An Analysis of The Function and Influence of Documentary Crime Films

Abstract

With the development of the movie market, more and more directors choose to shoot documentary crime films. Most directors aim to arouse the audience's thinking about society and humanity by making these films, but not every audience can understand these films in this way. There is little research probing into the positive and negative effects of this kind of movie on audience. This article divides the audience into four categories: viewers who want to see exciting plots; viewers who want to know the details; viewers who are potential criminals wanting to learn criminal techniques, and viewers who are intending criminals expecting to get inspired. Based on this audience, the article attempts to make the following suggestions for filmmakers, social media platforms, governments, and individuals: Film production needs to reduce overly exciting plots, use humorous or soothing plots to reduce the possible psychological impact on the audience, and moderately expose the legal procedures. Moreover, social media platforms need to strengthen the way videos are moderated and help governments publicize their actions. The government should intensify the supervision of social media and provide psychological counseling channels. In addition, the government also needs to pay attention to the social problems shown in the movies and take measures to improve them and reinforce the legal restrictions. Furthermore, individuals need to care about their mental health and actively seek help. Besides, individuals should develop the ability to distinguish true information. Last but not least, people who make films need to regulate their film-making jobs.