Filmmaking has given us almost every conceivable portrait of organised crime: from denunciations of social problems to dynastic tragedy and from glorifications of a lifestyle choice to tales of loveable rogues.
'Gangster Films' looks at more than two dozen examples of American and British filmmaking and the actors, such as James Cagney and Edward G Robinson, who are immediately identified with the gangster movie genre. The films discussed include: Little Ceasar, Scarface, The Blue Lamp, Angels with Dirty Faces, Get Carter, The Godfather, The Roaring Twenties, Once Upon a Time in America, Pulp Fiction, Sexy Beast, The Limey and Brighton Rock
Tracing a path through the iconography and shifting morality of the genre, detailing technical interests and exploring cast and crew histories, Gangster Films is a fascinating journey through cinema's portrayal of criminals and organised crime.