Urban Crime Control in Cinema: Fallen Guardians and the Ideology of Repression

This book uses popular films to explore the relationship between crime control and the ideology of repression in contemporary capitalism. It focuses on the fallen guardian figure, who falls from grace and becomes an enemy of the established social order, allowing for an analysis of crime control measures through the perspectives of both an enforcer and a target. The book combines a historical and cultural analysis, challenging the notion of justice and the role of films in reproducing policing ideologies. It speaks to those interested in crime control, critical criminology, cultural criminology, urban studies, and beyond.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 12 February 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This captivating book delves into the intricate relationship between crime control and the ideology of repression in contemporary capitalism, utilizing popular films as a lens for exploration. It centers its attention on the cinematic figure of the fallen guardian, a protagonist who, throughout a narrative, succumbs to disgrace and aligns himself against the established social order. The fallen guardian serves as a powerful tool for analyzing specific crime control measures from both the perspective of an enforcer and a target, thereby challenging the very concept of justice. Through this lens, the book raises thought-provoking questions about the role that films play in perpetuating policing as it is. By seamlessly blending a historical and far-reaching perspective with a comprehensive analysis of popular culture, the book offers a unique and insightful perspective on urban space and urban crime control. At its core, this book underscores the enduring value of the fallen guardian cinematic figure for contemporary understandings of urban environments and the mechanisms through which the ideology of repression is reproduced.

The book begins by examining the crime control measures employed in private policing, particularly in the context of the iconic film RoboCop (1987). It explores the ways in which private security firms operate as enforcers of social control, often at the expense of individual rights and freedoms. The author then moves on to discuss preventative policing and the concept of preemptive action in films such as Minority Report (2002). This approach, which aims to prevent crimes before they occur, raises questions about the balance between individual liberty and the need for public safety.

The book also delves into the issue of mass incarceration, which is prominently portrayed in the film The Dark Knight Rises (2012). It examines the ways in which the criminal justice system perpetuates cycles of poverty and marginalization, particularly affecting marginalized communities. The author highlights the role of films in shaping public perceptions of crime and punishment, and how they contribute to the reinforcement of the carceral state.

Furthermore, the book explores the topic of extra-judicial killing in the film Blade Runner 2049 (2017). It examines the ways in which advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are used to justify and normalize acts of violence. The author questions the ethical implications of such practices and explores the ways in which films can offer critique of these processes and justifications.

Throughout the book, the author employs a critical criminology, cultural criminology, and urban studies lens to analyze the films and their representations of crime control. The book speaks to a wide range of readers, including those interested in crime control in critical criminology, cultural criminology, urban studies, and beyond. It offers a thought-provoking and comprehensive exploration of the complex relationship between crime control, ideology, and popular culture, providing valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and the general public.

Weight: 437g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031129773
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023