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Transcript

Narrative

Characters

Sherlock Holmes

The detectives in crime films are often strong, independent characters but can often have difficulties with human relationships and are often used to intimidate the protagonist.

They are sometimes shown in a negative light , especially when the film focuses around the difficulties of the protagonist. On the other hand, sometimes they focus on the efforts of the investigation but regardless of the results, they often work to their own morals and bend the law if they deem it appropriate.

The usual suspects

Whodunit?

When an innocent person is murdered and allegations are thrown around with twists and false clues. The murderer is exposed at the end and the police are left to deal with it. (Hoodwinked is a good example of where fingers have been pointed at each of the suspects)

A closed film

Where the identity is kept secret and the police must work out who committed the crime.

An open film

Where the film follows the criminals so their identity is known throughout

Sound/ dialogue

Diegetic sound is added to give a sense of verisimilitude with sounds such as birds singing or music to build tension. They are also used to emphasise the impact of violence.

Dialogue makes up a lot of the narratives as ideas and theories are shared, evidence is revealed and people are interviewed. Their tones are used to build suspense and tension but are simple to follow. The crime scenes are described a lot as it adds to the atmosphere and highlights important aspects of the crime which could later reveal a pattern or potential plot.

Midsomer Murders

Other characters involved include:

  • Innocent victim
  • Corrupt officials
  • Leader of crime
  • Thugs
  • Police

Mise en scene- costumes

Mise en scene- props and lighting

Costumes can be used as a way of intriguing the audience, especially when it's contrasted with the environment. Eg. a well presented person in a dodgy neighborhood or alley way.

The protagonist stereotypically wears a tracksuit and trainers as the typical 'chav', this is because they tend to portray these types of people with hard childhoods with little money and so they can't afford anything expensive.

The detectives wear causal clothing so that it doesn't raise concern about what they're doing.

Conclusion

A very common prop in crime films are weapons such as knives and guns, and the possible use of drugs and/or alcohol as these have the potential of being very dangerous in extreme cases.

Lighting in these films are usually quite dull with muted colours to give a serious and eerie atmosphere that helps build tension.

Characters

Mise en scene- location

Crime films are either set in an urban place with dodgy streets and alley ways or in an isolated location where there won't be any witnesses. Eg. The Dark Knight robbery is in an urban setting while the series of Midsomer Murders are set in quiet villages.

They often end up in places of the rich, these are usually the victims of crime.

It's inevitable that another location would be in an officials office/ interview rooms or even a court house, this gives it credibility.

After reviewing films in the crime genre I have decided to use a male protagonist in my own short film to adhere to the conventions and conducts a whodunit narrative which won't be known until the end as I will try and trick the audience into thinking it's a simple investigation but I will add a twist at the end to cause shock.

I will also adhere to the lighting convention as it would create a better atmosphere for my film. A weapon could be used to solidify the genre and show a seriousness to the crime.

However, I want to challenge the idea that the protagonist would have had a hard childhood with no one caring for him. I could do this by having someone taking the hit for him, perhaps a close friend or even a parent.

The main protagonist is usually a male with a disturbing or hard upbringing with an uninterested family. These people commonly attend raves and are involved with thugs that are rude and very outspoken.

Characters

Legend (not like the Kray twins!)

Camera angles and editing

In British films, women are seen as inferior and tend to be the ones that are killed off as they seem more vulnerable. Or the ones affected by the incidents as they are more emotional and carry a maternal instinct and so, naturally, would care more.

However in American films, women seem to have more power, responsibility and are generally stronger as people so that women in real life can relate better to these characters.

Pan shots are quite popular in crime films as they're useful when reviewing evidence to show the audience as well as in transitions to change location. Either panning up and back down again with a cross fade between to smoothly transition to a different location. This cuts out the tedious travel and suggests time has passed so it still makes sense. Alternatively, they sometimes show the travel of the car in a shot to suggest it's a completely different location in a way that links the two destinations together so the characters don't suddenly turn up in no time at all.

Codes and conventions of the crime genre

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