This document analyzes the genre elements that define the action thriller genre according to Nick Lacey's framework. It then applies these elements to summarize a trailer for the film "Walk Among the Tombstones." The key genre elements of setting, characters, narrative, iconography, and style are all discussed as seen in the trailer. Examples are provided for each element that follow typical conventions of the action thriller genre.

1. Analysis of Genre: Lacey’s Repertoire of Elements
In his book Narrative and Genre: Key Concepts in Media Studies, (Palgrave, Macmillan), Nick Lacey
defines genre elements as constituting the 5 key areas below:
 setting
 character
 narrative
 iconography
 style
When analysing texts, use Lacey’s repertoire of genre elements as a guide. Fill in the boxes below,
making notes on the genre conventions that you see
Genre elements Conventions
Setting- mise en scene/
location
Kelsey Keighley
A shot wide long of New York showing it is a big city, most action thrillers
are set in large cities, mostly New York. This is very conventional for the
type of genre.
Liam Neeson is sat in a bar, he runs out shooting people
Car chase / crash in the first few seconds
Characters –
representations,
stereotypes, behaviour,
body language, specific
actors/stars
Protagonist – the hero
Antagonist – the villain
Most action thrillers have a protagonist, in this case Liam Neeson is the
hero helping find a kidnapped girl, throughout he has to face antagonists.
Liam Neeson is known in other films such as Taken and Taken 2, in these
films he is the hero so seeing the trailer for this film suggests he is the
hero in this also.
Narrative events –how
is the narrative ordered
and structured?
Is it elliptical/enigmatic
(elements left out to
intrigue/entice the
audience)
The narration is Liam Neeson explaining how he started what he is doing
throughout the film, giving us little clips of what the film is about. From
what he says, we know he was an ex-police officer but is now a stray
officer.
Detective stories usually have a voice over.
The shorts quick clips creates enigma because the audience will
wonder what is going to happen throughout the film and question
the story line.

2. Analysis of Genre: Lacey’s Repertoire of Elements
Iconography –Well
known or recognisable
people/objects/buildings
mise en scene/ props,
costume, setting,
symbolic codes
Name of text: Walk Among the Tombstones Genre: Action Thriller
Target Audience: I think the producer has targeted this film at lower – middle class males at the age
of 15 – 35 because it is an action thriller it is more appealing to males. The film is about someone
picking themselves up and starting again. They would have looked at other target audiences for
similar films such as Taken and Taken 2, which have a similar plot and with the same actor.
Kelsey Keighley
The girl in the trailer that was kidnapped was wearing a red coat; the
antagonist was stood behind her. This could symbolise the child story
‘Little Red Riding Hood’. Enigma is created here making the audience
question whether or not the film’s story line is imitating the child story,
little red riding hood.
The first shot was New York city, this is a very recognisable city
Guns, car crashes, detectives and voice overs are iconic for this specific
genre of film.
STYLE: Technical and
audio codes – camera
use, editing,
diegetic/non diegetic
sound, sfx. Mise en
scene/lighting, colour
Non diegetic sounds are used throughout the trailer, the sound is very
intense, it builds up and gets faster when something is about to happen.
The edits also get shorter and faster to builds suspense. All of those are
conventional to the action thriller genre.
Summary
The trailer for this film is very stereotypical; Liam Neeson has starred in other films Taken and Taken
2. These films are about a kidnapping this helps you understand more of what this film is about.
Most action thrillers are based in large cities; in this case the city is new York. In every action thriller
there is a protagonist and antagonist. The short clips and none diegetic sounds build up suspense
making you want to watch this film to know what happens.
All these stereotypes are conventional for this genre of film.