Action

What sorts of action are common in electronic narratives? Fights – Fistfights Battles – War films – Fantasy – Science Fiction Chases – Car chases Shootouts – Westerns Disasters Bombings

What is the role of action in electronic narratives? Plot turning point – The outcome of the action often has a significant effect over future actions and events Climaxes minor and major Physical conflict/manifestation of conflict Infuse emotion/excitement – Some of the most stirring video is based on action Character development

The importance of action The importance of action varies widely according to genre and plot Action may not be very important (Sleepless in Seattle) or it may dominate the text (Eagle Eye/X-Men)

Action video/film Many contemporary electronic narratives are driven by depictions of action – Popular with audiences – Blockbuster flicks High budget – Can be very successful at the box office Films/TV shows/Video games that emphasize action above other things are considered their own genre—“Action-adventure”

Good action Generates suspense – Outcome hangs in the balance until the end of the sequence – Includes changing fortunes – Matches forces – Protagonist barely successful, if at all (cut the wire with 2 seconds left)

Generates surprise – Unexpected/random events, actions – Malevolent forces suddenly appear

Good action Uses physiological means to draw attention – Quick cuts – Change of perspective – Loud/changing volume – Up tempo music Captures the emotions of the characters

The downside: Overemphasis on, or unnecessary use of, action may reduce or undermine character or plot development Most common critique of action-oriented films

Common features of action scenes Fast pacing – Rapid movement of characters and camera – Short shots/rapid change of camera position Stunts – Extreme physical action Often to the point of implausibility Often unrealistic abilities on the part of the characters Violence – Fights, weapons common – Extreme threat to protagonist

Common features of action scenes Special effects – Pyrotechnics – Car chases/helicopter, jet action – Wounds, blood, etc. – Monsters/animals Computer graphics/digital effects

Presenting action Action sequences often require coordination among a number of actors, production people, special effects personnel, etc. Very expensive—may only be able to shoot once – Destruction of props, etc. – Pyrotechnics are used up – Blocking and action of actors, cameras, etc. takes a great deal of time – Stunts are dangerous

Presenting action Because of their expense and the difficulty of getting them right, many TV producers, film directors have moved toward computer- generated effects

Critical concerns over action Does it fit with and support the overall narrative? – Critics often complain that too much focus on action undermines plot and/or character development Is it compelling in its own right? Is it plausible enough within the narrative frame? – Avoid leading audience to question what they see on the screen? Is it too intense for the intended audience?