Research into the Crime Genre

Research into the crime genre

Key elements

Solving an enigma, for both the characters and the audience.

A question of the characters morality, the crime genre often portrays protagonists as anti-heroes, often showing the characters making judgements between right and wrong throughout the film.

Conventions

Crime films often shows divisions between different groups of people in society, especially within a police crime department. Usually involves conflicts due to these divisions, whether it’s between those working within the department or conflicts within illegal activities. Often demonstrates sacrifices made in an officers private life in order to further his career. Is a Male orientated genre however in some examples gender roles can be reversed, e.g. Prime Suspect.

Slow paced jazz music is often used in these films In order to show the simplicity of life during the times of black and white crime films.

Common narrative

Rivalry with criminal organisations, mysteries to be solved by the police, such as who committed a crime. Someone rising to power via a crucible or crime related issues. Characters often desire for power and to be recognised.

Settings and locations

Generically set in large crowded cities that are renowned to have high levels of crime. Nightclubs or bars with low lighting are often used to represent the illegal activity that is associated with these areas.

Modern crime films

Animal Kingdom
Brighton Rock
Brooklyn's Finest

Crime sub-genres

·      Spy

·      Criminal focus

·      Detective

·      Woman lead

·      Cold case narrative

·      Specialist criminologists