Master And Commander

1) Explain two ways the characters and/or events in this extract fit the action adventure genre. 

The characters fit the action adventure genre as they are all male. This is very typical of this genre as is the fact that they are all strong leaders who refuse to give up. The main character is the protagonist who will not surrender his ship and orders his men to fight with gusto and bravery. This fits the action adventure genre as the characters will not give up despite the seemingly almost impossible odds. They are all quite physically strong as well as mentally strong men which also fits the action adventure genre as often males are the lead role and they are strong and capable. They are very willing to fight which fits the action adventure genre as these characters are not afraid of violence or conflict. There is a sidekick in this clip which fits the action adventure genre as the protagonist normally always has someone who will help and back them all the way. The protagonist and sidekick are both stock characters as they always appear in action adventure films. The characters also fit the action adventure genre as they have a good, strong friendship and support each other.   

The events fit this extract as there is a lot of cannons, explosions, shrapnel and destruction. These all fit the action adventure genre as they are all part of the battle going on between the two ships. These conventions add drama, suspense and tension which all fit the action adventure genre. The firing of the cannons is very quick and constant, one straight after another with helps build the tension,therefore fitting the action adventure genre. The events like the explosions and flying shrapnel happen very chaotically which fits the action adventure genre. All these events create a battle and conflict aspect which fits the action adventure genre. The mast falling down on the ship is a key event that fits action adventure as that is the peak of the tension built up by the rest of the battle.There is a lull as the mast falls and the battle and chaos kick off again which fits the action adventure genre as suspense is built, reaches a high point and then resumes again.



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]




The soundtrack creates effects as a film score is used throughout the entire clip. This is a non diegetic and non synchronous sound. The film score in this clip is a piece of dramatic music that steadily plays throughout the whole clip and this creates the effect of tension and suspense. The film score is louder and more prominent after the mast falls on the rival ship and this creates the effect of the protagonist winning and also keeps the suspense going on throughout the clip. There is also the diegetic sound of the men, they are yelling, shouting and grunting which is synchronous sound. This helps create the effect of the audience being in the scene as it makes it realistic. There are also sound effects in this clip of the cannons firing and the explosions this creates tension and rising suspense as these sounds are very crisp and clear. These effects are louder than any other sound to help create an enforce the effect of tension.

The camerawork creates effects as the first shot is an establishing shot. This creates the effect of setting the scene for the audience so they can clearly see and understand the setting. This shot helps the audience to feel involved with the scene as it helps them gain perspective of the setting. A tracking shot is used while filming the cannons coming out out of the ship and this creates the effect of building tension as it shows the ship getting ready for battle and gearing up for the conflict to come. A tracking shot also creates the effect of showing the audience the cannons in enough detail for them to feel and understand the rising tension but dose not focus on them too long that the audience gets bored. Shallow focus is used when the captain is giving his orders to the crew and when he is looking across to the other ship in the smoke. This creates the effect of helping the reader understand this character as they are solely focused on his face meaning it is easy to read and understand his emotions. Low angled shots are used when the mast is falling down as it creates the effect of the mast falling on the reader which makes it more realistic for them and makes them feel like they are there, involved in the clip. Point of view shots are used at the start when the captain orders his crew to fight and in many other places like when the men are pulling the rope through the pulley. This is used to help create the effect of the audience understanding and relating to the characters as they can see first hand what they are going through. Finally hand held camera shots are used a lot throughout the clip. like when filming the cannon balls hitting the ship. This also creates the effect of the audience being in the scene and also builds tension and suspense due to the non perfectly smooth and shake effect created.

Editing is used to create effects by there being cross cutting editing as this shows the audience all the different pieces of action happening at the same time. This editing is used when the man fires the cannon and then cutting to see the cannon ball leave the cannon, this helps build tension and suspense as well as showing the audience all the action. Continuity editing is used through out the entire clip to keep the narrative flowing smoothly and helping the audiences attention stay on the action. An example of continuity editing in this clip is where the locations change from up on deck to down below deck. There is fast paced editing when the cannon balls hit the ship and cause destruction and when the crew are firing the cannons back. Fast paced editing is used to create the effect of tension and suspense as it creates a chaotic and adrenaline filled atmosphere. Finally shot reverse shot editing is used when the Captain is talking to one of his crew, this creates the effect of the audience understanding and relating to the characters as they can clearly see the emotions and read their thoughts from their facial expressions.

Mise en scene creates the effect of helping the audience by creating the right atmosphere and situation for the time period set in. This clip is not set in modern day an mise en scene helps convey this to the audience. All the characters are men and British which creates the effect of the time period being in the 1800's. All the men are wearing sailor and pirate like clothes, such as white baggy shirts, with the sleeves rolled up and long hair. This creates the effect that the men are used to being on a ship as they don't look out of place. Some of their outfit is dirty and slightly out of place but the dirt looks like its from being on the sea a long time and not from the battle, which creates the effect they are protagonists. This creates the effect that they are strong men who are winning the battle with out to many problems. The props of the big wooden wheel and the ropes creates the effect of this being a old fashioned ship as their are no modern gadgets on board and the ropes show create the effect of teamwork and comradery of the men as they all work together to pull them. The props of the smoke creates suspense and drama as the captain looks more dramatic walking through the smoke and increase the tension. The props of guns create the effect of violence, action and the willingness to fight from the men.

3) Discuss how people are represented in the extract

The main character in this extract is male following the action adventure stereotype of the lead being male; this is because males are viewed as the stronger, more dominate sex. The main character is represented as strong both mentally and physically, he is the leader and captain of the ship and is clearly respected by his crew as they follow his every order. He is also very strong physically too as he easily controls the big wheel on the front of the ship. He is represented as the main protagonist and this is shown by his willingness to fight as shown by him yelling "lets fight" at the start. He will not give up and let the antagonist win easily by surrendering, instead he orders to fight and takes control of the battle. He is also represented as quite clever and wise as he always has the answers for any problems like where to steer the ship.

The men (the stock characters) are represented as typical action adventure characters. They too are not scared to fight and show determination by not surrendering. They are also represented as a good team, as they all work efficiently and successfully with each other. They are represented as the typical person to be on that boat at that time, all ready to fight, obey orders and work together. The sidekick is represented as good friend to have as shown by the fact that he gets down and dirty with the crew under the deck and follows the captains every order.