For this week’s film analysis I selected the topic of the “swashbuckler” genre of film. This type of film can best be described as high action, adventure, romance and taking place in a historical setting. When I hear the term swashbuckler, I think of a pirate movie.  When I think pirate movie, I think Johnny Depp and the Pirates of the Caribbean movies (this series includes several adventures of the pirate Jack Sparrow). While this is indeed a swashbuckler genre movie, a swashbuckler movie doesn’t have to be about pirates. According to the Pirate King website (http://www.thepirateking.com/terminology/definition_swashbuckler.htm) a swashbuckler film can also be about a flamboyant swordsman or adventurer, a sword wielding ruffian or bully or a literary work dealing with a swashbuckler.

Swashbuckler movies were popular during the time period from 1920 to 1950.  A few classic swashbuckler examples include; Robin Hood, The Three Musketeers and Zoro. Swashbuckler films have given way to the more modern “action” movies. An example of action movies made in the spirit of a swashbuckler film would be the Indiana Jones adventure series (high action, adventure, romance and taking place in a historical setting).