Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2012

Publication Information

David Ray Papke, Muted Message: Capital Punishment in the Hollywood Cinema, 2 Journalism & Mass Comm. 1019 (2012)

Source Publication

2 Journalism & Mass Communication 1019 (2012)

Abstract

Contemporary Hollywood films seem at first glance to be opposed to capital punishment. However, this article’s consideration of five surprisingly similar films (Dead Man Walking, The Chamber, Last Dance, True Crime, and The Life of David Gale) finds they do not truly and consistently condemn capital punishment. Instead of suggesting that the practice of capital punishment is fundamentally immoral and should in general be ended, the films champion only worthy individuals on death row and delight primarily in the personal growth of other characters who attempt to aid the condemned. In the end, Hollywood offers only a muted message regarding the on-going use of capital punishment.

Comments

Journalism and Mass Communication, ISSN 2160-6579

October 2012, Vol. 2, No. 10, 1019-1027

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