Conventions-Content: Adventure
genres typically consist of a male protagonist that is curious and brave, often
getting involved in risky endeavors. The time period is usually in the past to
make reference to the time period. Within the film, there are moments of
intensity such as action sequences, as well as moments of realization to
progress the story.
Conventions-Production Techniques: During some
action scenes, the camera shakes to amplify intensity. Props often include
weapons from the represented time period, as well as artifacts that the
adventurer is trying to obtain. Set design is made to realistically portray the
intended setting either through fabricating a set or finding a location which
best fits the intended area. Additionally, if location is found rather than
created, landmarks of historical or visual significance are implemented to
provide more relevance to the audience, as well as better fit the time period's
stereotypes.
Sounds used are often music to add
suspense, intensity, or curiosity to a scene with similar visual attributes.
Additionally, Foley sounds are used to portray elements of the world typical to
the setting, such as gunshots and horses, providing a more immersive experience
for the audience and truly encapsulating the setting of the film.
Marketing: A common
poster for adventure films portray a smaller figure being shadowed by a much
larger figure to emphasize the large task that a character is about to embark
on. Alternatively, another common poster could be a compilation of many
different characters placed close together. Both posters strive to emphasize
the contrast between the smaller and larger characters of the film. Typically,
adventure films don’t often revolve around a specific actor, rather the journey
of the film, unless a series is established. Considering the target audience of
young teens to young adults (12-30), an emphasis on a story draws more
attention than an emphasis on an actor.
Film sample #1: Indiana
Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark:
Indiana Jones tells a story of an
archeologist that goes on an adventure to uncover the Lost Ark. Throughout the
story, common conventions are used. Throughout the film, there is an emphasis
on Jones’ brave and curious personality, a setting revolving around WW2 to refer
to the time period, and plot points of intensity and realization. Within the
film, props of swords, guns, and ancient artifacts are also made to fit the
setting and time period of the film. For example, when Jones engages in a fight
in a marketplace, props of swords and guns appropriate to the 1930s in the
Middle East are used to maintain continuity, as well as to provide the audience
with the visual elements of a different country. Additionally, the set often
included crates with the Nazi party’s symbol to provide a better sense of the
time period and the predicament that Jones is in. The sets used are also often
of an area that is unknown to the protagonist, creating a sense of suspense for
both the character in the film and the audience as both are unaware of what
lies ahead, further satisfying the adventure genre.
Film sample #2: Jurassic
Park:
Jurassic Park brings upon many
different aspects of the adventure genre, with the primary focus being the main
characters lack of knowledge of the area they enter. When first entering the
park, for example, Alan and Ellie see the brachiosaurus and are impressed by
the surprising aspects of the creature. This presents an unknown factor being
discovered by main characters which is common within the genre. Additionally,
the setting of the park creates a sense of adventure in itself. The forest like
environment combined with the construction of humans creates a sense of the
main characters never being alone, regardless of it being dinosaurs or other
humans. The main characters are always on edge as a result, being unaware of
their surroundings and what lies ahead. This carries an emotional impact of the
audience exploring the world with the main characters, further amplifying the
sense of adventure.
Other examples: Pirates of
the Caribbean, Back to the Future, Wall-E, Jumanji, Up.
