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. Action-Adventure Films

3. Action-Adventure Codes & Conventions
Adventure narrative
Stories with a clear structure of beginning, middle, and end
Central character on some sort of quest or mission
Character slowed down along the way by evil forces
Funny dialogue often used to prove relief after tense situations
Exotic locations which often create more 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 Traits Male Female Both Attractive to women Confident
Courageous
Has a male sidekick
Heterosexual
Patriotic
Physically fit
Saves and protects the damsel in distress
Confident
Independent
Intelligent
Sexually attractive
Both
American (or Western)
White/
Caucasian

7. Analysing Action-Adventure
Watch your Action-Adventure clip, and answer the following –
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?
Student Resources 
English 
Mr Kempner 
Year 9 
Visual Analysis 
Action-Adventure Clips
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 Audiences
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?