Adventure film

From ArticleWorld

Almost all adventure films could be classed as an action film, so it is often wise to think of adventure films as a subgenre of action. Similarities include the reliance of set pieces to provide excitement, including fights and explosions, but the adventure film is usually set in the past and not in the present day as action films almost always are. It is this historical setting which allows the adventure film to include swordfights, pirates and a hunt for some hidden treasure.

Overlaps

As mentioned earlier, the adventure film almost always fits into the action genre as well as the adventure one. Indeed, there are many other adventure films which can be categorised in additional genres to even just action and adventure.

The six Star Wars films are primarily distinguished as science fiction films due to their futuristic setting and space themes. However, they also contain a lot of action sequences, involving lightsaber fights. This also allows it to fit into the adventure genre, although it is still primarily distinguished as a sci-fi film.

The 1999 film The Mummy is primarily an adventure film but it can also be seen to fit into the horror genre due to the nature of the film and this overlap, although common in any genre of film, is almost always evident among adventure films.

Popularity

Adventure films appear to go through distinct periods of popularity. The 1950s saw the genre begin to take off, with heroic characters such as Robin Hood and Zorro starring in films. After a wane in popularity, adventure films were brought back to the forefront with the arrival of three films starring Indiana Jones throughout the 1980s.

This prompted other directors to produce new films starring previously popular characters, Robin Hood made another appearance in the hugely successful film of 1991, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. However, not all of the films trying to take advantage of the adventure film revival have been so successful. The film Swashbuckler was a huge flop and has caused production companies to be wary when taking on an adventure film.