Action Adventure Analysis -The Expendables 2

 

Action Adventure Analysis

In the opening scene of The Expendables 2, there are no titles or credits to introduce the film, meaning the audience are thrown straight into the action with no distractions, immediately helping to build tension and suspense as the audience are forced to focus solely on the plot. Following the typical conventions of an action adventure, the pace of editing is very fast in order to keep the plot moving forwards and the danger and violence to be emphasised. Along with the fast editing pace, a large variety of different shot types are used for different purposes. An establishing shot followed by match on action is used in the first 5 seconds in order to introduce the audience to the surroundings and give them a taste of what it yet to come. The use of match on action on the four by fours moving towards the setting the establishing shot previously introduced gives a big hint to the audience, again emphasising that this is where the characters are heading and therefore where the action will take place. Close ups and over the shoulder shots are repeatedly used, both introducing the characters and displaying their emotions. This effectively allows the audience to understand the plot more, as well as be engaged and base opinions on the characters making it more interesting for them, helping to determine between the protagonist(s) and antagonist(s). The use of over the shoulder shots and cross cutting allows the audience to see the action from different points of views, and used with the fast editing pace makes for a very fast moving, action packed opening scene. The use of the variety of different shots together with the fast pace helps to keep the action moving and enforces the danger and violence of the situation, making it an exciting watch for the audience.

The opening of The Expendables 2 strongly follows the expected conventions of an action adventure. The use of mise en scene in the opening scene conforms to the stereotypes as guns, fires, explosions, cars, helicopters, weaponry and an exotic location are shown. This would appeal more to the male audience as cars, weaponry etc connote danger and violence which is stereotypically something men are more interested in, however many females also enjoy the fast moving action scenes too. The dark clothing and army gear suggest to the audience that the men are on some sort of mission, and their dangerous but only just successful mission suggests that the men are experienced and have done it before. In the opening scene the only characters introduced are male, conforming to the expected stereotypes of action adventures as this is very typical of the genre. The use of dialogue is also more male orientated with “come on you bastards” being one of the first things that is said. As there is little dialogue to interest the audience in this scene, sound plays a large role. Many of the sounds heard have been dubbed for exaggeration, such as the sound of gunshots making them louder which emphasises the violence. Similarly, the sound of men screaming is also exaggerated for the same purpose. Again the music conforms to the stereotypes as slow, quiet but purposeful music plays at the beginning which increases in both speed and sound as the action heightens, creating tension within the audience. While ‘The Expendables’ are in shot the music changes in order to make them look heroic and suggest they are not in danger, however when the opposition they are fighting are shown, the music quickens suggesting they are unsafe and have little hope, helping to excite the audience.