Genre Research Activity

Genre: Crime & Gangster

        The crime & gangster genre is one of intensity and violence. As a result, it is usually targeted at 15-40 year old males. Watching this genre at an age any younger may be seen as immoral, as its conventions contain illegal, damaging activities. These activities include but are not limited to the consumption of alcohol and illegal substances, the use of weapons such as guns or knives, or the main protagonist attending a party/rave. The main protagonist is usually a male character who has had a hard upbringing, and crime & gangster emphasizes these struggles. Typically, police are attempting to arrest/intimidate the main protagonist. In terms of production techniques, low key lighting and more neutral colors are key. 

        

        Mise-en-scene is another key element in gangster films, and presents wealth and power gained through illegality. In other words, form of power or authority over others. Some examples are expensive suits, cars, and accessories. Big cities are typically the locations of these gangster films, depending on the nature of the crime or gang. One example is Goodfellas, a movie set in New York City, a dense location with many opportunities and people to control; a perfect recipe for a mob.

        The genre of crime and gangster, as usually set by institutional conventions, contains suits, guns, and a recognizable/sophisticated male lead, whether it be a character or a group. The rise and fall of the gangster is typical, as the main feature in the movie usually gets what he wants through crime; almost all crimes lead to success. However, at the end of the film, the gangster is usually punished for his crimes, either by being brought to justice by the authorities or by being killed by rival gangs.

Film Sample #1

        My first film sample is Breaking Bad, a TV show that embodies the crime genre. Walter White had a harsh upbringing as a frustrated school teacher diagnosed with cancer. His family would not be able to pay for the medical bills. As a result, he began selling meth. Although there are no suits, throughout there series there are drugs and parties/raves (as portrayed Jesse Pinkman), guns, expensive cars, and authority. The series is realistic, intense, violent, and grotesque, and features extensive character development in both Walter White and Jesse Pinkman by struggling through such a business. In the end, Walter White in punished for his actions.

Film Sample #2

        My second film sample is The Godfather. Based on the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone, this movie features another harsh upbringing. As the don's youngest son, Michael Al Pacino, reluctantly joins the Mafia, he becomes involved in the inevitable cycle of violence and betrayal. The Godfather is riddled with low key lighting, realism, and violent scenes. In fact, Don Vito Corleone has similarities to several real-life mobsters, including Joe Profaci, who used his olive oil distributorship as a front for his illegal activities, and Carlo Gambino, who used a quiet, non-flashy style en route to power. In the end, the family gets punished for their actions.

Other examples of this genre include:

Pulp fiction - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110912/

Peaky Blinders - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2442560/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The Sopranos - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0141842/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Reservoir Dogs - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105236/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Gomorrah - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2049116/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1