When watching recent releases aimed at a young audience, a common element emerges, not exclusive to this demographic: the presence of either false villains or an absolute lack of villains. Prominent examples of this trend include Encanto (Byron Howard, 2021), Luca (Enrico Casarosa, 2021) and Turning Red (Domee Shi, 2022). Have you ever found yourself cheering for the villain in a story, only to later question your own moral compass? In a world where storytelling is evolving, so is our perception of right and wrong. As we delve into the enigmatic backgrounds of villains, we discover that the line between hero and antagonist is no longer clear-cut, leaving us to ponder the profound shifts in modern narratives.
Traditional antagonists, once clearly defined in their villainy, are now gaining a more nuanced portrayal on screen, justifying their actions and even evolving into anti-hero protagonists. The exploration of villains' backgrounds and motivations in storytelling has garnered both praise and criticism with films like Maleficent (Robert Stromberg, 2014), Cruella (Craig Gillespsie, 2021), and Joker (Todd Phillips, 2021). While it's well-received by those who appreciate the complexity, moral ambiguity, and character depth it brings to narratives, it has also faced criticism for potentially normalizing bad behaviour, lacking consequences, saturating the storytelling landscape, and diluting traditional conflict. The mixed reception and controversies surrounding this trend highlight the ongoing debate over the role and portrayal of villains in contemporary narratives.
Furthermore, these movies delve into the motivations and backgrounds of their characters, profoundly affecting the audience's perceptions of right and wrong. This in-depth exploration enables the audience to empathize with the characters, adding layers and nuances to their actions and sometimes evoking sympathy. Humanizing the characters makes them more relatable and contributes to a more sophisticated and thought-provoking exploration of morality in storytelling.
In summary, the examination of villains' motivations and backgrounds in storytelling leads to more complex and morally challenging narratives. It invites the audience to question their moral judgments and promotes a deeper understanding of the factors that drive human behaviour.
Perhaps this trend is a reflection of the era we are living in—a time of extreme exposure. It's not just about the increased screen time; it's also about the constant snapshots of life on social media, where people speak without filters. In this digital age, audiences wield unprecedented power as the inquisitors of the internet, capable of easily casting someone relevant into the shadows through a phenomenon known as 'cancellation culture.'
For those unfamiliar with the term, cancellation culture is a common behaviour on social media where individuals are rejected and cease to receive support due to something they've said or done that has caused offense. This radical attitude can have severe consequences for those targeted, and it can escalate when individuals attempt to justify themselves, exposing themselves excessively. With the internet's lack of regulation and its integral role in daily life, this behaviour can even influence children who can be easily manipulated and influenced.
In light of this context, the trend of exploring villains' backgrounds in film could be viewed as an attempt to impart an old-time lesson: 'Do not judge a book by its cover.' However, it's not without its complexities, as the real world is far from a magical place with fully developed characters but continually developing.
The exploration of villains' motivations and backgrounds in storytelling serves as a platform for discussing important ethical and philosophical questions, such as forgiveness, redemption, and the potential for personal growth and change. These themes not only enrich storytelling but also encourage audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and attitudes toward these complex and challenging issues.
On the other hand, the current trend of reducing the presence of traditional villains may represent an experiment for authors. For centuries, storytelling has adhered to the classical narrative structure with clear-cut villains included. Traditionally, these villains functioned as binary opposites to the protagonist, driving the conflict. They often embodied moral wrongs and negative personality traits, sometimes intertwined with the concept of Christian sins. Hero is usually a white cisgender straight male with good morals and personality traits. While, many times, the figure behind the villain has a conservative society’s fear, people like women, gays and the ‘other’ ethnicity, sometimes intersects with their overweight, agedness and disability.
It's important to note that this perspective reflects a Western tradition. The approach to portraying villains and exploring their motivations in storytelling varies significantly across different cultural contexts, influenced by diverse norms, values, and historical experiences. While some cultures emphasize moral ambiguity and personal transformation in their narratives, others prioritize resolution and align character actions with cultural and religious values. These varied approaches contribute to the richness and diversity of storytelling worldwide.
Some critics argue that the trend of exploring villains' backgrounds in storytelling dilutes the traditional conflict between heroes and villains. By providing a sympathetic view of antagonists, they contend that it blurs the lines between good and evil, reducing the tension and drama that have been central to storytelling for centuries. While it's true that this trend challenges traditional storytelling dynamics, it doesn't necessarily dilute conflict. Instead, it introduces a new layer of complexity and moral ambiguity to narratives. The evolving portrayal of villains doesn't negate the need for conflict; rather, it shifts the conflict from a superficial battle between good and evil to a more profound struggle involving redemption, personal growth, and nuanced ethical dilemmas. This change allows for a deeper exploration of human behaviour and morality, making narratives more thought-provoking.
Off-screen, these villains were always an inherent part of society, but they often lived in the shadows, condemned, and oppressed for their differences. This societal condemnation significantly shaped their portrayal in storytelling. However, contemporary narratives have taken a different approach. In today's stories, these characters have emerged as protagonists, fighting for their own power, while the heroes may come from a privileged background. In an age that values tolerance and diversity, the traditional antagonism between hero and villain no longer aligns with the evolving narrative landscape.
The exploration of villains' backgrounds and motivations has a profound impact on character development in storytelling and the audience. It not only provides opportunities for growth and transformation for the villains themselves but also ripples out to affect heroes, supporting characters, and the overall thematic depth of the narrative. This storytelling trend enriches character arcs and contributes to the complexity and depth of the narrative landscape. Villains remain pivotal in terms of the narrative. How come we can forgive villains but not the targets of cancellation culture?
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