Death is often an important theme in movies. Identify two movies you have watched where death is a prominent theme. Describe how death is portrayed in each film.  Discuss how the film’s portrayals promote healthful or negative perceptions of death and related issues.  Paragraphs for each movie (1-page total/510 words for assignment) will suffice.

In the realm of cinema, death has consistently emerged as a significant and recurrent theme, serving as a conduit to explore human emotions, existentialism, and societal attitudes towards mortality. This essay will examine two movies where death is portrayed as a prominent theme, delving into how each film presents death and the implications these portrayals have on individuals’ perceptions of death and related issues.

The first film under examination is Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Amores Perros” (2000), a Mexican drama that intertwines three narratives through a car accident, ultimately leading to the death of various characters throughout the movie. Death in “Amores Perros” is portrayed in a raw and unflinching manner, underscoring the harsh realities of mortality. Iñárritu tactfully depicts death through visually intense scenes, illustrating the physical and emotional toll it takes on individuals and their loved ones. For instance, in one segment of the film, a dogfight descends into chaos, resulting in the death of one of the dogs. The graphic portrayal of the injured and dying animal sparks a visceral reaction, emphasizing the brutality and inevitability of death. Furthermore, the film’s narrative structure intertwines the characters’ lives in a way that demonstrates the inescapability of death’s reach. The interplay between life and death in “Amores Perros” compels the audience to confront the fragility of existence and consider the transient nature of life.

The portrayal of death in “Amores Perros” promotes a thought-provoking and nuanced view of mortality. The film emphasizes the significance and impact of death, prompting viewers to reflect upon their own mortality and value the preciousness of life. By presenting death in such a stark and unfiltered manner, Iñárritu challenges societal taboos surrounding mortality and encourages a more open and honest dialogue about death and dying. In this way, “Amores Perros” promotes a healthful perception of death by inviting audiences to confront their fears and anxieties surrounding mortality.

The second film that will be examined is Gus Van Sant’s “Elephant” (2003), an American drama inspired by the Columbine High School massacre. Death in “Elephant” is portrayed in a disturbingly detached and almost surrealistic manner, creating an unsettling effect that reflects societal desensitization towards violence. Van Sant adopts a non-linear narrative structure that presents different perspectives leading up to, and including, a school shooting. The film employs long, uninterrupted tracking shots, creating a sense of detachment and detachment that contextualizes the act of death as an inexorable part of life. Through this approach, “Elephant” challenges conventional cinematic portrayals of death by purposefully avoiding sensationalism or glorification of violence.

The portrayal of death in “Elephant” elicits mixed perceptions and exposes societal desensitization towards violence. By presenting death in a detached and almost mundane manner, Van Sant underscores the banality and senselessness of violence. This portrayal serves as a commentary on the desensitization that occurs through the incessant exposure to violence in media, where death becomes nothing more than a mere spectacle, devoid of real consequence or emotional impact. However, this depiction of death also runs the risk of normalizing or trivializing violence, potentially desensitizing audiences further. While “Elephant” prompts critical reflection on societal attitudes towards violence, it may inadvertently reinforce negative perceptions of death by stoking apathy or complacency towards its implications.

In conclusion, death as a prominent theme in movies offers filmmakers a profound canvas to explore and challenge societal perceptions of mortality. “Amores Perros” portrays death in a raw and unflinching manner, prompting audiences to reflect on the fragility of life. In contrast, “Elephant” presents death in a detached and almost surreal manner, raising questions about societal desensitization towards violence. While both films promote healthful perceptions of death by initiating contemplation and dialogue, “Elephant” runs the risk of inadvertently reinforcing negative attitudes towards death. When death is showcased in cinema, it becomes an opportunity for audiences to confront their own mortality and engage in a thoughtful exploration of the human condition.