1. What is the author's argument for the success or lack of success for films that deal with these themes?
Films that depicits sexual torture and horrific criminal activities against young children are sensitive issues that society views as gruesome and unacceptable. Chris Eggersten author of "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep: A Brief History of Child Murder in Cinema" most films that highlight rape and cruelty to children experience a lack of success due to the involvement of mass media and movie critics, and local protestors.
First, he write that sexual torture in films are not accepted and that they are hard to sell. It is considered a taboo within society as actors, producers, and mainstream public find it hard to digest. Modern day society believe the influence and experiences of an individual can have a lasting effect on their future. I believe child actors could be dangerously influenced by such exposure. It is often documented and noted by many philosophers the detrimental effects of such experiences.
Secondly, Eggersten writes that the sexual aspects of crime against children are sensitive and touchy subjects for discussion. Local protestors believe violence involving children are graphic and in-humane. As human beings many easily influenced by negative images broadcasted in the media, our culture is liberal but not as Europe where most of these films are aired.
Finally I agree with the limitations on film that depicits violence against innocent children. These films could influence the actions of individuals that are often mentally challenge. Eggersten also believe is difficult for producers and actors to get their message across to viewers when it involves sexual violence against children.
2. Choose two films and analyze how they depict murder in the film and how it relates to M.
(a) "Vampire Circus" is a 1972 Hammer Film that depicts a child-killing vampire Count who put a curse on a 19th Century village after he was murdered by the vengeful townspeople. 15 years after his death the curse comes through and a terrible plague begins ravaging the village. Shortly after a travelling circus came to town and served as an extension of the Count’s curse when the circus performers begin murdering the new generation of children. The film is very unusual and it highlights gross nudity and bloody violence. Eggersten believe this film should be viewed as fun and not taken too seriously.
The gruesome deaths of children in Vampire Circus was very bloody and violent. The bodies of the children were frequently found naked and disturbing. This relates to M as the children could be lured away through incentive and attractions of balloons, comedy, pets or candy. Another interesting aspect is how the police department and the people worked together in comparing and ruling out different evidence while searching for the killers. I believe the circus performers used comdey and tricks to lure children that seems lonley and carefree away. As in M the death of a child in a community often result in chaos and accusation among each other.
(b) Another greuling film is John Schlesinger's "The Believers." The lead actor in this film is Martin Sheen, he plays the role of a psychiatrist who moves to New York City after the death of his wife. The film is viewed as less controversial and sensitive. Sheen as a psychiatrist who moves to New York City after the death of his wife and got involved in a string of ritualistic child murders afflicting the city. The killers were identified as cult voodoo-worshippers who practice child sacrifice in religious ceremonies. Soon after they began showing interest in Sheen’s son. The film is based on the novel The Religion by Nicholas Conde, and has also influenced the real-life Mexican serial murderers/drug dealers Adolfo Constanzo and Sara Aldrete with their Santeria-based cult practice and human sacrifices in the late `80s.
The death of the children in The Believers relates to M as all the children were easily lured away and killed. The bloody and gruesome deaths affected the community and produced a sense of insecurity among the people. Sheen became involved in the ritualistic murder of the children when they began showing interest in his son. As a parent he knew it was his responsibility to protect his child from violence been inflicted on him. The Believers also address religion and the influences it can have on some people. The murders have also influenced the real-life Mexican serial murderers/drug dealers Adolfo Constanzo and Sara Aldrete.
3. The history of media studies have been drastically influenced by events of the past. Kracauer's thesis identifies the unconscious desires and fears of the German middle-class while highlighting their values and morals. Values of the past are often viewed as unimpotant in our modern day society. Films in the past represented social structure and interaction among individuals of different social status. The films were produced in small crowded rooms that signifies unity among the people.
Pre-Nazi films were known for using shadows, light, and actors that commanded respect because of their appearance. Apppearance was critical in the German society as it signifies status of importance. Knowing that Pre-nazi films involved shadows, lights, and no sound affected how they were interpreted and perceived.
Like Kracauer I believe the German society relied and became dependent on the authoritarian style of leadership. The country was in a state of economic uncertainity and the people desired for someone to take control, however not in the way Hitler did. A prime example in silent film The "M" is eminent when the first child was lured away and her ballon was seen floating in the air lead to chaos among the citizens. An authoritative figure was needed to establish rules and strategy for finding the killer.
On the other hand Professor Rath in Blue Angel represented authority, he was respected because appearance and profession. His weakness developed was portrayed in his love for Lola. Another example of a character depicting authority is seen in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari as he portrayed both a con man and a psychiatrist. He was viewed as an example Hitler's leadership. One individual been in control and enjoying power while others exist in chaos around them.
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