Who even watches movies that recreate the actions of serial killers? Who would ever–wait, everyone does? These are actually being produced? Over and over again?
The answer to these questions would be yes. There are many individuals across the world who tune into these films, and many directors and studios who are interested in bringing these crimes into our theatres and streaming services. Horror movies depicting serial killers have always been around, but now we are seeing real serial killers being portrayed in films.
Name an infamous serial killer from history, and we could most likely name a film about them. Jeffrey Dahmer? My Friend Dahmer (2017). Ted Bundy? Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019). The Zodiac Killer? Zodiac (2007). Each of these films is centered around these killers and portrays the crimes committed by these inhumane individuals. All of these movies had success at the box office and are available for rewatch on available streaming services.
Production of these types of movies can be harmful for everyone involved. Actors in these roles often deal with a major psychological impact and need to participate in evaluations and therapies before, during, and after production. Families of the victims of these serial killers are often not informed that the film will be taking place and usually do not approve of the crimes being reenacted for the world to see. For example, when the movie about Jeffrey Dahmer was produced, the family of one of his victims, Errol Lindsey, claimed that the movie re-traumatized them, brought back immense pain, and misrepresented their lives. These families are often worried that the audience will see the victims as characters, rather than real individuals who suffered at the hands of these human monsters.
The audience can also be harmed when watching a movie such as these. Watching a film about a real-world serial killer can instill harm in individuals and cause them to have anxiety about the events happening to them. A sense of fear is gained watching a reenactment of murders that actually took place. For vulnerable individuals, such as those who struggle with violent tendencies or mental-health-related issues, these movies can be especially dangerous. While all horror or murder-based movies can trigger certain individuals, there is a higher risk when the event being portrayed really did occur. Vulnerable individuals may be ‘inspired’ and believe that if that serial killer could commit those crimes, they may be able to as well.
So, why are these movies still being produced? The major reason is money–the amount of money made from these movies is extravagant. True crime junkies, horror movie lovers, history buffs, etc, are the main communities funding these films. For some reason, when the movie is based on a real individual rather than a fictional one, the audience becomes much greater. In a world fueled by the dollar, it is difficult to stray away from the possible revenue.
Knowledge and recognizing the past is power, but power can equal danger. Rather than racing to the cinemas to learn about a serial killer, personal research can allow us to be aware of these heinous acts, whilst not having to rewatch the behavior.
