"How To Make a Killing": A Deep Dive into the Tropes of a Modern Crime Thriller

The world of cinema is rich with recurring narrative devices and character archetypes, often referred to as "TV Tropes." These familiar elements help audiences connect with stories, even as filmmakers put fresh spins on them. John Patton Ford's film, "How To Make a Killing," starring Glen Powell and Margaret Qualley, offers a compelling canvas for exploring some of these prevalent tropes within the crime thriller genre. While the film's official synopsis hints at inheritance and murder, delving into its potential thematic elements through the lens of established tropes can illuminate its narrative construction and character dynamics.

The Heir Apparent and the Dark Legacy

A prominent trope that appears to be central to "How To Make a Killing" is "The Heir Apparent." This trope typically involves a protagonist who inherits not only wealth or status but also a dangerous legacy or a hidden responsibility. In the context of the film's premise, "Murder is in the heir," it strongly suggests that the protagonist is thrust into a world of crime or deceit due to their lineage. This can manifest in various ways: perhaps they are unaware of their family's criminal enterprises, or they are deliberately groomed to take over. The tension often arises from the protagonist's struggle to reconcile their inherited destiny with their personal morality or aspirations. This trope is often intertwined with "The Dark Legacy." This refers to the sins or secrets of past generations that continue to haunt the present. The inherited fortune or position in "How To Make a Killing" is likely tainted by past wrongdoing, forcing the new heir to confront the consequences of their ancestors' actions. This can lead to a narrative rich with mystery, as the protagonist uncovers hidden truths and navigates treacherous relationships forged by this legacy. The "Heir today, gone tomorrow" tagline further amplifies this sense of precariousness, suggesting that the protagonist's newfound position is unstable and potentially fatal.

The Femme Fatale and the Deceptive Ally

Within crime thrillers, "The Femme Fatale" is a classic trope. This character is typically a seductive and mysterious woman who poses a threat to the protagonist, often through manipulation and deceit. Margaret Qualley's character in "How To Make a Killing" could embody this trope, drawing the protagonist into dangerous situations with promises of reward or affection. The femme fatale's motives are often ambiguous, making it difficult for the protagonist—and the audience—to discern her true intentions. Her presence injects an element of romantic entanglement and betrayal, complicating the protagonist's journey. Complementing or perhaps even being the femme fatale, is the trope of "The Deceptive Ally." This character appears to be on the protagonist's side, offering assistance and guidance, but secretly harbors ulterior motives. This could be a business partner, a family member, or even a seemingly benevolent figure who is actually working to exploit or betray the protagonist. The deceptive ally trope heightens suspense by creating an atmosphere of paranoia, where trust is a scarce commodity. The protagonist must constantly question who they can rely on, adding layers of psychological complexity to the narrative.

The Underdog Protagonist and the Rise to Power

Glen Powell's character, as the likely protagonist, might embody "The Underdog Protagonist." This character often starts from a position of disadvantage, whether it be financial, social, or experiential. They are thrust into extraordinary circumstances and must rely on their wit, resilience, and a bit of luck to survive and succeed. The "How To Make a Killing" title itself suggests a journey of upward mobility, albeit through illicit or morally questionable means. The underdog trope allows audiences to root for the character as they navigate obstacles and overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. This can lead to the "Rise to Power" trope, where the underdog protagonist gradually ascends in influence and control within their new, dangerous world. This ascent is rarely straightforward and often involves making difficult choices, compromising their values, and potentially becoming the very thing they initially feared or opposed. The film's exploration of this trope would likely examine the corrupting nature of power and the compromises one must make to achieve it, especially in a world defined by crime and ambition.

The Reality of the Crime Thriller

While "How To Make a Killing" is a fictional film, its engagement with these tropes taps