Serial Killers Film Analysis

As media outlets continue to depict serial killers- public fascination about the crimes and the perpetrators continue to grow. Television shows like Criminal Minds often recreate horrible visuals of unthinkable acts. The show takes inspiration from true crimes as well as completely fictionalized scenarios in order to explore the psyche of the serial killer. Shows like this often focus on the idea that the serial killer is your neighbor, your husband, your co-worker, or even your best friend. The idea that serial killers exist among us and blend in seamlessly gives a sense of the unknown. Documentaries, news accounts, and movies all contribute to public fascination. Documentaries often try to provide unbiased views and an intriguing look into

In M, Beckert targets and murders children. Children are associated with innocence and most communities strive to protect their young. Members in the community are plagued by the very real reality that there is someone murdering their children. In many ways the murdered children are the literal victims of Beckert, but his community as a whole is a victim to the fear and uncertainty Beckert has created. The victims in Monster vary, there is the initial man that beat and sexually assaulted Wournos. He himself was portrayed as a monster. He was quick to anger and as soon as Wournos rejected sex he became violent towards her. One cannot exclude the possibility that if she hadn’t killed him that he could have possibly killed her. Her next victim was extremely foul mouthed and came off as extremely perverted. Wournos kills him without reason but his distasteful language and overall demeanor doesn’t make his death seem like such an emotional loss. The third shown victim is a religious man that seemingly wants to help Wournos. There is a moment where Wournos seems to realize that this is a good man and she demands to be let out of his car. When the man sees her gun, Wournos, feeling she has no other choice, shoots him dead. The dialogue and on screen violence of this film is effective in giving the film added shock value. Being able to see the crimes unfold as well as Wournos’ response to the crimes paints her as a woman deserving of certain empathies but also capable of unthinkable