Gangster
What is a Gangster film ?
Mob films — or gangster films — are a subgenre of crime films dealing with organized crime, often specifically with the Mafia. Especially in early mob films, there is considerable overlap with film noir.
Generic conventions :
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Guns
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gang/crime family
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organised crime
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drugs
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violence
Mise-en-Scene in Gangster films
Lighting and colour:
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Dark colours such as greys and blacks are used often.
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Red is commonly used as it signifies danger and sex- both common themes of gangster movies.
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Low level dark lighting is also highly common.
Setting
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Often set in an Urban/City location.
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Run down buildings are also seen.
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Housing estates.
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Mansions
Costumes and make-up
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Formal outfits such as a suit and tie are commonly seen in Gangster films.
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Dresses on the women and ofteb the women wear a lot of make-up (Often red)
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Fake blood, scars, bruises, stab wounds and gunshot wounds are also used.
Props
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Guns
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knives
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cigarettes
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money
Examples of Gangster Films
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Click to scroll through the examples
Example 1: The Godfather
"Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, this mob drama, based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name, focuses on the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). When the don's youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), reluctantly joins the Mafia, he becomes involved in the inevitable cycle of violence and betrayal. Although Michael tries to maintain a normal relationship with his wife, Kay (Diane Keaton), he is drawn deeper into the family business."
The Logo/Opening credit
Costume,Make-up and Props
The women in the film are often seen in dresses and heavily made-up with make-up. In this particular photo(Mid- long shot) the woman's jewellery highights her wealth, and considering its a gangster movie it is obvious that the money is illegal. Her red dress,nails and lips represent her sexuality and the common idea of women being objects of pleasure. Yet it also represents danger that again is a common theme of gangster movies. The alcoholic drink in her hand is another common symbol of gangster movies.
Throughout the film the men are dressed in suits to establish their wealth and position. In this image the use of a cat as a prop is somewhat unusual, especially as it is not a common symbol or motif of gangster movies. After some research I discovered that cats symbolise intelligence and secrecy. This may perhaps be the characteristics of the man holding it. Brando's black and white suit is another common symbol of gangster movies as the main characters often wear them to demonstrate their position. The contrast between the black jacket and white suit may be hinting at conflict between two opposing sides in the film. The red rose on this jacket represents danger,danger he causes. Yet it also represents death or state of mourning. Perhaps mourning a loved one who died in conflict.
The long shot of the man being attacked by bullets ( Evidence from the synchronous sound of bullets being fired, and the classic car covered in bullet hole). The blood-stained torn suit highlights the end of his life as both represent danger aswell as death. A fight scene where many characters die is almost always seen in every gangster movie, it often occurs when the two opposing sides meet.
Dark coloured suits (once again). The hats that the men are wearing shield their faces adding a sense of mystery as we do not know who they are. The guns in their hands demonstrate danger and power as they have the means to kill someone.
Example Two- Goodfellas
Plot Overview
"A young man grows up in the mob and works very hard to advance himself through the ranks. He enjoys his life of money and luxury, but is oblivious to the horror that he causes. A drug addiction and a few mistakes ultimately unravel his climb to the top."
The trailer for Goodfellas
Short clip from Goodfellas- "Beat down.
Analysis of Goodfellas clip:
In this clip the low angle of the man demonstrates his strength and power as he defeats and kill the other man. The low angle also causes him to seem intimidating as the angle causes him to seem larger and above the audience. The mid-shot of him punching shows his determination and adds a sense of fear as he is very close to the audience. The audience then fears the character as his violent behaviour is demonstrated clearly.The mid-shot allows the audience to the see someone trying to hold him back with little success due to his strength. The cut to the medium-close up of the bloodied face of the other man, highlighting how he has knocked him out. The dark red grading of the scene highlights the grim feeling while the the red symbolises the danger of the fight. However the cut to the gun being broken and landing across the room portrays how he has been unsuccessfull in killing the man, as someone has removed the power away from him.
The suit's the men are wearing are once again a common feature of gangster movies. As already mentioned the suit represents their status and power. Commonly gangsters are known for their sharp dress sense. The red background ( red again) once again represents danger, the danger associated with being part of or crossing a gang. The medium shot allows all four men to be in the shot aswell as to show the intimidating glare each man has (represents their power).
Most gangster films always seem to (rather annoyingly) demonstrate women as objects of sexual desire, rather then people. Where the men are dresses modestly in suits the women are seen in skimpy outfits showing their skin. As seen through the 2 shot the woman has styled hair and make-up highlighting that women are supposed to look attractive at all time especially in the presence of men. The white fur shawl representing innocence and gentility is a stark contrast to the busty dress which portrays otherwise. The gaze of the man next to her seems to look directly at her chest further highlighting that the women are seen as objects.
