Why is Action so thrilling?
Typical target audience:
The action thriller genre is one of the most powerful and exciting areas of modern films. This genre has been continuously shaped through the history of multiple directors, through heart-pounding sequences and well-crafted plots. The popularity of this genre is largely due to the number of people it appeals to within the target audience, mostly young and middle-aged adults who crave energy, suspense, and tension. The action thrillers movies/series are exciting as they make the audience feel the tension of a battle, and the strategies that go along with it. One example of this is the film Sherlock Holmes by Guy Ritchie that made over $526M and attracted an audience interested in fast-paced action and mystery.
A poster from the film Sherlock Holmes
Genre conventions Content:
The content within action thrillers can be found within majority of action thriller films/series. These movies focus on a skilled hero or small team that is trying to defeat or destroy powerful enemies or survive in deadly situations. Unlike pure action movies, the thriller element brings a sense of psychology to the film which adds to the feeling that danger could strike at any moment. Heroes/protagonists in these moments tend to be clever in every situation presented, whereas villains are usually more unpredictable. An example of this is in The film The Gentlemen by Guy Ritchie. The plot of the movie is centered on Mickey Pearson, a wealthy drug lord who is forced to defend his business against betrayal from people who are trying to sabotage his farms to lower their prices, making it cheaper for them to buy. The movie balances humor and high-tension moments that demonstrate how brains and the right moment can be just as deadly as a bullet. It is this combination of intelligence and the conflict that keeps the viewer engaged till the end.
Genre conventions Production:
Majority of these films are primarily shot in urban environments, with places like crowded cities that are full of opportunities like threats or corruption. These locations give filmmakers the opportunity to create complex chase scenes, underground meetings, high tech missions, and represent the modern world. Lighting and tone are also significant, with flashes of light highlighting key explosions or other important moments; darker colors tend to suggest mystery or moral conflict. An example of this is the darkly lit streets of London in the Sherlock Holmes movie by Guy Ritchie, which add a sense of mystery and suspense; together, this creates an action thriller genre. The styles of production on action thrillers are designed to add tension and urgency. Directors use wide tracking shots, shaky cameras and quick cuts in chase scenes and battles to help the audience feel like they are part of the action. Deep bass and tense violin are a couple of the sound effects that create explosions, stealth scenes and abrupt silence that bring a sense of shock. Different sounds are important aspects that enhance soundtracks and sound effects. For example, in Jarhead the noise of helicopters, gunfire and emptiness all contribute to the mental tension soldiers experience even when there is no fighting. In Jarhead the genre is maintained through the transitions between silence and actions instead of relying mainly on fighting.
Institutional conventions:
The advertising that goes along with these movies is usually based on visual appeal, mystery, and energy. With one type of advertising like posters, they often show the main or group of heroes alone in the middle of a dark or blazing background, holding a weapon. In contrast, trailers are typically filled with dramatic moments, stunts, one-liner moments, and bursts of action. To convey power or tension, advertisements often use hues such as silver, black, and red to evoke emotion. An example of this can be seen in the Netflix series The Night Agent advertisement, which uses a slogan such as “ Heroes aren't Born. They answer the call. ” with the protagonist ready to fight and a dark scheme to attract its target audience. Similarly, The Blacklist combines crime, politics, and danger into one long plot, featuring an FBI agent and a professional criminal with a mix of mystery and intensity.
A poster from the series The Night Agent
Film 1 ex:
The 6 Underground is a film that fits the action thriller genre, with the movie being about six agents faking their deaths to take down dangerous criminals and corruption. The action and undercover missions are shown through the narrative, and each of the protagonist with each one having a special skill in a different field. The rapid editing, bright visuals, and artistic camera angles used by director Bay enhance the movie's energy. The characters are relatable to the audience despite the chaos around them because of their humor and teamwork. In this movie, the thriller genre is expressed through the combination of humor, spectacle, and danger.
A poster from the film 6 Underground
Film 2 ex:
Another movie that portrays the action thriller genre is The Gentlemen. Instead of numerous explosions, the movie focuses on dialogue, tension, and strategy. Starting off with a plot related to a chess game, where each move and word contributes to the entirety of the movie. Next the use of editing, slow-motion shots, abrupt cuts, and wardrobe choices (well-fitted suits and bright colors(The Gentlemen)) all directed by Guy Ritchie make the film stand out from traditional action movies. This keeps viewers on the edge of their seats in suspense as they wonder who is controlling the events until the very end, when everything is revealed.
A poster from the film The Gentlemen
Other film examples:
Other examples of the thriller action genre include Sherlock Holmes, Jarhead, The Night Agent, The Blacklist, You, John Wick, and Extraction. Each of these films/series shares similar filmmaking techniques: fast pacing, plot twists, and moral complexity. All these movies feature some form of spies, detectives, and anti-heroes. The action thriller genre remains popular because it combines raw energy with mental power, creating exciting battles fought with intelligence and strength.
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