Snatch

Snatch

Guy Ritchie, 2000

Snatch is classified under the Gangster genre. The film uses the codes and conventions of this genre which creates meaning for its audiences. As in all films the first ten minutes are the key in setting up the audiences expectations and also to inform its viewers of information needed to understand the rest of the film. By the genre one has narrative expectations due to the stereotypes of genre films, in this case it might be, gunfights, scams and money making schemes. Also certain themes will be expected as gangster genre films have reoccurring themes such as violence, theft, drugs and money. Before the film even starts audiences have their own expectations by the title and by Ritchie’s own personal style. This in turn raises enigmas to what is going to happen. These enigmas are what keep audiences entertained and interested, we see this code put into play before a single scene has been seen.

The film opens with a shot of the back of a mans head and then two men facing the camera. This opening scene grasps audiences with yet another enigma. This keeps audiences watching to find out who these people are. These enigmas are answered throughout the film mainly by the narrator. We then have a major narrative device, being that narrator. This narrator introduces character and our protagonist. We can tell he’s a protagonist by how the camera focuses our attention to him. By the language used we can get an idea of setting. These actors have authentic London accents, thus suggesting our setting is London. The costume worn by these characters gives us iconography of London based Gangster films, this being the suit with a long coat over the top. The dialogue also fits with the Gangster genre as guns, diamonds and trouble are mentioned.

Scene 2 opens with a narrative device of text. This text gives us the setting for this scene. The scene also has four men wearing Rabbi Costumes and walking through security systems. This again immediately introduces another enigma code. The dialogue suggests something is afoot as the Rabbi suggests he drops his pants. The men continue up a floor and into a room. The music for this section of the scene is slow, mellow and easy. As they enter the room the music stops, this means a narrative event should take place. The music is quickly made intense, fast paced and made for action. You now see your main iconography in a London Gangster genre, guns and diamonds which inevitably leads to one of our main themes; theft, or in language for the genre, Snatch. The scene also gives audiences its first action code leaving viewers wanting and expecting more.

Next, we have the credits; Ritchie has used the credits as a narrative device. We see all the main antagonists and the protagonists too. We see a shot of all the characters and next to them is a piece of text with their name.

Also the characters show a small glimpse of their role in the film. It also shows a little hint of their motivations for the film. Most are motivated by money and making money, others such as are protagonist are motivated by his business. The credits also introduce themes for the film, diamonds, money, boxing, gambling, violence and guns. Some of