If you’re a movie buff, this article is for you. We are going to explore some of the most common cliches that have shown up in movies over and over again.
MOVIE CLICHES
What Are Movie Cliches and Tropes?
Movie cliches and tropes are stock characters, events, or situations that we’ve seen over and over again in movies.
We know what to expect from them because they’re so well-known. But why do these movie cliches exist?
The reason for this is because all of us have a certain level of expectation when it comes to movies – we know the story will typically be about family relationships, love interests, overcoming adversity – heck there’s even a formula for writing romantic comedies!
So if you want your audience to enjoy your movie then it’s important to abide by some sort of structure that they can recognize as “a good film.”
We’ve all rolled our eyes at the predictable ‘walking away from an explosion’ scene in action flicks.
It’s a classic example of a movie cliché that filmmakers keep using, Even though audiences catching on to the lack of originality.
In our jump into movie clichés and tropes to avoid, we’ll uncover the overused shortcuts that can turn a blockbuster into a cinematic eye-roll.
We’re here to guide you through the do’s and don’ts of storytelling on screen, ensuring your next movie night is free of those all-too-familiar groans.
The ‘walking Away From An Explosion’ Trope
There’s a moment in action cinema so overplayed that it’s become laughably predictable.
It involves the hero nonchalantly walking away as a massive explosion flares in the background.
This trope is more than just a visual spectacle; it’s become a shorthand for the coolness and unflappable nature of the protagonist.
Ironically, this cliché often undermines the impact it seeks to achieve.
We’ve seen it in countless films – from Die Hard to The Expendables – and while it once elicited awe, it’s now more likely to elicit groans from an audience expecting something more original.
Here are a few reasons why this trope should be avoided:
- It strains believability as the proximity to the explosion would likely cause harm.
- It’s become a lazy signifier for a character’s toughness.
Filmmakers aiming for fresh storytelling need to find inventive ways to demonstrate a character’s confidence and strength.
Clinging to such an outdated visual can pull viewers out of the story, reminding them of other movies they’ve seen instead of keeping them immersed in the one they’re watching.
Inventing new imagery to convey these character traits doesn’t just contribute to the unique identity of a film.
It ensures audiences remain engaged and surprised by the unfolding narrative.
We believe that by sidelining this worn-out trope, creators can open the door to a realm of innovative and compelling storytelling techniques.
The Damsel In Distress Cliché
We’ve seen it time and time again – the vulnerable woman, captured or imprisoned, waiting for a male hero to rescue her.
This trope perpetuates the
By falling back on the damsel in distress, storytellers reinforce outdated stereotypes.
It stifles character development and diminishes the agency of female roles in our narratives.
Films like Mad Max: Fury Road have demonstrated that female characters can drive the plot forward.
They can be resilient leaders and formidable opponents.
Creating more dynamic roles for women opens up a multitude of storytelling possibilities.
- Women strategizing their own escape,
- Leading the charge in a conflict,
- Providing the key to their own or a collective predicament.
Our audiences have evolved – they’re now craving complexity and nuance in characters, regardless of gender.
Ditching the damsel in distress cliché is more than overdue; it’s a step towards richer, more diverse storytelling.
We’re seeing a welcome trend with movies casting women in roles traditionally held by men.
This isn’t just about subverting expectations but also portraying a world that’s more reflective of the one we live in.
Replacing the damsel in distress with empowered characters doesn’t only offer a fresh take.
It also ensures films remain relevant and engaging for modern viewers.
The Token Minority Character Trope
The token minority character trope is one we’ve seen countless times across various genres of film.
It’s where one character, often a person of color, is included in a substantially white cast to give an appearance of racial diversity without genuinely engaging with the experience or culture of that character.
We recognize that movies like Predator and Alien have historically employed this trope, but audiences today crave authenticity and depth in character development.
When the only purpose of a minority character is to serve as a background to the more developed white characters, it doesn’t only ring false but also misses an opportunity for richer storytelling.
In our pursuit to craft narratives that resonate with a broad audience, we advocate for meaningful inclusion – characters whose roles are integral to the plot and whose cultural backgrounds are respected and explored.
Consider the impact films with well-developed minority characters can have, such as Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians.
By eschewing the trope of the token minority, filmmakers can:
- Foster a more inclusive environment on and off screen – Challenge stereotypes by presenting multifaceted characters – Encourage conversations around representation in film.
eventually, as we navigate the evolving landscape of audience expectations and social awareness, it’s clear that simple tokenism falls short.
Our mission extends beyond filling quotas to enriching the film tapestry with diverse and genuine stories that speak to the experiences of all individuals.
The Excessive Use Of Slow Motion
When filmmakers wish to amplify a moment’s emotional weight or showcase a scene’s dramatic flair, slow motion is often the go-to technique.
But, its overuse has turned this once powerful storytelling tool into a weary cliché.
In action blockbusters, we see it all too often – a hero’s power walk towards the antagonists, each footfall reverberating with significance.
But when every punch, jump, and explosion is slowed down, these moments lose their impact and can border on the comical.
We’ve observed that slow motion is at its best when it elevates a pivotal scene instead of crowding the narrative with sluggish sequences.
Let’s look at moments where slow motion truly enhances the story:
- A critical plot revelation,
- The climactic end of a character arc,
- A technically impressive action sequence where details might otherwise be missed.
Films like The Matrix employed slow motion effectively to introduce audiences to unique, visually stunning concepts such as ‘bullet time.
‘ It’s crucial to use this technique sparingly, ensuring that when it does occur, it feels fresh and exciting.
Excessive slow motion not only disrupts the pacing but also signals to the audience that the filmmaker may not trust them to discern the importance of a moment at regular speed.
We advocate for its use only when it supports the narrative and adds a layer that cannot be conveyed at a film’s normal pace.
Audiences today seek authenticity and a connection with the story unfolding before them.
It’s our responsibility to craft experiences that are not diluted by overused techniques but rather are strengthened by thoughtful, creative choices.
The Predictable Plot Twists
The allure of a plot twist lies in its capacity to shock and intrigue us, yet there’s a fine line between the genuinely unexpected and the utterly predictable.
In the realm of action films, certain plot twists have been played out so frequently that they barely register a blip on the audience’s radar.
One worn-out twist we’ve all seen is the revelation of a hidden villain.
The trusted ally or benign character whose betrayal is meant to stun often feels telegraphed from miles away.
When Captain America: The Winter Soldier unveiled its antagonist, the impact resonated because it was heavily seeded and plausible within the film’s world.
Then there’s the classic back from the dead scenario where a character’s dramatic sacrifice loses its weight when they inevitably return.
This trope undercuts the stakes and can leave us feeling cheated.
To keep audiences engaged, characters’ exits should carry real consequences.
Similarly, the it was all a dream or hallucination angle not only feels like a cop-out but also risks alienating viewers by invalidating their investment in the storyline.
Great storytelling requires commitment to the narrative’s reality, and subverting this without care can tarnish an otherwise stellar film.
While these twists are intended to add depth and complexity to a film, they often achieve the opposite when overused:
- The underdog suddenly revealed as a secret mastermind,
- Long-lost relatives surfacing at just the right moment,
- Romantic interests turning out to be spies or double agents.
To retain an edge of originality, action films must venture beyond these clichés.
Exploration of character motivation and layered storytelling will deliver twists that are both unpredictable and satisfying.
The goal isn’t to shun the plot twist altogether but to ensure it’s smartly executed—carefully woven into the narrative fabric to heighten, rather than hinder, the cinematic experience.
The Oversimplified Good Vs. Evil Dichotomy
In the world of action films, the good vs.
evil trope is as old as the genre itself.
It’s become an easy fallback – a straightforward way to tell a story that doesn’t require much nuance or depth.
But, audiences today crave complexity; they’re drawn to characters that are morally grey and narratives that reflect the real world’s ambiguity.
Overreliance on the clear-cut hero and villain can fail to resonate with viewers who are looking for a more engaging, reflective experience.
Let’s consider the impact of enriching our stories by interweaving shades of complexity within our characters:
- Audiences are often more invested in characters who face moral dilemmas and personal struggles.
- Characters with more nuanced motivations can drive a plot forward in unexpected, more thrilling ways.
Films like The Dark Knight and Black Panther showcase that heroes can have flaws, and villains can have valid motivations.
These complex characters challenge the audience’s perceptions of right and wrong, demanding a deeper engagement with the film.
To truly captivate today’s viewers, we need to embrace the nuances of humanity.
Let’s craft stories that jump into the intricacies of character development and ethical ambiguity.
By doing so, we can create more profound and impactful cinematic experiences that rise above the tired cliché of good versus evil.
In the end, it’s the films that dare to explore the complexities of human nature that tend to leave a lasting impression.
Maybe it’s time we let the old dichotomy go and move towards a narrative structure that’s as unpredictable and varied as life itself.
Movie Cliches And Tropes To Avoid – Wrap Up
We’ve delved deep into the world of action movie clichés and tropes that filmmakers should steer clear of.
It’s clear that audiences are yearning for stories that break the mold, offering fresh takes on the genre.
Let’s challenge the status quo by crafting narratives that surprise and delight with their originality.
We believe it’s time to embrace the unexpected, to create action films that resonate on a deeper level.
Let’s leave the worn-out clichés behind and step into a future of innovative and captivating storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Common Clichés In Action Films?
Action films often rely on clichés like the ‘walking away from an explosion’ trope, the ‘damsel in distress’ scenario, and excessive use of slow motion.
These have become predictable elements within the genre.
How Do Predictable Plot Twists Affect Action Movies?
Predictable plot twists, such as a hidden villain, characters coming back from the dead, or the “it was all a dream” scenario, can undermine the cinematic experience by being too foreseeable.
Why Are The Good Vs. Evil Dichotomies Seen As Oversimplified In Action Films?
The good vs.
evil dichotomy is seen as oversimplified because it lacks the complexity and nuance that audiences now crave, making it harder for them to resonate with the characters and story.
What Should Action Films Do To Improve Engagement With Their Audience?
Action films can improve engagement by offering unpredictable and satisfying plot twists, exploring character intricacies, and embracing ethical ambiguity to create stories that are more compelling and profound.