“Natural Born Killers” or “Shift Happens”

As a piece of artistic cinema this movie is exceptional, visually with a great soundtrack.

Psychological Analysis of “Natural Born Killers”

Natural Born Killers is a 1994 American crime film directed by Oliver Stone and starring Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis. The film delves into the lives of Mickey and Mallory Knox, two individuals who become notorious serial killers and media sensations. A significant aspect of the film is its exploration of the psychological issues that drive the main characters to commit heinous acts of violence. This analysis will focus on the psychological problems of Mickey and Mallory, the influence of their traumatic childhoods, and the film’s broader commentary on media and society.

Mickey Knox (Woody Harrelson)

Mickey Knox is portrayed as a victim of severe emotional and verbal abuse from both his parents. His father, in particular, is depicted as a violent and unstable individual who commits suicide in front of Mickey, leaving a profound and traumatic impact on him. This event, combined with the constant verbal abuse, likely contributed to Mickey’s development of a violent and antisocial personality.

• Traumatic Childhood: Mickey’s father’s suicide and the verbal abuse he endured are significant factors in his psychological makeup. These experiences can lead to a sense of helplessness and a distorted view of the world, where violence is seen as a normal and acceptable way to deal with problems.
• Repressed Memories: The film suggests that Mickey’s violent tendencies are a result of repressed memories and unresolved trauma. His declaration, “I mean I came from violence, it was in my blood. My dad had it his dad had it,” indicates a generational cycle of violence that has deeply influenced his behavior
• Lack of Emotional Support: Growing up without proper emotional support and guidance, Mickey may have developed maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as violence, to deal with his inner turmoil.

Mallory Knox (Juliette Lewis)

Mallory Knox is depicted as a victim of severe physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse from her father. Her mother, who is often absent or indifferent, fails to provide the necessary support and protection. These experiences have a profound impact on Mallory’s psychological well-being.

• Traumatic Childhood: The physical and sexual abuse Mallory suffers at the hands of her father is a significant factor in her psychological issues. Such abuse can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and a distorted sense of self-worth.
• Repressed Memories: Mallory’s repressed memories of abuse are a driving force behind her violent behavior. The film suggests that her actions are a way to regain control and power over her life, which was taken away by her abuser.
• Lack of Emotional Support: The absence of a supportive and nurturing environment has left Mallory with a deep-seated need for validation and attention, which she seeks through her relationship with Mickey and their violent acts.

Media and Society

The film also explores the role of the media in shaping public perception and glorifying violence. Wayne Gale, played by Robert Downey Jr., is a tabloid journalist who becomes obsessed with Mickey and Mallory, turning them into media sensations. The media’s portrayal of the couple as glamorous and exciting contributes to their notoriety and influences the public’s fascination with their crimes.

• Media Sensationalism: The film critiques the media’s tendency to sensationalize violence and crime for ratings and profit. This sensationalism can have a desensitizing effect on the public, making them more accepting of violent behavior.
• Public Fascination: The public’s fascination with Mickey and Mallory is a reflection of a broader societal issue. The film suggests that the media’s portrayal of violence as entertainment can lead to a normalization of such behavior, making it more likely for individuals to engage in violent acts.

Psychological Theories

The film can be analyzed through various psychological theories, including Freudian psychoanalysis and social learning theory.

• Freudian Psychoanalysis: According to Freudian theory, the unconscious mind plays a significant role in shaping behavior. The repressed memories and unresolved trauma of Mickey and Mallory are likely stored in their unconscious, influencing their violent tendencies. The film suggests that their actions are a manifestation of these repressed memories and unresolved conflicts.
• Social Learning Theory: Social learning theory posits that individuals learn behaviors through observation and imitation. The media’s portrayal of violence as glamorous and exciting can serve as a model for individuals to imitate. Mickey and Mallory’s actions can be seen as a result of their exposure to violent media and their desire to gain attention and validation.

Briefly

Natural Born Killers is a complex and controversial film that explores the psychological issues of its main characters and the broader societal issues surrounding media and violence. The traumatic childhoods of Mickey and Mallory, combined with the media’s sensationalism, contribute to their violent behavior and notoriety. The film serves as a critique of the media’s role in shaping public perception and the potential consequences of glorifying violence.

Summary Table

Character	Psychological Issues	Influencing Factors	Film’s Commentary
Mickey Knox	Emotional and verbal abuse, repressed memories, generational cycle of violence	Father’s suicide, verbal abuse, lack of emotional support	Critique of media sensationalism, normalization of violence
Mallory Knox	Physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse, repressed memories, lack of emotional support	Father’s abuse, mother’s indifference, desire for validation	Critique of media sensationalism, normalization of violence
Media and Society	Sensationalism, normalization of violence, public fascination with crime	Wayne Gale’s obsession, media coverage, public perception	Critique of media’s role in shaping public behavior and attitudes