Let's Talk Genre: Mob Films

Of all the genres, probably the most beloved is the gangster film. For decades, it’s been a cinema staple--starting with classics like Public Enemy (James Cagney) and Little Caesar (Edward G. Robinson) through to today’s blockbusters, most recently Denzel Washington’s American Gangster.

     Among the genre are many classics like The Godfather (Marlon Brando, Al Pacino; D Francis Ford Coppola) and Casino (Robert De Niro; D. Martin Scorsese). Other outstanding films include: Goodfellas (Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Ray Liotta; D. Martin Scorsese), Donnie Brasco (Al Pacino, Michael Madsen, Johnny Depp), and The Untouchables (Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro; D. Brian De Palma).

     There have even been some mob “spoofs,” only one of which is worth mentioning: Robin and the 7 Hoods (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Bing Crosby, Peter Falk, Edward G. Robinson; D. Gordon Douglas).

     The recent spate of shootings here in Rochester have to make us all wonder, though. Precisely what is it about this genre that we find entertaining? Is it that there is some semblance of loyalty, order, or that the bad guys get their comeuppance?

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Comments

[Luke]

In addition to Miksanek's proposal, I also think that Americans enjoy mob movies because the criminal underworld is well-suited for film. The setting has great dramatic potential.