1. Action-Adventure Films
To gain knowledge of action adventure film codes and conventions
To assess the representation of men and women in these films
To determine audiences for action adventure films

2. What are the typical features of an action-adventure film?

3. Codes & Convention of Action-Adventure Films
Adventure narrative
Tightly woven stories – clear structure
Central character on some sort of quest or mission
Character hindered along the way by evil forces
Humorous dialogue often used to diffuse tense situations
Exotic locations which often create further challenges
Usually a love interest of some sort
Action narrative
Heroes are thrown into a series of challenges
Physical & mental
Combat
Chases
A character with given resources is struggling against incredible odds
Life threatening situations
Villain
Pursuit of object, person, or goal

5. Gender Traits
Using the Venn diagram, place the character traits in the correct section: Men, Women, or both
American (or Western)
Patriotic
Attractive to women
Physically fit
Confident
Saves and protects the damsel in distress
Courageous
Sexually attractive
Has a male sidekick
White
Heterosexual
Independent
Intelligent

6. Gender Character Traits
Male
Female
Attractive to women
Courageous
Has a male sidekick
Heterosexual
Patriotic
Physically fit
Saves and protects
the damsel in distress
Both
Confident
Independent
Intelligent
Sexually attractive
American
(or Western)
White/
Caucasian

7. Analysing Action-Adventure
In groups, watch your Action-Adventure clip –
Which Action-Adventure conventions are used?
How is the male character portrayed? How is the female character portrayed? (Male Gaze Theory)
Which of the four ideologies are used? Why?
Can your clip belong to another genre/hybrid? If so, which one?
ghttps:// – LotR
– King Kong
– Batman Begins
– Jurassic Park 3
– Superman Returns
– Back to the Future 3
Table 1 – The Lord of the Rings
Table 2 – King Kong
Table 3 – Batman Begins
Table 4 – Jurassic Park 3
Table 5 – Superman Returns
Table 6 – Back to the Future 3

8. Action-Adventure Audience
Who is the primary audience for action-adventure films, and how are their needs met?
Who is the secondary audience for action-adventure films, and how are their needs met?
Do action adventure-films alienate any members of the audience? If so, why?