The Gangster Genre: A beloved yet Complex and Evolutionary Genre
The gangster genre has been a staple of popular culture for decades, producing some of the most iconic and exciting films ever made. Emerging in the 1920s and 1930s, it has evolved to showcase moral complexity, raising questions about the nature of evil and good.
Movies like The Godfather, Goodfellas, and Scarface are just a few of the many classics that have made the gangster genre a beloved part of cinematic history. These films often attract legendary directors, who use the genre as a platform to tell epic stories of power, destiny, and the struggle between good and evil. At its core, the gangster genre is about people living outside the law and pushing their limits.
One notable example of this is Jules Dassin’s Rififi (1955), a highly influential heist movie that continues to be a treat. Another classic is Get Carter (1971), directed by Mike Hodges and starring Michael Caine as a London-based gangster who seeks revenge for his brother’s murder in Newcastle. This gripping film is a masterclass in pared-back action, with Caine’s stone-faced swagger adding depth to the character. Despite an American remake with Sylvester Stallone failing to recapture the original’s intensity, Get Carter has aged well and remains a standout in the genre, its practical effects and smart pacing making it a unique gem.