Crime drama: Love Kills

'Love Kills'

Task 1:
Columbo: This is a crime drama based around a detective named Columbo, who works out who the criminal is. It was made in the 1970s/80s. Columbo dresses in a long coat, which is conventional for police officers. However, the way he dresses is very scruffy. The criminal dresses in casual wear. We can tell that he is guilty by his expression, and the way he talks seems like he is full of himself. Columbo remains calm and expressionless through the scene. Props, such as cars and guns are used. It is set in a rural part of U.S.A, where it is quiet so no one would find out about the murder committed. Lighting is mostly natural, and makes the scene seem quite tense. The camera tracks, following Columbo around. The main convention is of a murder, which is what a crime drama should be based around. The episode begins by showing us the murderer, shooting his fellow co worker. After this, the camera is on Columbo through the episode as he digs up evidence against the criminal, and slowly, slowly realises who committed the murder.

The Wire: The opening sequence of The Wire begins in a run down town with a montage sequence. Many different scenes are shown, which gives a small insight as to what those people are like. The music is slow and relaxing, the bell ringing, however brings everything back to reality and takes the scene to what is going on, where a group of people are shown. The people seem upset, as though something has gone wrong. This shows that this is a crime scene, where people may have been killed. The lighting is mainly quite dark, which is reflective of the type of crime drama it is- dark and gloomy.

I designed a questionnaire which contained 8 questions for people who would be interested in crime dramas. One of the questions I asked was 'What is your favourite crime drama?' and the 2 most popular answers were Columbo and The Wire. Columbo because it is old and therefore more original, and the idea of one main detective rather than a few detectives makes the drama more interesting. The Wire was a favourite due to its fast pace and the how the state of media effects those people's lives who live in the run down town in U.S.A. Another question was 'How many criminal do you wish to see in a crime drama?' For this, the answers had a wide range, however most people said between 2-3. Another question was, 'What conventions do you like most about crime dramas?' a few answers were given, such as 'blood, shooting, action, the investigation' the most common answer, however, was a murder.

Synopsis of Love Kills:
Love Kills is a serious crime drama about the happenings of internet dating. Serial killer, Jake, is out to get women. Samantha, however, falls in love with Jake and goes to meet him, little did she know that this would be the last time she ever saw someone. Having a happy life, with a family, why is Jake going to kill Samantha? And she is not his only victim.