In the clip from the film Master and Commander there are many features that fit the action adventure genre, for example the weaponry involved in the scene. In this clip there are weapons such as cannons, guns and swords this suggests that the characters in this film either mean harm or protection. The fact that all the characters are dressed in pirate clothing suggests that they are in the middle of war/battle especially with the amount of explosions and violence in this scene. There is a common feature in this film that there is in many other action adventure genres which is fighting. In this clip the audience can easily see two different ships fighting against each other and mean harm, this is a normal occurrence in these type of films.
2. Explain how each of the following is used to create effects that fit the action adventure genre:
- Soundtrack
- Camerawork
- Editing
- Mise en scene
A hand held camera is used throughout this scene of the film Master and Commander to show the effect of the explosions, the hand held camera is used when one character sets off the canon on one ship and when it hits the other ship the camera shakes. This is because it shows the force of the canon and the impact it has on the ship that now looks slightly fragile - as this is done by the protagonists team against the antagonist team it makes the audience support the protagonists actions as they become familiar with this character and are focused on what he/she are doing. Point-of-view shot has been used at the start of the clip when the protagonist is watching his crew preparing for the battle ahead, this is to show who the main character is and who has all the control on the ship. The audience are able to see that the protagonist is in charge and in command. At the start of the clip there's an establishing shot this sets the scene for the audience so they are aware of where the characters are in the film, this shot is also used again later on in the clip just before the characters start fighting - this is to prepare the audience of what is to come, making the atmosphere tense.
Editing
A CGI effect is used throughout this clip when explosions and fires occur when the canons are shot are the other ship - this is too much the action much more realistic and interest the viewer into the film. Cross-cutting is used at the start of the scene when the protagonist's crew are waiting for the ship to appear, in this moment it causes tension and suspense for the audience as they are aware that something is about to happen. In the middle of the clip when its in the heist of the battle between the two ships fast-paced editing has been used to show that action is taking place in the scene, this builds a lot of tension and makes the viewer enjoy what they are viewing. Continuity editing is used throughout this clip to keep the audiences' attention to the storyline as the action is in a continuous sequence so it flows more easily, this editing technique is used in the middle of the clip when the action is at its peak creating a hype atmosphere.
Soundtrack
Synchronous sound is used throughout this scene as the noises coming from the clip are expected when watching the action. For example, in an action scene you expect to hear shouts, screams, gun shots and noises of fighting - this is what is featured in Master and Commander. Diegetic sound is used when shouting is involved between the crew when they realise there may be a threat to their ship, to go with the sound the audience can see the protagonists crew running around and opening their mouths to shout.
