history of action films

HISTO

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Action film is a film genre in which one or more heroes are thrust into a series of challenges that typically include physical feats, extended fight scenes, violence, and frantic chases. Action films tend to feature a resourceful character struggling against incredible odds, which include life-threatening situations, a villain, or a pursuit which generally concludes in victory for the hero. (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_film )

What is Action Film?

The first action film was by Edwin S. Porter called The Great Train Robbery in 1903.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Arvr7eKs_k0

• In the 1920s and 30s, action based films usually involved wielding swords in period films or western.

• In the 1940s and 50s war and cowboy films were introduced to the film industry which incorporated action.

• Film genres such us; science fiction, adventure and thriller mostly have action sequences which introduced sub genres.

• In the 1970s James Bond was introduced which is detective stories and urban crime dramas. These are seen to be action films but it changed from the 1920s where it was mainly sword fights in period times. Action film genre began to develop in the 1970s along with the increase of stunts and special effects. The genre is closely associated with the thriller and adventure film genres.

• The 1980s was known as “ the action era”. Action films took over Hollywood and dominant the film industry.

• In 1990 CGI (computer generated imagery) started to become popular and well executed. Also there was a rise in both budgets and number of sequels a film generally had.

• In the 2000s action film still were popular and was still a medium budget genre films.

Sub-genre with action involved usually

Action Comedy

Action Horror

Science fiction action

Spy Films

Action Thriller

Superhero films