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BRIEFYou are to produce a promotion package for a new film, to include

a teaser trailer (DVD), together with 2 of the following:•A website homepage for the film

•A film magazine front cover, featuring the film A4•A poster for the film. (no larger than A3)

Seb Hallett

Crime Genre

Historical Perspective – Timeline 1930’s

• 1930’s saw the start of mob and gangster films reflecting the prohibition era of the 1920’s. Producing classics such as Little Caeser and The Public Enemy. This era was shortly after the depression which allowed the suffering to relate to a gangster character trying to make his way in the world, this offers the audience a sense of escapism. The audience can escape their lives and follow the character life. These character were based on real life mobsters such as Al Capone. This helped the audience relate further to the characters created. This genre spanned over a decade however it is argued by some people that the best of the year were the opening3 year ending in 1933.

Historical Perspective American Crime – 40’s/50’s

• 1940’s and 50’s saw the introduction of film noir which changed the genre of crime which was seen in the 1930’s. The storyline and conventions changed showing and reflecting a more sinister side of life. Reflecting wartime turmoil and sensitive subjects which were not explored in previous years. This changed cinema and the crime genre vastly. Film noir of this era is associated with a low-key black-and-white visual style that has roots in German Expressionist cinematography. Film noir included more confused roles for the genders introducing alienated heroes and femme fatales, which hasn’t previously been seen in the crime genre which was ground braking. An example of this is in the film The Big Sleep (1946) and Key Largo (1948). The film which is now most commonly cited as the first "true" film noir is Stranger on the Third Floor (1940), directed by Latvian-born, Soviet-trained Boris Ingster. Before this conventions from the 1930’s were carried over.

Historical Perspective British Crime – 40’s/50’s• 1940/50s - British Noir reflected post war anxieties and life which allowed

the audience to relate to the characters because they know what they have been through to an extent, this offers the audience a form of escapism. British Crime followed very much Film Noir conventions which the Americans had been using, charting the darker side of civilian life. A good example of this is Brighton Rock (1947) and The Third Man (1949).

It was not until February 1973 that The New York Times first used the term, describing how the "moods and tensions" in the British private-eye parody Pulp came "out of the collective depths of the film noir".

This quote shows film noir lasted for a long time and British crime has been and will always hint at film noir. It also suggests that it wasn’t as effective as American film noir. I say this because this was quoted in 1973 not 1943 which shows when it first began it wasn’t as effective.

American Crime – 1960’s• 1960’s - American crime in the 1960’s very much reflected the economic and social optimism of the

‘swinging 60’s’. The narratives of films began to get less intense and dark compared to the 1940’s and 50’s era of film noir. A new era of films including Oceans 11 and Italian job began to take over and the crime genre had changed again because of this. American films (such as Oceans 11) were not as quirky as British crime in the 1960’s, however characters changed and humour was introduced. Because of this new era new character types were born, the main male character was seen as a ‘loveable rogue’ which the women at the time took to especially. The characters began to be more humorous and quirky this was important as the audience could relate easily as the norms and conventions of the ‘swinging 60’s’ changed also. The film noir era as we knew it changed into neo-noir film genre. Which was developed mid-way into the Cold War. This new genre introduced innovations that were not available with the earlier noir films. The violence was also more potent than in earlier noir films.

• So even though the 60’s was very much a fun and loving era film noir conventions were still included, however as the years went on the conventions used began less and less. Film noir is still a big influence on many directors.

British Crime – 1960’s• The British crime genre in the 1960’s transformed from the dark age of Film noir, into a

more humurous era following quirky and cheeky characters. British Films mixed comedy with the heist movie using ‘cheeky cockney’ of this comedy era. The Italian Job (1969) was the first film to use a cliff-hanger film ending which was ground braking in film, it was performed in a comedic way typical of the 60’s era.

The Italian Job was a ground braking film and this time of film was very successful and has influenced other directors and companies to make remakes. The Italian Job was remade including actors such as Mark Wahlberg and Edward Norton.

American Crime – 1970/80’s• American crime genre in the 1970/80’s turned into a more gritty and hard hitting genre which reflected

the economic depression of the 1970’s well, this meant the public could relate to the narrative simply as the films around this time reflected on the great depression, including hard hitting dons and drug pushing. A good example of this is the Godfather (1972) and Scarface (1983).

• This era also saw the start of Blaxploitation films reflecting the civil rights with mainly black casts and directors dealing with issues of racism and stereotypes. Foxy Brown was a good example of this and it uses postmodern well because women are not usually the main characters who fight and are scary this was seen as a more masculine act, this is breaking the conventions. Also foxy brown is black and because racism has previously prevented these characters being played by black people it was also ground braking.

• The 70’s saw a revival of mob films noticeably with the godfather films which inspired other mob films such as The Valachi Papers. And years later the 1983 remake of Scarface which has also gone on to become a classic.

British Crime – 1970/80’s• British Crime genre in the 1970’s and 80’s

went from a quirky and humorous stage in the 60’s to a more gritty genre reflecting the notoriety of gangland figures such as the long good Friday starring Michael Caine. This change was relevant because the times had changed and a new era needed to begin. American film was also an influence I believe because when films such as The Godfather was made and Scarface in the early 80’s we had to change with the times in order to relate to a wider audience. This suggests that American crime genre was perhaps more dominant? And influenced other countries into doing what they do. Michael Caine was in both Italian Job and Get Carter, both characters are very different and optimised the change between 60’s and 80’s and the publics conventions and beliefs on crime genre changed. More film noir conventions were used by directors because as we know film noir was also dark and gritty time so this was important for conventions to be used.

American Crime – 1990’s onwards• The 1990’s onwards saw the introduction of postmodern crime. Reflecting the

postmodern age that our society is provided with, with ideas and conventions referring to the past with new and challenging narratives. Including hybrid genre movies which are films that follow the conventions of two genres. They also include heavy stylised and blurred representations. A good example of this disrupted harmony is Pulp Fiction (1994) the director is Quentin Tarantino and he is very much a postmodernist who is always challenging conventions. Since the start of the 90’s we have seen films start by giving you the ending, we have seen Todorov’s theory and other theorists theories not apply this is because directors and film makers are breaking conventions constantly and are always looking out for the next ground braking idea.

British Crime - 1990’s onwards• British crime genre in the 1990’s saw the rise of postmodern gangster, borrowing ideas

from previous British crime iconography. Films from this time and in the current era often reflect ‘new Laddism’ which was bought in, in the early 90’s. Postmodern hybrids offer mixed representations and heavily stylised production. A good example is Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) , Snatch (2000) and Layer Cake (2004).

• I think British films of the 1990’s took influence from both their own and the American’s film past. With films such as Scarface , Get Carter and The Godfather all dominant influences on recent British film success. However films from the 1990’s onwards have arguably been more hard hitting and violent. Directors such as Quentin Tarantino and Guy Richie both pushing the boundaries and breaking the conventions of both American and British film in order to create new ground braking movies.

Kill Bill• Kill Bill is one of Quentin Tarantino’s crime/ action movies, Tarantino is very much a

postmodernist he has re invented genre in this films and others such as Django Unchained and Pulp Fiction. These movies have been considered controversial by some people because he pushes the boundaries when it comes to action conventions, using taboo words such as nigga. Other directors such as Spike Lee avoid watching Tarantino’s movies because he and some other considers the material as racist and too taboo to use.

• Postmodernism reflects our changing globalised culture from 1960’s. It reflects a more confused time where traditional values are less clear.

• A stand out post modern element is the main character. The main character in Kill Bill and Kill Bill 2, is a deadly female who specialises in martial arts and who is dominant over men (physically). This is a very postmodern spin on the crime genre because the conventions usually involve a male (Hero) playing this part. However Tarantino broke the rules which made this film stand out more and ground braking. He took influence from Foxy Brown which also had a female main character who broke conventions.

Postmodern Theory

• ‘Postmodernist film attempts to subvert the mainstream conventions of narrative structure, characterization and destroys (or, at least, toys with) the audience's suspension of disbelief’

Postmodern within today’s media• Uses include:• Narratives - themes that challenge or change the conventional film

narratives. A good example of a film with a postmodern narrative is Pulp Fiction. Tarantino is well known for his postmodern twists in almost all of his films.

• “I steal from every movie ever made” - “Violence is one of the most fun things to watch” – Typical Quentin Tarantino quotes.

• Non-Linear narratives – This is the challenge of the 3 act conventions by disrupting the order of the narrative two good examples are Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill which are both Tarantino films.

• Anti-Narratives – This is the disruption of the narrative with conventional films may not include or will include a basic disruption.

Genre and Styles of postmodern• Bricolage – stealing images/objects from different styles,

usually high art to create new meanings. E.g. The Yellow Jumpsuit in Kill Bill.

• Pastiche - a straight copy of another text. E.g. Remake of Shaft /Get Carter/Oceans 11/Sherlock Holmes.

• Intertextuality – making references to other media texts for effect, for pleasure or as an ‘homage’, to show respect. This Makes the audience interact with the text. This is sometimes shown in programmes such as Family Guy and South Park for humour.

• Simulacra or hyper reality – This is where the audience is aware of an artificial rather than a ‘real’ mise en scene. Allows challenging themes and representations to be explored. E.g. Anime in Kill Bill.

Genre - Dystopia

Generic Conventions of Dystopian films

• Themes:• Dystopia is the opposite to utopia, utopia is a perfect world however dystopia is when the unexpected

happens which usual results in panic. For example in 28 days later London gets hit by a virus which turn everybody into infected zombies. This is an example of dystopia. Everything is unpleasant or bad in dystopian films . Typically the movies are totalitarian or environmentally unpleasant .

• Dystopia explores postmodern theme Ideas because the narratives tend to be challenging, using pastiche to offer hybrid genres. Narratives usually happen in the aftermath of a disaster, for example in 28 days later you see most the film after the humans get infected.

• Most post – apocalyptic ‘disasters’ are usually created by us humans but go wrong, resulting in survivors struggling for existence!

• These films create the feeling of a new beginning, survival and re-birth of humanity. For example the ending of the film 2012.

Character Types

Heroic male protagonist

‘Post-Modern Cowboy’ - loner, pushed into action, constant threat and violence for him (survives against the odds).

The Helper – Often from the other side or race such as an alien, who assists the hero in his quest for resolution.

Human surviver group - small group from the pre-apocalyptic modern world, struggling to survive in the savage new world. Hero helps them & they remind him of the past modern world and its humanity (and offer hope for the future)

Groups/tribes (animal like) who seek to profit from violent anarchy. Hero encounters these tribes who want to destroy him. He confronts them on their terms (savage, anarchic responses)

Sub genre in Dystopia• Most dystopian films tend to have an underlying genre which is known as a sub genre. The three most

commonly seen sub genres are;• Horror – This genre presents a chaotic world with zombies or mutants involved as the main threat to the

human race. Which are usually created from human genetic research. Good examples of this include I am Legend (2007), 28 days later (2002), World War Z (2013) and Dawn of the Dead (1978).

• Science Fiction is another commonly seen sub genre in dystopia . Science fiction usually involves a sense of ‘science gone wrong’ where the future is being controlled by a greater power or influence. Relating to fears in society which plays with both the characters and audiences’ emotions. For example The Terminator (1984), The Matrix (1999) and Blade Runner (1982)

• Finally Post-Apocolyptic – involves end of the world fears and examples with limited survivers. This involves the idea of Darwinism (survival of the fittest). A good example of this is Planet of the Apes (1968) and Mad Max (1981).

Dystopia Historical Context• Pre War(1920s) – The fear of big brother

style scenarios when other influences are controlling you. The fear of mass production, totalitarianism. An example of this fear is the movie Metropolis (1927)

• Post War – Cold War fears, the fear of a nuclear Armageddon and another war. The fear of both post apocalyptic ideas and invasion from mutants or aliens. E.g. Planet of the Apes (1968)

• 1970 /1980 – During these years the main fear was of technological advancements, genetic modification, robotic and computer power. E.g. Blade Runner (1982) and The Terminator (1984)

• 1990s to now – The main fear from the 90’s and now is the fear of cloning, genetics, environmental disaster, dystopia themes, using postmodern ideas of hybrid genres and pastiche. Two good examples of this are 28 Days Later (2002) and District 9 (2009)