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?
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- To Catch a Killer
- Profile of a Serial Killer
- Serial Killers Across Demographics
- Serial Killers in Film
- TV Ratings to Kill For
- Cultural Implications of Fictional Serial Killers
- Jack the Ripper
- Harold Shipman
- Ted Bundy
- Jeffrey Dahmer
- The Future of Serial Killers in Mass Media
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the accuracy of film and television portrayals of serial killers, comparing them to real life cases and investigating the impact of these portrayals on public perceptions and opinions of serial killers.
- The accuracy of fictional and media-based portrayals of serial killers compared to real cases.
- The influence of media portrayals on public understanding and attitudes towards serial killers.
- The use of criminal profiling in real life and its portrayal in fiction.
- The psychological and sociological factors associated with serial killing behavior.
- The cultural implications of fictionalized accounts of serial killers.
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: This chapter explores the historical context of serial killers in media and their growing presence in film and television. It also raises the question of the accuracy and potential impact of these portrayals.
- To Catch a Killer: This chapter focuses on criminal profiling as a tool used by forensic psychologists to identify serial killers. It discusses the effectiveness of profiling in real-world applications, the limitations of existing studies, and the potential for misrepresentation in media portrayals.
- Profile of a Serial Killer: This chapter examines the psychosocial risk factors and demographics associated with serial killers. It delves into research findings, including the potential link between neurological factors and serial killing behavior.
- Serial Killers Across Demographics: This chapter explores the prevalence of serial killers across different racial groups, discussing potential motives and highlighting the role of racism in some cases.
Keywords
Serial killers, criminal profiling, media representation, public perception, film, television, psychological factors, sociological factors, forensic psychology, crime, violence, cultural impact, media influence, accuracy, reality.
- 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
