2. An Action film is a type of film genre in which one or more heroes are thrust into a series of
challenges that typically include physical feats, extended fight scenes, violence and frantic chases.
1920s-60s: Action-based films were often adventure films in which actors such as Douglas Fairbanks
wielded swords in period pieces or westerns (1920s-30s). A new form of action was made through war
and cowboy movies. Alfred Hitchcock ushered in the spy-adventure genre while also establishing the use
of action-oriented set pieces like the famous crop-duster scene and the Mount Rushmore finale in North
by Northwest (1940s-50s). The long-running success of the James Bond films introduced a staple of the
modern action film, the resourceful hero. Characters became a “one-man army” able to dispatch
villainous masterminds. Fast cutting, car chases, fist fights and a variety of weapons and gadgets were
introduced (1960s).
1970s: During the 1970s the bond films faced competition as gritty stories and urban crime dramas
began to evolve and fuse themselves with the new action style such as Bullitt (1968). Rising stars such
as Chuck Norris was a huge part of the evolvement of Action films.
1980s: Action Films took over Hollywood to become a dominant form of summer blockbuster. “The
action era” was popularized by actors such as Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis
& Chuck Norris. Action films such as Rambo dominated the 1980s.
1990s: The growing revolution in CGI (computer generated imagery), the “real-world” settings began
to give way to increasingly fascinating environments.
2000s: Action films continued to flourish with films & series such as Star Trek and Stars Wars.

4. Codes and Conventions:
• 12/15 certificate, maximising youth audiences
• Often hybridised with Sci-Fi/Adventure/Comedy/Romance
• Major Hollywood studio produced and distributed
• High Production vales including CGI FX & fast paced editing
• Classic Hollywood 3 act narrative structure
• Predictable chain of events – cause and effect
• Single stranded, linear, closed narrative
• Dramatic non-diegetic sound
• More narrative action codes than enigma codes
• Clear binary oppositions
• Star Marketing: Audience identification/expectations
(Cruise/Pitt/Willis/Stallone/Schwarzenegger) and secondary persona apply
• Romantic sub-plot, humorous dialogue
• Relationships with new technology (youth audiences)
• Use of close up/Insert shots/high key lighting
• Dominant representation of gender: male/.female action hero

5. These are not realistic films, although the characters must be believable. They are set in a stereotypical world
of the not too distant past e.g. The 1930s, or fictional world of storybook adventures e.g. The high seas of the
19th century.
A main protagonist who is recognisably normal guy, and who just happens to have amazing powers of
endurance in the face of extreme danger, and is also very clever. Indiana Jones is an archaeology lecturer in an
Us university. Captain Jack sparrow is at first an ordinary good for nothing pirate with incredible agility and
luck, although he later takes on supernatural powers.
There are always helpers who are a team of innocent characters who happen to get caught up in the action.
Humorous dialogue often diffuses taught and sometimes frightening situations
The characters take the twist and turns of the plot very seriously as they are often in mortal danger from an
assortment unusual animals, machines and monsters orchestrated by an evil antagonist.
Exotic locations were the characters have to contend with extremes of climate, as well as evil forces.
The aim is to please the audience by keeping them on the edge of their seats through a series of mind boggling
chases, exotic locations and hair raising adventures in historically inaccurate but somehow elementally
possible settings.
Action adventure films are designed to create an action-filled, energetic experience for the audience who can
live vicariously through the exotic locations, conquests, explorations, struggles and situations that confront
the main characters.

6. Over the years, the action genre has expanded magnificently consisting movies and
television shows. Here are some of the most popular action television shows:
• Arrow
• NCIS
• Game of Thrones
• Supernatural
• The Transformers
• Louis & Clark: The New Adventure of Superman
• Birds of Prey
• Prison Break
• Alias
• Human Target
• Nikita
• Dragon Ball Z
• The Originals
• 24
• Stargate SG-1

7. Most Action movies & television shows have a age certificate at 12/15 and
sometimes 18, depending on how violent and graphical some scenes are.
Television shows such as the The Originals has violent and graphical scenes
such as fighting, blood dripping and sexual content. These scenes are not
targeted at younger audiences.
Action Films are targeted at male and females so that they can relate to both
genders in different ways. Films such as Iron Man show that the male is the
hero which could show that the male is more dominant than females in action
films.

8. Adventure:
Films: Lord of the Rings, Jurassic Park, Transformers.
Chase:
Films: Terminator, Taxi, The Transporter.
Fight:
Films: Rocky, Fight Club, Never Back Down.
Heist:
Films: The Italian Jobs, Inception, The Fast & Furious.
Martial Arts:
Films: A Force of One, Supercop 2, Enter the Dragon.
Revenge:
Films: Quantum of Solace, Kill Bill Vol. 1, Commando.
Superhero:
Films: Batman, Superman, X-Men.