Peaky Blinders Flashcards
Repetition in genre conventions
Peaky blinders uses familiar conventions of the crime genre, such as morally ambiguous protagonist (Tommy Shelby), criminal organisations, and power struggles. These elements cater to audience expectations, offering the predictability associated with the crime genre.
The setting of post-WW1 Birmingham aligns with the period drama genre, incorporating historical context, costumes, and themes of social upheaval.
Difference in genre convention
The show integrates stylistic elements that subvert period drama conventions, such as its modern rock soundtrack (e.g., Nick Cave’s “Red Right Hand”). This anachronistic choice highlights Neale’s notion of variation with genre.
Tommy Shelby’s complexity as an antihero is explored through his vulnerability and ambition, providing depth beyond traditional “gangster boss” archetypes.
The inclusion of female characters like Ada and Polly with significant agency adds a progressive layer, contrasting the often male-dominated narratives of traditional crime dramas.
Crime boss archetype
Tommy Shelby is introduced as the calculating leader of the Shelby crime family. His orchestration of a rigged horse race aligns with the crime genre’s focus on criminal enterprises and power struggles.
Example: the scene where Tommy commands his men to stage an elaborate setup for the horse race solidifies his role as a typical crime boss who is both feared and respected.
Gritty Urban setting
The industrial backdrop of Birmingham with smoke-filled streets, factories, and cobblestone roads reinforces the bleak, working-class environment commonly seen in crime dramas and period settings.
Example: early shots of the sheets introduce an atmosphere of poverty and post-war disillusionment.
Modern soundtrack in a period setting
The use of Nick Cave’s “Red Right Hand” as a recurring theme contrasts sharply with the early 20th -century timeline, adding a modern sensibility that makes the show stand out within the period drama genre.
Example: this song plays as Tony rides into the city on horseback, creating a striking juxtaposition between the modern music and historical setting.
Complex female characters
Polly Gray, the matriarch of the Shelby family, challenges traditional gender roles. She is portrayed as both a maternal figure and a strategic advisor, showing women’s agency in a male-dominated world.
Example: Polly confronts Tommy about hiding his plans, asserting her role as key decision-maker in the family.
Psychological complexity
Tommy’s post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from World War I introduces a vulnerability not often explored in traditional crime bosses.
Example: Tommy’s nightmares and opium use hint at his internal struggles, setting him apart from the stoic archetype.
