Gangster/Crime

Gangster/Crime

These films originated in the 1920's surrounding the idea of the 'American Dream', which is why the general aim of all the characters is to get as much power and money as possible.

The set up if a Gangster movie generally follows two gangs of men fighting against each other. Throughout the film, each side looks as though they are winning at different points, as more and more members get killed off/caught.

Characters

The protagonist of these films is generally a family man who becomes caught up these crime through no fault of his own. For example, he could just be in the wrong place at the wrong time; or money troubles could lead him astray.

The antagonist however, is always an experienced gangster and can come in two forms. One of which is a the more expected leader of the opposing gang, who's aim is to beat the other gangster. An antagonist can also be more mysterious and come in the form of the Protagonists, seemingly helpful, boss, who takes advantage of their vulnerable state, which creates dramatic irony for the audience.

Why are gangsters always played by men?

This is because, due to the stereotypes of each gender, the audience expects men to play tough, ruthless characters and women to be sensitive and helpless. The female characters inferiority is heightened by the era in which these films are set, as women weren't valued as much as men during the 1920's. Despite this though, occasionally, a female character can be shown to subvert this.

 

(Ginger McKenna - Casino)

 

 Instead of being innocent and almost naïve to the danger the men are in, instead they become the danger. They play the 'gold digger', as they are attracted to the gangsters for their money and power. They often use their beauty to get what the luxurious life style they want.
 

Mise-en-Scene

 

In order to show that these gangsters have power and money, they all where suits, as this clothing suggests that they are professional and important.

 

What also connotes that these men are rich is the fact that the films are usually based in big cities, such as New York and Chicago and London (though this genre originated in America). Setting can also be used though to highlight the wrong doing of the gangsters, as they attempt to do their crimes in the most discrete places, such as a back room in a

Lighting

In Gangster movies, lighting is varied.

For example, some of their crimes take place in broad daylight

(Sonny getting shot - Godfather)

 

Although this is risky, as they risk normal people seeing their crimes, it puts more fear in the opposing gang, as it suggests they will stop at nothing.

 

In contrast to this, in order to make what they are doing even more seedy, there is often one, dim light source in the back rooms where they're dealing in secret. By making the setting dingy, it heightens the mystery and evilness of the characters.