Majority of the films released today carries excessive amounts of violence that are often distasteful to a number of persons. But there are still those persons who find these violent and crime filled films and television series interesting. Filmmakers are keen on making profits and pleasing the general audience and therefore they are less concerned with the minority of the population that would prefer not to see these films. The psychological effect of crime-filled films is great and many critics have suggested that much of the crime and violence in these films impact the actions and thoughts of the deviants in the society.
Real life criminal films have surfaced from the actions of persons in the society and have been treated as entertainment in many spheres. Additionally, the increase in global phenomenon that allows film makers to create series such as Dexter, Breaking Bad, the Departed and James “Whitey” Bulger. While many persons are unmoved by the intense crime and violence in films, there are those persons who are moved by the intense criminal aspects and the negative impact that this violence has on the actions of persons in the society.
Critics suggest that the increase in knowledge of psychopathy, violence and aggression leads to the mysteries behind murder without remorse and other sociopathic tendencies. DePaulo argues that the series “Dexter” is fascinating because of the ability of film makers to combine the ways in which nature and nurture affect the development of a cold-blooded killer (DePaulo 3). Similar to many psychopaths in the society, Dexter lives a lie as he hides his psychopathic tendencies. Dexter is the epitome of the horror and violence in the society. The lead character Dexter represents the new and type of character that sees violence as being integrated into the very fabric of the society. The lead character is a serial killer and a Metro forensic blood splatter analyst, but his character is normal despite the contribution that this character makes to the gruesome deaths that he performs.
Arguably, the violence in these film presentations has increased the crime in the society as watch the perpetrators elude the police and justice system in general. Dexter’s role is one that draws the readers to the reality that criminals are often educated and most persons will know these criminal for a number of years and never realize the cruel intentions of these persons. Deviants who embrace the film will be drawn into a world that teaches them the different ways in which to mask their actions from those who wish to prosecute criminals.
In contrast, 'Breaking Bad' serves as a reminder that persons who the greatest of all entertainment can serve as negative influence on the society. ABC’s presentation of the series has been hailed as the most outstanding series of the decade, but the content of the series leaves one to wonder at the intentions of the film makers. The series forces readers to experience the world of drugs and some critics suggest that the excessive use of methamphetamine is one of the greatest narcotics problems that continue to plague the society.
The truth is that the young mind is impressionable and film makers must be mindful of the films that are produced as this will draw unwanted behaviors in a number of persons. ‘Breaking Bad’ glorifies the use of drugs as a part of the daily routine of a number of persons. This leads to the story becoming a teaching tool to many persons. Of course, deviant behaviors are often learned as many criminals believe that the society is the cornerstone of their actions and the socialization process stems the negative behaviors in many persons. Arguably, the film is a realistic depiction of the society and the film reveals the consequences of the violent actions that these persons carry out in the society. The film shows violence and a component of the emotional and the logical treatment of drugs and drug use in the society.
Violence and crime are an integral part of the society because of the inequality that plagues the society. Movie makers tend to depict the reality of the society through their films, but many of these directors sensationalize these depictions. The realistic presentation shows that there are consequences to crime and violence, but the average viewer is unlikely to draw from the positive views of the violent actions. Instead, these persons are drawn to the comical aspect of the feature that shows that violence is “cool.”
It the current society, both the world of film and real world, there is diversity in the different psychological challenges. The level of normalcy in the understanding of these films has a lot to do with the fact that the viewers are able to relate to the events in the films. These western films are the reflection of the crime and violence that exists in the society and are the results also of the belief of the average person being evil or normal and the Other. Filmmakers have been instrumental in the understanding of normalcy and normal behavior and the typical other in these films. Interestingly there are moments when these two lines merge and these filmmakers bring to the surface the serial killers and the presents this as all that is evil in the society.
Dexter stores his dead and goes back to his day job as a blood spatter analyst. The average viewer looks at the irony of the situation and cannot begin to fathom how Dexter is able to elude the same law enforcers that he works with daily. The average viewer will find it almost laughable. “Breaking Bad” is the contrast to the film and shows the viewers that the consequences for criminal activities are unavoidable. The general idea of the film reflects the theory of retribution and repentance as the creators show that the characters have the ability to change into positive figures.
In contrast, Scorsese creates a vivid picture of money and way the characters relate to money in the 2007 film “The Departed.” The film show how persons become corrupted by money and the level of violence that one can associate with the lack of money or having too much money. Scorsese uses money as a motif and the viewers can relate to ways in which this helps to categorize and even build the image of the characters. In the early parts of the film Costello notes: “no one ever gives it to you. You have to take it” (Costello, The Departed 2007) which such to viewers that persons who do not have money can resort to criminal activities or violence to earn their money.
The greed of many persons in the society can be compared to the statement that Costello makes and as he further implies that money allows persons to have power over others. Such power will only result in violence as persons strive to achieve wealth through dishonest means. Law abiding citizens who are faced with financial challenges will resort to unethical means to achieve wealth. Departed is similar in nature to the events in the life of Whitey Bulgar whose primary means of getting money stemmed from criminal activities. The present society does not boast similar ideals of the mob and their unethical means of achieving wealth, yet the presents of modern styled mobsters are present in the gangs that plague the streets daily. The truth is that outside of the film world persons are set on achieving success and many of these are unwilling to work hard to achieve their wealth.
The case of Whitey Bulgar may not be a renowned film of series, but those who are aware of the story behind one of the most wanted man in America will understand that cops turn the other way in order to exact punishment on the untouchable criminals. This method may help the law enforcer to remove the ultimate crime bosses, but the method also helps to build on the level of crime and violence in the society. The principles of using a criminal to capture another criminal allow for punishment under the law but it also suggests that criminals can be pardoned for heinous crimes. But, as with all criminal offenders, Bulgar reneges on his old ways and led to the corruption in society and the way law enforcers forget their roles to uphold the law (Robberies & Gangsters, 92) and not to forget to maintain a high level of professionalism.
In concluding, crime and violence in films is largely a part of the increase in the crime and violence in the society. Criminals watch as film stars and prominent criminals live their dreams and expectations and show that it is possible for criminals to elude the law enforcers. In some cases theorists argue that each person’s action is based largely on the choice that they make and not so much on the films that they view. But if these films are not created as motivation and teaching tools, then criminal offenders will not learn the different ways in which to bypass the laws and become successful against law enforcers.
While the violence and criminal acts in the film are intense, the film makers attempt to teach a valuable lesson that many persons will never learn. The lesson centers on the reality that each person is prone to violence or criminal behavior, but that the system of justice also gives persons the chance to change negative behaviors into positive behaviors. In addition, the film makers show that crime and violence is not only the product of learned behaviors, but they stem from the personal choices that persons will make regarding their lives. “Dexter,” “The Departed” “Breaking Bad” and the story on Bulgar forms the true reflection of the society as there will always be persons who choose to become criminals and commit violent acts and then there are those who are good.
References
“Breaking Bad” (2013) You Tube, Web 16 Mar 2016 <www.youtube.com/result>
“Dexter” You Tube, (2013) Web 16 Mar 2016 <www.youtube.com/result>
DePaulo, Bella (2011) Analyzing Dexter: Psychologists and Criminologists Explain Why They
Are Smitten, The Blog, Web 16 Mar 2016 <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bella-depaulo/analyzing-dexter-psycholo_b_701490.html>
Robberies and Gangsters, The Crime Boss was a Rat p. 92 - 93
