I have recently been seeing some arguments back and forth about the shootings in Colorado and the role the new Batman movie had in it. Many think that Christopher Nolan, the director of the film, is guilty and at fault for making this person react how he did, indicating it is acceptable to kill people because they do it in the movies without much retribution. Others think that he is completely innocent and it's the fault of the person for doing the shooting, indicating that the movie played no role in the mass homicides at all.
It is my contention that this film, along with the thousands of other films in our society all play a role in how our world functions. It is clear that the film, TV, and advertising industry choose specific material to put in front of its' viewers for a reason, entertainment. In advertising it is placed in front of its' viewers to sell a product. Look how much sex is portrayed on TV. There are so many movies that have sex scenes in it that are not needed. One of the first things I think about is the Axe commercials and how if you use their product, skinny, young, attractive women will want to sleep with you. However, in the new Batman movie, along with all the others, there are mass killings throughout the movie, with little to no regard for human life. When we see this attitude portrayed on the screen, with the filter that TV and movies give us, how can we take it as serious as it really is. When compared to the movie, this tragedy in Colorado seems like nothing, yet, this has made widespread news across the world.
I do not believe that Nolan is solely responsible for actions like what happened in Colorado, but I do think the film industry has some responsibility in the matter. Clearly the murderer is and will be help responsible for his actions, that is no question. When we portray violence in a way that has no regard for humanity, there are people out there who will react similarly and it doesn't make it acceptable, but at the same time, this is what entertains our culture and we flock to sold out theaters at midnight to watch this, myself included.
I do not have a solution, but this is something that I've been thinking about since hearing of the tragedy in Colorado. I don't know anyone who doesn't feel for the family's of those injured, killed, or the family of victim, but what does films like this do. I understand that the film is also based upon a hero trying to stop the violence, but in the process, hundreds and thousands of people uninvolved and in Batman's "saving" process are killed. The killings don't feel real and we rarely if ever think about the reality of people dying in a movie when it's not the main plot line. But we do care when it happens in real life. How should we watch movies like this? Do we rid ourselves of movies like these to help the violent nature to creep up less often in our minds, or would it even matter? It easy for us to say, I saw it and I'm fine, I didn't go out and kill people, but remember, you are not the same as everyone else. You think differently than other people. You can't compare yourself to others.
There is so much to be said about this. Ultimately it is really sad for everyone involved, there are no words in the end. Prayers and thoughts go out to all involved.
It is my contention that this film, along with the thousands of other films in our society all play a role in how our world functions. It is clear that the film, TV, and advertising industry choose specific material to put in front of its' viewers for a reason, entertainment. In advertising it is placed in front of its' viewers to sell a product. Look how much sex is portrayed on TV. There are so many movies that have sex scenes in it that are not needed. One of the first things I think about is the Axe commercials and how if you use their product, skinny, young, attractive women will want to sleep with you. However, in the new Batman movie, along with all the others, there are mass killings throughout the movie, with little to no regard for human life. When we see this attitude portrayed on the screen, with the filter that TV and movies give us, how can we take it as serious as it really is. When compared to the movie, this tragedy in Colorado seems like nothing, yet, this has made widespread news across the world.
I do not believe that Nolan is solely responsible for actions like what happened in Colorado, but I do think the film industry has some responsibility in the matter. Clearly the murderer is and will be help responsible for his actions, that is no question. When we portray violence in a way that has no regard for humanity, there are people out there who will react similarly and it doesn't make it acceptable, but at the same time, this is what entertains our culture and we flock to sold out theaters at midnight to watch this, myself included.
I do not have a solution, but this is something that I've been thinking about since hearing of the tragedy in Colorado. I don't know anyone who doesn't feel for the family's of those injured, killed, or the family of victim, but what does films like this do. I understand that the film is also based upon a hero trying to stop the violence, but in the process, hundreds and thousands of people uninvolved and in Batman's "saving" process are killed. The killings don't feel real and we rarely if ever think about the reality of people dying in a movie when it's not the main plot line. But we do care when it happens in real life. How should we watch movies like this? Do we rid ourselves of movies like these to help the violent nature to creep up less often in our minds, or would it even matter? It easy for us to say, I saw it and I'm fine, I didn't go out and kill people, but remember, you are not the same as everyone else. You think differently than other people. You can't compare yourself to others.
There is so much to be said about this. Ultimately it is really sad for everyone involved, there are no words in the end. Prayers and thoughts go out to all involved.
