1. Genre Research
Gangster/Mob

2. History of the Genre
1930s
This saw the upbringing of two popular films from, Little Caesar and the public enemy.
These two films are considered to be the foundations of Gangster/mob film.
1970s
The 1970s saw the revival of the gangster/mob genre as this was the birth of the most
famous collection named the Godfather.
1980s
The 1980s was the decade that the most well known remake of a gangster film that was
made. This was called Scarface.
1990s
The 1990s was the prime of modern gangster films. They featured films such as
GoodFellas. This was one of a collection of gangster films martin Scorsese produced.
2000’s
This decade saw a decrease of gangster films. The most popular one that was created was
Road To Perdition starring tom hanks.
2010
This was the decade of a new film called gangster squad. Gangster squad is a modern
representation of gangster films.

3. Narrative
A Gangster films usually follow similar
narrative codes compared to a regular
action film. This I because they share the
same features such as a disruption of
the equilibrium. We know this as in the
start of Goodfellas we see a gruesome
killing , this highlights it is disruption. Also
a common narrative technique is binary
opposition. This is usually gang vs gang
or mafia vs mafia. The enigma codes
that are usually in these films are why
are they doing what they're doing? What
are they trying to achieve.

4. Characters
In Gangster/mob genre based films there
is usually more then one protagonist on
one side. This is because it connotes
more power as they are a group. We
know this from the film Gangster Squad.
This makes the audience feel that they
are being overcome by a strong force.
However we can argue that there are
some gangster films that have one
protagonist such as Scarface. On the
other hand this can makes the audience
feel that they are also overcome by a
deadly force.

5. Cinematography
Some of the most important
cinematographic elements in a
gangster/mob film are establishing shots.
For example they imply the location that
the film is set in. we know this is
important as we can get better insight to
where the setting is. This makes the
audience know more information.
However we could argue that this isn't an
important factor as the location is
irrelevant.

6. Setting/location
A common location of the gangster films
is in busy city. This is because if there
is a car chase being in the city implies
danger. We know this as in
Goodfellas is set In New York. This
appeals to the audience as the danger
in the film will be more threatening
watch. However we can argue that the
location isn't always in a busy city as
the film Casino was set in Las vegas.

7. Mise-en-scene
The mise-en-scene in a typical gangster
film is for the life to look lavish. For
example the character will wear a
tailored suit and maybe a cigar to
make him look wealthy as apart of his
costume and wealth. We know this as
in Casino the protagonist match the
gangster description. The lavish look
will appeal to the audience as to the
females it may bring in sex appeal.