Research into the Action genreSUBGENRE: CRIME

Action Action is a genre which typically involves the protagonist

becoming opposed to a number of challenges usually consisting of violence and physical feats.

Typical genre conventions allude to the protagonist being against unmeasurable odds.

Crime Action

This subgenre would contain the genre conventions of a typical action film however the narrative would involve features of a crime.

Protagonists and antagonists would usually be the police or some form of authority alongside people choosing to oppose the laws of the world in which the story is set.

The history of the action genre1920s and1930sThe genre would typically consist of sword fighting and more historical forms of stories that include a hero and damsel in distress.Usually, they would be set in renaissance west Europe.Films that typically involve this include: The mark of Zorro (1920) The Three musketeers (1921) The black pirate (1926)

Douglas Fairbanks

Notable actor for swashbuckling during the 1920s.

The history of the action genre1940s and 1950sDuring this period, the subgenre of war and cowboy films become most prevalent. Battles would convey naval, air or land action related to warfare and the cowboy films would convey typical close combat. Regarding cowboy films, the setting would usually be in a desert with over exposed lighting and washed out colours. Yet, war films would be set in war torn countries. Films that typically involve this include: Rivers end (1940) Rio Grande (1950) The Searchers (1956)

John Wayne

Notable actor for gun slinging during the 1950s.

The history of the action genre1960s and 1970sInside this era, the action genre would shift into a new subgenre of spy adventure. James bond became the popular figurehead to drive forward the popularity of the genre and the immeasurable odds would usually come in the form of a villainous plot that would threaten the world. As a result, the protagonist would become a ‘one man army’ and effectively use everything at their disposal to dispose of the villain and their plans. In addition, car chases became the revolutionary way to convey suspense along with close combat and other creative solutions.Films that typically involve this include: Live and let die (1972) The spy who loved me (1977) Dr No (1962)

Roger Moore

Notable actor for spying during the 1970s.

The history of the action genre1980s and 1990sThese times mainly consisted of the summer blockbuster becoming more prominent and providing increased fame to the predominantly alpha male action hero's. Subgenres primarily consisted of adventure. The budgets of action films were increasing exponentially as a result therefore allowing higher production value which led to larger audiences.Films that typically involve this include: Die Hard (1988) Raiders of the lost ark (1981) Speed (1994)

Harrison Ford

Notable actor for adventure during the 1980s.

The history of the action genre2000s to presentThe genre leans more towards explosive action nowadays with adventures still maintaining their primary status alongside science fiction however Hollywood now plays a much larger role in the reputation of the genre and consumes most of the distribution for the films. The superhero subgenre has become increasingly popular as well.Films that typically involve this include: X-Men (2000) Hancock (2008) The Avengers (2012)

Robert Downey Jr

Notable actor for reclaiming the superhero genre