Analysis of taken - action film

The conventions of an action film are:
- An obvious antagonist/protagonist.
- Race against the clock scenario.
- More violence than other sub genres.
- Disruption to the equilibrium requires the protagonist to use action to solve it - must be skilled in some form of combat.
- usually involves a character of the opposite sex to drive the narrative - however their loyalty may be doubted (double cross scenario).
- Often involves high profile actors.

This is the opening sequence of the film Taken.
This film contains the traditional conventions of an action thriller such as, there is an obvious protagonist. This is shown through the fact that the opening focuses on the same guy, and makes the audience feel sorry for him straight away by showing him as a loving father. Additionally, Taken involves a character of the opposite sex to drive the narrative, for example the mum and the daughter in the film play on the protagonists emotions. Furthermore, there are many high profile actors in Taken such as Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace and Holly Valance.