When looking at the crime film it is important to understand the nature of the films genre. The genre is a way for the audience to distinguish types of films. These are categorised together because of standard protocols developed for a particular types or styles of film. These films usually follow similar guidelines in order to produce a predictable style for the audience.
The development of genre films is not entirely the prerogative of Hollywood. It is more the desire of the public viewing audience to have an idea of the type of film they are about to see. The western, musical or the gangster film are examples of genre films. These categories of films all have similarities in the ways in which they are made: musicals end happily; the westerns will all have the final shoot out; and the gangsters will all be overcome by justice or meet their own demise. The reason for the consistency in the films is the publics desire to make an informed choice not and not to go in blind. By using the genre qualification, the industry is able to target societal groups and try to produce and market what they want to see.
The public attends a film because they think they might enjoy some aspect of it. The film genre follows a set of abstract rules that allows the public to informally categorize films. These rules must be viewed from an flexible point of view in order to legitimize their future existence. By using this method of categorizing films the public is able to decide which films they wish to see and those they do not. Some people love musicals and if they were to go to one and find there was no music or dance they might not be too pleased.
The concept of genre is one that may provide benefit to the viewers but at the same time may also present problems for the directors who must compromise their artistic aspirations. Examples of this can be seen in the production of sequels, and the use of repetitive set qualities. These may include the mise en scene of the picture or the inclusion of similar sound. Because of these unwritten rules the directors must include some of the familiar aspects of the genre. The greatest problem may be that the film must fall into a genre category.
Defining it within the genre may be compromising to the nature of the film. Scarface (1932 U. S. A. – Howard Hawks ) is a film where ones view of the lead role is ever changing with the apparent mental stability of the character.
Tony, the principal character, exhibits personality characteristics found in every persons life which normally must be kept hidden. People appreciate the fact that Tony has the guts to do what he wants and at the same time gets the respect that he feel he deserves. Every mans dream, and on top of that he gets paid. There is always a fascination when money and power is involved. The character is portrayed through the majority of the film to be worry free, on top of the world, healthy, respected, and loved.
The major problems presented to Tony through the earlier portions of the film are those just like any common man: arguments with his mother and sister; family disputes; and overzealous protection of his sister. In presenting the life and times of Camonte, the viewer sees problems that might also be present in his/her own life and can therefor relate well to them. Being able to emulate the life of the film character enables the viewer to feel sympathy or compassion. If the viewer can relate, he can then justify or understand the actions of the condemned. The audience is lead into the hands of Tony and the sympathy lies with his expression of emotion. A man whose ruthless desire to be on top enabled him to kill one of his better friends and sisters lover remains capable of showing remorse or fear of being alone.
This is how we are able to suddenly feel for him. He’s tough: a mans man. You have to like him. The character of Tony Camonte
