The Vigilante Thriller: Violence, Spectatorship and Identification in American Cinema, 1970-76

Vigilantism in 1970s American film grew from a response to relaxing censorship laws, with a focus on the emerging moral panic of the 1970s, a problematization of Law and Order's role in contemporary society, and an increasing awareness of the impossibility of American myths of identity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Vigilantism in 1970s American film emerged as a response to the relaxing censorship laws of the era, evolving into a distinct subgenre. In his comprehensive examination, Cary Edwards delves into the contextual factors that shaped this new cycle of films, including Joe (1970), The French Connection (1971), Dirty Harry (1971), and Taxi Driver (1976). While these films have faced criticism for their gratuitous and copycat-inspiring violence, a closer analysis reveals a recurring focus on the emerging moral panic of the 1970s, a problematization of Law and Order's role in contemporary society, and an increasing awareness of the impossibility of American myths of identity.

The 1970s witnessed a surge in vigilante films, reflecting the societal tensions and moral concerns of the era. These films often portrayed law enforcement officers as corrupt or ineffective, leading to a sense of frustration and disillusionment among the public. One of the most notable examples of this trend is the film Dirty Harry, which follows the character of San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Inspector Harry Callahan as he takes matters into his own hands to combat crime.

Dirty Harry is a classic example of the vigilante film genre, as it challenges the traditional notion of law and order. Callahan, a former Marine Corps sniper, is portrayed as a rogue cop who uses excessive force to bring criminals to justice. His methods are controversial, and he is often criticized for his disregard for the rules and regulations of the police department. However, his actions resonate with the public, who are fed up with the lack of action from the authorities.

The film also explores the moral panic of the 1970s, particularly the fear of urban crime and the rise of organized crime. Callahan's battles with the mobsters reflect the growing concerns about the power and influence of organized crime in American society. The film's violence is graphic and intense, but it serves to highlight the dangers and consequences of a lawless society.

Another notable film in the vigilante genre is Taxi Driver, which follows the character of Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York City. Bickle is a loner who suffers from paranoia and hallucinations, and he becomes fixated on the idea of cleaning up the city. His violent actions and confrontations with various characters reflect his growing sense of frustration and disillusionment with the world around him.

Taxi Driver is a powerful and disturbing film that explores the themes of isolation, mental illness, and the breakdown of society. Bickle's descent into madness is portrayed with great depth and realism, and his actions are both terrifying and heartbreaking. The film's exploration of the moral panic of the 1970s is also evident, as Bickle's actions are seen as a response to the growing sense of chaos and disorder in the city.

The vigilante genre in 1970s American film was not without its critics. Some critics argued that these films glorified violence and encouraged a sense of revenge and retaliation among the public. Others argued that these films were a reflection of the growing power of the media and the influence it had on public opinion. Despite these criticisms, the vigilante genre continued to thrive in the 1970s, as it provided a way for filmmakers to explore the social and political issues of the era in a bold and provocative way.

In conclusion, the vigilante genre in 1970s American film emerged as a response to the relaxing censorship laws of the era and evolved into a distinct subgenre. These films challenged the traditional notion of law and order and explored the moral panic of the 1970s. While they faced criticism for their gratuitous violence, a closer analysis reveals a recurring focus on the emerging moral panic, a problematization of Law and Order's role in contemporary society, and an increasing awareness of the impossibility of American myths of identity. The vigilante genre continues to be a powerful and relevant form of storytelling, as it provides a way for filmmakers to explore the darker side of human nature and the consequences of a lawless society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501364129