Film Directing Fundamentals, 3rd Edition

P A R T T H R E E

Organizing Action in an Action Scene

Everyone will recognize an action scene, even though there are many kinds from different genres. What they have in common is that they all consist of overt physical action. The difficulty for the character or characters in the scene is always a physical threat—whether a hurricane, an enemy with a weapon, or a monster—that can only be overcome by physical action. Films that have a preponderance of such scenes are known as action films, but action scenes also exist in dramas and comedies. The danger can come upon our hero unexpectedly, or she can choose to become embroiled in it for a host of reasons: to rescue someone, to apprehend someone, or to save her own skin. But in all cases, the resolution ...