1. Explain two ways in which the narrative (the characters and events) in the extract fits the action adventure genre. Use examples from the extract. (10 marks) 

Firstly, it is evident that this clip of Tomb Raider, is in the sub-genre of actions and adventure quest. The scene starts off at an ancient temple and, as soon as they get there, the three protagonists of the scene start taking pictures and recording evidence of their findings inside the ancient temple. In addition, the two men accompanying the young female hero are foreign. Factors such as the foreign sidekicks and music indicate that the heroin is in a foreign place which is convention of a quest action and adventure film as it is venturing into an unknown land.

However, the ‘sidekicks’ of the heroin are also not typical of the usual protagonist. This, firstly, is because they are Greek. In most cases it is the foreign people who are considered as the antagonists as they are shown to be mysterious with a thick accent. But, in this film, the foreign men are shown to be helping the heroin by collecting artefacts in their quest in the tomb.

Overall, the protagonist is portrayed as determined and fiercely unafraid in the face of danger. This is shown as, towards the end, she cuts herself in the middle of the ocean. This evidently attracts a shark and eventually she catches a ride coolly on the back of the shark to the surface of the water. This shows the stereotypical coolness and skills of the protagonist in action and adventure films.

Likewise, the heroin is heavily equipped with many powerful gadgets which then help her achieve her task and escape the antagonist. For example, when she is retrieving the golden ball at the top of the collapsing temple, she uses a flashy stone cutter to retrieve it. These gadgets add to the aura of a futuristic and skilled protagonist.

Throughout the scene, there is a strong definition of good and evil, which is a typical convention of action and adventure films. The antagonists appear as the music turns quiet and appear menacing with dark scuba outfits along with heavy firearms. The protagonists, however, although not as heavily armed, act in a way that is more skilful. As the antagonist chase after Lara (the heroin), they try with many shots to kill her with their firearms. However with one shot each, she is able to strike and kill the antagonists. This is ultimately a convention of action and adventure films as good wins over evil in the end.