Action Adventure Analysis - The Pirates Of The Caribbean

Action Adventure Analysis

The opening scene to The Pirates of The Caribbean slightly subverts from the stereotypical action adventure genre expectations. From the first two minutes it is not that easy to determine the action adventure genre due to the lack of action and fast paced editing, which may be due to it being partly of the fantasy genre. The target audience is young, as shown by the use of bright colours and simple, stereotypical pirate language and dress sense. The main character is introduced by different uses of camera angles and screen prevalence, and is made to look important as he is the first character in view, shown through a low angle shot. Various camera angles are used in the opening scene, such as a medium shot which zooms into a close up. This effectively displays the characters emotions, and leads to a comical start when a long shot reveals his not so stereotypical pirate ship. An establishing shot sets up the scene, following the conventions of an action adventure with an exotic location, helping to set the scene and introduce the audience to the surroundings. The filming technique used is unsteady, producing the feeling the audience are at sea too, making them feel more involved and helping to engage them in the film. The use of the tracking shot and then panning of the camera sets up the introductory scene as it establishes the main character’s role. The types of shot used show the respect and surprise the other pirates have for the main character, suggesting he hasn’t been around for a while which helps the audience to recognise his importance, and again emphasises that he will be the main character which may be necessary due to its young target audience.

The use of mise en scene is not so stereotypical to the action adventure genre but more the pirate theme itself which would be more effective for the younger target audience as it is something they would expect and find easily recognisable. The clothing is very stereotypical with the jewellery, ragged clothing and pirate hat, helping to suit the theme. The dialogue is also very conventional with the uneducated accent and colloquial/typical language “aye”. The location and use of props is something which helps to determine the action adventure genre, with the use of boats, the exotic setting, pirate ships and dead bodies, all conforming to what would be expected. Due to its pirate theme, it is expected that The Pirates of The Caribbean will be an action adventure due to the typical storyline/plot that usually revolves around pirate films, however it is not made that obvious in the opening. As there is only one main character introduced, it is hard to determine if he will be the antagonist or protagonist. Similarly, there is nothing to suggest there will be any kind of tension or disagreement and therefore nothing which inclines there will be some sort of mission/journey/quest to take part in, which is typical of the action adventure genre. 

All of this followed by the slow editing pace subverts from what is expected of the genre as nothing really happens in the opening scene apart from the introduction of Captain Jack Sparrow. Action adventures more often than not opening with a fast paced action scene, immediately introducing the audience to the plot however, Pirates of the Caribbean does not follow this structure. The main character is suggested to be the protagonist only through the use of music which builds up when he is in shot; implying he is heroic and respected. This is reinforced through the use of camera angles allowing the audience to see the other pirate’s emotions and reactions when they see him, helping to suggest this however, no dramatic clues are given. When the main character enters on his pathetic, (in comparison to the other pirate ships shown in shot) falling apart, little boat, it is suggested to the audience that the film will be some kind of comedy about a failed pirate, however the use of music subverts from this suggestion as it builds the character up to be important despite his feeble entrance. At the end the music changes to a more dramatic tone, displayed against the dark haunting colours of the night. This is the only suggestion that the upbeat tone of the opening scene will be compromised, and is the only obvious representation of the action adventure genre as it suggests that there will be some kind of conquest to come. Overall, the opening scene to The Pirates of the Caribbean both conforms and subverts to the stereotypical action adventure conventions. The lack of action is a key part to the genre which is missing so would make it difficult for a young audience to establish the genre. Subtle clues are given such as the location and the props; however the sound and editing are also little help due to their lack of drama or importance.