Gangster films as a genre
For this exercise, I have opted to take an in depth look at a particular genre, this genre being gangster films. In order to see how a film from this genre fits into the category of "gangster" I have also opted to study a film called "The Untouchables". By doing this I will be able to look at characteristics that have put this film in the gangster genre and characteristics that do not belong so much to the said genre.Firstly, when we think of gangster films we think of hard-hitting crime drama's. This is most often true, but as with all genres, there are always anomalies. For example, the film "Bugsy Malone", has all the stereotypical features of a gangster film but is in fact a comedic musical. The same goes for the film I have chosen to study. Although it is considered a gangster film it also falls under the sub-genre of Action. We also tend to think of gangster films in a certain era, this usually being the 1920's - 1950's. This tends to be true, as this was the pinnacle of the gangster period and organised crime in general. There then seemed to be a hiatus in criminal activity between the 1950's and late 1970's, when a new wave of law-breaking began in the casino's of Los Angeles and Miami,
We are led to believe that she has been kidnapped, but are reassured when we learn that she was still in her bedroom. This meant that a number of illegal alcohol outlets were established and that raids were rife. Gangster films are extremely family orientated. This is a big blow to the "untouchables" and is a revelation to how corrupt the force is. Capone is at the opera (sung in Italian, his native language) and when the murderer comes to inform Capone that the job has been done (he has killed Malone) Capone begins to cry. The mafia, for example has a godfather that acts as the leader, who receives unconditional respect. Whereas the police force tend to live in the suburbs and less wealthy areas to contrast the power hierarchy. For further retribution, the infiltrator then paints the words "TOUCHABLE" in the victims blood on the elevator wall. The iconic image in this film is the Tommy gun and the lesser used shotgun. In this film there is a narrative of 'reassurance'. For example suspense is employed when an officer comes home to find that his daughter isn't in bed. The character situation is normal. A great deal of the film is set at night, in the rain and in dingy alley ways. There is a very clever scene when an officer named Malone is murdered. Unlike many other films it has a long opening credits, with sharp music being played in the background.
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,
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Acceptance Essays
