Action Film Opening Analysis:The Expendables 2

The Expendables 2 begins with an establishing, which shows the audience the setting of the film where all the action will be taking place.

Straight away we can tell the genre of the film is action through the use of mise en scene such as tanks, guns and explosions are all part of a generic convention of an action film. This it appeals to the the target audience who are mostly men because it keeps them at the edge of their seats. As the movie continues fast paced editing between shots is used, in the opening scene, to keep the audience engaged in the movie.

Camera shot such as close up is used to show the facial expression of the characters in the tank/ vehicles. The look on each of the characters face is very serious and focused this makes the audience intrigued to find out why they are so determined. The fact they are given prevalence hints that they are important characters in the film perhaps the good guys. In addition, there are medium shots also used to show the characters, in black uniforms inside tanks, feel no remorse after killing/shooting others. This suggests they have become totally immune to committing such acts that they find it funny to kill their opponents. However, in the minds of the audience, this makes us feel empathetic towards the other team who look unequipped and unprepared.  There are multiple camera shots of the tanks with cheesy action film lines for example “knock knock” engraved in a tool used to breaks down walls. This type of dialogue is commonly featured in all action films to add humor.

The use of camera angels is very important in action films. as it contains huge explosions and intense fight scenes like in this movie because that’s what the target audience wants to see. To archive this point of view shots, long shots and medium shots are used to capture the moments.         

Furthermore, the non-dietetic upbeat music used is very intense and dramatic especially in the beginning of the opening scene. This indicates to the audience that an extreme fight scene is going to occur or some form of action with violence. In addition to this gunshots can be heard and seen throughout the opening of “The Expendables 2.” The guns/ weapons confirm the genre of the film because they are typical indicators of an action film. Likewise, the antagonists in this film are foreign we know this due to the fact they are speaking a different language. Usually, in action films the plot consists of hero’s vs. villains where the English-speaking character is associated with good and a foreigner is portaged as the bad guys. 

Despite that dietetic sound effects used in the movie allows the audience to feel present in the scene, as it adds a naturalistic feel. This allows the target audience to put themselves in the character shoes and escape from reality.

Overall all four technical elements are used in the opening scene of the Expendables 2 to indicate the genre of the film.