Gangster movies have always been popular with movie-goers and have had several waves of popularity over the years, from the classic movies of the 30s and 40s to the recent Scorsese and Tarantino revivals. The genre continues to be a major part of the movie industry, and there have been a number of recent and upcoming releases exploring this fascinating topic.
One of the most recent released movies that explores gangster culture is Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Directed by Tarantino, this movie dives into the criminal underworld of 1969 Hollywood and features some of the most notable characters in gangster movies, such as Charles Manson and Spahn Ranch. It also features a plethora of talented actors, including Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, and is sure to be a hit with fans of gangster movies.
In addition to the new releases, there are several other exciting upcoming gangster movies in the works. The highly anticipated The Irishman, from Martin Scorsese, features an all-star cast including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci and Harvey Keitel. The movie follows the life story of hitman Frank Sheeran and his close relationship with crime boss Jimmy Hoffa. The movie promises to be a classic gangster film and should be out sometime in 2019.
Similarly, there is also an upcoming movie entitled The Kitchen, which centers on a group of Irish mobsters living in New York in the late 70s. The movie stars Amy Adams, Tiffany Haddish and Elisabeth Moss and looks set to bring a fresh look to the world of gangsters.
Finally, there is also Getaway, directed by Courtney Hoffman, which follows the story of a group of small-time criminals who take a daring heist in order to pay off their debts to a ruthless kingpin. The movie stars Ethan Hawke, Jon Bernthal, comedian Pete Davidson and rapper Tekashi69 and promises to be an intense and action-packed exploration of criminal life.
Background
Gangster movies have been around for several decades, with some of the most famous being The Godfather, Scarface and Goodfellas. These movies have had a major influence on pop culture in general and remain popular today. Many other movies, TV shows and books have been inspired by these classic movies and explore different aspects of gangster life.
One of the main aspects of gangster movies is the violence, which is often widely depicted in a bloody, graphic manner. This aspect of the genre has become a staple of the movies and has been used to both entertain and shock viewers.
The main protagonists of these movies are usually charismatic gangsters or criminals who often have a sense of morality and justice to their actions, despite the fact that these often involve criminal activities. These characters often become iconic figures, inspiring fans to emulate their style and attitude.
The themes of gangster movies are varied and range from light-hearted capers to serious explorations of crime and justice. These movies often explore questions such as power and corruption, loyalty, loyalty and friendship, as well as exploring questions of morality in a criminal world.
Data and Statistics
In the 2018 Box office Report, gangster-themed movies were the fifth most popular type of movie overall, with a total of $1.82 billion in global cinema ticket sales. This is only slightly behind superhero and science-fiction themed movies which had a total of $3.84 billion.
However, when it comes to the movies that have made the most money at the box office, the most successful gangster movies are found further down the list. The Godfather Part II is the highest earning gangster movie, having made $348 million worldwide. It is followed by The Godfather ($287 million) and Goodfellas ($194 million).
When it comes to awards, gangster-themed movies have also been successful. The Godfather part II won 6 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Other notable winners in the gangster movie genre include The Departed (5 Oscars), Goodfellas (1 Oscar) and The Pianist (3 Oscars).
Expert Insight
Dr. Michael Smith, professor of Sociology at the University of California, Los Angeles, states that “the enduring popularity of gangster films can be attributed to their exploration of the tensions between criminality and morality. These films often feature characters with a strong sense of justice who feel like their criminal activities are justified by their loyalty to their friends or family. This conflict between the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ adds a layer of complexity that engages viewers on a deeper level.”
Eric de Rojas, film critic for The New York Times, states that “Many of these films are also driven by strong performances from their lead actors. There have been some truly remarkable performances from actors within this genre that have elevated these films to another level. Furthermore, the technical aspects of these films have also been of a high quality and have often pushed technological boundaries.”
Analysis and Reflection
It is clear that the gangster genre has been popular for many years and continues to be a major part of the movie industry. This is evidenced by the success of recent and upcoming releases, as well as the strong showing at the box office and the number of awards won by films in this genre. Additionally, experts have also highlighted the appeal of these films and the various aspects that make them popular.
What is interesting is that gangster films often feature protagonists that viewers are drawn to, even though their actions can often be considered criminal. This indicates that viewers may be drawn to such films for reasons of escapism and for the sense of justice that their characters often embody. This is perhaps why the genre continues to be popular and will likely continue to be so for many years to come.
Impact of Social Media
In recent years, the rise of social media has also had an impact on the popularity of gangster films. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube have enabled fans to stay up to date with the latest news and developments in the world of gangster films. Likewise, these platforms have also created a space for people to discuss and debate topics related to the genre, while also releasing fan art and creating parodies of iconic scenes.
As a result, the genre has become more accessible, while also providing avenues for fans to express their love and appreciation for the genre. The series of memes and videos that have emerged highlighting classic lines and moments have helped some of these films gain a new generation of fans and has helped cultivate a greater appreciation among viewers.
Furthermore, social media has also provided a platform for small independent productions to gain visibility and reach a wider audience. As a result, some of these films have become cult classics, gaining a dedicated fan base that continues to draw viewers from around the world.
Future Trends
The future of gangster films also looks set to include newer elements and themes. As films continue to explore more complex themes, such as loyalty and morality, there is potential for even greater diversity in this genre. Additionally, with technology advancing and films becoming more immersive, there is potential for new types of films to emerge, combining animation and live action in order to create something truly unique and engaging.
Furthermore, films based on comic books have become increasingly popular in recent years, and this trend is likely to continue in the near future. As such, it is likely that some of these films will also explore gangster culture and draw inspiration from iconic characters and stories from this genre. As a result, filmmakers are likely to have new sources of inspiration, while viewers will be able to enjoy an even greater variety of films than ever before.
Marketing and Promotion
In order for films in this genre to be successful, it is essential for them to have a strong promotional and marketing strategy. This includes informing viewers about new films, as well as creating buzz about films prior to their release. One of the most effective methods of promotion has been through trailers, as well as social media campaigns, which have been hugely successful in gaining the attention of viewers. Additionally, fan conventions have become an important tool for generating interest, while also allowing filmmakers to interact directly with viewers and get their feedback on upcoming films.
With the ever-expanding reach of social media, it is also now possible for films to reach viewers from all over the world, allowing them to gain a global audience. This global reach and accessibility has enabled films to reach out to viewers from different cultures and backgrounds and has helped to expand the appeal of the genre.
Conclusion
Overall, gangster films continue to be popular and there is potential for the genre to continue to evolve and draw new viewers from all over the world. With the help of social media, marketing and promotion campaigns as well as innovative new technologies, filmmakers are now able to create films that explore deeper themes and create engaging and immersive experiences. As a result, it is likely that gangster films will remain popular for many years to come.
