Criminologist Reviews Serial Killers From Movies & TV | Vanity Fair
Vanity Fair・21 minutes read
Researcher David Wilson analyzes TV shows and movies about serial killers, highlighting the organized nature of killers like the Zodiac and the importance of understanding their sexual fantasies in unraveling their motivations and actions. Media portrayals of serial killers often deviate from reality, showing a variety of motives and characteristics not always fitting the typical super predator stereotype.
Insights
- Serial killers in media are often portrayed inaccurately as super predators, with shows like "Psycho" challenging this stereotype by depicting killers like Norman Bates as losers rather than formidable threats.
- The analysis of TV shows and movies about serial killers by David Wilson emphasizes the importance of understanding the sexual fantasies that drive these criminals, debunking myths like the existence of a "serial killer gene" and highlighting the organized and mission-oriented nature of some murderers like Dexter.
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Recent questions
What motivates serial killers?
Sexual fantasies often drive their actions.
How do serial killers view themselves?
As extraordinary individuals lacking self-awareness.
What distinguishes organized serial killers?
Control, preparedness, and elaborate modus operandi.
How are serial killers portrayed in media?
Often inaccurately as super predators or bogeymen.
What distinguishes act-focused from process-focused serial killers?
Approach to victims and the crime.
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Summary
00:00
Analyzing TV shows and movies about serial killers
- David Wilson, a researcher on violent crimes, analyzes TV shows and movies about serial killers.
- The Zodiac killer clip demonstrates the organized nature of serial killers, focusing on control and preparedness.
- Serial murder typically stems from a sexual fantasy, as seen in the Zodiac killer clip.
- Act-focused vs. process-focused serial killers differ in their approach to victims and the crime.
- Dexter represents a mission-oriented serial killer, aiming to eliminate other serial killers.
- Dexter's elaborate modus operandi and signature set him apart as an organized serial murderer.
- Hannibal Lecter's seductive behavior in "Silence of the Lambs" mirrors real-life interactions with murderers.
- "Seven" portrays a highly intelligent serial killer who leaves overkill as a signature.
- "Psycho" depicts Norman Bates as a loser rather than a super predator, deviating from media stereotypes.
- "Ma" challenges the typical portrayal of serial murderers, showcasing a female killer desperate for acceptance.
19:11
"Unmasking Serial Killers: Ordinary Yet Extraordinary"
- Serial killers often view themselves as extraordinary individuals, lacking insight into their actions.
- The portrayal of serial killers in media as super predators or bogeymen is not entirely accurate.
- Serial killers who evade capture are often geographically transient and have occupations allowing them to move freely.
- The concept of a "serial killer gene" is debunked as nonsensical, with serial killers being portrayed as banal and ordinary.
- Understanding the underlying sexual fantasies of serial killers is crucial in comprehending their motivations and actions.
