Group Eighteen FP: Genre Research

Sub Genres

Types of characters:
Usually, in most Action/Sci Fi movies, you get at least one of each of the following types of characters in the story:

A strong leader, usually a man, that takes charge in everything they do. They make the decisions, are usually the good guy and normally survive, with a few near deaths along the way.
The leaders companion, usually better known for being resourceful than being useful physical confrontation. Has an equal chance of either dying or surviving, but always ends up helping the leader achieve.
The opposing enemy. This person us usually made out to be the superior, but proved not to be in the film.
Followers of both sides. These people are the main people to be involved in confrontation between the two sides, fighting for what they think is right.
The higher authorities. These usually go against fighting the enemy and starting war, but are persuaded otherwise.
A damsel in distress. This person will probably have some sort of connection with the leader, and is being held/gets taken by the enemy to spite them.

Typical Story lines:
When talking about a typical Action/Sci Fi movie, the following storylines are usually pretty relevant:

Aliens have come into contact with earth and/or wish to invade.
A virtual reality program becomes self aware and attempts to attack.
A brain controlling disease spreads and it becomes down to a small minority of uninfected people to save humanity.
Time travel malfunction leads to a character being trapped in another time/dimension.
Time travel is used to prevent a major disaster.

Mise-en-scene

Costumes are usually extremely futuristic, however not always. With Action/Sci Fi films, military uniform is very popular, especially if the movie includes war.
Make up would usually depend on whether the film is futuristic or not. If so, make up and prosthetics would be used to create a synthetic, yet realistic extra terrestrial species.
Props include, as previously mentioned, futuristic technological devises and weapons. These normally include any starships, laser guns, intelligent computers, transporter devices and many other examples.
The characters are accompanied with a futuristic surrounding, such as a space ship or a futuristic city, with technology that advances modern technology.