LINK #157

Page 13

S

The influence of cinema

ometimes, a film can be badly perceived by the public or by certain spheres that can harm its reputation. Like certain musical genres or groups, video games or certain literary works, some films are considered to have a bad influence on individuals (especially youth). We will try to understand what these films are criticized for and whether they really have a bad influence on people.

thize with it, the main character is not shown as a hero. On the contrary, we see him committing morally unacceptable acts. This prevents us from fully identifying with him. Even if one manages to identify with him (which may seem worrying), the film shows us that even if he is the origin, Arthur Fleck is completely overwhelmed by events. He doesn't really do all this with the aim of overthrowing the ruling class, but rather to be recognized for his true worth. These elements show that "Joker" is not a simple call to burn all the rich.

The last and most striking example fully illustrating this concept is Todd Phillips' movie "Joker". This psychological thriller recounts the genesis of the greatest enemy of the superhero Batman. It follows the character of Arthur Fleck, a man suffering from a psychiatric disorder and relegated to the bench of society. Faced with the difficulties he will encounter, Arthur will gradually sink into madness and commit the irreparable. The film was much talked about when it was released, especially for its violence. But above all, the film was accused of inciting hatred towards the rich. Indeed, in a scene where Arthur takes the subway late at night, he witnesses the assault of a woman by 3 traders. Wanting to defend her, he finds himself targeted in turn by the 3 men and decides to take out his revolver to shoot them. Following this act, he becomes a hero for the working classes of the city. A cult of personality ensues and ends with a mass uprising proclaiming loud and clear "Death to the rich!".

In spite of everything, a large number of people and associations wanted to ban the film. In particular associations of victims of mass shootings who feared a phenomenon of imitation. This has already happened with another film set in the same universe, "The Dark Knight Rises". During a preview screening of the latter in Aurora, a man opened fire on the crowd present, leaving 12 dead and 58 wounded.

At first glance, when we look at the film for the first time, we can indeed easily detect a message of hatred towards all the rich. But the film is much more subtle than that. First of all, even if one can empa-

“

(...) Cinema, just like video

games, comic books or rap music, does not make people violent (...)

�

13


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.