Master and commander 1. Explain two ways the characters and/or events in the extract fit the action adventure genre. [10]

2. Explain how each of the following is used to create effects that fit the action adventure genre:

Soundtrack

Camerawork

Editing

Mise-en-scène. [20]

3. Discuss how people are represented in the extract. [20]

 

The characters in this film fit into the action adventure genre firstly through what they are doing. The majority of the way through this clip most characters are seen to be using cannon balls and shooting at the ship opposite. The shooting itself highlights conflict and danger, but when you see the characters behind the weapons, they appear angry and sometimes frightened foreshadowing a build-up to the current dispute. The communication between characters is aggressive and they are often shouting at each other, this shows the panic and fear amongst the crew on board and also shows how on edge they are. This affects the audience as it makes them feel for the characters on screen and also keeps them watching to see how the action plays out. Use of explosives, gun shots etc. is what ties it to the genre. The sounds that fit with the huge explosions make the impact greater on what is happening on screen.

The scene has a lot of establishing shots so the audience can see both ships, this gives them a further understanding of the location of the scene, and the impact of the conflict. There is also a lot of ariel shots to show the action from high up looking down on deck. This gives the audience an insight to the action on the whole top of the boat.