I think psychopathy is something to brush up on at this time. Real psychopathy.
Have you seen, At Close Range? This is by far the most realistic portrayal of a psychopath on film, that I know of. This one raw movie... you will FEEL it. Nothing slick and cute here; they don't need blood in this - the movie is off the chain.
I used to watch it from time to time because I like to "go there". I watched it with a number of people over the years but the last time I did this, the person could not stand it. In hindsight, I think people (movie watchers) have changed over the years. This movie is far too real in 2023? There is no formula here. It's art and it's by far Sean Penn's best performance. I mean he peaked in this movie. The characters are all excellent.
This is just the opening... credits. But the feeling is already there. It's like you know you're screwed in the first three minutes.
This is a movie that will make you put your phone down, provided you can stand to watch it. I'm worried because the last person I offered this to, punked out and made me the shadow. Like if we ignore people like this, they don't exist? It doesn't work that way?
Do you know of a good psychopath movie?
Night Must Fall (1964), starring Albert Finney and Susan Hampshire. Trailer:
I'd watch this. I've never heard of it but I like old movies. They seem less contrived. Plus you've got my attention when it comes to psychopaths and working to recognize them (thank you).
For a psychopath movie, I'm not sure, but maybe No Country for Old Men.
@dolce I like that movie, but it is cute.
This is the real deal, portraying exactly what's it's like to be moral(ish) person the front line. Because it does blur like that.
@elsa Ahh interesting, the focus on the moral person. I'll check it out some time soon.
@elsa I got to watch this movie. For the life of me I cannot understand why someone would get upset with you over it. Have they never seen any true crime movies before, with far more gore? It was upsetting, especially knowing it was based on a true story, but I don't know, I can't see getting upset with you over it.
The scene that stood out to me was the last confrontation between the father and son, where he tried to manipulate him under duress, survive at any cost. And how the son kept his cool with the condition he was in (I'm trying not to post spoilers so this is annoyingly vague, sorry to anyone reading!). On top of that - the older generation taking advantage of the younger one, seeing them as disposable tools, a son included - 😢 How can someone be this way? It just all felt so empty to me. Fancy cars, like who cares? But the life they're in, it's their whole identity, and then throw in the psychopathy. It's like there is no eye on the eternal, just on the now. It feels like torture to me; but this is how someone without feelings lives I guess? I just can't relate. No matter how much I learn about it, I still can't, and all I want is to stay far away from people like this.
There's so much more that I could say about it, but for some reason I have to mention how feminine, vulnerable and beautiful I found the mother and grandmother to be.
@elsa I don’t think it’s cute at all. Maybe because I read the book too, but it goes pretty dang deep as far as exploring the way that in many ways God, society and even Nature are psychopathic. Or at least it asks that question.
No Country for Old Men. Oh! I see that Dolce mentioned it. I add my vote then. Cormac McCarthy (who wrote the book) has written a lot that features psychopaths. Blood Meridian (a book) is about mass psychopathy. It’s the darkest shit I’ve ever read.
This Boy’s Life is about a petty psychopath(played by Robert DeNiro). I like that it shows how small they can be.
I love At Close Range. Everything about it, including the soundtrack.
@libra-noir the part from No Country for Old Men that always stood out to me was near the end when the woman said to the killer guy, "You don't have to do this." And his response was somewhat amused and confused, he says, "Everyone always says that." And then he left her fate up to a coin toss, which is insane.
@dolce That conversation is almost the point of the whole story I feel. The best part is when she refuses and makes him take accountability for his choices. That’s about freewill vs. destiny. Cormac McCarthy is actually a philosopher in my opinion.
“In Cold Blood”, 1967
How about the movie “Giant”, 1956. James Dean’s character is an ass, but I don’t know if he’s a psychopath. He’s incredibly selfish.