Is Hollywood romanticizing serial killers?
This new craze for reality-based serial killer dramas has led to some interesting results. For one, these movies have been able to capture the attention of audiences and generate a lot of buzz. Secondly, these movies have also been able to generate a lot of money for Hollywood. In fact, the industry has been able to make a significant profit by creating these types of movies.
The list of actors playing imagined or real-life serial killers includes the same actors adored by the American population and have a vast base of international fans. The list includes famous Disney Teen actors like Zac Efron in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, Ross Lynch of Austin & Ally in Young Jeffrey Dahmer, and one-half of the famous Sprouse twins, Dylan Sprouse taking up the role of the murderous lead in Dismissed.
The main reason Hollywood is casting serial killers in their films is to use their social media presence and fan base to promote the films. However, these filmmakers are promoting the notion that serial killers are handsome men deserving of human empathy. This adds to the bad boy narrative that Hollywood has advanced for years, and casting handsome famous actors plays into the trope that manipulation, violence, and abuse can be adored and romanticized. ..
The distorted perceptions of viewers on the crimes committed by Hollywood celebrities have the potential to normalize these crimes and downplay the traumatic effects on victims, their families, and friends in exchange for Hollywood profits.
The romanticization of bad boys in Hollywood culture and entertainment has potentially contributed to the acceptance and tolerance of abusing and damaging relationships so long as the partner surpasses the set requirements for beauty measures. Hence, beyond the entertainment of casting fancy characters as serial killers, is there a problem? Or is it just entertainment?
In the Netflix series You, the main protagonist Joe Golberg is charming, romantic, and caring as he saves his love interest in season 1 at the subway station. Even though things progress downhill quickly when he takes her phone, breaks into her apartment, and locks her boyfriend in a cage, later killing him and her, fans still lust over him and defend his behavior with the notion that he is in love.
Joe stalked and dated various women throughout the seasons, killing anyone who got in his way. He even had a family when he became a father, but his horrifying character did not stop fans from romanticizing him. Joe’s thoughtfulness, self-efficacy, and good looks were all on display in the show.
The media’s coverage of serial killers often focuses on the killer, allowing them to bask in the fame and inflating their ego. For instance, from the film adaptations of Ted Bundy, it is evident that he was satisfied by the media’s attention, which elevated his notoriety. ..
There have been cases where serial killers bait the press by releasing preliminary information on their intended killings and building buzz, glorifying their ability to evade law enforcement which is portrayed in a myriad of serial killer films. The thrill of the chase between law enforcement and serial killers is what makes these cases so exciting.
The life stories of serial killers are portrayed in a light that snares public sympathy through the depiction of mental health struggles, trauma, and past abuse serving as humanizing factors separating the killers from their horrifying actions. Gifting these serial murderers publicity in the media, films, or dramas is disrespectful to the victims and their families. Just recently, the family of one of Dahmer’s victims spoke about how the show is retraumatizing them.
Serial killers are dangerous criminals who torture, rape, and brutally kill their victims. It is essential for the audience not to romanticize these criminals by focusing on their appearance in movies or television. ..
The industry can continue to cast Hollywood favourite actors to play the faces of serial killers, but this does not in any way define the real criminals and the true stories they are based on.
Do you think Hollywood is romanticizing serial killers? Some people might say that Hollywood is glamorizing serial killers, and I can see why. After all, it’s easy to make a movie about a killer who is evil and dangerous. But do I think Hollywood is romanticizing these killers? No, I don’t. In fact, I think they’re being very careful not to glamorize them.
