History of Gangster Movies
Gangster movies have been around since before the dawn of the Hollywood film age. As early as the 1910s and 1920s, Hollywood was already producing “gangster” films featuring lawless mobsters and their criminal behavior. These gangster classics featured legendary actors like James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson, and Humphrey Bogart.The idea of the gangster was born out of a fascination with the real-life criminal underworld, with its glamour, dangers, and thrill-seeking protagonists.
This trend in gangster movies continued well into the 1940s, with iconic films like Little Caesar, The Public Enemy, and The Shawshank Redemption. And while these movies were often hailed as cautionary tales, they also were a source of entertainment, with escapist stories full of larger-than-life characters.
Reality of the Gangsters in Home Alone
But are the gangsters portrayed in Home Alone real? Not quite. The movie is set in 1990, and the two home invaders, Harry and Marv, are oversized, loud-mouthed criminals. In reality, these characters are a caricature of what were then traditional gangsters.With exaggerated facial features, exaggerated accents, and over-the-top violence, Harry and Marv aren’t entirely realistic versions of gangsters.
This can be seen in the characters’ actions. They steal luxury items, including a flat-screen TV and jewelry, as opposed to more typical gangster activities such as drug-dealing and violence. And while they may appear intimidating at first, they also have a clumsy, bumbling quality to them which is decidedly un-gangsterlike.
They also seem to follow their own criminal code. For example, they are willing to allow the young protagonist of the film – Macaulay Culkin’s character, Kevin – to escape, after realizing he is a “nice kid”. This is in stark contrast to the ruthless criminal gangs of the actual criminal underworld.
Experts Perspective on Gangster Movies
Experts in the field of criminology generally agree that gangster movies are often not realistic portrayals of criminal gangs. For example, Stephan T. Easton, a criminologist at St. Thomas University, argues that the portrayal of gangs in the media is often distorted. He points out that instead of focusing on the real dangers of gangs, such as drug-dealing and firearms, movies usually focus on gangsters’ fashion, money and extravagant lifestyles.
Other experts have made similar observations, noting that gangsters in movies are often more glamorous and heroic figures than in real life. This can lead to glamorizing figure, which may lead to copycat behavior among viewers. As Jim Johnston, a professor of criminology at the University of South Carolina, points out, “Young people who watch these movies tend to look up to the characters as role models, even though they are criminals.”
Analysis- Positive and Negative Side of Gangster Movies
In terms of analyzing gangster movies such as Home Alone, it is important to look at both the positive and negative sides of these films. On the one hand, viewing gangster movies can be an entertaining experience and can provide an escapist fantasy to audiences. On the other hand, they can promote an unrealistic portrayal of criminals and gang culture that can be damaging in the long run.
That said, there is no denying the fact that gangster movies can still be entertaining. While they usually don’t portray a realistic view of gangs, they can still provide audiences with an enjoyable experience. Fans of the genre can still enjoy the humor, action and suspense of the genre, without taking its portrayals of criminals too seriously.
Conclusion
So are the gangsters in Home Alone real? Not really. The gangsters in the movie are a caricature of the traditional gangsters found in classic gangster films. But that doesn’t mean the movie isn’t entertaining. On the contrary, it can still be an enjoyable ride for viewers, even if it doesn’t accurately represent the realities of gang crime.
Violence in Gangster Movies
Another important aspect of gangster movies is their tendency to depict violence in an exaggerated or unrealistic manner. This can be seen in Home Alone, where the home invaders appear to be repeatedly injured, yet somehow keep coming back for more. Even when Harry and Marv are clearly injured, they are never shown to suffer any lasting damage.
This glamorization of violence and its consequences is a common feature in many gangster films. While it is often done for comedic effect, it can also be seen to create a false sense of invincibility among criminals, which is certainly not the message these movies should be conveying.
Alternate Depiction of Gangsters
That said, there have been some recent efforts to depict gangsters in a more realistic light. Films like The Departed, Snatch and City of God all try to provide a more gritty, gritty look at criminal gangs, with an emphasis on the harsh reality of their actions and the consequences of their choices.
These types of films can be more instructive for viewers than the traditional gangster movie, teaching them about the realities of criminal and gang life, rather than glamorizing crime.
Role of Movies in Real-Life Crime
There is also some evidence that movies, including gangster movies, can have a real-life impact on criminal behavior. In fact, there have been multiple reports of criminal gangs taking fashion, language and even plot points from gangster movies.For example, some gangs have adopted the veil of secrecy seen in The Godfather as part of their own criminal operations.
It is clear then that movies, including gangster movies, can have a significant impact on real-life criminal behavior. It is therefore important for filmmakers to be responsible in their portrayals of criminal gangs, and to not romanticize or glamorize criminal behavior.
Crime Reduction Efforts
In addition to making sure that gangster movies don’t misrepresent criminal gangs, it is also important to take active steps to reduce crime. This can include everything from increasing police presence in high crime areas to providing resources for youth in crime-ridden neighborhoods.
These efforts are key to reducing crime in communities, and also for changing perceptions about gangsters and criminals in the media. It is only when a more realistic and less glamorized version of criminal activity is put in the spotlight that true progress can be made.
Critical Thinking
Finally, it is important for viewers of gangster movies to consider the implications of the stories they are being told. Films such as Home Alone can be entertaining, but they can also be misleading in their depictions of criminal behavior. Viewers must think critically about the messages they are being presented with, and consider the actual consequences of criminal behavior.
It is only through this type of critical thinking that viewers can understand the realities behind criminal activity in their communities. This in turn will help to create a more realistic and responsible portrayal of criminal gangs in movies and in the media.
