Know your genre

Know your Genre – Additional Group Research
Film Title: Hide or Run, RAT: Run and Tell, Dead End, Running/Hiding, Hunt the hunted
Genre (and or sub-genre): Crime/Mafia/Drama, with moments of action
Group Members: Ben, Agatino, Alessio and Marco
Popular films – list 5 popular titles from your chosen genre and write a 1-2 sentence synopsis for them. You do not
need to have watched these films, though it may help your awareness of your genre to watch them over the next
few weeks. Do not cut and paste synopsis; put the stories into your own words.
Film 1 –
Title Synopsis
The Godfather The story of a Mobster Boss, Don Vito Corleone, who is too old to run the family business. His Son,
Michael Corleone, is given control of his family after proving his worthiness within the business.
Film 2 –
Title Synopsis
A Bronx Tale The story of a young boy, growing up in the Bronx with the influence of Sonny, an authoritative
mobster within the area. Growing up, he struggles to choose which side he is on; his caring father’s
side, or the side of a criminal.
Film 3 –
Title Synopsis
Once Upon A
Time In America
The story of a mobster, reliving the past memories of his childhood growing up in the poor area of
New York and doing whatever he could to survive. Pulling off heists, he makes a lot of money with
his group of friends, which he has known since he was a child, but when money gets involved, so
does betrayal and corruption; he will learn this lesson as soon as he grows old.
Film 4 –
Title Synopsis
The Departed The story of a young Irish boy getting involved with Irish mobster, Frank Costello, and growing up
under his wing; he trains to be a Police Officer in order to be a mole for Frank’s gang. Billy Costigan
is a law abiding young man, who trains for the Police Department, only to be sent as an undercover
cop in Frank’s gang; he must protect himself from being caught, as with Colin, who must make sure
that no one knows who he really works for.
Film 5 –
Title Synopsis
Goodfellas The story of a man who always wanted to be part of the mafia ever since he was a young boy; he
learns from the top men, eventually gaining trust; he rises from the bottom to get to the top. We
see the activities occurring within his life, whether it is his love life, stealing from organisations or
even committing murder, as with the friendships that he gains or destroys along the way; we see
his rise and his fall.

Settings
What are 6 settings that have appeared frequently in films from your chosen genre? List film title next to answer.
1. A Meeting Room featured in the film The Godfather
2. Rough Street locations featured in the film A Bronx Tale
3. An undercover location featured in the film Once Upon A Time In America
4. An abandoned warehouse location featured in the film The Departed
5. A courtroom case featured in the film Goodfellas
6. A scene within the desert featured in the film Casino
Cinematography
Find 3 iconic shots from films of your chosen genre. Copy the images and paste them below. Identify titles under
The Departed The Godfather Part 2 Once Upon A Time In America
List the major differences and similarities between the images. At least 3 points per column.
Differences Similarities
The colour varies, in order to create different emotions
between characters, as with the tone. The 1st
image is
different as we see darkness within the setting, creating
a less welcoming tone to the modern-day American
mobsters, suggesting the old fashioned ones as being
respectful. The differences also include:
‘The Departed’ shows one character walking
forward, suggesting his confidence and power
within the setting he may potentially control
- ‘The Godfather Part 2’ shows the main
protagonist (even though he is criminal) seated
in his chair, representing his authority and
calmness as being a leader with sensible power
- ‘Once Upon A Time In America’ shows two
characters in a tight-shot, suggesting their
friendship and similarities; they are not alone
We are able to verify the authority of the characters; the
boss being darkened, suggesting his secrecy, the boss
being seated, suggesting his calmness and authority, and
two friends together, suggesting power as with close-
friendship; we are able to find themes of power and
control between the images of scenes within the films.
The colouring between the 2nd
film’s image as with the
3rd
film’s image looks predominantly the same with a
traditional Mediterranean look; in context, the 2nd
image
is based around Italian Americans, and the 3rd
image is
based around America in the 1930’s.

Image analysis
What do you believe makes the images above so iconic (or have such a strong impact)?
The Departed: The image conveys confidence and power, due to the individual walking (in his own time) as with
smoking a cigarette; this suggests that he doesn’t care what people think of him, as he is his own man. His is
silhouetted to determine the secrecy of his identify, as we have no form of power to see who he really is. The setting
is in a garage, suggesting stereotypical masculinity; the character within the scene is a power man, who appears to
use his power. The image looks iconic due to the character being address with a dark tone, conveying his power, but
as it is low-key lighting inside the location, it suggests that the antagonist is dangerous and potentially aggressive.
The Godfather Part 2: The image conveys a sense of authority, as the individual is seated suggesting his calmness of
decision making. The characters’ NVC suggests his seriousness, which essentially stereotypically connotes the male
as being a leader; he is in charge of the space which he operates, established through the fairly tight-shot, which
allows the audience to establish his seriousness when taking charge of the people he controls. The lighting is a
combination of low-key lighting and partially high-key lighting; the low-key lighting is behind the character, possibly
suggesting a dark background to the rise of his authoritative power and his life, and the high-key lighting allows
greater recognition of the character, in order to suggest him as being well known, reinforcing greater sense of power
within the setting in which he may lead. The image is iconic as we are able to see the character in command,
especially within a comfortable location. He is young, yet gains the respect of as though an older gentleman.
Once Upon A Time In America: The image conveys close friendship between the two protagonists (even though they
are criminals in context to the film); they are friends who are always together, suggesting a greater sense of power
when with one another. The image creates emotion between the individuals, as with trust. They are both looking
through a small space, which creates themes of observation. The characters both vary their Non-verbal
communication, suggesting a potential sense of emotion when looking through the gap in the wall; they both have
different experiences, possibly suggesting their potential differences. The image is iconic as we are able (within a
Crime genre) see sincere emotion and close-friendship between characters, which may go against conventions of
certain Crime films. It creates an impact of innocence and hope, in contrast to violence and hatred.
Colour scheme
Are there any colours or shades that can be associated with your genre? List the colour, why we might associate this
with your genre (what we see that is this colour) and any connotations connected to that colour.
Colour Where that colour appears in your genre Connotations – what we
associate with that colour.
Within the Crime/Mafia genre, especially in the 70’s-
90’s, this colour would be used to create a tone of
potential darkness, even though the colour isn’t too
dark, suggesting a sense of happiness and pride
within the type of work that mobsters associate
themselves with. The colour reminds me of a
traditional Italian look, which fits in with the period
of films such as ‘The Godfather’ and ‘A Bronx Tale’.
These colours usually appear throughout the films
within the genre, but referring to film’s scenes, the
colour would tend to be used when there is more
than one person within the scene, creating an
emotional relationship between characters. This
may also act as juxtaposition; like the character, the
This colour creates a look which
feels fairly calming, acting as
juxtaposition to actions which
occur later on in the film. The
lighting also connotes and creates
a warm atmosphere, creating
emotion; this essentially creates a
personal like between characters,
even if they are antagonists; they
are presented as humans with
emotion to their name.
Themes that are brought to mind
when seeing this colour include:
- Emotion

audience feels safe in a soft and calm lighting, which
may suddenly be broken with conventional violence.
- Care
- Trust
Within the Crime/Mafia genre, this colour is used in
order to create a sense of ambience throughout the
scene, possibly creating a sense of warmth between
characters, or acting as juxtaposition to the
unkindness of a certain character (the antagonist).
The colour helps to make the scene look appealing
and stand out, and brings a traditional look to the
film, especially when the film is set in an earlier time
period, such as in the 90’s. The colour presents
harmony and agreeability; this helps to create a tone
where everybody gets along, due to a build-up of
trust, or a close friendship between the individuals
in the scene. Within the images shown, the colour is
used to create two different atmospheres; in ‘The
Departed’, the characters are new to one another,
therefore intend to gain more trust. In ‘Donnie
Brasco’, the characters are friends and get along
well, but the protagonist is new; he needs to gain
the trust of dangerous people.
The colour creates an atmosphere
of trust and friendship; these
important themes are conventions
in the genre of Crime, due to the
fact that the close relationships
and trust are essential if the
characters are to get along and
create businesses with one
another. Without these themes,
there would be more violence
within the genre, due to a lack of
trust between characters. The
colour connotes a welcoming,
creating a friendly tone. The
themes from this colour include:
- Welcoming
- Trust
- Friendship
Protagonists V Antagonists
Find an image of a notable protagonist and antagonist from your chosen genre.
Protagonists V Antagonists (continued)
What are the key or common characteristics of the protagonists and antagonists from your genre?
Paste their image below.
Protagonist Antagonist
The protagonist is a character with a respectful job and
mentality when it comes to being good in the world. He is
dressed in his uniform, and has a mature approach to his
job, as with sincere determination to do his job well. The
protagonist has his tie on, as with his top button done up,
suggesting him as being very mature and also professional.
He intends to do a good job, as with teach his son how to be
a good citizen and person within the world. He looks ahead
for the future, as for the future of his son; the main person
in his mind. He is caring and strict, yet extremely loving. He
wants the best for his son, and will work very hard to
provide for him.
The antagonist is an authoritative character with a criminal job,
as with a mentality of business. He dresses well, in order to
make himself look wealthy and like a leader. His hair is combed
back smartly in order to make himself look neat and masculine;
the exact things that are required for mafia bosses. He is holding
a gun, suggesting his violence and power. He looks angry,
creating an intense vulnerability for the individual who he is
going to shoot. He wants to stand out and look good. He is in his
middle age, and has a lot of power, respect and experience to his
name, and will use his power for good or for bad. He cares for
Sonny’s son, but doesn’t want him be like him; this challenges
conventions.

What are some other common character types from your chosen genre?
___________________________ ___________________________
___________________________ ___________________________
___________________________ ___________________________
Props
What props appear significantly or commonly in your chosen genre?
Costume and Make-up
What types of costumes are prevalent in films from your genre? Describe them and find examples.
Description - The costumes that have been selected range in terms of the setting, the era and the
stereotype of characters within the genre. I have selected Italian hats to be used between the mobsters, in
order to identify them and their culture quickly as being Italian. This also fits in with conventions of the
Crime/Mafia genre. The suit that is used also links in with stereotypical looks of mobsters, which I feel will
bring out the realism within the American setting, but due to our trailer being set in the 1990’s (in
America), I also added more modern forms of clothing, in order to suit the time period as with its fashion.
This will also be used to create different tones and atmospheres, as the suits may create a more serious
and dangerous environment for the characters in the scene. The third choice of clothing will be for the
Detective; this form of costume suits the stereotypical detective. It will certainly fit in with the genre, and
will also add greater realism to the story. The detective will also have a police badge and a hat, making him
look older, more experienced and also very professional. The Undercover cop will also be wearing
costumes such as Polo Shirts, due to him being on the run and not wanting to draw attention to himself.
Costume option 1 Costume option 3Costume option 2
The Corrupt Police Officer
The Woman In Love With The Criminal
The Criminal Who Doesn’t Like Violence
The Corrupt Police Officer
The Criminal Who Didn’t Choose The Bad Life
The Good Friend Of The Antagonist
Weapons (Pistols, Revolvers) Food, Fruit; Traditionally Italian
Rope (Torture), Money, Secret
Information (Letters), Cigarette
Lighters (stereotypical mobsters)

How is make-up (or prosthetics) used significantly in your chosen genre?
Describe its use and find any notable examples.
Make-up isn’t as used for this genre (regarding the male characters, but in terms of behind the scenes, it would be),
but for the actors, it would be used. Female characters tend to look extremely beautiful, in order to create themes of
attraction and unfaithfulness, as a lot of Crime/Mafia Films introduce sexual affairs, leading to confrontation and
violence. The female protagonists also look extremely beautiful in order for the antagonists to show off and seem
powerful, especially in films set in an earlier era, where women were seen as trophies, for the men brag about.
Regarding themes of hate, violence and harm, fake blood will be used greatly to create the aftermath of realistic
physical abuse. Fake blood is used extremely frequently within different genre films, but in the Crime/Mafia genre, it
is used a lot more, even within trailer’s (especially red-band trailers). We would like to create a red-band trailer,
aimed toward a male adult target audience, as violence is a common factor which men stereotypically enjoy in films.
Lighting
How is lighting used commonly and in your chosen genre?
Within the Crime/Mafia genre, low-key lighting is used quite a lot, either between night-time scenes, connoting
potential danger (as darkness connotes fear), but also within abandoned and secret locations, such as where torture
scenes take place, or where the mobsters gather or even hide out. The use of low-key lighting brings a dark and
nerve-racking tone, as the audience are most likely able to know what will occur; usually a murder or form of
physical violence. It creates an unsafe atmosphere. High-key lighting is also used to create an ambient and
welcoming atmosphere, usually acting as juxtaposition to upcoming forms of aggression, in context to crime. High-
key lighting tends to be used earlier on during the film, in order for the audience to see the differences from the
start and the end of a film; at the start, it tends to be calm and friendly, but at the end, the characters may become
enemies, or murders may occur. It is an effective way to change and create a range of atmospheres, with the
different tones of lighting. Different colour gels are also used, such as the colour yellow, brown and orange, creating
a warm feeling between characters. It makes it seem homely, suggesting comfort between characters, or even
within a setting. This may act as a contrast to the outcome of the film’s story, as the ending may contain themes of
betrayal, as opposed to the warmness and calmness presented at the start of the story. Gels are really useful to
create emotion, and we would like to use them within our trailer. We will try to use gels, but if not, we may have to
create the colour effects through an editing software.
What is the effect of these styles of lighting?
The effect is to create different emotions, based around the context of the scene being show. It may vary between
characters at different points of the trailer, in order to suggest that they are getting closer, or further apart. The type
of lighting which is incorporated in the Crime/Mafia genre is very traditional, suggesting a stereotype within the
setting of America (especially at an earlier era in which the film is set). We would like to incorporate the same type
of lighting effect within the trailer, to match the setting of America, but also to add greater emotion within the
scenes. We as a group would like to add in these traditions, to link the stereotype of Italian American mobsters, but
also to match genre conventions. The audience may also like this convention, creating recognition in the genre.
Goodfellas:
A beautiful woman in
love with the
antagonist.
Casino:
A Beautiful
woman, in love
with the
Protagonist, but is
not loyal to him.
Casino:
A beautiful
woman in love
with the
protagonist, yet
isn’t loyal to him.
Goodfellas:
The main
protagonist is angry,
due to his wife
being mistreated.
He angrily assaults
the guilty man.
Casino:
A Casino owner takes
revenge on a cheater,
by injuring his arm.

Find 2 examples of where lighting has been used significantly in your chosen
genre. Briefly explain the type of lighting used and the effect that is created by
the light scheme and shadow.
Character action and movement
How would you expect your 3 main characters to act and behave? How would
they carry themselves/ pose/ act towards one another. Why would they act in
this way?
The main characters vary regarding themes of law, due to there being two good protagonists and two antagonists.
The protagonists will be quite similar, regarding how they feel toward the two antagonists, but their personalities
will vary, as with their forms of expertise; differentiations between being a Cop and a Detective. Their skills will also
vary, due to their different jobs. The Cop will have a pose of importance, yet will not always stand up straight,
suggesting his weakness of being searched for. He will be quick on his feet for when he has to leave and escape
being caught. The character will be aware that he isn’t safe, but has the confidence to look out for himself, even
though he is outnumbered by two skilful mobster assassins. The Detective is an authoritative character who will not
be threatened by any criminal, or in this case, criminals. He has experience and is not afraid to use his gun against
them. He will stand tall and courageous, but will also have the ability to move slowly or quickly, depending on the
situation as with his calmness during investigations to finding clues. He will have a mature stature, and will have the
personality of a professional. The two antagonists will be fairly similar, due to them being brothers, but also as they
are both characters with power to their names. The brothers will also have differing personalities, in order for them
to stand out, but also give the audience to like each individual character (or dislike them) for who they are. One of
the brothers will be more authoritative and aware of being considerate and caring, as opposed to the other brother
with an angered a more revengeful personality. This allows the audience to tell them apart for who they really are.
Within The Departed, the lighting used within the secret location (a bar owned by
the boss) is predominantly a combination of dark yellow, brown and orange. These
colours are used to create a friendly atmosphere, as with a calming setting, but due
to the scene holding moments of confrontation and violence, this acts as
juxtaposition to the warm atmosphere presented through the lighting. This may
suggest that the characters that are part of the bar enjoy violence within their lives,
as it may calm them down and lead to their calmness; the lighting contrasts the
upcoming violence. The lighting may also connote secrecy, due to the bar being
exclusive for criminals, as with it being fairly unknown. The slight low-key lighting
suggests that the bar is kept on a low profile, so that it isn’t used by good citizens,
as with the Police Department.
Within Once Upon A Time In America, the lighting used within this underground
location is fairly low-key lighting, in order to suggest that the location is secretive
and unknown by the public; in context to the film, illegal alcohol is being made
during the prohibition. The lighting also presents discomfort, due to it looking like a
an unsafe environment, especially for young kids shown in the scene. The
underground setting looks very masculine, presented through the dominant colours
of brown, black, orange and grey. The lighting also creates silhouettes, expanding
themes of potential danger and harm, within a rough world. The lighting stands out
more on the adult man, suggesting that men have greater control and power within
society. The lighting presents a dark tone, in order to create an atmosphere of
corruption and criminality; the children seek that life.

The Godfather: Part 3 (1990)
The Godfather (1972)
The characters both intend to kill the undercover cop, but they intend to do it differently; nevertheless, they are
both very angry and alert to find him. They will stand with great authority, even though they are not the tallest
characters from the rest of trailer. They intend to stand, with their head facing one another, and heads on either side
(a slight look-over of from the shoulder); they are on the lookout to find the Rat.
The cop will (depending on whether or not he comes into contact with other main characters) act suspiciously; who
can he trust? He will also feel relieved when in contact with the detective (via a telephone). The Detective doesn’t
like the antagonists, due to their reputation and attitude. He will have an unimpressed NVC, if they meet up. This
may be intentional or whilst they search for the undercover cop. This may lead to violence. The two brothers will act
strong and powerful toward other characters, and will not back down from anyone. The only time these characters
may feel intimidated would be if there is confrontation between one another; which brother is more dominant? In
the trailer though, each character is unique, and will differentiate their personalities, action and expertise. The
action of the two brothers will be fast, but also calm, (acting as juxtaposition to their angered state). They will all be
fast, but if necessary to show that they are not intimidated, slow and timely.
Symbolism
What symbolic objects/colours/concepts/gestures/costumes might appear in your film? Look to other films from
your genre for inspiration. Find images of your own symbolic objects. What could these objects symbolise?
Symbolism within our trailer could be used in order to determine themes of death, violence, hate, disagreement and
tension. The setting could be used as symbolism, such as ‘a brick wall’ suggesting a build-up of tension, like the build-
up of bricks. The use of fruit could suggest a fresh and fragrant outlook on the world, contrasted to decaying fruit,
suggesting potential death as with the end of beauty in the world; life. This also could be used as juxtaposition. In
‘The Godfather’, Oranges were used before or during the event of a murder, symbolising that with the beauty of
God’s fruit comes the disgust of manmade- death. We could use nature, such as the sky or greenery to symbolise
calmness and danger; with the sky, this could be used through pathetic fallacy, with blue skies to suggest happiness
(potentially acting as juxtaposition after a murder, as the mobsters may feel happy after causing death, suggesting
mental instability), and grey skies to suggest darkness over the individual/s in the scene. Greenery could suggest a
character’s freedom, or entrapment, depending on the size of the greenery setting, as with the colour (darker or
lighter). We could use nature as symbolism, due to it being available for us to use, but we need to be careful
depending on the weather conditions, as with our timing. In The Departed, ‘crosses’ are used to foreshadow death.
If we show torture scenes, as with death, of secondary characters, we could use a specific image to connote danger.
This could also be through the colouring and lighting to create emotion.
Examples of notable symbolic items
Goodfellas (1990)
The Departed (2006)
Key Themes:
-Nature
-Ripeness
(Maturity)
-Mankind

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