Target Audience

Gender

I would say that the crime genre is generally stereotyped as being aimed at men due to use of violence, justice sytem and villains. Normally the lead protagonist tends to be a strong dominant male in films such as John Mctiernans ‘Diehard’ (1988) with Bruce Wills’ character. Since crime films first became popular films like Raoul Walsh’s first feature film, ‘The Regeneration’ (1915) the plots were clearly targeted at men with the tough portrayal of life in New York. Although it is common knowledge that women enjoy more light hearted films that fall into the comedy or chick flick genre such as Ken Kwapis’s 2009 film ‘He’s Just Not Into You’ about the trials of love. Furthermore 21st century crime films such as the 2005 blockbuster ‘Mr & Mrs Smith’ directed by Doug Linman proves that with the addition of Angelia Jolie’s character women can be strong characters in crime films. She is shown to be on the same level as Brad Pitts character giving a sense of gender quality so the film arguably appeals to both sexes even though it still had violence, gadgets and sex.

Age

In terms of age and the certificate restriction I’s say that the target audience starts from the age of around 15 due to the content appealing to a more mature audience. Official statics show that people ages 15-24 are most likely to go to the cinema in comparison to only 20% over 40 year olds. This indicates that movie makers would aim there big budget films at a younger audience as they are likely to bring in the most cinema revenue.


Overall... the general appeal and tendency to use weapons and violence is targeted to a more male audience however the escapism element involved in crime films is starting to appeal more and more to women shown by Hollywood’s attempt to add stronger women to their films.