Bonnie And Gangster Film Genre

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Recommended: Characteristics of the western genre film

Film genre is a distinctive collection of comparisons in the narrative aspects from which the films are produced. Genre denotes the characterization of narrative films, through the stories the literature tells and the way it presents these stories (Barsam and Monahan, 2013.) Film genres are often described by a set of conventions of storytelling such as themes, conflicts, situations, setting, character types, story formula, presentation, visual style, and even movie stars associated with particular genres (Barsam and Monahan, 2013). These conventions are not always enforced as filmmakers incorporate only some of these elements within any particular film. A few commonly recognized film genres include the Western, musical, horror, science fiction, and etc. A genre-bender film steps outside some of the defining features of its genre in terms of its conventions but is easily identified when it has been blended with another genre. The gangster film genre concentrates on stories whose principal struggle is between criminals and the society they live in. This genre typically emphasizes a cautionary tale that is demonstrated by the main character who commits crimes (Barsam and Monahan, 2013.) Also, this genre is often blended with film noir, a distinct genre made discernible by its mood of pessimism, and fatalism. The film, Bonnie and Clyde directed by Arthur Penn in 1967, is an example of a genre-bending gangster film due to its distinct genre conventions of story formula, setting, and character types that step outside of the typical gangster film genre conventions.
The story formula is the way the plot is organized, which helps the audience determine what genre it belongs to (Barsam and Monahan, 2013.) The gangster film genre is deeply...

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...ning of the 1930’s Depression era was depicted, which was outside the norm of typical gangster films. The setting also showed the action and traits of the characters; Bonnie and Clyde robbing banks in the Great Depression to simply make ends meet, not wanting to harm innocent citizens of society for power or control. Lastly, the specific character types presented in Bonnie and Clyde fulfilled the various roles of a couple, family, outlaws, and antiheros, the most significant character type of the typical gangster film genre. However, these antiheros showed sympathy for their fellow man and thus provided the audience with character roles that were relatable, and overall made the audience empathetic towards them. Therefore, the film Bonnie and Clyde demonstrates a genre-bending gangster film with distinct genre conventions and elements of film noir blended within it.

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