Analysis and Codes & Conventions of the Gangster Genre

Setting and Era

The gangster genre is a sub genre of the crime genre and the most popular era gangster movies revolve around has been the 1930's (American movies in particular such as The Godfather and Goodfellas ). This is because throughout this period America was going through the great 'Depression' where everyone was doing there utmost to gain money, wealth and power. This era not only provides an interesting and accurate representation of that time, it also brings the audience down to their perspective as we often come to like the characters. We know they are bad, but because we enjoy there personalities and have become accustomed to seeing them on screen so much, we connect with the characters and want to see them succeed.

However, if you take a look at England based gangster/crime movies, a vast majority are based in London in a modern era (examples include Snatch, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, RocknRolla etc...). This is because we do not have that kind of history and struggle to benefit from to feed the storyline. London was no where near as exciting and interesting in terms of crime and gangsters back in the 1930's when compared to America. By basing the movie in a modern era, without a doubt it will appeal to the current generation who enjoy the genre. Why? Because they themselves are living in the times that the movie is taking place. Movie's for many are a form of escapism, and what better way to see these story's unfolding in familiar places and time.

Saying they are based in 'London' or 'America' is a bit vague so I will expand on this. Movies within the genre will often be based in large crowded cities. This is to highlight the unknown and secretive underworld of gangsters and criminals: bars and clubs that light the streets with neon signs, expensive sport cars, drugs, sleazy bars, prostitution, hangouts etc... all add to the genre. If a crime/gangster film is based in a more 'exotic' location (warmer foreign locations) it often brings the feeling of wealth and adventure with it. An example of this would be 'The Business' starring Danny Dyer who becomes drawn into organised crime and gangs after he travels to Malaga from being on the run in London.

Plot

The stories within this genre often highlight the life of a crime figure (fictional or non fictional) or at times victims. Or they tend to glorify the the rise and fall of a particular criminal, particular group/gang, bank robbers, murderers and more. Its not unusual to find real life crimes, gangsters or headlines used as inspiration or even recreated on the big screen. The gangster or some form of main character will usually die emphasising that crime does not pay, especially to an audience that has come to like characters which are essentially villains.

An alternative plot line that is also used is when a group or person not associated with gangsters becomes drawn into a development or problem be it through accidental means or through consequences. An example of this would be Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels where four Londoner's who at the most are small time scam artists, find themselves heavily in dept with east end gangsters, and result to humorous attempts at theft.

Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Sound

Diegetic sound is sound which source is visible on the screen or is implied to be present by the action of the film such as a character talking.

Non diegetic sound is sound which source is not visible on screen nor has been implied to be present in the action such as a music track played over an action scene.

Diegetic sound within the gangster genre is pretty self explanatory as it is with any film out to date. Characters talking, environmental sounds, sounds made by props etc... The non diegetic sound is what differs greatly in films, in particular the music.

Classical music is often associated with american gangter films, more so in those that are based in an older era. If you had to associate a genre of film with classical music, many (as I) would no doubt choose the gangster genre. I have two opinions as to why this might be. The first being perhaps the huge success of films such as The Godfather (which featured a lot of classical music) resulted in people automatically associating it with gangster films. Second would be how well it suits the theme. The quiet, relaxing and sometimes epic pieces created contrast greatly with what is happening within the ganster genre. But it successfully makes an impact to what is happening on screen and can emphasise many emotions and actions such as sadness, death, murder and more.

However, if we take a look at modern day London gangster films you will not here much if any classical music at all. After viewing films such as Rock'n'Rolla, Lock Stock and Snatch it is evident that this side of the genre tends to focus on rock/punk. More than often the music will be from a London based band. This is probably to emphasise and amplify the nature of the criminals/gangsters within London, how they rebel and dont take kindly to authority much like the rock/punk genre did.





Costume

As the teaser trailer will be based in modern day London, I decided to look at the trailer for 'Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' to get a better idea of what costume is used.

After viewing the trailer, it is evident that there are various groups involved with the plot line, and that each one has a different style of costume (some only slightly different however).

First we have a group of friends that are portrayed as small time criminals involved with the likes of scamming. This group are shown wearing suits, possibly conveying how the group are trying to show class or that they have money, or even the director even putting across that they are 'wannabe' gangsters?

Next we are introduced to who is obviously the main gangster within the area. This is made evident by the indefinite change of style from the previous group. He is wearing a smart, buttoned shirt and tie with smart trousers and braces. This conveys a sense of authority and professionalism, the fact that no other character is dressed like this further emphasises these messages.

Moving on we are introduced to what seems to be the gangsters henchmen. We are given this impression due to them wearing not just suits but long brown coats. The long brown coats are a typical item of clothing that appear often in gangster/crime films.


Will Leighton