Crime in the Movies: Hollywood’s Portrayal of Crime and Criminals

• In Event: Constructing 'the Criminal' in TV and Film

Abstract

The media have always been fascinated with crime. From the crime waves of organized crime of the 1930s and 1940s to the current war on terrorism, Hollywood has always stepped in and provided its opinions of who the criminals are and what causes crime. This paper examines the changing portrayals of criminals, crime and justice in Hollywood crime movies. We examine gender and race as well as moral panics.

Authors

• Venessa Garcia, New Jersey City University

• Samantha G. Arkerson, William Paterson University