Spectatorship of "Dead Man Walking"

1. Outline subconscious response to the execution scene and then explain three techniques that the filmmakers have used to manipulate a spectator into having that response.



The execution scene in Dead Man Walking made me feel approval and satisfaction as I believe that the man deserved to die for raping and murdering a young couple. A technique that filmmakers have used to make a spectator feel this response is through the narrative structure of the film. It spent over an hour showing the man in prison and him talking through his actions with the sister, him denying the crimes. However at the end of the film, he admits to the crimes and then whilst he is strapped to the bed, there is a flashback to what actually happened. Spectators can watch the rape and murder of the couple and it could completely change their opinion of him. From perhaps sympathising with him, not agreeing with execution, they could change and believe that he deserves to die.

Another technique that filmmakers used to create an emotional response is through the relationship between the man and the sister. They create a close bond with each other, making spectators wanting to be less harsh on him. A different side is shown to a typical criminal as he develops emotional relationships.