Mystery Film
Overview
A mystery film is a genre of film that revolves around the solution of a problem or a crime. It focuses on the efforts of the detective, private investigator or amateur sleuth to solve the mysterious circumstances of an issue by means of clues, investigation, and clever deduction. The plot often centers around crime, such as murder and less commonly, disappearance, with the protagonist(s) investigating the crime, and the antagonist(s) concealing the crime or its evidence.
History
The mystery film genre first emerged in the silent era, with short films such as Sherlock Holmes Baffled (1900), and Mabel's Strange Predicament (1914) featuring Charlie Chaplin. However, the genre truly began to flourish during the 1920s and 1930s, with the advent of sound in film, and the creation of complex narratives and characters.
Characteristics
Mystery films primarily revolve around good versus evil, where good is usually represented by a detective or law enforcement officer and evil is generally represented by a criminal or antagonist. The narrative is driven by the detective's quest to uncover the truth, with the audience often in the dark until the final act. The key elements of a mystery film are suspense, clues, and red herrings. The suspense is usually maintained by delaying the resolution of the mystery until the climax, and often includes a number of plot twists.
Sub-genres
Mystery films can be divided into several sub-genres. Some of these include the detective mystery, the suspense-thriller mystery, the horror mystery, and the crime mystery. Each sub-genre has its own set of conventions and characteristics that distinguish it from others.
Detective Mystery
The detective mystery is perhaps the most popular sub-genre of the mystery film. It revolves around a detective, either professional or amateur, who solves a crime. The detective often has a signature method of deduction, and the narrative usually follows this character's process of piecing together the clues.
Suspense-Thriller Mystery
The suspense-thriller mystery combines elements of suspense and mystery, with the protagonist often in danger from the antagonist. The suspense is heightened by the protagonist's race against time, and the narrative often includes a number of plot twists and turns.
Horror Mystery
The horror mystery combines elements of horror and mystery. The protagonist, often an ordinary person, is pitted against a supernatural or monstrous antagonist. The narrative often includes elements of fear and suspense, with the protagonist's survival at stake.
Crime Mystery
The crime mystery revolves around a crime, often a murder, that must be solved. The protagonist is often a detective or law enforcement officer, and the narrative follows their investigation of the crime.
Impact on Popular Culture
Mystery films have had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing literature, television, and other forms of media. They have also influenced societal perceptions of crime and justice, and have contributed to the popularity of the detective figure.