ABSTRACT

Because film is a visual medium, movement-which was originally the novelty of the medium-has naturally become its showpiece. Nothing better illustrates the power of move-

ment in film than the action sequence. Action sequences are a key reason for the success of the

Western and gangster genres. Whether it features a chase, a showdown, or a battle, the action sequence has a visceral appeal for audiences. This type of sequence is not confined to the gen-

res where action seems natural, however. From the horror movie to the comedy, filmmakers

have found action sequences to be a valuable device. Blake Edwards used action sequences in many of his comedies, most notably the Pink Panther series (19641978) and The Great Race (1965). Charles Crichton used the action sequence often in A Fish Called Wanda (1988). One

of the best action sequences can be found in Peter Bogdanovich’sWhat’s Up, Doc? (1972).