Research

Genre convection

ACTION/THRILLER

The action and thriller movies have their own unique way of featuring sounds, camera works, narrative and mise-en-scène. Each of which promotes intensity and excitement. To put it differently these components are analyzed in detail below:

1. Sound • Diegetic Sound: All types of gun firing, punching, the sounds of cars crashing, everything is included and the realism is enhanced. • Non-Diegetic Sound: The music remains upbeat and aggressive, building suspense (like during the chase scenes) (eg. fast beats for pursuing scenes). • Silence: Extremely important in building suspense when nothing is occurring before something big happens like a bomb going to explode. • Dialogue: Generally filled with urgency, sharp and dramatic. There is a high tendency for threats or planned attack to happen.
2. Mise-en-Scène • Lighting: Very strong contrast lighting (chiaroscuro) in thrillers, while during action sequences lighting is bright and explosive. • Costume & Props: Common are dark suits, tactical gears, explosion lenses, guns, knives, other weapons, and various hi-tech devices. • Setting: For urban cities, they are often set to abandoned warehouses, military bases with urban cities or confined spaces like tunnels for chase scenes. • Character Presentation: The portrayal of heroes is broad-shouldered and in shape as opposed to villains, who take on a more sinister and gaunt form.
3. Narrative • Thriller: Focuses mainly on suspense, mystery, along with thriller. Sind it’s action, there are a lot of mistaken identities, conspiracies mixed with psychological elements. • Action: Relies on fast-paced sequences with an out strong protagonist and heroes as well as: *Shared Motives: Exposure, avengement, conflict, lawlessness, treason, and deception. *Framework: Generally adopts Todorov’s Narrative Theory (ecosystem: systematic anticipation – disturbance – restoral) accompanied by regular difficulties.
4. Camera Work. •Smooth Transitions & Rapid Cuts: Contributes to the build-up of urgency and force, particularly during fighting or fleeing. •Handheld Camera: Wielded during fighting to improve authenticity and drama. •Close-ups & Extreme Close-ups: Fixate on the feelings of the subjects of a scene or an important part of an object such as a hand grenade about to explode. •Tracking & Panning Shots: Focus on characters in fight or chase for scope of fundamental. •Dutch Angles & POV Shots: Included in thrillers to inject a feeling of disturbance and strain.

MICRO ANALYSIS :

1. Cinematography.

• Fast-paced camera movements (e.g., handheld shots to portrait real life, quick cuts for intensity).
• Use of tracking shots and shaky cam during chase sequences.
• High-contrast lighting (e.g., dark, moody tones in thrillers vs. bright, dynamic visuals in action films).

2. Editing.

• Rapid cuts in action sequences to create tension.
• Slow-motion used for dramatic effect (e.g., explosions, key fight moves).
• Cross-cutting between different character perspectives to build suspense.

3. Sound Design

• High-intensity soundtracks with dramatic orchestration or electronic beats.
• Emphasis on diegetic sounds (gunfire, footsteps, breathing) to heighten realism.
• Sudden silence before an explosion or action moment for impact.

4. Mise-en-Scène

• Dark color palettes in thrillers (noir, blue tones) vs. vibrant ones in action films.
• Use of urban environments, underground hideouts, or technologically advanced settings.
• Costumes that reflect character roles (e.g., tactical gear for special agents, casual wear for rogue heroes).

5. Performance & Acting

• Intense facial expressions to convey tension.
• Physical stunts and fight choreography.
• Minimal dialogue in action scenes, replaced by body language and reaction shots.

MACRO ANALYSIS

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1. Themes

• Good vs. Evil: Often features a hero overcoming a villain or corrupt system.
• Revenge & Justice: Common in thrillers where a protagonist seeks retribution.
• Survival & Morality: Explores the limits of human endurance and ethical dilemmas.
• Conspiracy & Betrayal: Frequently used in espionage thrillers.

2. Narrative Structure

• Follows a three-act structure (Introduction → Conflict → Resolution).
• Often uses the “ticking clock” device (e.g., a bomb set to explode, a race against time).
• Flashbacks or non-linear storytelling to add mystery in thrillers.

3. Character Archetypes

• The Lone Hero (John Wick, Jason Bourne).
• The Villain Mastermind (Joker in “The Dark Knight,” Ra’s al Ghul in “Batman Begins”).
• The Sidekick or Mentor (Alfred in “Batman,” Q in “James Bond”).
• The Femme Fatale (Mysterious female leads, often with their own agenda).

4. Societal & Political Influences

• Reflects real-world anxieties, such as terrorism (“Mission: Impossible” series), government surveillance (“Bourne Identity”), or crime syndicates (“John Wick”).
• War, law enforcement, and cyber warfare themes have evolved with technology.
• Thrillers often critique power structures, corruption, and media influence.

5. Cultural Impact

• Action films drive global box office sales due to universal appeal (minimal dialogue, visual storytelling).
• Shift towards diverse leads (e.g., female-led action films like “Atomic Blonde” and “Furiosa”).
• Influence of Eastern cinema (martial arts choreography in Hollywood, seen in “John Wick” and “The Raid”).

• Fast and furious
• Kingsmen the secret service
• Kingsmen the golden circle
• Johnny english
• Johnny english strikes again
• Johnny english reborn

Fast and furious

These movies depict dramatic family-centered stories with various characters and outrageous action scenes that include highspeed stunts.

1 Sound:

•   Diegetic: Sounds bursting forth from the screen such as roaring car engines, screeching tires, gunfire, and explosions.
•   Non-Diegetic: Gives motivation to easily identifiable scenes accompanied with fast paced electronic and hip-hop music. 
•   Dialogue: Rich with family and humour (for ex. Dom “family” speeches) full of Dom family ‘bravado” banter.
•   Silence for Suspense: used to build tension before more violent scenes (for exampe, the final confrontation).

2 Mise-en-Scène:

•   Costumes & Props: Military tactical costumes, designer dresses (the antagonists), muscle cars, high-tech weapons.
•   Settings: Underground racing, modern Dubai, Londres, Cuba, their global exotiques, and the gorgeously outfitted hideouts of the villains.
•   Lighting: During races, bright and cinematic, while in dramatic parts loses light.

3 Narrative:

•   Emotional tension acts as fuel for action: Mostly centers on revenge, heists, and protecting adored people.
•   Main ideas: family, loyalty, betrayal, and redemption.
•   Antagonist: modern villains like Cipher in F8, rogue agents, and someone personal.

4 Camera Work:

•   Fast Cuts & Quick Pacing: Ensures constant action focus along with motion.
•   Tracking Shots: Encountered when following chase sequences (For example, Dom’s car hitting a building in Furious 7).
•   Slow Motion: Emotionally triggered (Paul Walker’s farewell in Furious 7).

Kingsman: The Secret Service & Kingsman: The Golden Circle

These films incorporate a blend of espionage, action, comedy, unrestrained fight choreography, and other elements within a stylish frame.

1 Sound:

• Diegetic: High-tech gadgets (electrifying rings and exploding lighters), gunfire, and hand-to-hand combat.
• Non-Diegetic: The added muscle of the song “Free Bird” during the fight scene in the church increases the style that the action possesses.
• Dialogue: Sarcasm primarily from Eggsy and Harry Hart is delivered with dry British humor.

Mise-en-Scène:

• Costumes: Villains have more outrageous costumes (like Poppy’s 1950s theme dress in Golden Circle) while bespoke suits show class sophistication for Kingsman agents.
• Props: Imagine umbrella guns, poison pens, and robotic canines.
• Settings: British style (the Kingsman tailor shop) and lair of the villains which is full of extravagance (Poppy’s jungle hideout).

3 Narrative:

• Themes: Spying, mentoring, social strife, and abuse of technology.
• Villains: Comedic (Valentine’s lisp and Poppy’s nostalgic obsession).
• Structure: Classic Hero’s journey chronicle. Eggsy goes from being a street boy to a gentleman spy.

4 Camera Work:

• Long Takes & One-Shot Fights: The church fight scene in Kingsman: The Secret Service is a prime example.
• Slow Motion & Speed Ramping: Used in stylish combat scenes.
• Wide Shots & POV Shots: Acrobats and gadgets are best showcased from these angles.

Johnny English (All Parts)

A mix of humor and action like in James Bond movies where comedy makes fun of the spy genre.

1 Sound:

• Diegetic: Ridiculous accidents, malfunctioning spy gadgets, and gunfire that isn’t real.
• Non-Diegetic: Gentle orchestral music that turns comedic or suspenseful.
• Dialogue: Ironic and sarcastic with Johnny constantly misunderstanding things.

2 Mise-en-Scène:

• Costumes: Traditional spy suits that are ridiculously paired with disguises like armor in public.
• Props: Ridiculous spy gadgets like pens that explode but only onto the user.
• Settings: Lavish British government offices, secret lairs and exotic locations.

3 Narrative:

• Themes: Incompetence in espionage, mistaken identity and accidental heroism.
• Villains: Over-the-top but still dangerous (e.g. Pascal Sauvage in Johnny English).
• Structure: Follows a typical spy movie plot but through comedy, failures come first then success.

4 Camera Work:

• Close-Ups: Focus on Johnny’s expression, which is always in state of confusion.
• Wide Shots: Show cases slapstick comedy, like someone falling off a building.
• Tracking Shots: Follow the action but are filled with comedic blunders.

Targeted audience

The Fast & Furious franchise targets people aged between 15 to 40 who are action junkies and adrenaline lovers because of the franchise’s deep themes of family and loyalty, coupled with the high speed races, chases, and stunts. Instead, Kingsman targets an 18 to 40 year old audience who love stylish and high energy thrillers mixed with dark humor and action. This film captivates fans of sophisticated James Bond movies due to its mastered spy craft choreography. Johnny English, on the other hand, is a friendly spy comedy which celebrates Rowan Atkinson’s artistic value. This film appeals to the adult audience (aged 10-50) and kids with its blend of slapstick humor and parody of espionage.

All of these movies primarily target a masculine audience because of their love for violence and illegal activities.

FORMAL SURVEY

INFORMAL SURVEY

Fast and furious

The opening scene of The Fast and the Furious (2001) sets the pace for the entire film which includes speed, precise action and intricate movements. In this scene, the audience is exposed to a very high speed, action oriented truck robbery that makes the viewers of the movie feel as if they live in this world of outlaw street racing and crime. The time of day contributes to the intensity of the scene as it progresses. Moreover, the use of rapid cuts with close ups assists in enhancing the mystery and suspense of the scene.

Adrenaline is in the air as the sound design kicks in with the booming engines, screaching tires and the energetic music.The sense of speed is further contributed by the camera movements, especially the tracking movements that follow the vehicles on the move. Not only does the music lay more backbone to the scene, it adds loyalty and risk which is essential in this franchise. The music, combined with the visual, contribute to the central conflict that is submitted towards the law and street racers. In essence, this opening fight sequence captures the viewers attention and prepares the audience with the deep underlying anticipation they will experience as they watch the movie. Relentless and breakneck, this opening sequence effortlessly captures the essence of the movie and its underlying message. My expectation from the movie changes completely.

Kingsman the Secret Service

The captivating batlle in Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014) start of the movie is stylized and intense from the get-go. This sequence of events commences with a furious military operation, pouring the espionage field with its existance of peril and macabre humor. As Harry Hart (Galahad) comes over the sole survivor of the military operation’s interogation, it becomes apparent that he is the protagonist of the story and represents the mentorship and honor in the movie.

The stepwise brutal calmness of the fight is exhibitied in the way Kingsmen have profoundly and appalingly mastered combat. The fight also displays the violence, style and explosion which is diffused with Dire Straits’ Money for Nothing tracks. The satirization reinforces the fusion of contemporary action and age-old spy movie cliches. The exposure consolidating blends It further consolidates the Kingsman organization’s world while further describes the depth of extereme sophistication, dry humor, sarcasm, and quirkiness this movie promises to bring.

Johnny English

The first scene of Johnny English (2003) shows the movie’s humorous perspective on the spy genre. It commences with Johnny English (Rowan Atkinson) fantasizing about him being a skillful and refined secret agent while amazing music and beautiful visuals play in the background. Sadly, this dream is short-lived as he is shown to be an awful desk employee in MI7. This difference serves as the foundation of the film’s satire of traditional spying behaviors.

The scene also grabs introduced aspects of English’s personality- his irrational self-assurance, absence of coordination, and delusional superiority complex. The absurd visual humor, such as Edwin’s wonderful facial distortion and bodily accidents events, is a combination o his unique slapstick comedy style. The reverse use of greater angel shots and the serious tone of a spy movie makes the later funny moments more hilarious. All in all, this opening aptly sets the tone of the movie’s style of humor, the main character, and the message- that although Johnny English does not possess any talents, he is ready to become the top spy in Britain irrespective of how catastrophic it would turn out to be.