Why do script-writers insist on turning the heroes of action-movies into psychopaths and sociopaths?

[DetlefK]

Just seen "MIB: International".
The protagonists stumble into a room full of mutilated murder-victims... and rather than being shocked or treating this like a crime-scene, they engage in some rapid-fire witty banter with each other.
Earth is in danger, just days or maybe hours or maybe minutes away from destruction... and rather than getting to work, the protagonists first engage in rapid-fire witty banter and then talk about their feelings.


Or take "Terminator: Genisys".
The protagonists have just been through horrifying revelations, mortal danger and massive shoot-outs. And rather than being shell-shocked or traumatized, they just carry on as if that's perfectly normal.


Or take "Jurassic World".
The children are happy. Then they are suddenly sad because their parents are getting divorced. Then they are happy again. Then they get attacked by dinosaurs. They almost die and scream their little hearts out in terror. Then they are out of danger and they laugh and joke as if that just never happened.




Why do script-writers insist on turning the heroes of action-movies into psychopaths and sociopaths?

The answer is easy: Laziness.

These people have no feelings, no motivation you would have to show the audience. They have no doubts. They don't stop, they don't question, they keep the action going in the movie.

Want a screwball who keeps fucking things up without remorse and keeps the plot going through the problems he creates? Pick a sociopath!!!

Want an action-hero who just won't stop killing people and even cracks funny one-liners while doing so? Pick a psychopath!!!

[emulatorloo]

1. Because they are vigilantes. Plus they think a crazy hero is more interesting

[Wellstone ruled]

2. Part of the equation,

the Producers and Directors usually control the Story Narrative. The Writers just act accordingly. Stereotypes are easy Story copy.

[wasupaloopa]

3. Because that is the world people think we are headed for.

Why is it when I go to see a nice drama movie the previews are all about mega violence, killing and maiming? All the ads are about using social media and fads.

See you need to be like everyone else, spend and be very afraid for your future.

[DetlefK]

5. There was a trailer for a video-game before the movie:

In this video-game, you can walk around, drive cars and shoot people. Wow, haven't seen that before...

[JDC]

4. The common theme is that these are all sequels and re-do's

And given a movie industry that is creatively bankrupt and lazy - as you state - in recycling the same 'ol story-line over and over they are left w little option other than to change a character's personality.

[mapol]

6. The world, in general, is an even meaner world than it used to be.

More and more people don't give a rat's a*s about who they screw over, or what they screw up. Humour, today, has gotten nastier, as well, and it's more commonly used at people's expense.