In ancient times, the younger generation looked up to their elders and the more experienced as idols. They looked up to them with great respect and appreciation. In modern times, ordinary people have been replaced by Superheroes.The traditional superhero was created in literature and later film, he was popular, respected and loved; but in the 1960's, the Anti-Hero was introduced through medium of comics, a hero who is both loved and hated, discriminated against and respected, heroes such as Spiderman and the X-Men would fit into this description, and although they are portrayed as disliked, they both also fit into the expectations of the superhero. In 'Spiderman 2', we immediately get a feel that this film is of the superhero action genre due to the dramatic music.
The camera angles are quick and sharp in the castings section, suggesting quick and sharp movements in action. As we progress into the beginning of the story, the camera angles also suggest it is an action film. They make the viewer feel as if they are within the action, as if they were in the centre of the panic. The large number of eye level shots and over the shoulder shots suggest that you, the viewer, is witnessing what is happening for yourself. Also, the panicky music, suggests struggle.Spiderman 2' makes it quite clear that it is going to be a superhero action film based on a comic book character because of the Marvel logo being shown at the very beginning and the graphics which are comic book drawings.
In 'Spiderman 2', Peter Parker is immediately shown as an inferior, a weak little man who is struggling to keep his job. The film starts of with his boss giving him a task which he must complete otherwise he is fired, and so this is where the action begins. Peter struggles to complete his task on time, and the series of camera shots during this scene which are aerial and eye level make him seem smaller than everyone else.However, when he changes to his alter-ego, 'Spiderman', the camera angles change from high angles, to low angles, therefore making him seem more powerful. At one point where Spiderman must haste his journey to save two small children, here the camera angle is looking up at him, as though we are the children ourselves, and we admire this superhero as a saviour, not a menace.
In this first scene, it creates the excitement we expect, Spiderman fits the stereotypical view of a superhero springing into action; however, there is one exception, a man that thinks he stole the pizzas from Peter Parker.This is where the anti-hero factors come into play, this man sees Spiderman as a villain who would steal from the pizza man, he jumped to the conclusion that he was committing a crime. Anti-hero was introduced primarily by Marvel in the 1960's; unlike the traditional superhero the anti-hero would be often seen as unpopular, geeky, strange and bullied. However their alter egos, are powerful and strong, possessing super powers but are disliked by the public because they are portrayed as a menace by powerful figures supported by the press.A key element to a good action film is a good opening and the soundtrack with camera shots that drew you into the action.
In 'Spiderman 2', both these elements create tension and panic while Peter is rushing through traffic and making impact on the viewer. The camera shots go from close ups and over the shoulder to high angle and low angle to create a sense of personal panic that makes the viewer feel as if they are there themselves. We notice that when he changes into Spiderman, the music becomes more victorious and heroic, making you admire this anti-hero.Even though there are not as many special effects in this film as in 'X-Men 2', they use the effects well portraying Spiderman as an admirable figure, a magnificent hero, gliding through the air from building to building.
In 'X-men 2', the film begins with a voice over, a wise, charismatic voice, setting the scene. The image we see is of space, the camera is travelling through it, slowly at first then quickening until it is travelling at an extremely high speed. At this point it is still unclear as to what the genre is.The music we hear is dramatic and jumpy and may suggest it is a superhero action film, but with the camera is flying through space, it suggests it may be of sci-fi genre, and the fact that it's going through lots of metallic tunnels also backs this idea up. We end up at the White House, it is quiet and calm, with a tour of the building and paintings shot at eye level, however, in the crowd, we see a suspicious figure, which hints there may be a bit of action ahead. Suddenly, we see Nightcrawler, a mutant, attacking the guards making his way towards the President.
It is here that we see the action really begin.The camera angles are fast moving and low, and portray Nightcrawler as a powerful, strong character compared to the guards. We see many slow motion shots with the camera moving one hundred and eighty degrees, emphasising Nightcrawler's speed and agility. It is here that the audience know for certain that this film is going to be an action packed superhero film. The music in the fight scene contains a choir's voices, which adds chaos to the situation, making the action more destructive and chaotic. The 'X-Men 2' opening scene powerful and is more effective at introducing genre than that of 'Spiderman 2'.
As it slowly leads you in, and has you guessing the theme, it answers the question with a bang, unlike 'Spiderman 2' which takes its time to present itself as an action film. In this film there are many more special effects than in 'Spiderman 2'. It immediately starts off with a special effect with the camera flying through space and through metallic tunnels; this creates a thrill, like a rollercoaster ride. The soundtrack in this opening scene is jumpy, as if there is conflict and battle. The camera moves fast, going at immense speeds, emphasising the thrilling effect. In the next scene it creates contrast.
It is quiet, there is no music or soundtrack playing, however, it is not needed to create any feeling, as the camera angles of the mysterious man already creates suspicion. When the action starts, the music immediately represents chaos; the choirs creating a more chaotic, demonic mood. The camera angles are quick, sharp and turn a lot to show Nightcrawler's great speed. The special effects in this scene are that of Nightcrawler's teleporting abilities, this combined with the camera angles and soundtrack, sees him overpowering the guards easily, and make the guards seem powerless towards his might.In the final part of this action scene, there are slow motion movements, however, it is everyone except Nightcrawler who is moving slowly, this emphasises his immense speed and agility. The combined camera shots, soundtrack and special effects in this opening scene clearly state the genre of this film, the 'superhero action film', as we see fighting, superpowers, and the tension and chaotic supporting the stunning effects.
As viewers, we expect to see lots of flashy moves, superpowers, and the view of the characters being indestructible. We expect stunning looks, stunning bodies; and attributes that make characters look good and appealing.In conclusion, both these film conform to the expectations of the superhero genre, although with differing effectiveness. 'X-Men 2' leads us in slowly, using suspense, with the audience waiting for the action to begin, but when it does, the action is great and exciting. Special effects come into play, soundtrack impacts the mood and we see superpowers being used and the people helpless to stop it. In 'Spiderman 2', it starts off with Peter Parker having a fulfilling his role as a helpless geek, although the action is not great here, it puts the viewer in the action and creates the idea that more is to come.
I would say that there isn't as much action in 'Spiderman 2' as there is in 'X-Men 2', but I would say that 'Spiderman 2' fits the expectations of the superhero genre more than 'X-Men 2'. This is because superheroes usually defend people, unlike Nightcrawler in X-Men 2, and the typical view of the superhero genre is that the hero saves the day, which we see in the opening scenes of 'Spiderman 2'. , I think that both these films fit into the superhero genre, but 'Spiderman 2' fits into the classical expectations of the genre than 'X-Men 2', which is a more modern adaptation of a later comic book series.
