The document discusses various conventions and tropes that are commonly seen in mobster and crime genre films. It outlines elements like costumes involving suits that help identify characters as part of a criminal organization. It also describes common storylines like a protagonist rising from poverty to wealth and power through a criminal group. Additionally, it mentions visual elements like low lighting and use of the color red that can symbolize secrecy, violence and authority within the genre.

1. The Synopsis
Genre – Crime, Gangster
Concept – It is a mob crime drama about an undercover cop on the run from the mafia in
order to save his life and protect the code that could bring the mafia organisation down.
Synopsis – When an undercover cop is caught betraying the mafia, he is forced to run
from the two assassins that will do anything to have him wiped him out. After an
unfortunate turn of events that sway in his disfavour, the cop is pushed towards the brink
of death until his old partner pulls him out of trouble. Together they flee the alleged
Mafia family to bring home what could inevitably take down the whole criminal
organisation and put an end to the everlasting gang war that has been burning the
streets of Los Angeles.
BAAM Production’s RAT

2. Costume - Suits
•In regards to the mobster genre, the typical formal outfit of suits and ties are a stereotypical mafia character convention. Therefore, it would be
appropriate for the costumes of some of the characters. By using this costume on some of the characters, the audience will be able to
understand that this film can be categorised in the mob genre as they easily associate the suits with the criminal organisation otherwise known
as the mafia.
Character’s Story – Rags to Riches
•It is a convention that mafia or crime based films feature a rags to riches story of the protagonist. The film usually follows the main character
rise through the ranks of the criminal organisation and living ‘the high life’ with the great fortunes that they are able to obtain. However they
soon start to face the harsh realities that come with being involved in this underworld which often leads to their downfall.
Film Concepts – American Dream
•The American Dream can be seen as a characteristic that often crops up in crime films. It is all about becoming rich and reaching the ultimate
level of power and authority over everyone and everything. Within crime films, this often leads to acts of betrayal, violence and often war among
opposing organisations, whether they be the police or other gangs. Similar to the rags to riches convention, the protagonist will often start from
the very bottom of the food chain and progress his way through the ranks until he reaches that dream.
Lighting – Low Level
•Low level lighting is often used in conjunction to dark colours such as black, grey and brown. This colour scheme can often create a sense of
mystery and secrecy. Casting shadows within a movie can quite often provide the audience with a representation of the underworld, making the
scenes seem as if they are being hidden from other peoples view. This is something that must not be open to anyone outside of the organisation.
The colour red also plays a big part in mobster colour schemes as it is a strong representation of blood and strong violence that takes place
throughout these films. It can also represent a strength and power, which is why many characters higher up in the criminal organisation will wear
this colour. Power means a lot to the characters within a gangster film and so using red is a good way of visually displaying someone’s authority.
Props - Weapons
•The use of weapons such as guns or knives plays a massive part in the representation of violence within a crime and mobster movie. Specific
guns such as the Thompson Sub Machinegun, also known as the ‘Tommy Gun’, can provide the audience with an immediate association with 19th
century crime. This is because during this era, police, criminals and military alike all used this gun. By including this gun in a mafia film, you can
provide the audience with information about the era that the film is set in and the genre that the film has been given.
Conventions Within Mobster Films

3. Concept - Conflict
•Because the mafia is a criminal organisation, there is inevitably going to be conflict between them and the police. Introducing a federal figure
into a crime film can always be a point of interest as, not only has the protagonist got to deal with them, but other criminal organisations as well.
There is often a twist to be included with the police and the corruption within the departments.
Characters - Females
•Female characters often play a small part in mobster and crime films due to the stereotype of being weaker than men and often less aggressive,
so would naturally not partake in violent activities. More often than not however, women are portrayed as sexual objects within criminal films.
An interest in women is often displayed in crime films, with characters entering locations such as night clubs. Romance can sometimes be
introduced into these films as a subgenre, usually resulting in disaster because of the terrible life that comes with being a criminal.
Props - Drugs
•Within crime films, the use and often overuse of drugs, is a convention. It is common to find criminals basing their business operations around
drugs as often see criminal dealing them on the streets to other people and organisations mainly behind closed doors. Even though a rule of the
mafia is not to take drugs but to sell them, we often find some protagonists and other characters misusing them and becoming addicted, leading
to corruption within their life. The use of cigarettes is also a good representation of authority and power. Common mobsters can be associated
with common cigarettes, since they are cheap and easy to obtain. Characters higher up in the mob, such as the boss, may smoke cigars which are
more expensive. In the 20th century, smoking was a common activity and was usually carried out at social events or in stressful situations.
Concept – Italian Heritage
•The mafia, commonly known to have originated from Italy, tends to only allow direct Italians into the organisation making it an exclusive ordeal.
This is similar to other gangs and criminal organisations where only certain people of the same ethnic background are allowed in. This often ends
up in deals between different ethnic backgrounds to settle disputes and to push their own organisation on top.
Scenes - Interrogation
•We often see scenes of interrogation in crime and mobster films. This can be between the police and the criminals where a simple one on one
heated chat is used to obtain information. Or it can be a more gruesome torture styled interrogation between two criminals, usually ending with
the death of the captured character. Interrogations can often provide crucial information for the story to continue.
Conventions Within Mobster Films