The "post-classic" era of American gangster films began in 1967 with the release of
Bonnie and Clyde
, achieving a milestone five years later with the popular and highly influential
The Godfather
. This historical study explores the structure, myths and intertextual narratives found in the gangster films produced since
. The intense relationship between masculinity and ethnicity in the gangster film, especially within the movie-generated mythology of the Mafia, is carefully analyzed, and the book tracks the trends in the genre up to and including the landmark HBO television series
The Sopranos
(1999-2007). A selected filmography is included.
Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.