Researching our Genre - Heist Films

The Heist Genre

Heist films generally consist of a group of people plotting to steal from a bank or significant place of wealth. The place which they have chosen to rob usually is seen as impenetrable as we find out through characters' comments, so the heist is meant to be more interesting and suspense-filled because of this. These films usually involve some sort of prison exit (either released legally or illegally) and they also involve a group of people with specific talents to see the job through. The plot normally consists of the main character bringing the groups together, formulating the plot and acquiring suitable equipment and the actual execution of the heist/robbery. The heist tends to be successful but there will be a few problems upon the way and it will never go exactly to plan.

Typical characters in this genre:

•  The leader of the operation who has had the idea in the first place and who brings the group together. Clever and assertive, usually male.
• There would also be in the group a character who is an expert with technology and can ensure easy access to systems needed when the plan is in action.
• There is also the brawn which is obvious due to their build; they carry out tasks that involve intimidation, body guarding/protection.
• Tends to be a woman who is desirable. Used in the film to either distract or gain information underhandedly.
• There also tends to be someone in the group who has the funds to make sure the plan works.

Mise-en-scene:
 

This genre tends to be very elaborate in where it is set and where they plan the robbery. It is normally inner city, with wealthy residents. The place which they are going rob is places like large banks especially ones which are said to be secure and impenetrable, this would be where the technology genius comes it to play. The clothing that the characters wear tend to be smart or expensive looking showing their taste and also their liking for money, the characters are good looking and well kept especially the woman (if one is used) as looks account for a lot when you want to con someone, and the characters also need to look in keeping with the rich characters that they are trying to rob. 

Camera angles & movements:
 

Close ups are a major part of these films as they show the characters' emotions significant objects that we may need to remember for later on, and they help us establish important characters. There are also important match on action movements from one scene to another, for example someone bursting through a door and then a door opens up and it’s someone else who comes through it. This gives interesting cross cutting between scenes and keeps the audience on their toes. 

In these kind of films there are a lot of POV shots and over the shoulder shots as if you are going through what they are experiencing, this creates atmosphere of anticipation. Transitions between scenes are often smooth sliding onto screen.

Conventional use of sound:
 

There is a lot of use of non-diegetic music over parts of the heist/robbery the music is upbeat but also serious, this music when played represents it going to plan and sometimes it changes or stops when a problem arises. Also noises like keyboard typing or pin typing are exaggerated for effect in the film.  there can also be narration, and the audience can always hear any conversation that the characters have to each other through headsets/earpieces.

Public Enemy

http://youtu.be/Z3mwxKf3pko

- aerial shot to give sense of grandeur to scene
- does not comp[romise on violence
- low angle as jumps desk is almost a 'hero shot'
- diegetic sound suggests chaos we can't see
- stylised look - grand location, dark clothes
- close ups of eg keys

Tower Heist

http://youtu.be/WL5X05sOP-c

- shows how you can mix humour into genre
- lifts are classic heist locations
- audience is in on it - knows what will happen
- importance of casting - the right face

Snatch

http://youtu.be/7vWxU7tclsw

- starting mid action can be really effective
- classic location but unconventional grifters - unexpected choice
- unusual transitions and camera twists take you out of the action - distinctive editing style
- almost montage style editing
- classic close up of diamonds - iconography is traditional
- once in van (another classic location), reveal scene - also a stereotype
- music playing under this is jazz feel as often in heist films