Background of Gangster Films

The first Gangster film to be shown on the screens was ‘Dreams and Deadends, an American film which was set in Chicago in 1912. Surprisingly the film itself didn’t become a massive hit when it was first released in the cinema in America as the audience were unsure what to make of the film. The film was the beginning of the Gangster & Crime genre and as it created a dark, unusual and rather stylish film genre which began to grow in production as well as popularity.

Genre Generics

Crime and Gangster films began to flourish between 1920-1930s when the traditional stereotypical gangster was presented as being a well dressed New York ‘Gangster’ who is known for robbing banks. They also tended to use the traditional ‘Tommy gun’ which progressed throughout the years yet still kept the dark stylish physique and fashion. These films were later known as ‘noir films’ after World War II. Noir films were a category or sub-genre which didn’t just apply to Gangster and Crime films but any film set in black and white whether it was a Romance or Drama Film.

How It Appealed To the Audience

During the American depressing Crime and Gangster films became huge hits as they related to the dark, dull side of America and reflected the struggle. Films during that time also used real characters such as Al Capone and Don Calalony. Between 1920-1950 the appearance of a traditional gangster was a semiotic. They symbolised hate and greed which was an element commonly used in the majority of Crime and Gangster films also the use of the traditional appearance of an American gangster between the years 1920. The use of real characters, which actors would play the part of, remained consistent later on in the century as it made the plot seem more realistic. 

How a Crime Genre Is Conveyed To Target the Audience

Originally Crime was a genre that attracted young adults and middle aged people specifically targeted at men as they were able to relate to the dark, dull struggle during the depression in the early 20^th century in the USA. The Crime genre attracted their attention as it was something they were able to relate to in the financial struggles and dark atmosphere which the films at the time where usually about gangs and gangsters in America. The films were known for being very dark yet stylish in the early years of the Crime genre, known as ‘Noir Films. The crime genre had significantly changed in the 60’s and both the target audience and generic conventions had differed. The target audience had then changed to attract a younger viewer and also suited a female audience due to the less dark and depressing vibe it gave off.

The Progression and Growth

After the Crime and Genre ear between 1920-1950 the ‘Noir Film’ style of Crime and Gangster film had faded and wasn’t as recognised and related to as it use to be, the gangster image had now changed to the cop image during the 60’s.. However this wasn’t an end to the Crime and Gangster films there was just a slight change in style. The genre of Crime and Gangster films originated from America and later spread to Europe and the UK meaning the  gangster figure became additionally versatile and the traditional New York gangster became less threatening and less of a powerful semiotic.