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
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