Loyalty is a highly common theme in the Gangster/Mafia genre. Loyalty is usually present between family and/or the gang. The plot often revolves around this theme, showing characters willing to die for family and their gangs. This is present in films such as Gangster Squad, where characters are willing to die in order to take down the antagonist and protect their family. This is also shown in The Godfather, in which family life is extensively contrasted with the violence. This is true when looking at real life examples of Gangsters. For example, Al Capone valued family as he used them to cover up various crimes he committed. All his purchases are put under his wife and other family members names in order to ensure that he couldn't be charged with any crimes. This is also relevant when observing the Kray Twins as they valued family highly, leading ultimately to their downfall.
Self Destruction
Self destruction is also a common theme in many Gangster films, leading to the downfall of the mafia members. For example, in Gangster Squad, Mickey Cohen keeps pushing to try and kill the protagonists, attacking their families and underhandedly killing members of the 'Gangster Squad'. This act drives them to confront Cohen and his temper means that he comes out the safety of his hotel, ultimately leading to his arrest.
Evil/arrogance
The antagonist can be portrayed as ultimately evil, not showing any signs of morality at all. The gangster character is normally shown as the dark in the dark versus light theme that is normally present, the law being the light. For example, the characters of Cohen, John Dillinger and the Kray Twins are portrayed as the dark mostly, although the audience can relate and feel sorry for them in some ways. When looking at Dillinger the audience can understand why he is killed at the end, as the law ultimately will catch up with him and charge him for the crimes we know he has committed. Yet, this being said, the audience still feels sorry for him as it is evident he had no other means of income throughout the depression period.
Rivalry
Rivalry can be a common theme throughout the genre, showing rivalry with other gangs or members. This is relevant in Gangster Squad as the antagonist and protagonist both compete for the same girl, causing added conflict throughout the film. John Dillinger ends up working with the rival mobsters however in Public Enemies, showing a break from the conventions and subversion of the genre. Rivalry is also a fear of all the Gangsters in the various films, as they are always fearful that somebody will take their territory and challenge their authority, such s the conflict relevant in Gangster Squad.
Fierce Ambition
Most of the characters, antagonists and protagonists, are driven by ambition. The Gangsters most commonly are driven by the greed and need for power and money, wanting to constantly build their empire. Characters such as the Krays in Legend want to build and expand their power and authority in London. Again, when referring to Cohen in Gangster Squad this is present, however this is also relevant for the antagonists as they have a drive to take down Cohen, and even resort to illegal methods to do so.
Appearance vs Reality
The glamorous life of a gangster is heavily contrasted by the violent truth behind it. Many of the gangsters seem appealing to women through their power, wealth and sometimes looks, however the other side of the characters shows that they are not nice individuals and have a harsh violent side to them. It allows the audience some clarity on the crime life, showing how although many of the characters are rich and powerful it comes at a price, possibly hinting that there is an unglamorous side to the rich and powerful outside the cinematic world.
Symbols
- Money - Shows the characters ultimate drive and desire. Also has connotations of rags to riches.
- Guns - Connotations of violence and main weapon used by Gangsters. Can also appear to be business-like
- Women - Used as a sign of wealth rather than a romantic relationship in most cases. Women objectified commonly.
- Grimy Locations - Shows the unglamorous side of crime life
- Police - Represent the law and the authority that the mobsters want to challenge, and may be fearful of
- Jail - Connotation reminding the audience that crime doesn't pa, but also can be a symbol of disloyalty
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