ACTION MOVIEKEY ELEMENTS What are the things that most action films have? GLOSSARY CHARACTE R a person in a novel, play, or film PROTAGONI ST ANTAGONIST MENTOR the leading character or one of the major characters in a play, film, novel, etc. a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary. an experienced and trusted adviser. GLOSSARY GADGET a small mechanical or electronic device or tool, especially a new or unusual one. MONOLOGU E a long speech by one actor in a play or film, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast programme. MONTAGE CAMEO the technique of selecting, editing, and piecing together separate sections of film to form a continuous whole. a small character part in a play or film, played by a distinguished actor or a celebrity. 5 ELEMENTS OF ACTION FILMS 1. STRONG HERO First and foremost, action movies live and die (literally) with their heroes. While there are some examples of ensemble casts (like The Expendables) or buddy-cop duos (like Lethal Weapon), at their hearts, every action movie needs a singular, strong, courageous hero. While the action movie hero can certainly have character flaws — a disdain for protocol or a filthy chain-smoking habit — the likability of the hero is often what ultimately decides the success of the film. That’s why action movies are such star-driven titles. The actors or actresses take on larger-than-life personas, making fans want to see them again and again. 2. REVENGE PLOT More often than not, an action movie’s plot is going to be solely fueled by some sort of revenge or vengeance (or Avengement?) that will power the narrative from start to bloody finish. Perhaps the most on-the-nose example of this would be the original John Wick film (as well as the subsequent sequels), which are based off one single event that propels Keanu Reeves’s John Wick into action. The tropes are all pretty similar — a kidnapped daughter in Taken, an attacked family in Death Wish, a platoon systematically wiped out in Predator — all vehicles in casting your hero unhinged into the world of revenge. 3. TRAINING MONTAGE This is not an absolute requirement in every action movie. There are many action movie heroes who are simply allpowerful (like Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator or Steven Seagal in any of his movies) who don’t need to level up for their final showdowns (more on those below). Training montages don’t always have to be workout related. There are many montages for gearing up, like in Commando and Rambo: First Blood Part II, that accomplish the same thing. With one of the older movies from the 1980’s like JeanClaude Van Damme in many of his movies to Sylvester Stallone (most notably in Rocky IV), a training montage can be a fun, engaging way to show your hero striving toward the completion of the hero’s journey. 4. CHASES AND FIGHT SCENES Obviously, the premise of an action film includes several action scenes and sequences. You can usually break these down into chase scenes and fight scenes. Chase scenes can be shot in a variety of settings, on different vehicles, or on foot. From the car chase roots in Bullitt to famous foot chases in Point Break to blockbuster motorcycle and 18wheeler chases in Terminator 2, the scenes can vary in size and scope. Fight scenes can be just as exciting — as well as extremely complex and coordinated. In fact, many stunt professionals have made the jump from performers and coordinators to directors (like John Wick directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch — who are reportedly working on a Bloodsport reboot), based on their expertise in choreography and filming dynamic, impactful scenes. 5. A FINAL SHOWDOWN Finally, at the end of every action movie, you need a final showdown between your villain and your hero. In many tournament-style martial arts movies — like Bloodsport or The Karate Kid — these showdowns will line up pretty naturally. However, in other plots, you’ll have to find ways for your hero and villain to find themselves facing off mano-a-mano. These final acts are usually some of the biggest, most complex spectacles in action movies — often shot on some of the most elaborate sets. From the industrial sets of Terminator and Terminator 2 to Chuck Norris and David Carradine squaring off with different martial arts expertise in Lone Wolf McQuade, the final showdown can be a long, engaging sequences, with the most drama and intrigue. And, unless you’re looking to make a multi-movie plot with a twist, or an art film that turns the genre on its head, like Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, you’ll probably want to have your hero triumph and ride off into the sunset.
