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Essays on the psychology of serial killers
Essays on the psychology of serial killers
Essays on the psychology of serial killers
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Serial killers and vigilantes have become a staple of publicity in the world of media entertainment. They provide frights, gore and intricate insights into the human mind in a world where daring ideologies are decided by our society’s current assumption of ethics. Both Dexter (series) and the Death Note Live Action Movie excel in producing a dark and thriller yet psychological atmosphere for its dark vigilante plotline due to its main character’s cast execution, character development and their personal contrasting ideologies with our current societies vision of ethics. In light of this, Dexter played by Micheal C. Hall and Yagami Light played by Tatsuya Fujiwara, both take part in vigilantism in their own manner, and both have a very distinctive …show more content…
way of seeing the world; However, Dexter imposes his own way of justice to contain his unnatural killing impulse, while Yagami Light murder’s criminal for the sake of completing his obsessed goal that consist of punishing the world of crime due to his disappointment for the current legal system. Dexter is very successful exponent of psycho-horror, which consist of a serial killer fiction subgenre were the serial killer is the main protagonist and audiences can become direct witnesses of his thoughts and murders (“Dexter: Villain, Hero or Simply a Man?” 2).
The series starts up inviting its viewer to dark scenery through the downtown Miami night life with the main character’s chilling narrative, when the main character (Micheal C Hall) exposes some of its back-story and certain first person views on how he sees and compares the world around him as a playground where he could choose the next victim that can satisfy his thirst for blood hence demonstrating its character complexity and multifaceted components. Dexter Morgan, the principal protagonist, lives a double life were on day time he is a forensics blood spatter analysis expert for the Miami P.D while on night he leads he’s life as a “good” serial killer, who kills by being fateful to a set of vigilante like principles implanted by his father, were he should only kill people that deserve it, for the sake of controlling his unnatural violent need to kill (“Dexter: Season 1: Episode 1:’Dexter’ Review”). Taking in mind, that Dexter contains such a disturbing concept and presence, it is impressive how well did the main cast executed through its first episode, especially Micheal C. Hall case, since he does a magnificent act as Dexter, due to he’s ability to flesh out such a well written yet biased character. …show more content…
Nonetheless, though Dexter has become a famous crime show, resulting in a mixture of heroism and psychotic murder, it does come off to a certain extent as cliché due to the fact that when the viewer sees a supposedly serial killer series were the dark hero protagonist that only eliminates villains, it just takes and contradicts the whole serial killing facet and becomes mere simple murderer. In light of this, Dexter does not follow in complete extent all the elements of vigilantism in which criminologist Les Johnston states in page 50 of “On cheering Charles Bronson: The Ethics of Vigilantism” by Travis Dumsday that: “vigilantism is conducted in reaction to a breach of institutionalized values” and how “the motivation for vigilantism is to first control criminal or non-criminal but still deviant acts and to offer greater peace of mind to members of the relevant social order” both in which Dexter Morgan as a “Dark Executioner” does not follow, since he kills for his own internal struggle to contain his innate blood lust and not to expose his own ideologies, nor does he provide any kind of greater peace in society since his personal morals or values may contrast with that of the social order. The Death note Live Action Movie is a film made directly based on the plot, atmosphere, characters and in a way it is considered to be part of the original line of episodes from the main series of one of the most anticipated anime/manga in Japan on 2006 known, as the name of the movie already implies: Death Note.
The Death Note series is known today as one of the most unique and surprising series in the manga/anime universe due to its interesting plotline were a young man named Yagami Light is bored and full of disgust towards the world’s legal system and society current outcome in crimes. This young man is given power by death himself, to control and decide the time of death of anyone in which he decides to kill all those evil traits of society and lead a new world into sanctuary as him as its new God, taking in mind that, Yagami’s view of justice is based in a presumption of guilt, while the current governments, as well as L’s view of justice bases their justice in a presumption of innocence (“Light Yagami Character Analysis”). With this is in mind, it is clearly noticeable that the Death Note Live Action Movie, as well as the main Death Note series is heavily base on the assumption of ethics in our current society, due to its ability to openly invite the viewer to question his own ethical morals. Nonetheless, Death Note in its whole is a great succession due its great plot and its captivating dark yet tense atmosphere, however there is one simple aspect that contains it
from being a masterpiece and that is its absence in character development in the main protagonist, since it contains such minor depth in his growth in way that the character feels empty and emotionless as in there is no real ethical action or reason to why he takes such unethical decisions. For example, Yagami Light in his personage does not show any type of inner conflicts, and is able to kill thousands of people without ever thinking twice about the value of life, that as the righteous protagonist of the series and as a serial killer/vigilante type of character should, especially one such as Yagami Light that made such a impact in his world. Thus, takes me to my last theory, that explains why Tatsuya Fujiwara, who executed a precise representation of Yagami’s teenage personality and Kira’s malevolent persona on the Death Note Live Action Movie, did not make such a great impact in a flat character such as Light which was all due to the disappointment that is lazy writing to its character profundity. Based on the above, there are many similitudes and differences between Dexter and the Death Note Live Action Movie. Starting with distinguishing that both series have an excellent control of their dark and thriller atmosphere, both follow serial killer/vigilante plotline were both main characters are anti-heroes that kill within justifiable ethical boundaries whereas in Dexter’s case it is for him to control his inner violent impulses while Light’s are conducted by his delusions of grandeur due to the idea that he sees himself as God. However, one could say that the supposed masterpiece that is Dexter ended being tainted by today’s pop cultured media due to the its constant clichéd while the Death Note Live Action Movie was just the results of a movie with great potential but fell in the hands of lazy writers. Nevertheless, the literary element were the series compares and contrasts heavily is in its main character individual characteristics since both Yagami Light and Dexter lead double lives, where they are able to maintain the appearances of an ordinary citizen, both of them make underhanded use of the people around them, to take and advantage of their position and meet up with their own vigilante and principled ends, as well as to evade any type of suspicion and interestingly, Kira and Dexter are like two opposite poles. On one hand, Light lives behind a mask of lies, were he constantly acts as an innocent college student but in reality, he’s a deluded and obsessive maniac, while on the other hand, Dexter perceives himself as a cold-blooded killer but rather it is not hard to recognize that in reality he wishes acceptance and a normal life.
The final episode occurs seven years after the war. Dexter is now a very successful businessperson in New York City. Devlin, a business acquaintance from Detroit, makes small talk by remarking that one of his best friends in Detroit, at whose wedding Devlin ushered, was married to a woman from
2. According to Sobchack, contemporary screen violence greatly differs than portrayals of violence in years past. Today, violent scenes are careless and lack significance because we as audiences have become calloused and desensitized to any acts of violence. She states that there is “no grace or benediction attached to violence. Indeed, its very intensity seems diminished” (Sobchack 432). Senseless violence, gruesome acts, and profound amounts of gore are prevalent in movies today, and because even this is not enough, it must be accompanied by loud blasts and noise, constantly moving scenes to keep audiences stimulated and large quantities of violence for viewers to enjoy what they are watching. Decades ago, it was the story that was engaging to audiences and filmmaking was an art.
“She still today never told me she loved me…never… never in her life … it’s too hard to explain,” says Anthony Sowell as he mentions his mother while he is being interrogated by Cleveland Homicide Detective (Sberna). The classic neighbor that every family wishes to have, friendly, helpful and caring was holding back numerous secrets. In Anthony Sowell’s actions of the rape, beatings and murder of 11 innocent women, he demonstrates the qualities of a human monster while showing how nurture creates a personality as well as proving that humans are capable of creation more fear than those who are written about in fiction.
Dexter is the lead character of famous crime, drama and mystery TV series, “Dexter”. The TV series is a treat for the psychologically minded
Dexter denies his background as coming from the middle class and wanting to have more in life. He started as a fourteen year old golf caddie and was the best one around. Dexter one day while working thought to himself that he could have so much more than just being a golf caddie. Then and there he decided to quit his job and move on with his life. As Dexter grows up and moves out west to fulfill his dream, there is a duality inside of him that ultimately is his own downfall.
This article also makes referral comparison to another genre of film “Unlike in other genres (detective, thriller), there is usually neither sympathy for the victims of Evil nor admiration for heroes opposing it.”(Kord, 2016) Violence is what triggers the guilt in the audience and what starts to make them speculate of their morality. “Violence may well be the horror film’s way of hacking away at its audience to engage with guilt. Admit who you are. Admit what you did.” (Kord, 2016) The author questions other theorists with an ample amount of valid research from validated
During the summers, Dexter works hard at being the best caddie at the Sherry Island Country Club. This is foretelling of the hard work he will do to change his socioeconomic status. We are shown how dedicated Dexter is by the tears in Mr. Jones' eyes on the day he decides to quit (Fitzgerald, 120). After meeting Judy Jones, Dexter developed a stronger sense of urgency to change his status. Dexter is so determined to fulfill his dream that he opts to go to a "more famous university in the East" rather than the state university that was more affordable (Fitzgerald, 122). This is an example of his determination to lift his status in the eyes of others. While speaking with Judy, he uses his prestigious university as the starting point of his life. Unfortunately for Dexter, he cannot conquer Judy Jones as he has every
...career ahead of you, Dexter showed us that if you work hard enough you can end up at the top, but you have to be willing to do the work, and everyone has an equal opportunity to be successful it is just the people who are willing to make sacrifices and want to be successful in life. I think that this story has a really good message in it especially because we live in such a small town and reading this makes it more inspiring because it shows us that we can do something with our lives. Even if the odds are against us in being someone important or being super rich we know now that it is possible to achieve this. Dexter shows the American Dream perfectly he demonstrates how you can start from the bottom of the food chain and make your way to the top, but it is going to have to take some work and sacrifices. You never know what is going to happen unless you take risks.
Dexter Morgan is the main character in the television show Dexter. He is portrayed as a successful blood analyst for the Miami Police Department. Dexter is antisocial with a lack of feelings for others, specifically a lack of empathy. “But I warn you, Sergeant, you can 't play on my feelings. I don 't have any (Reynolds, Shill, 2007).” He is haunted by thoughts of past trauma caused by witnessing his mother’s gruesome murder at the age of three. This causes him to be untrusting of others and only possess miniscule emotional attachment to his adoptive sister, Debra, and adoptive father, Harry. Harry notices Dexter’s psychopathology symptoms during his early teens. The neighbor’s dog went missing and Harry questions Dexter only to reveal that
Today’s society thrives on violence. Young children made pretend guns and shot at siblings, teenagers enjoyed video games which praised the player for kills, and adults flocked to see the latest horror movie, few people asked what effect this has on people and society. Some psychologists have started researching this effect. A study by Dr. Ferguson;...
These people are usually murderers. His sister, a police officer is a very brave and curious person who works very hard to earn her detective shield, just like her father(tv.com). Through a series of events and commentary of the thoughts of Dexter, the author and director attempt to highlight the risks in life, and use Dexter’s thoughts and memories to try to question one’s intentions and actions by using the extreme scale of Dexter’s
I was reading threads on Reddit the other day about multiple serial killer cases and I always questioned myself, “Why would someone do this? Are they even human?” It is fascinating when these characters are presented in movies since we get to understand their backgrounds sometimes, but in the real world, not so much. Movies that include these type of qualities help us try to sympathise and understand the complications going on behind an
Throughout the history of man there has always existed a sort of rule pertaining to retribution for just and unjust acts. For the just came rewards, and for the unjust came punishments. This has been a law as old as time. One philosophy about the treatment of the unjust is most controversial in modern time and throughout our history; which is is the ethical decision of a death penalty. This controversial issue of punishment by death has been going on for centuries. It dates back to as early as 399 B.C.E., to when Socrates was forced to drink hemlock for his “corruption of the youth” and “impiety”.
Although “Thriller” is beloved as a classic 80’s pop music video, it manages a successful dive into the social and political issues that make zombie flicks so great. Pulling from a history of work on zombies, Michael Jackson packs so much history into such a concise package. Through using the texts of Amy Devitt and Kerry Dirk we are able to uncover Jackson’s experience and social commentary in “Thriller”. He simultaneously writes a hit song, revolutionizes music videos, and still remarks on the societal problems of the early 1980’s. However, the story goes much further than that of a number one hit. “Thriller” owes its success to an important cultural figure that looms as large as
It is made clear by Dexter that he dreads the winter days and wishes for the cold barren season to end, The author Fitzgerald makes a great example of this when he states, “In the fall when the days became crisp and grey, and the long Minnesota winter shut down like the white lid of a box, Dexter 's skis moved over the snow that hid the fairways of the golf course. At these times, the country gave him a feeling of profound melancholy it often reminded him that the links should lie in enforced fallowness, haunted by ragged sparrows for the long season” (Fitzgerald 1). This quote used in the beginning describes a gloomy, and quiet atmosphere. The description of the cold seasons set a pensive mood, it also gives the reader an idea of Dexter’s character. The further present is a sense of Dexter’s hopefulness. Dexter seems to obviously not be fond of the cold and the elements leading alongside. But can very unclear as to why Dexter likes the months leading into winter As the narrator states, “Fall made him clench his hands and tremble and repeat idiotic sentences to himself, and make brisk abrupt gestures of command to imaginary audiences and armies. October filled him with hope which November raised to a sort of ecstatic triumph, and in this mood the fleeting brilliant impressions of the summer” (Fitzgerald 1). The reader can infer the coming of summer and the joys Dexter anticipates. This quote makes Dexter also seem a little emotional and somewhat sensitive. In the story, discovered was at some points into the story it can be difficult to tell if dexter likes a season. It’s almost as if the colder seasons have more of an effect on him. It is unclear as to dexter might not like spring or the season leading into summer, as opposed to liking it. The narrator tells an example when