The Genre of Robin Hood

In the opening episode of Robin Hood, the main character, Robin Hood who is played by Australian actor Russell Crowe is presented. He is known as a stereotypical hero because of his good, thoughtful and unselfish actions such as giving to the poor, saving people who are in need of help as well as rescuing one of his friends who was hanging from a gate. These are only some of his many kind and considerate actions. He is willing to risk his own life to save others, this earns Robin Hood respect among many such as the local village people and his girlfriend, Maid Marianne.  The audience may feel respect and admire Robin for his gracious deeds.

I know that Robin Hood is a hero because of the use of a low angle hero shot.  The natural light shines on Robin depicting him as a saviour or protector while the camera focuses on him. One of the key features that identifies the film of Robin Hood belonging in the action and adventure genre is the fighting scenes. Fighting gives suspense and jeopardy in a film because of the violent equipment used such as bows and arrows, cross bows as well as swords. It appears that combat and conflict is the way forward when in need of succeeding as well as earning a reputation of success and getting what you want. The fighting scene in the first 10 minutes of the film creates spectacle among many. Robin does comment to a nearby solider that he is going to retrieve/ win his money after the battle. This gives us the impression that Robin is into betting and can come across as a bit egotistical some times.

Robin Hood is set in the medieval times, the film could also be in the genre of historical films. This is the sub-genre for Robin Hood. I know that is the historical because of the weapons used in fighting scenes, costumes worn, location it has been films on as well as the mis-en-scene.