Detective Film
Also known as Mystery Film
A Detective Film/Mystery Film or Whodunnit (for “Who [has] done it?” or “Who did it?”) is a complex, plot-driven variety of the detective story in which the investigation is usually conducted by an eccentric, amateur, or semi-professional detective.
Main focus is on solving a crime or a puzzle.
The mystery generally revolves around a murder which must then be solved by policemen, private detectives, or amateur sleuths.
The viewer is presented with a series of likely suspects, some of whom are “red herrings,” – persons with motive to commit the crime who didn’t actually do it – and attempts to solve the puzzle along with the investigator.
At times the viewer is presented with information not available to the main character. The central character usually explores the unsolved crime, unmasks the perpetrator, and puts an end to the effects of the villainy.
Good Detective films must be either Open and Closed style.
The Closed (or whodunit) mystery conceals the identity of the perpetrator until late in the story.
The Open mystery, reveals the identity of the perpetrator at the start of the story, showcasing the “perfect crime” which the audience then watches the protagonist unravel, usually at the very end of the story.
The plot often centers on the deductive ability, prowess, confidence, or diligence of the detective as they attempt to unravel the crime or situation by piecing together clues and circumstances, seeking evidence, interrogating witnesses, and tracking down a criminal.
Suspense is often maintained as an important plot element. This can be done through the use of the soundtrack, camera angles, heavy shadows, and surprising plot twists. Alfred Hitchcock used all of these techniques, but would sometimes allow the audience in on a pending threat then draw out the moment for dramatic effect.
This genre has ranged from early mystery tales, fictional or literary detective stories, to classic Hitchcockian suspense-thrillers to classic private detective films. A related film subgenre is spy films.
Mystery novels have proven to be a good medium for translation into film. The sleuth often forms a strong leading character, and the plots can include elements of drama, suspense, character development, uncertainty and surprise twists. The locales of the mystery tale are often of a mundane variety, requiring little in the way of expensive special effects. Successful mystery writers can produce a series of books based on the same sleuth character, providing rich material for sequels.
Until at least the 1980s, women in mystery films have often served a dual role, providing a relationship with the detective and frequently playing the part of woman-in-peril. The women in these films are often resourceful individuals, being self-reliant, determined and as often duplicitous. They can provide the triggers for the events that follow, or serve as an element of suspense as helpless victims.
