Serial killers are a macabre phenomenon in modern society, and the way they are portrayed has drastically changed over the past few decades. In a world where entertainment industries rake in billions of pounds every year, there are no topics that are considered too sensitive to monetise, and that includes serial killers.
This paper examines the comparisons between fictional serial killers, media productions based on real killers, and the actual cases of serial killers. As well as looking at the accuracy of film and television portrayals of serial killers, this paper addresses another very important point – What effect does this oversaturation of gory media have on the public’s perceptions and opinions of serial killers?
At a glance
- Examines a published sample of 413 US serial killers
- Discusses Ted Bundy's portrayal in The Deliberate Stranger
- Examines Jack the Ripper's representation in Ripper Street
- 46 sources in the bibliography
Contents
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. To Catch a Killer
4. Profile of a Serial Killer
5. Serial Killers Across Demographics
6. Serial Killers in Film
7. TV Ratings to Kill For
8. Cultural Implications of Fictional Serial Killers
9. Jack the Ripper
10. Harold Shipman
11. Ted Bundy
12. Jeffrey Dahmer
13. The Future of Serial Killers in Mass Media
14. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This work examines how accurately film and television portray serial killers and investigative techniques in comparison with real cases. It also considers how repeated exposure to fictional and dramatised depictions might shape public perceptions, emotional responses and expectations of law enforcement.
- Criminal profiling and forensic investigation
- Differences between fictional stereotypes and real offender demographics
- Serial killers as characters in film and television
- Cultural responses, celebrity and consumer culture
- Historical cases and their media representation
- Potential effects on public perceptions and reactions
Excerpt from the Book
To Catch a Killer
One of the most important tools that forensic psychologists can use to identify a serial killer is criminal profiling. This involves breaking down circumstantial evidence, and witness descriptions, in order to try and form a set of likely demographics to describe the suspect.
The concept of applying scientific knowledge to a crime in order to catch and identify a suspect is not a new one. In fact, there have been instances of forensic knowledge being applied to cases from as early as 44 BC, where a physician in the Roman Empire called Antitius used his medical expertise to determine which of the stab wounds was the fatal blow for Julius Caesar (Ramsland, 2005). Over the years, significant progress has been made, and investigators are able to identify factors such as time of death and weapons with much more accuracy, even being able to identify things such as the height or the killer from seemingly erroneous details such as blood spatters. There are databases of identifying features such as fingerprints, and DNA coding to identify individuals based on blood samples.
However, despite the advancements in criminal profiling tactics over the past decades, there is still limited viability in real world applications. There have been very few studies conducted to evaluate the accuracy of criminal profiling, and thus the effectiveness of it when it comes to catching the suspects. This is at least partially due to the fact that there are several methodological and logistical obstacles to conducting empirical studies into this area, and most of the quasi-experimental studies that have been done follow the same general design. (Kocsis, 2013). Therefore, it is necessary to build a better framework for testing the efficacy of these methods, as well as actually running the studies into criminal profiling, especially as there is no set criteria for who can be considered a profiler, and this could range from a professional psychologist, to a student. While criminal profiling can be a serious aid in narrowing down a list of suspects, especially in cases where there is no link between the victim and the killer, and there is little to no forensic evidence (Aydin & Dirilen-Gumus, 2011), it can also be a hindrance if the profile is incorrect, as it could lead to certain suspects being overlooked if they don’t fit the profile, and can mean that trails go cold.
Chapter Summaries
Abstract: The work introduces its comparison of fictional portrayals, productions based on real killers and actual cases, as well as its interest in public perceptions.
Introduction: The author places serial-killer entertainment in the context of popular crime media and raises questions about accuracy and public fascination.
To Catch a Killer: This section discusses forensic investigation, criminal profiling and the limitations of profiling as an investigative tool.
Profile of a Serial Killer: The author considers research on risk factors and the limits of prediction alongside recurring fictional stereotypes.
Serial Killers Across Demographics: The discussion addresses gender, race and cultural context, drawing on published studies of different populations.
Serial Killers in Film: The section considers films about fictional and real killers and the emotional roles assigned to protagonists and antagonists.
TV Ratings to Kill For: The author discusses Dexter and Hannibal as contrasting television portrayals and considers audience engagement and commercialisation.
Cultural Implications of Fictional Serial Killers: This section considers how responses to fictional killers and revenge narratives vary across cultural settings.
Jack the Ripper: The case is discussed alongside Victorian forensic limitations and representations in television and musical theatre.
Harold Shipman: The author examines Shipman's crimes, his medical role and the wider subject of serial murder by healthcare professionals.
Ted Bundy: This section considers Bundy's crimes, self-presentation and public reactions in relation to media violence.
Jeffrey Dahmer: The author discusses accounts of Dahmer's background and the media's interest in explaining offenders' actions.
The Future of Serial Killers in Mass Media: The section considers the potential consequences of continued sensationalisation and the importance of public awareness of inaccurate portrayals.
Conclusion: The author reflects on differences between entertainment and real investigations and raises concerns about repeated exposure to violent portrayals.
Keywords
serial killers, film, television, criminal profiling, forensic psychology, media representation, public perception, serial murder, demographics, popular criminology, sensationalism, true crime, cultural responses, law enforcement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this work about?
It compares screen portrayals of serial killers with real cases and considers how such portrayals might influence public reactions.
What are its central themes?
The main themes include criminal profiling, offender demographics, entertainment media, cultural responses and public perceptions of violence.
What is the main research question?
The work asks how accurate television and film portrayals are compared with real cases and what effects they could have on public perceptions of serial killers.
What method does the author use?
The author discusses published research and case accounts alongside examples from film and television. The work takes the form of a literature-based discussion rather than reporting an original survey or experiment.
What does the main discussion cover?
It moves from profiling and demographics to screen portrayals, cultural implications and individual historical cases.
Which keywords characterise the work?
Key terms include serial murder, criminal profiling, forensic psychology, media representation, public perception and sensationalism.
How are Dexter and Hannibal discussed?
The author considers Dexter's moral code and popularity alongside the depiction of Hannibal Lecter as a complex and intelligent villain.
What role does Jack the Ripper play in the discussion?
The case provides a point of comparison for Victorian investigative limitations and later representations, including Ripper Street and musical theatre.
Why does the work discuss Harold Shipman?
Shipman's case allows the author to consider serial murder in a medical setting and compare it with research on healthcare professionals accused or convicted of such crimes.
- Quote paper
- Melika Jeddi (Author), 2016, TV and Film portrayals of serial killers compared to real life cases, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/352656
