1. Research into typical
Gangster synopsis
By Siannan Watson

2. What is a synopsis?
• A synopsis is a short description of what
occurs in the film so that the audience can get
a rough idea of what they’re about to watch.
• The synopsis tells you about main events in
the film but does not try and spoil the film
• It is used as a way to interest the audience.

3. Most Gangster films are developed around
their sinister actions of criminals. They are
usually seen operating outside the law,
violently and ruthlessly murdering their way
through life in order to achieve their goals.
Gangster films are almost like a 'celebration of
violence' as they get pleasure from acting
upon their aggressive and violent behaviour.

4. Film gangsters are usually materialistic, streetsmart, immoral, megalomaniacal, and selfdestructive. Rivalry with other gangsters is
often a significant plot characteristic. They rise
to power with a tough cruel facade while
showing an ambitious desire for success and
recognition, but underneath they can express
sensitivity and gentleness.

5. ‘Lawless’(2012) synopsis
• ‘ Set in the 1920s prohibition era America,
Lawless is a true story of the Bondurant brothers.
Brazen and fearless, these young rural
bootleggers became legendary criminals. The
youngest brother, Jack is ambitious and
impulsive, the middle brother, Howard, is loyal
but reckless and eldest brother, Forrest, leads the
family with a silent determination. As the
Bondurant’ illicit business and legend grows, so
too looms the danger of bigger fish, and its not
long until the brothers must face the
consequences.’

6. Character descriptions.
Operating outside of the
law. Also this is
connected to the title
‘Lawless’.
‘ Set in the 1920s prohibition era America, Lawless is a true story of the Bondurant
brothers. Brazen and fearless, these young rural bootleggers became legendary
criminals. The youngest brother, Jack is ambitious and impulsive, the middle brother,
Howard, is loyal but reckless and eldest brother, Forrest, leads the family with a
silent determination. As the Bondurant’ illicit business and legend grows, so too
looms the danger of bigger fish, and its not long until the brothers must face the
consequences.’
Rivalry.
Challenging events.