Killing of animals as a stylistic device in books and movies

[Medusa]

I'm w/you, Kirsten. When The X Files first came to TV, I watched an episode that I call a puppy snuff. I wouldn't watch any subsequent programs because of it. It was gratuitous and it upset me so badly that now if I get wind of an animal in peril in movies or books, I stay away.

[Karen]

I actually liked that book, Kirsten. Yes, it is upsetting when the kitty is killed, but it is part of the overall story and plot. And such things happen in real life, and that bothers me more than it does in fiction. I wouldn't like it if it was done gratuitously, but I don't think it will ever inspire anyone to do it in real life. People get killed in stories and movies all the time, too. Sometimes there's an outcry against that, but usually it just happens with no comment.

[sparks19]

I can't say I'm overly bothered by it. it's fiction. Like Karen said this stuff happens in real life ALL the time and that is far more upsetting then jsut reading it in a book. Now when it's in a movie I might close my eyes or look away but it really doesn't ruin it for me.

[pomtzu]

I'm relieved to read that I'm not the only one that feels this way.

We watch t.v. shows and movies all the time, that show people being killed, and for some reason, we have become hardened to this, and it doesn't affect us all that much. True - it's only a movie - but why does an animal being killed in a movie (or book), affect us so adversely??

Anybody have any answers?

[lizbud]

I hate the killing of any animal in movies or books. Most of the time, it
is not needed to further the plot. Used purely for shock value.

[boomersooner]

Which is why I never read dog or horse stories when I was a kid......

[Kirsten]

I'm relieved to read that I'm not the only one that feels this way.

We watch t.v. shows and movies all the time, that show people being killed, and for some reason, we have become hardened to this, and it doesn't affect us all that much. True - it's only a movie - but why does an animal being killed in a movie (or book), affect us so adversely??

Anybody have any answers?

I've been wondering the same, but I haven't found any answers yet.


BTW, re. the "girl with the dragon tattoo"-movie: Have been told today that the killing of the cat is not in the movie.

Kirsten