Genre Conventions for final blog post

The genre I selected is crime/murder mystery. The crime/murder mystery genre has been a staple of cinema since the early 20th century, evolving from literary detective stories and film noir into its category that includes psychological thrillers, dramas, and neo-noir films. Early influences include Sherlock Holmes Baffled (1900), one of the first detective films ever made. Fritz Lang’s M (1931) introduced psychological depth to crime films by focusing on the mind of a serial killer. The 1940s and 1950s saw the rise of film noir with classics like The Maltese Falcon (1941) and Double Indemnity (1944). These films established tropes such as morally ambiguous protagonists, femme fatales, and shadowy cinematography. Alfred Hitchcock revolutionized the murder mystery thriller with Rear Window (1954), Vertigo (1958), and Psycho (1960). His use of psychological tension and innovative storytelling set new standards for suspense. The genre evolved further with neo-noir films like Chinatown (1974), which modernized classic noir elements. Thrillers such as Silence of the Lambs (1991) blurred the lines between crime, horror, and psychological drama. In the 1990s, David Fincher’s Se7en (1995) introduced a darker, more disturbing approach to crime films. The 21st century saw the rise of intricate, character-driven narratives with films like Gone Girl (2014) and Knives Out (2019). These films subverted traditional detective stories and brought fresh perspectives to the genre. Notable actors such as Humphrey Bogart, Anthony Hopkins, and Daniel Craig have defined key roles in crime films. Directors like Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas, The Departed) have shaped crime storytelling with gritty realism. David Fincher (Zodiac, Se7en) is known for his meticulous approach to psychological crime thrillers. The influence of literary figures like Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle remains strong. Their works continue to be adapted for the screen and inspire new stories. The crime and murder mystery genre thrives on suspense, compelling characters, and intricate plots. It keeps audiences engaged by challenging them to unravel the truth. This genre remains one of the most enduring and popular in film history.

2. Some common conventions of the murder mystery genre include, but are not limited to: Crime Scene Introduction: This is when the film often begins with the discovery of a crime (usually a murder) to hook the audience.  Detective/Investigator Figure: the protagonist who is tasked with solving the mystery, whether a professional detective or amateur sleuth. Red Herrings: The character that throws in misleading clues or suspects to keep the audience guessing.  Interrogation Scenes: Moments where suspects are questioned and typically motives are revealed. Twists and Revelations: Unexpected evidence or plot twists that challenge initial assumptions. This genre will use a dark or eerie atmosphere, low-key lighting, shadows, and tense music to create suspense. Closed Circle of Suspects: A limited number of characters, each with possible motives (the people that are being investigated/convicted). The crime motives are themes of greed, jealousy, revenge, or hidden pasts that influence the crime. Some ways in which these conventions would affect my production are Cinematic Style: I may need to use low-key lighting, dramatic close-ups, and suspenseful editing to build tension. Which I could create myself or with editing.  Storyboarding & Scripting: My script would need to establish a mystery quickly to hook the audience. I would do this by showing the crime taking place. Location & Set Design: I would need a moody setting (abandoned house, library, dark alley) that will enhance the mystery vibe.  Editing Techniques: such as slow reveal for tension and dramatic music cues to help build suspense.  Sound Design: Emphasizing footsteps, whispers, or sudden sounds to heighten the atmosphere. And finally, time constraints:  Since it's only a 2-minute trailer, I need to introduce the core mystery/plot and main characters quickly

3. Se7en" (1995)—The opening sequence of Se7en immediately pulls the audience into a dark, unsettling world. The scene is full of quick, unsettling shots, with harsh music that creates a sense of discomfort. It shows pieces of the killer's notebook, giving us a glimpse into his disturbed mind without revealing much. This fits well with crime film conventions because it suggests a complicated investigation and a dangerous villain. However, it doesn't follow the usual pattern of a clear setup or introduction of characters. Instead, it focuses on mystery and confusion, which makes it stand out.

L.A. Confidential" (1997) - The opening of L.A. Confidential introduces us to 1950s Los Angeles, a glamorous yet morally corrupt city. The film begins with a voiceover narration, which is common in classic crime films, especially noir. This voiceover gives us a sense of the past and helps set the tone. The slow pacing and the visuals of the city emphasize both its beauty and its darkness. The film follows crime genre conventions with its focus on corruption and crime, but it also stands out by using a more polished, stylish look that feels different from grittier modern crime films

The Dark Knight" (2008) The opening of The Dark Knight starts with a thrilling bank robbery carried out by the Joker. This puts the audience straight into an exciting and tense situation, a typical crime film element. The sequence shows the Joker's unpredictability and gives us a sense of the kind of villain he is. While it follows the basic crime genre rules by focusing on action and suspense, it also breaks from tradition by showing a villain who doesn’t fit the usual "bad guy" mold. The Joker’s chaotic nature adds a unique twist to the usual crime story.

4. In my film, I plan to include key elements of the crime genre, like a dark, eerie atmosphere and a sudden plot twist that keeps the audience on edge. While I may not follow the traditional approach of starting with a crime, I will make sure to incorporate enough genre conventions to make the film recognizable as a crime story. For example, I'll use tension and suspense, which are common in crime films. The atmosphere will be gritty and unsettling, drawing viewers into a world of danger and mystery. The characters will be complex, with hidden motives and secrets, adding to the intrigue. Even though I may break some traditional rules, these familiar elements will keep the film grounded in the crime genre. Ultimately, my goal is to balance creativity with the expectations of the genre.