The spelling of "crime movie" follows the basic English phonetic rules. The word "crime" is pronounced as /kraɪm/ with a long "i" sound and ends with the letter "e" which is silent. The word "movie" is pronounced as /ˈmuvi/ with a short "o" sound and a stress on the first syllable. When these two words are combined, they form the phrase "crime movie," which is pronounced as /ˈkraɪm ˈmuvi/ with an emphasis on the first syllable of both words.
A crime movie, also referred to as a crime thriller or crime drama, is a genre of film that revolves around criminal activities, investigations, or the underworld. Typically, these movies delve into the dark side of society, focusing on criminal behavior, schemes, heists, or organized crime networks. Crime movies often contemplate the motives and psychology of both the criminals and those who pursue them, offering intricate plots filled with suspense, tension, and unpredictable twists.
These films usually feature morally ambiguous characters, portraying both the outlaw and the law enforcement officers, such as detectives, investigators, or agents, who are determined to bring the criminals to justice. The narrative structure of crime movies frequently incorporates elements of mystery, as characters navigate through a web of clues, blackmail, betrayal, and deception.
Crime movies can span various subgenres, ranging from classic film noir, which presents a brooding and pessimistic view of crime, to gangster movies that focus on mobsters and their rise to power. They can also include heist films, which revolve around meticulously planned thefts or robberies. Additionally, crime movies may explore themes of corruption, revenge, vigilantism, or the cat-and-mouse chase between criminals and those who enforce the law.
Through captivating storytelling techniques, atmospheric cinematography, and intense performances, crime movies compel audiences to reflect on the darker aspects of human behavior, the consequences of criminal actions, and the complex dynamics between criminals and the justice system.
The word "crime movie" is a combination of two terms: "crime" and "movie".
The term "crime" has Middle English origins, derived from the Old French word "crimine" meaning "accusation" or "charge". This, in turn, is derived from the Latin word "crimen", which has multiple meanings, including "accusation", "indictment", or "offense". The Latin word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "krei-", meaning "to sieve" or "to discriminate", which reflects the idea of assessing guilt or accusation.
The term "movie" is a shortening of the word "moving picture" and was first used in the late 19th century. It relates to motion pictures or films, which capture and display moving images.