Crime Film Conventions - Settings

Crime films are very commonly set in large crowded cities because that is usually where crime is committed in real life. This is to provide a view a secret world for the criminal. This would stereotypically be in places like; dark nightclubs, streets with neon lights,sleazy bars, contraband, seedy living quarters and rooming houses. Exotic settings for crime films can add a sense of adventure and wealth. It's stereotypical for successful criminals in films with huge amounts of cash, fast cars and a mansion because of the money they have made  in the past doing criminal jobs. The lighting is usually low key because it adds the intensity to the film and when the storyline and themes are dark like for example in Sin City (2005), the film is in black and white to emphasise the bleak and dark themes happening in the film.