i'm a little perturbed by violent rape scenes in movies?

Question

many of the movies i have watched have violent rapes scenes, very explicit. i am just wondering if it's needed. most people can imagine, on some level, what it would be like. i'm not sure if filming every detail is warrented. i've have theorized that maybe the scenes are nothing more than fodder for those with a proclivity in such matters and that maybe it simply instigates those people prone to raping. is that a selling point for movie companies? i'm curious as to your opinions.

Answer 1

There are undoubtedly individuals who find rape scenes stimulating...this is, of course, why such violent films/scenes exist in films. There are, quite literally, websites devoted to tracking such scenes in film. Films such as "I Spit On Your Grave" and, more recently, "The Hills Have Eyes" can often fall into the category of exploitation regarding sexual violence.

Then, of course, there are films that attempt to deal with the subject responsibly...for example, Jodie Foster's "The Accused" or Monica Bellucci's "Irreversible." These films, while incredible intense and graphic, clearly are going for something more than exploitation or a "shock" effect that many viewers find satisfying. I would say myself that "Irreversible" is one of the most powerful films about rape I've ever seen, while a film called "The War Zone" is one of the most powerful, yet effective films about sexual abuse. They are both incredibly graphic, but balance this with showing the emotional and social impacts of the crime.

I do think that rape/sexual violence is a legitimate topic for a film, however, far too often it is done in a way that demeans or exploits the victim. In my opinion, a film should never cross that line (Obviously, a real rape does cross the line...a film's responsibility is to balance a need to tell the story with a need to be social responsible).

Answer 2

As another person answered, violence does sell movies, but it also gives the viewer a look into the mind of the killer.
Movies can be viewed as just entertainment, and also, in some ways, a somewhat of a learning experience.
Now if you think of movies such as, lets say, The Devil's Rejects.
That movie was one that took you into the mind of a gang of ruthless murderers, who killed without any mercy.
The movie was done in such good fashion, that it was one that kept me interested, and did take you inside the mind of what and how killers performed their own duties.

To get to the point - It's all dependent on the viewer's point of view.

Answer 3

and which movies were these
maybe the scene was included to make the audience have some compassion/sympathy for the rape victim and for the audience to cheer that character on his journey
Or maybe the scene is there to promote character development (in either a negative or postive way)
Or to plain just disgust you (like in the Reanimator, i think- that was ewwww)

im sure that rape scenes might instigate people who can't tell the difference between fiction and reality, people who are just plain vile, or others
as for people who go see movies, knowing that what they see isnt reality, I dont think they are effected

and how detailed are some of theses shots becuase if a director took it too far, i think people would notice

however, im pretty sure that people who are ignorant of the horrors that go on in the world might see that as disturbing, but that's good becuase it opens their eyes as to what can happen to anyone

Answer 4

Crime dramas are usually all about realism. It would not do to have a phony rape scene in a serious film.

Maybe you should just avoid watching those movies, that way you won't have to worry about being perturbed any more.

Answer 5

You got it right at the end - it's a selling point. Audiences want graphic reality, no matter how horrific, just as in war/murder movies . At the end of the day, it's good that it disturbs people if it accurately portrays the terror involved in the actual event as opposed to glamourising it.

Answer 6

If this is where movies are going, then I don't want to see them either! Why would someone go and see such horrid things? If this is what people want to see then count me out!

Answer 7

I almost left the theater while watching 'the hills have eyes' because of the rape scene. i hated it. i dont think that is whats selling at all. i think it is just there for shock value.

Answer 8

usually at the begining of these movies there is a disclaimer warning you about the movies content. so if you are easily offended or have a nervous disposition or whatever then maybe you shouldnt watch them.

Answer 9

i think it is good that way young people who watch will not get the idea that rape is "not that bad" I think if they see it portrayed in a violent way they will think twice

Answer 10

let me get this straight

you wanna see non-violent rape scenes?