Inconography of the Action/Thriller Genre

Action/ Thriller films are movies that are filled with lots of twists and engrossing action. They aim to keep the audience on the edge of their seat through the use of pyrotechnics, detailed story lines and usually a problem that could be seen to arise in real life.

The semi-realistic storyline is key for an action/thriller films success, and although the excessive use of high powered weapons and other explosives may be slightly unrealistic, this is what the audience want to see. The plots of most Action/Thriller are roughly the same; two parties, usually against each other; while exploring the actions of psychopaths, villains and evil governing bodies.

Technical

• Action/Thrillers often use low level lighting the portray “bad” characters within the film. This makes the character seem dark and mysterious when vision is impaired.  
• Also, they are likely to have fast paced cuts between shots to ensure that the audience is edging on the end of their seat during the heat of the action.
• Extreme close ups are used very often so the audience are able to interpret the characters emotions and expressions expressed by their face during action packed or tense moments.

Symbolic

• The characters are often seen to have blood covering their body to show the viewer they have participated in a high action scene of the film, which, in turn caused them to draw blood.
• Also, the characters of an Action/Thriller film are often seen to start with nice clean clothes and by the end of the film their clothes are shagged and in ruins. This symbol parallels their emotions throughout the film; clean clothes – happy, ruined clothes – distraught. 

Written and Audio

• Action/Thrillers usually include fast paced but also dramatic music to overlay their impressive video to encourage a tense atmosphere with an element of suspense.
• The characters often scream vocally to add effect and real life emotion to the position they have found themselves in, this helps the audience relate with the character on screen.
• Action/Thrillers often have music that is tailored to the individual characters personality. For example when the “bad guy” enters the frame the viewer is likely to hear dark and twisted music that parallels the characters personality. 

Case Study: Transporter

I studied the film Transporter to see how it contains Action/Thriller iconography; the findings are shown below;

- Obvious antagonist

- Race against the clock scenario

- Features more violence than other sub genres

- Disruption to Equilitorium requires the protagonist to use action to solve it.

- Usually involves characters of the opposite sex to drive the narrative.

Features more violence than other sub genres

Seeing as this film is action-orientated film with thriller aspects, it will have to be filmed in a similar way to an action film. It is based around violence and the story relies on physical scenes to boost the entertainment value. We know this film is an action film almost straight away due to the violence portrayed. Usually, action films use more violence and a small amount of narrative, unlike our trailer, where narrative will be key.

Opposite sex

The main characters can be brought together and also associated by their genders. The female protagonist in the film is seen to use her feminine qualities to manipulate others but ultimately this plan fails.

Physically fit

The protagonist is skilled in combat and is depicted as a powerful and dominant character, this is seen in the beginning fight of the film; this fight portrays the character throughout. Protagonist are usually illustrated as “above” than the average character in the film.

Disruption to Equilitorium requires the protagonist to use action to solve it

The protagonist solves the initial problem with methods that encourage action in the beginning of the film, which illustrates to the audience the film is action packed because the characters try to solve the issues within the plot physically, rather unlike some thrillers which use psychological methods to solve problems.