Urban Crime: as Portrayed in Mystic River Essay Example
Urban Crime: as Portrayed in Mystic River Essay Example

Urban Crime: as Portrayed in Mystic River Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (801 words)
  • Published: May 18, 2017
  • Type: Film Analysis
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Directed by Clint Eastwood, the movie "Mystic River" centers around three boys who were raised in the streets of Boston. Their upbringing in an urban environment significantly influenced their lives as they became older. One major theme explored in the film is urban crime, which is depicted from both perspectives - the corrupt side and the side of investigators and law enforcement, also known as the "good side". The various urban crimes portrayed in the movie directly relate to the trajectory of the boys' lives.

In their urban neighborhood, Jimmy Markum, Sean Devine, and Dave Boyle lived in such a tightly-knit social community that it is difficult to fathom how they eventually became estranged. However, the prevalent urban crime in their childhood and community is responsible for driving them apart. The movie depicts the initial significant crime involving sexual

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abuse and kidnapping. As a general rule, experiencing childhood sexual abuse can shape a person's behavior in adulthood.

One traumatic crime had a different impact on each of the main characters. The individual who experienced sexual abuse took it upon themselves to eliminate pedophiles, aiming to prevent others from enduring the same suffering. It is not uncommon for children involved in crimes to either emulate their own experiences or strive to eradicate them. Meanwhile, another character followed the path of a life filled with crime and violence, mirroring the harsh upbringing they had witnessed during their youth.

The third person in the story became an investigator to assist people and try to reduce the increasing rate of urban crime. Individuals who are brought up in a crime-infested environment are more prone to embracing one extreme in adulthood,

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a phenomenon often observed in urban areas. Additionally, an essential element in the movie was the murder of Jimmy's daughter, Katie, which highlighted two characteristics of urban communities. In close-knit urban neighborhoods like this, everyone is acquainted with one another.

During the murder investigation, the close-knit nature of the community became evident due to the numerous connections between individuals. Particularly, the three main characters were brought together once again as a result of this crime. Another noteworthy aspect is the acquisition of a firearm by the young boys who ultimately killed Katie. In urban settings like Boston, it is common for people to have convenient access to weapons. This ease of access contributes to the high levels of violence observed in cities.

The killing of Dave Boyle by Jimmy Markum, based on the mistaken belief that Dave was his daughter's murderer, exemplifies a significant aspect of urban crime. This demonstrates the lack of trust that exists among corrupt individuals within urban settings towards law enforcement. In various places with underground communities, there is a tendency to handle crime investigations independently and administer their own justice, as they doubt the competence of official investigators in successfully resolving cases.

One reason for this is that corrupt individuals often avoid involving law enforcement, such as police. The movie demonstrates that this is not the first time a problem has been handled discreetly; for instance, when Just Ray betrayed Jimmy and his group, he was murdered and thrown into the Mystic river. In most urban communities, respect holds significant importance. These communities maintain strong bonds because they do not allow outsiders, including police, to enter.

If you expose information (as Just Ray did

by betraying Jimmy), you are quickly ostracized and dealt with according to their discretion. The concluding scenes of the film greatly contribute to understanding the dynamics of an urban society. It is intriguing that Sean, despite being an investigator bound by law, is fully aware that Jimmy mistakenly killed a childhood friend but takes no action. This highlights how tight-knit groups like these remain loyal, proving that even the morally upright individuals can be tainted in urban environments.

The movie "Mystic River" features a scene where Jimmy admits to his wife that he killed Dave. Surprisingly, instead of condemning him, she justifies his actions. This reveals the troubling acceptance of criminal behavior in urban communities, even among law enforcement officials. Corruption is prevalent in many places and allows criminals to evade punishment through bribery or personal connections with police. The film portrays urban crime as a significant aspect, reflecting the common reality in American cities where crime rates are often higher than in rural or suburban areas.

Urban areas have distinct cultures and lifestyles that have a direct impact on individual development. Segregation based on location, religion, or ethnicity is widespread in these areas. People often tend to settle in the neighborhoods where they were raised, which allows corruption to persist from one generation to another. These enclosed communities conceal a considerable amount of politics and hidden realities. While corruption exists globally, the higher population density in cities frequently leads to increased crime rates.

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