Codes and Conventions

Codes and Conventions of Action Genre

·         12/15 certificate, maximising youth audiences

·         Often hybridised with Sci Fi/Adventure/Romance

·         Major Hollywood studio produced and distributed

·         High production values 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 opposition

·         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. Mulvey’s male gaze and contemporary female gaze can apply

·         Propp’s theories applicable

·   Uses and Gratifications theory can be mapped onto Action Films