Violence in Film

         From romance films to action thrillers, the art of violence as been depicted in cinema since day one. Nowadays, if a film does not have some kind of conflict in the result of violence, it will not be a big hit in the box office. If you can recall some of the summer best box office seller films (such as Superman, X-Man) in the past recent years, what do must of them all have in common?--Violence! It is the thrill that most movie viewers seek for. However, this film has influences some of today crimes and injuries amongst people today.

         On the serious side, violence in films has influenced some of the crimes that we see depicted on our news everyday. For instance, the last film we viewed in class was Bonnie and Clyde, directed in 1967 by Arthur Penn. This film glorifies violence. From bank robberies, shootouts with the law, kidnapping, and to their tragic death; Bonnie and Clyde is highly regarded by many people. People caught up within the plot asked themselves: “Can I get away with that?” In my hometown, Louisville, Kentucky, I can recall newscasts of a couple that had robbed over five banks before they were caught. This couple wanted to be referred as the “Bonnie and Clyde of Louisville.” Although the film was a huge success and is a known legend in cinema history, its effect on society had not been well thought out. Even though this film was based on a true story, there will always have that one person who would want to do better than the person before.

         Violence has become a custom to all viewers all ages. A five-year-old child can turn on a Bugs Bunny cartoon and see violence. There are many scenes when Bugs uses different methods to get away from enemies. From throwing a rock at the enemy, dropping an iron on the enemy’s head to even running the enemy off a cliff--all are forms of violence. Children are easily influenced and start doing to the same things they see on television. If there is no intervention this can lead to injuries and possible small crimes, which could escalate into major crimes, such as the ones in Bonnie and Clyde.

Kyra Williams

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