Genre

Get Rich Or Die Trying can be acknowledged as a modern blaxploitation film. Blaxploitation is a genre that targets the urban African Americans, this genre came about during the 1970’s when many exploitation films were made. Criticised by many civil right groups that this genre portrays negative stereotypes. The major generic conventions of the genre are dealing with pimps, drug dealers, hit men and being based in the ghetto and this is present in the film. The major generic themes with Get Rich Or Die Trying is power, drug dealers feud and other themes that are not generic within the genre such as friendship and love. The characters are generically determined because Marcus is seen as a drug dealer, his mother is portrayed as a drug dealer but also, many males have sent this persona of being drug dealers. However, Marcus is also perceived as a rapper who writes to express himself.The audiences expectations of the text are fulfilled because it is a typical blaxploitation film but, without the pimps but its basis is in the ghetto of the Bronx, drugs and money is a key theme and a negative stereotype is being represented throughout most of the film. Many, characteristics are being treated ironically like how Majestic says “show no love, love will kill you” he then at the end tells Marcus “I love you”. In Get Rich Or Die Trying, the casting is primarily Black. The main protagonist is 50 Cent who has a big influence in contemporary Hip- Hop music. The use of 50 Cent would probably, increase awareness of this “gangsta” lifestyle but also, that it is not what it seems. “Gangsta” is a person who commits crime, does drugs into sex. However, due to society and Hip Hop culture “ganagsta” is seen to be a positive or hip thing.