earthquakes, struggling through jungles etc.
8. Action sequences Action sequences and their accompanying special effects play an important part of narrative construction and contribute to the pleasures offered by Action Adventure films. With advances made in technology these are becoming more spectacular. Action sequences can range from battles and explosions to fist fights and car chases etc. How convincing are these? What do they add to the narrative?
9. Suggested activities 1. Complete a close analysis of a range of film clips. What marks them out as Action Adventure? 2. Collect examples of both heroes and villains. What do they have in common?
10. Institution Action Adventure films are expensive to make and often command a high production budget. Research the costs of making a film and the implications of this for the production company. High budget canmeanhigh risk and this can lead on to an exploration of the range of ways profits are generated from a film. This should involve a study of how films are marketed and the generation of many spin-offs which can include a range of merchandise for example. In terms of Action Adventure, this leads to an opportunity to consider the Film Franchise strategy to widen appeal to audiences
11. Suggested activities 1. Complete a Case Study of how a film has been promoted and marketed to a given audience. 2. Research the above and below line costs of film production.
12. Audience A useful way to begin a study of Audience is by considering the types of pleasures offered by Action Adventure and why the genre has remained so successful with audiences. Is it still the case that Action Adventure films appeal predominantly to male audiences? Critics of Action Adventure argue that such films promote unhealthy attitudes towards violence and that narratives are becoming too dominated by special effects and action sequences.
13. Suggested activities 1. It is said that Action Adventure films often appeal more to male audiences. Why do you think this is the case? 2. Examine BBFC film classifications. How important are they to the success of a film?
14. Representation A route into representation is through exploring gender representations. Discuss the function of stereotypes in a narrative and look at the role of heroes and heroines. Think about the extent to which these types of characters conform to a particular set of characteristics. This is also true for other types of characters that appear in Action Adventure films such as the villain. In exploring character stereotypes consider if types of people are misrepresented and if so does this limit the appeal of a film? Discuss the promotion of western ideology and simplistic notions of good and evil.
15. Suggested activities 1. A criticism of Action Adventure films is that they reinforce stereotypes in terms of both gender and ethnicity. Do you agree? Give examples from films you have studied. 2. Research a film star who has often appeared in Action Adventure films. What type of role does he/she play? How important are they to the success of the film?
