Codes and Conventions of Action/Thriller Hybrid Film

Narrative:
This genre would have a restricted narrative and use objective
character identification, as it would allow the audience to solve the
problems whilst watching the film, it includes them in the film. The
use of Propps and Todorovs theory of narrative are commonly used
in mainstream films which help create the plot or story. The
conventions would also include Allan Camerons modular narratives
of anachronic and forking-path. The use of flashbacks/flash-forwards
(anachronic) as this would denote various information to the
audience, which would help to develop the story. The use of forkingpath would denote different outcomes to the audience which would
mean that they have to think which is the most likely to occur.
Camera:
The most common camera movements in and action\thriller hybrid
would be the steadycam. This would denote that the audience are
almost in the action and are moving along with the characters
(track). It is also likely that a canted angle would be used, as this
would create a sense of disorientation, which would make it more
difficult for the audience to solve the puzzles before the end of the
film.
Editing:
The editing techniques used in an action/thriller film are eye line
match, crosscutting, focus pull, jump cuts, time remapping, zolly
shots. The eye line shot would denote to the audience what the
character is looking at. This would allow them to get clues
throughout the film. The use of crosscutting would be used to create
tension in the film. Focus pull would be used to confuse the
character and allow them to denote features they may not have
been able to denote before. The use of jump cuts would disorient
the audience and see the characters from different point of views,
which may reveal clues. Time remapping may be used in action
sequences to connote emphasise of a certain characters strength.
The use of zolly shots would be used to connote something out of
the ordinary occurring, which would engage the audience.
Lighting:
The lighting most commonly used in action\thriller films would be a
mixture of both high and low key lighting. For example when there is
an action sequence there would be high key lighting so the audience
can clearly denote what is happening, when showing the antagonist
there would be the use of low key lighting so the audience are
unable to denote the villain early in the film.
Characters:

The general narrative of action/thriller films always involves a

protagonist (Propps theory of narrative, hero) and an antagonist
(Propps theory of narrative, villain). The antagonist usually
challenges the protagonist and, this creates tension and makes the
audience want to see who will end up victorious. The protagonist
normally has to solve some form of puzzles or clues to save the day.
In action/thriller movies there is more likely to be a false hero
(Propps theory of narrative). This would make it more difficult for
the audience to unravel the plot therefore keeping them engaged
with the film.
Sound:
In action\thriller films there is a mixture of both diegetic and nondiegetic music. The music is generally synchronous however it can
be either parallel or contrapuntal. This is because in some films the
non-diegetic sound is a soundtrack of light-hearted music
(contrapuntal). This is used to create a humorous atmosphere and
can signify the psychological depth of the character.
Costumes:
The costumes used in action/thriller films are usually casual clothes
but can be professional sometimes. The colours used are normally
quite dark, this is to synergize with the genre.