Inaccurate Portrayal of Violence in Movies

I find it distressing to read the critical reviews of recent movies that praise the “stylistic” and “innovative” portrayal of violence. As an emergency physician, I see the real perpetrators and victims of violence; as the saying goes, “It’s not like in the movies.”

Real violence (as opposed to the “Hollywood” variety) is ugly, sordid, and degrading. The assailants do not perform artistic motions to dispatch their victims with swift, single blows. The victims do not fall quickly and silently. Real victims hurt, real victims bleed. Violence is more than an assault on a person’s body, it violates the soul.

There is no question that constant exposure to violence desensitizes a person to further violent acts; it’s a natural response to become hardened to the pain and suffering of others when you are exposed to it daily. Ask anybody who works in an emergency department.

Does violence in the movies or on TV have the same effect? I don’t know. But to remove the emotional impact from violence and praise it for its visually exciting style, is to further legitimatize violent actions. If violence becomes high drama and dance, instead of ugly and brutal, it becomes more acceptable and we all lose.

I hope movie critics have the moral sense to condemn violence for effects on people rather than praise it for its “style.”

J.S. STAPCZYNSKI MD

Harbor City