'Gangster' Questionnaire

How old are you?


Male or Female?


Do you like 'Gangster' films? If so what do you like about them?
-Storyline/Plot
-Suspense
-Violence/Action
-Other


If not what do you not like about them?
-Storyline/Plot
-Suspense
-Violence/Action
-Other


What is your favourite 'Gangster' film, or the most iconic you can think of?


What costumes do you stereotypically think a gangster should wear?


What is your preference of period setting for a 'Gangster' film?


The results for this questionnaire was that a higher percentage of males preferred this type of genre, and most people who liked 'Gangster' films was because they enjoyed the action, suspense and violence. Most people that did not like 'Gangster' films was because they either did not like or approve of the violence. 'The Godfather' was voted the most iconic 'Gangster' film. Stereotypically the most common costume was a suit. The most popular period setting was modern day.
This questionnaire was useful to see what the audience desire and like to see from this genre.

'Godfather' Empire Film Magazine Front Cover

On this front cover of 'Empire' film magazine features Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) from the film 'The Godfather'. This picture is a direct mode of address, he is staring straight at the lens inviting the viewer to challenge him. The photograph could have criminal connotations as it reassembles a 'mug shot'. The black and white image suggests a dangerous, evil story will unfold. It is an unforgettable image which provokes curiosity. The text is not typical 'Empire' red this is to accommodate the atmosphere and emotion of this front cover, although this is still recognisable as 'Empire' magazine. This front cover is cold there is no colour and the picture focuses on Don Vito Corleone's eyes they keep the reader guessing and intrigued. The lack of pugs is effective as the 'less is more' theory is created here.

'Public Enemies' Empire Film Magazine Front Cover

This is another front cover from 'Empire' film magazine. We can see this is going to be a action packed film with crime as the gun is an enigma code for violence. We can also see from the clothes Johnny Depp is wearing that this is a film set in the thirties. The pale background in contrast with Johnny Depp's dark suit makes him stand out. His facial expression is serious it means he is focused. The gun is the main focus of this picture this informs the audience this film involves crime. This magazine is easily recognisable to the audience by the red text. This front cover also advertises other films that are not within the 'crime' and 'gangster' genre this shows that this magazine is diverse. The plugs, such as price, date, and logo are evenly spread out and clearly visible to the reader. At the top of this front cover we see there is a "Harry Potter on-set exclusive" this is a useful technique as it makes the reader feel like they will not be able to purchase or find this in any other magazine it works well as a purchase motive. This front cover also advertises their website 'empireonline.com' this shows that the magazine is keeping up to date with their audience. We can also establish by this front cover this is quite a popular magazine we see this by the films they have "exclusive" access too and they also have a well equiped and highly accessible website.

'American Gangster' Empire Film Magazine Front Cover

This is another front cover from 'Empire' magazine. The characters appear to be unaware of the camera. One is dressed in a suit this suggests power and wealth. His power is emphasised as this character is infront of the other. It also suggests this character is the main protagonist. The background shows cars and tall buildings we know that this is in a urban setting.

At the side we notice the text reads "worlds biggest movie magazine" this is an example of self promotion.

This front cover also advertises posters within this issue, again this something extra that encourages the reader to buy.

We see this issue is labelled as crime this will appeal to a certain target market in particular a male audience.

'Public Enemies' Film Poster (2009)

'Public Enemies' poster (2009)

- The trilby hat, the smart suit, and gloves is a stereotypical costume for gangsters or bank robber during the 1930s.

- The gun is an enigma code, so we can expect to see scenes of violence with the gunfire.

- The setting is urban, this is where gangs operate.

- The setting shows us it is in the 1930s with the old cars.

- The poster is made up of dull colours, this suggests darkness, crime, and death perhaps?

- Indirect mode of adress, he is not looking at the camera, he looks preoccupied by something else.

'RocknRolla' Film Poster (2008)

RocknRolla poster (2008)
- The whole poster is advertised in shadow this is stereotypical as most ‘Gangster ‘films are set at night or in poor lighting.
- Gun is a stereotypical prop for a ‘Gangster’ film. It is also an enigma code to show violence.
- Lights could suggest an interrogation, or running from the law.
- They look quite sinister which is often associated with ‘Crime’ and ‘Gangster’ films.
- Shows Director’s previous success, this will attract fans of his previous films, and is a useful method of film promotion.
- A suit is a stereotypical costume associated with ‘Gangster’ films. Also shows wealth.
- Indirect mode of address he is unaware of the camera, he looks preoccupied. His body language suggests he is physically prepared for an encounter.
- Looks to be set in an urban environment.

'Goodfellas' Film Poster (1990)

'Goodfellas' film poster (1990)
- Direct mode of adress they are looking directly at the camera. The body language is quite challenging.
- The suits are stereotypical costumes for wealthy gangsters.
- Urban setting. This is the Gangster environment.
- Dead person means we can expect to see some violence.
- Film promotion – they are promoting the cast in the film.
- They are all in shadow. This suggests it set at night when Gangsters usually operate.

Trailer Analysis

As a group we decided on 'British Gangster' as our genre, since I have been researching and analysing three 'Gangster' trailers. The films I have chosen are 'RocknRolla' (2008), 'Goodfellas' (1990), and 'Public Enemies (2009)'.

The trailer for 'RocknRolla' (2008) began with tough looking gang men dressed in suits appearing to be doing deals, in a dark room or office. The deals are suggested by an enigma codes of handshakes suggesting a deal has been reached. The men look sinister and threatening, they are smoking this is associated with a wealthy gangster image. We see clips of a torture/interrogation scene this proves the film to have a serious storyline. There a further enigma codes of a gun being loaded and a fist clenching, this suggests there is going to be physical violence. The trailer is filmed mainly with the characters in shadow this is quite eerie. A few of the characters have foreign accents this is a typical trait of a 'Gangster' film. Throughout the trailer there is a large focus on a painting and money, this is the motive of the film. The trailer is slightly humorous this suggests the film will be comedic too. The film is in an urban setting mostly at night, the time gangs usually operate. The trailer is appealing as it does not just depict violence but juxtaposes images of fighting with images of glamorous upmarket women such as the glimpse of the alluring blond women in an eye catching tennis outfit. There is a contrast between wealth and deprivation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg8dLSu8YvK&feature=related



The trailer for 'Goodfellas' (1990) is far more sinister, dark and violent than the trailer for 'RocknRolla' it does not appear to be humorous unlike 'Rocknrolla'. The trailer includes a lot of footage of crime and confrontations. We have a voice over describing how being a member of a gang is a way of life "As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster" . Unlike 'RocknRolla' a 'British Gangster' film, 'Goodfellas' is a film about the American mafia. We see plenty of props and costume signifiers that are often associated with the genre of this film. The men are dressed in expensive suits, there is camera shots focusing on money, alcohol, smoking, and the suggestion of sex. Images of purity and religion one juxtaposed with the violence and enigma codes of gun fire, creating an exciting mix to the plot and intrigues the audience. Colour and light are used effectively the dark, sombre suits of the gangsters suggest evil which contrast sharply with the women's white dress in the religious ceremony suggesting purity and good. The close up of the romantic scene also adheres to characterisation with the women wearing a pink/red satin dress colours that are associated with sex.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynCjlwFP-vk



The trailer for 'Public Enemies' (2009) is compelling and fast moving and immediately arouses interest. It is set in the 1930s and features costumes of that era, notably trilby hats. The use of vintage cars also date the film. The trailer unlike 'RocknRolla' and 'Goodfellas' depict crime being carried out in broad day light, this breaks with the tradition of the gangster genre and makes the film unique. The action appears to glorify the crimes committed and give it an edgy, glamorous feel. The clip follows a morality tale as we sympathise and worship the protagonist played by Johnny Depp. The violence in this trailer is only shown via enigma codes of quick flashes of gun fire. The gangsters have flourished as a result of crime and this is reflected in their sharp clothes and stylish cars. The trailer is designed to appeal to a broad target market as it does not include gratuitous violence which will make it more suitable for a different range of ages and both sexes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drtYrxhQ13s

Aims And Objectives

We are tackling the topic of 'Gangsters' as a team of four. I wanted to go in a group of four because I thought it would be a great opportunity to share our ideas and use the artistic talents in our group to produce a 'Gangster' trailer. Initially we will be analysing the use of trailers in this genre of film making by assessing their effectiveness and methods for promoting the films.We choose 'Gangsters' as our genre because it is something we thought would be fun and manageable to create. We hope that the input from our team will produce a more dynamic, original extract to promote our gangster movie.
It will be interesting to see how our personal research and ideas will evolve into a final outcome.
My group consists of Piers, Calum, Tristam and I.

Pros And Cons Of Making Our 'Gangster' Trailer

Pros
- Costumes are day to day clothes; smart/casual wear with trench coats, or other long coats - these are easily found in the wardrobe of the average male therefore there is no need to purchase new costumes.
- Locations are not hard to find - backstreet locations, London is an ideal location.
- None or small amounts of special affects needed as British Gangster films are created in realist style.
- Characters would include average looking middle-aged men, aged 30-45 years old – this is a pro as normal or little known actors would be used to play the characters due to the realistic style.

Cons
- Weapons such as guns are widely used in this genre - convincing replicas are hard to source, and are not permitted to bed used in open public.
- The location could have proved difficult, as our film is based around flash cars, speed boats and harbours. Fortunately we have a member of the group who has access to these props.

Gangster Films

AFI's top ten gansgter films.
AFI describes gangster films as "a genre that centres on organized crime or maverick criminals in a twentieth century setting."

1. The Godfather (1972)
2. GoodFellas (1990)
3. The Godfather, part 2 (1974)
4. White Heat (1949)
5. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
6. Scarface. The Shame of a Nation (1932)
7. Pulp Fiction (1994)
8. The Public Enemy (1931)
9. Little Caesar (1930)
10. Scarface (1983).

This list was useful because these are clearly successful and popular 'Gangster' films and to watch the trailers or the films would be interesting and inspiring for ideas.
(List found on the website Filmsite.org)

Genre Theory

Sorting film and tv into genres is problamatic their are no set standards. Genres are far too broad in terms for example soaps, westerns etc.

However there are sub-genres within for example 'Four Weddings and a funeral' starring Hugh Grant is a comedy romance.

What defines a films genre?
- narrative
- mise-en-scene
- characters
- music
- the conclusion/outcome.

Genre Research

There are several different genres I can choose from. The main choices of genre are action, adventure, comedy, thriller, drama, romance, epics/historical, crime/ gangster, musicals/ dance, science fiction, war, westerns and horror.

In these genres there are several sub-genres.

After looking at these genres I decided with my group to do the 'Crime/ Gangster' genre.

Introduction

The task I have been set is to make a film trailer.