What Makes a Great Gangster Movie?

Gangster films have been a key genre in cinema as early as the 1920’s, and have made a huge impact on the industry and popular culture with films such as The Godfather and Goodfellas amongst others. Over the years, the genre has acquired a number of qualities that are expected to be included in order to make the perfect story of crime.
A gangster is a criminal who is part of an organisation or gang and so crime and the general darker traits of society are vital elements in the film. The story revolves around the protagonist’s life in this underworld and all the murder, robbery and lawbreaking along the way. Often the storylines feature conflict with the law and rival gangs, aspects of real-life gangster’s lives or the personal issues faced by a mob member.
The protagonist can fall into a number of categories but most are street-smart, smooth talkers who will stop at nothing to obtain wealth and power. They are generally anti-hero’s with some being ruthless killers with no regard for human life, while others have some redeeming qualities and are more sympathetic and merciful in their climb up the mob ladder. Most films chronicle the rise and fall of a particular individual or group, showcasing the glory while at the top and then the hardship at rock-bottom. The ultimate message sent by many gangster films is that crime doesn’t pay.
The style of many of the films in the genre is similar with a dark, noir type atmosphere created through the use of cinematography and the camera lens. There is also a strong Italian influence involved as the origins of the mafia are in Italy. The setting generally involves more run-down and deprived areas but can include high-end, richer regions, especially during the prosperous periods in the gangster’s life. Clothing usually involves pin-striped suits and hats, representing the business like ways of the mob.
In terms of content the woman involved are often major plot points. Whilst usually being secondary characters that simply live to serve their husband, they can be important as to representing the tolls taken by the families of mob members and the general attitude towards woman from gangsters. The sense of family and community is also integral to films of the genre. Violence and its explicit representation are also often present, showing the violent nature of the business and adding a realistic touch.