Research 1
Genre Essay:
Technological advancements have had a significant impact on the action genre. For example, films such as Avengers: Endgame (2019) use advanced CGI to create large-scale superhero battles, while Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) uses modern camera technology to capture realistic stunts. This use of CGI and high-quality filming techniques allows for more detailed explosions, fast-paced editing, and visually impressive scenes. As a result, action films are now more exciting and immersive for audiences, as they can experience scenes that would have been impossible to create in older films. Therefore, technology has shaped the genre by increasing spectacle and raising audience expectations for high-quality visuals.
Changes in audience preference have influenced how action films are produced. For example, older films like Die Hard(1988) focus on a single hero and a simple narrative, whereas modern films like Avengers: Endgame (2019) include large teams and interconnected storylines. This shift shows that audiences now prefer more complex plots and character development rather than straightforward action. Additionally, the popularity of the John Wick series highlights audience demand for realistic and stylised fight choreography. As a result, filmmakers have adapted by creating more detailed narratives and visually engaging action sequences. Therefore, changing audience expectations have led to the evolution of the action genre.
Socio-cultural factors have also influenced the action genre. For instance, films such as Wonder Woman (2017) and Black Widow (2021) feature strong female protagonists, reflecting changing attitudes towards gender representation in society. This highlights how modern audiences expect more diversity and inclusion in films. Furthermore, many action films include themes based on real-world issues such as war or terrorism, making them more relevant to contemporary audiences. As a result, the genre has adapted to reflect societal values and cultural changes. Therefore, socio-cultural influences play a key role in shaping the content and representation within action films.
A clear example of how the action genre has evolved can be seen through films such as Die Hard (1988), Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), and Avengers: Endgame (2019). Die Hard follows a single hero trying to save hostages, reflecting older conventions of simple narratives and practical effects. In contrast, Mad Max: Fury Road uses a combination of practical stunts and modern effects to create intense action, showing the transition in filmmaking techniques. Meanwhile, Avengers: Endgame demonstrates the use of CGI and large ensemble casts to appeal to modern audiences. This comparison shows how the genre has developed in terms of technology, storytelling, and audience expectations. Therefore, these examples highlight the evolution of action films over time.
Research 2
| Production Logo and Film Title | The production logo is shown to establish who the producers are and what company made the film. A film title and the way it is shown to the audience typically displays the films genre and theme. |
| Establishing Genre | It is important to establish the genre of the film at the start as it doesn’t confuse the audience as well as reaching the target audience for the film. |
| Character Introduction | Protagonists are typically introduced at the start of a film, although the subject of the scene may also be of a side character with no specific relevance to the plot whatsoever. |
| Topic/Theme | Themes in film openings act as ‘hooks’ to reel in the audience’s audience as it establishes the tone and mood of the scene. This is done by attempting to trigger an emotional response of the audience to keep them pull them into the story. |