Hollywood's Portrayal of Crime: Does It Glorify Criminal Activities?
Hollywood’s role in the glorification of crime
The glorification of crime is a theme that has existed long before Hollywood was even a twinkle in our eyes. Be it the outlaw[1], Jesse James, or even ancient mythology, there has always been a fascination with crime and criminals. This fascination, rooted in societal powerlessness and our perpetual attraction to death and violence, makes crime stories an almost timeless genre. As technology and government continue to depersonalize our daily lives, it is predicted that the glorification of crime will only increase. Without the context of events like the Civil War, railroads, and Pinkerton union busters, characters like Jesse James would never have existed.
In the world of movies, the portrayal of crime is a complex topic. Films like The Godfather transform the mafia from a ruthless, organized crime group to a romanticized, loyal family. For instance, the movie sets up a dramatic, almost fairy tale-like alternative to the actual mafia, emphasizing loyalty and organization. While this approach makes for an engaging narrative, it also perpetuates a sanitized version of criminal life.
The Glamorization of Criminals in Hollywood
Many Westerns from the mid-20th century, like The Magnificent Seven or The Wild Bunch, have a fascination with the outlaw and the cowboy. These movies often depict a stark binary of good and evil, where cowboys are turned into villains and lawmen into heroes. However, in reality, a cowboy was quite the unexciting, mundane figure. Despite these stark contrasts, these films have a certain appeal because they offer a sense of power and control that the viewers might not feel in their own lives.
Clint Eastwood’s portrayals in Westerns, such as A Fistful of Dollars and High Plains Drifter, are often praised for their closer alignment with the reality of a cowboy's life, rather than the romanticized narratives seen in many other films. John Wayne was also a favorite, but Clint Eastwood's performances are generally regarded as being more realistic and human.
The Impact of Hollywood on Public Perception
Hollywood’s portrayal of crime often serves as a cautionary tale, stating that in the end, crime doesn’t pay. However, the disclaimer that smoking is harmful to health is frequently used to mitigate this message. While Hollywood tries to present a moral narrative, the glamorization of criminal activities is often a significant part of their storytelling.
The fascination with crime and bad boys is deeply rooted in human nature. Women are attracted to antiheroes, and men often fantasize about becoming them, turning the spotlight on the allure of criminal life. Even before movies like Goodfellas and The Godfather, films like West Side Story and Rebel Without a Cause depicted criminal and gang warfare. James Dean’s character in Rebel Without a Cause, though not a criminal, showed the moral destruction that young people can suffer from.
The untimely death of James Dean turned him into a tragic icon, much like Heath Ledger’s character in The Dark Knight in 2008. These films and characters often capture our fascination with the idea of the outsider and the criminal, despite their harmful or dangerous nature.
In conclusion, Hollywood’s portrayal of crime, whether in glorifying the romantic lives of criminals or the moral decay of society, is a reflection of our enduring fascination with the dark side of human nature. While these portrayals can serve as a cautionary tale, they also contribute to the allure and appeal of a life that is often seen as exciting and powerful, even if it’s rooted in destructive and illegal acts.
[1]Reference to outlaws and cowboys is used to illustrate the broader concept of glorifying crime, regardless of the specific time frame.