Inside the Underworld: Exploring the Power of Crime & Gangster Genre
Crime & Gangster films have been captivating audiences since The Great Depression when the decay of American society inspired filmmakers to produce stories based on anti-values. This genre introduces the audience to the dark and exciting world of organized crime, either for its scenes filled with action and tension or for its characters' complex relationships and personalities.
About the Genre
According to The Motion Picture Association's film ratings, this genre is for an adult audience, due to the violence, action, and explicit scenes. Additionally, the target is mostly masculine, as the the leading role is often a man. These movies are especially well-liked for its dramatic, action packed, and moral complex .
Content
Criminals or mobsters and their roles in illicit activities such as drug trafficking, robbery, and murder are frequently the subject of stories. These films examine issues such as devotion, treachery, and power. The way the genre blends the temptation of riches and power with the unavoidable repercussions of leading a risky life is very interesting.
The audience comes across these major content themes:
- Characters struggle to take or keep control of the criminal organization.
- Loyalty and Betrayal.
- Morality: Because the significant characters are likable and complicated, we find ourselves pulling for them even if they are criminals.
Production Techniques
Crime & Gangster movies are produced to impact viewers. Low lighting is frequently used in these films to create shadows and a tense or dangerous atmosphere. The criminal world is set by urban environments, such as smoky bars, poorly lit streets, industrial zones, or opulent residences.
The color palettes are usually neutral. For example, viewers may enjoy "Peaky Blinders," which uses grays, browns, and blacks to capture the industrial and post-World War I atmosphere. The brutality of the criminal underworld and the severity of the working-class environment are reflected in a dirty appearance.
To communicate the depth of characters' feelings, filmmakers also employ camera techniques like close-up views. While slower pace is employed in more dramatic times to heighten suspense and convey the gravity of tough decisions, fast-cut editing is frequently used in action sequences.
Sound design is frequently employed in crime and gangster movies to create tension and suspense. For example, silence may heighten the intensity of a scene, particularly before a violent confrontation. Scenes may become more powerful and emotionally charged when the audience is startled by sudden loud noises, such as gunshots or auto accidents.
Tones, accents, and characters' speech are also important. Sharp, brief conversations and accents depending on the setting give the movie a more realistic depiction of real life.
The Marketing of Crime & Gangster Movies
Action, drama, and power conflicts are the main themes of crime and gangster movies, and their marketing reflects this. With signs of danger like weapons, big groups of men, or dimly lit city streets, the posters typically feature the main actors looking stylish in suits. Tensive confrontations, treacherous betrayals, and just enough violence to grab the viewer's attention are all in the trailers.
One of the best examples is The Godfather (1972). The promotion of the movie showed Marlon Bando, as Vito corleone, main characther. The image of Brando on the poster, with a black suit and a serious and serene expression, evokes a figure of respect and fear. His solemn pose and use of shadows highlight the mystery and darkness of the character.
At the same time, the poster symbolizes the power structure within the mafia: The Godfather, or leader, represents both protection and danger to those under his influence.
According to Box Mob data, The Godfather grossed between $246 and 287 million at the box office when movie was initially released. However, it was not the end of the story. Its overall profits have increased to almost $1.6 billion (adjusted for inflation) because to re-releases, DVD and Blu-ray sales, and now streaming. This demonstrates how effective marketing and a compelling narrative can sustain a movie's profitability for decades.
The Godfather has earned hundreds of millions through home video sales and merchandising. Its success demonstrates that, even years after its initial release, a well-marketed Crime and Gangster movie can still draw in new viewers.
Examples
The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather is among the first movies people consider the Crime and Gangster genre. In addition to examining loyalty, power, and familial bonds, this movie depicts the tale of the wealthy Corleone family. Its emphasis on Michael Corleone's ascent and decline as the new head of the family's criminal enterprise represents the genre.
This film focuses on striking a balance between the corrosive power of crime and familial devotion. To create drama, the director, Francis Ford Copolla, employs slow, tense situations and uses neutral colors, predominating black, to set most of the scenes. Also, the music of this film has been widely recognized as an icon in the film industry. The famous melody represents the power of the mafia in the Godfather movies.
This movie has been remastered and always catches the audience's attention. It includes everything about the Crime & Gangster genre: characters struggle to take or keep control, action, loyalty, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. Besides, it is obvious the exceptional performances of characters such as 'Don Corleone' starring Marlon Brando, who, with his unique accent and characterization of a family leader, left behind a legacy for the future movie industry.
Scarface (1983)
Scarface focuses on Tony Montana, an immigrant from Cuba who becomes influential in the drug trade in Miami. A recurring subject in the genre, the movie depicts how his ambition and greed finally bring him to ruin. The movie examines the issues of having too much ambition and the fallout from leading a criminal life.
In action sequences, dazzling, colorful surroundings, and quick editing evoke a sense of suspense. Unlike most movies in this genre, Scarface uses more vibrant colors. For example, it uses yellow to represent the lively vibe of Miami and to caution Tony's character. It also uses purple, especially in nightclubs, to represent a vibrant and wealthy atmosphere. Like most gangster movies, it also uses red to represent the power and danger that Tony Montana holds.
Other Crime & Gangster Movies
Goodfellas (1990)
The Departed (2006)
Casino (1995)
Gangs of New York (2002)
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangster_film
https://www.ranker.com/list/gangster-movies-and-films/ranker-film
https://www.motionpictures.org/film-ratings/
https://aithor.com/essay-examples/the-genre-of-crime-and-gangster-movies-essay
https://prezi.com/84mlnnznudwq/the-target-audience-for-crime-thrillers/#:~:text=The%20target%20audience%20for%20a,role%2C%20and%20is%20in%20charge.
https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0068646/?ref_=bo_se_r_1
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/dillinger-era-gangster-films/