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The Silent Era
Crime film origniated from Hollywood Ganagster films that were produced in the silent era (films that were absent of synchronised recorded sound and dialogue). The earliest crime film was released on October 21st 1921 in the United States. It was directed by Wallace Worsley and entitled "Ace of Hearts". The plot entailed a romantic rivalry, leading to an assassination. -
The 1930s
The 1930s was a period that showcased the original ganagster films, often reflecting key events of that time. For example, due to prohibition that was a rise in organised crime such as mobs. There was also the formation of the FBI in the 1930s, so it was reflected in some films. The 1935 American Crime Film "G Men", directed by William Keighley, was based on the FBI Department of Justice, as well as featuring elements of a mobster character. -
The 1940s & 50s
The 1940s and 50s was the height of Film Noir - very dark, sinister, low key and dark. The narratives often reflected wartime confusion such as gender roles that consisted of alienated heroes and femme fatales. An example of these films is "Detour", which was directed by Edgar G. Ulmer and released on November 7th 1945. The plot summary reads, "Chance events trap hitch-hiker Al Roberts in a tightening net of film noir trouble." British Crime branched off into the darker side of civilian life. -
The 1960s
In the 1960s, crime film branched off in two routes; some were inspired by the social optimisn of the 'swinging 60s', and some were typical romatic comedys with an original cliffhanher ending. The films (especially British) often featured a 'cheeky cockney' character. Actor Michael Caine made his acting breakthrough during this period and became a very well known face for his 'cockney' accent.
The crime was more light-hearted, such as the 1969 film "The Italian Job", directed by Peter Collinson. -
The 1970s & 80s
The 1970s & 80s were the rise of the Gritty Gangster Epic films, which resembled the econmic depression. These films were very dark and hard-hitting, with lots of drug references and street gangs. British crime gangster films were also very dark, but also very gritty. These reflected the harsh down after the late 60s and early 70s. The 1971 dystopian-crime film "A Clockwork Orange" reflects how dark and gritty this period was. -
The 1990s
The 1990s was the launch of postmodernism since the media was saturaturated with ideas, causing references from past themes. An example of this is the 1994 American black comedy-crime film "Pulp Fiction", that was directed by Quentin Tarantino. Crime films can now be hybrids and overloaded with different ideas and themes, whether that be a gritty, dark crime film, or light-hearted and comic.
