Luke Nutter A2 Film Studies Coursework Blog: Textual Analysis Plan

Hypothesis Questions:

Through exploration of the narrative across films dating back to the 1920s, how has the types of crime in society evolved up to present day?

- AND -

Explore how a sense of morality in society is justified from the perspective of those involved in a life of crime, through analysis of the narrative in films since the 1920s.

Hypothesis Question #1:

Secondary Research - What type of crime was present in society at each decade, in comparison to what it has become now?
Can I trust the research?
Analyse the aspects of violent crime and a whether there is the presents of a value consensus in society, in relation to morality.
My opinions on the crimes committed and my stance on morality.
Relate these crimes to the primary text and draw parallels on morality with characters.
Conclusion - To what extent do the films act as a realistic representation on the crimes in society? How has crime and a sense of morality progressed since the 1990s to present day?

Hypothesis Question #2:

Secondary Research - Explore the morality of society and whether crime is seen as good or bad, factoring in the perspective of criminals?
explore what factors influence criminals to commit crimes. How is a life of crime established?

Opinions from film critics on character motives and reasons for why they commit crime, in addition to connections to societal context.
Analysis of primary text - look at narrative aspects that reinforce the points being made, for example a main feature of CHN being the cause and effect which could help in explaining some of the characters decisions and actions.
Conclusions - my opinion and whether crimes can be justified; after having looked at the background and situation in which the criminal finds themselves.

IN EACH SECTION OF THE HYPOTHESIS ANALYSIS, INCLUDE:

Secondary research
Analysis of secondary research
Evaluation of the reliability of secondary research
Analysis of the primary text / texts
A comparison between secondary research and the primary text
My own opinion - drawing conclusions from the research

Thesis Statement:

Crime comes in many shapes and sizes; be it violent and with intention, or simply an offence that has arisen as a result of strict liability. All criminal activity is deemed by society as inappropriate acts and deviant behaviour. Reinforced through an understanding of the term crime, ‘an action or an instance of negligence that is deemed injurious to the public welfare or morals or to the interests of the state and that is legally prohibited.’ Although seen as a negative segment of society, crime has evolved over the years, adapting with various factors which allows for it to thrive.

These factors can refer to technological developments, resulting in easier detection of drugs; as well as the reshuffling of police priorities, such as specific focuses on different crimes, for example, burglaries. An important point to keep in mind, is the fluctuation of the conclusions that are drawn, on the basis that the explored factors are often regional. The real rise of organised crime began in the 1920s, dating back nine decades. In order to convey a transition in the types of crimes which have been committed since the 1920s, the assignment separates this time period into three sections, where there has been substantial changes within society.

Body Paragraph # 1 (1920s and 1930s)

The first transition in which crime changed within society was between the 1920s and the 1930s. There was a strong crime wave in alcohol related crimes, due to the contextual issue of prohibition. In this time period, we witness the rise of organised crime. Individuals who dabbled in the dealing or transportation of alcohol, were labelled bootleggers or moonshiners, some who established vast quantities of wealth. A time when crime actually did pay.

The Godfather Part II

The Untouchables

Once Upon A Time In America

Body Paragraph # 2 (1970s and 1980s)

Body Paragraph # 3 (1990s and 2000s)

Complete Timeline

Theories to Include

Broken Windows Theory - Crime prevention - (Theorists: James Q. Wilson & George L. Kelling - http://www.manhattan-institute.org/pdf/_atlantic_monthly-broken_windows.pdf - The principle behind this theory is how petty crime can manifest and escalate if left, without addressing the problem. It focuses on the point that if there is a large building with many windows, if one window were to get smashed, all the other windows will begin to get broken by criminals, if not replaced promptly. The result being an entire building or community becoming run down.

Social Learning Theory - Theorist: Albert Bandura - http://explorable.com/social-learning-theory - The idea that we learn behaviour from the things around us, through three aspects, a live model, a verbal instruction model and a symbolic model.