Action-Comedy Hybrids - 'True Lies'

 

The next action-comedy opening scene I will be looking at to identify genre conventions is called 'True Lies'.

The opening scene for 'True Lies' uses many conventions that are frequently seen in action films. For instance, the film begins with a protagonist underwater cutting through a fence; this immediately creates a sense of suspense for the audience as they don't know what's happening or why, and are thrown into his ‘mission’ instantly. As he emerges from the water and changes into a formal outfit, this creates excitement and intrigue for the audience as the contrast of costumes highlights his skills as an experienced agent. The figure behaviour shown by the protagonist is confident and aware which highlights his characteristics to the audience instantly, therefore they can understand his actions later on in the narrative as they are aligned with him and his traits from the beginning.

The cinematography seen throughout the scene mirrors the genre well, as there are many close ups on the protagonist's face which allow the audience to see his reaction to things, as well as close ups on props such as his earpiece (a typical technological prop of the genre) that he puts in before entering the building. The non-diegetic music throughout is tense and suspenseful which creates enigma for the audience, especially when he navigates the guarded setting. The low-key lighting also adds to the style of the film which is typical of the action genre as the protagonist tries to keep a low cover (and maintain his secrecy). The editing is tense and fast-paced which emphasises the energy and urgency of the scene, and the cross-cutting seen between the protagonist and the secret van which has advanced high-tech equipment such as large hacking computers, walkie-talkies and a special sensor CCTV camera to catch the guards, is exactly the iconography one would expect from an action film and reflects the ways an action film reinforces its genre.