A Structure of Antipathy: Constructing the Villain in Narrative Film. Issue 1 (1st March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kjeldgaard-Christiansen, Jens
• Is Part Of: Projections. Volume 13:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 67
• Page End: 90
• Publication Date: 2019-03-01
• Subjects: antagonist -- antipathy -- blame -- cognitive film theory -- film characters -- moral judgment -- moral psychology -- villain; Filmwetenschap; 791.4301
• DOI: 10.3167/proj.2019.130105
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1934-9688

Abstract

Abstract : Many narrative films feature villains, major characters that audiences are meant to condemn. This article investigates the cognitive-affective underpinnings of audience antipathy in order to shed light on how filmic villainy is constructed. To that end, the article introduces an analytical framework at the intersection of cognitive film theory and moral psychology. The framework analyzes villainy into three categories: guilty intentionality, consequential action, and causal responsibility.