research into genre: crime fiction/crime

Research: Crime

The base concept of a crime film typically follow a group of individuals who operate around the law or it follows a police officer who is trying to stop a particular organisation. Crime films often feature either an anti-hero, a grizzled law enforcement officer with a dark past or disregard for the rules, or a crime lord as the protagonist who usually comes to an unfortunate end.
Often crime ad thriller overlap. However thrillers often include a heavy amount of fiction, are often unbelievable and don't show much truth into the criminal underground. On the other hand crime is often gritty, unpleasantly violent and are very close to what actually happens to people who get involved with the mafia.

Crime-Thriller film is a sub-genre that incorporates the suspenseful aspects of a thriller with a crime film plot. This sub-genre's plot usually centers on a serial killer, murderer, robbery or manhunt. As opposed to traditional crime films, the storyline focuses both around the criminal and the protagonist. Crime-Thrillers use both action and psychological aspects to build tension and suspense.

Examples: The Usual Suspects, The Fugitive, Jagged Edge.

CRIME Sub-genres

Mob/Gangster

Mob/Gangster films are a sub-genre of crime films that center on organized crime or the mafia. Often the plot revolves around the rise and fall of an organized crime leader. Many Gangster films explore the destructive nature of organized crime, while others attempt to show the humanity of the individual characters.

Examples: Goodfellas, Scarface, The Departed.

Film-Noir

Film-Noir is not simply a genre, but rather a term for a distinct, stylistic type of crime drama that was popular throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Film-Noir is characterized by a black-and-white visual style and stark lighting effects. The main character is usually a cynical hero. Film-Noir relies on a narrative voice and various flashbacks to explain the intricate plot.

Examples: Sunset Boulevard, The Maltese Falcon, Sweet Smell of Success.

Neo-Noir

Neo-Noir refers to modern film that takes on the characteristics of Film-Noir. Modern updates are made within Neo-Noir in terms of media and visual elements. Neo-Noir films also update themes and content to fit with current society.

Examples: Chinatown, Sin City, L.A. Confidential.