When I first watched Law Abiding Citizen I didn’t fully understand the weight of that the film carried with it. I was maybe 14 when I first watched the film and just cared about an action movie that would hold my attention through each fight scene. One night I stumbled upon this and as I watched the film I gained an appreciation for plot and thorough planning. My father had very strong feelings toward the movie and about the protagonist and thoughts about if he was doing the right thing or not.
When I was younger I often thought the point of this film was simply revenge for loved ones, but now that I am older I see that this is more about the idea of an unjust or imperfect system that skips over those responsible and with little to no consequence for their crimes. In the film the leading lawyer even states “it’s an imperfect system” when inquired as to why he is complying with a murder, and furthers the idea with “this is just how the justice system works. A quote that stays apparent throughout the film is “you can’t fight fate”, as it is stated multiple times in the begging. It also becomes apparent that the film is a question of morals and if Clyde is in the right for taking his anger out on an “imperfect system”. As I watched the film I was conflicted on which side to be on, the side of the legal system, that was allowing an immense amount of people get off scotch free simply because the system is broken. Or the man who was trying to destroy that system in proof that it was flawed by nature. During his questioning Clyde makes a very bold claim that “lessons not learned in blood are often forgotten”. Which to say the least, is grim, but in a way truthful. If we look at what we remember most it’s always death and tragedy. This film has a large amount of unconventional pieces to it, such as challenging the entire judicial system and calling it flawed. However, it has a very conventional theme of revenge, just carried out in an unconventional way. While browsing reviews there seemed to be a mix of people saying that it has an interesting take on the legal system but it may have overextended itself to the point that it took away its validity. This film is a hit or miss for most, it can be a little gruesome at times but is definitely worse the try, unless you’re very fond of the legal system and don’t want to have it challenged.
Hello Bailey,
This movie was a definite mind warp for me. I liked it, but as someone working in the legal profession I was torn by weather I loved the main character or was against him. While he definitely went outside the the law to get his justice, one can only assume any red-blooded American with a family that had been through what he had would do the same thing if given the chance. Justice vs vengeance…with the raw emotions of a family mixed in. Classic!
Dan
Hi Bailey,
Coincidentally, I was also introduced to this film (though I have yet to watch it) by my father as well, as he seemed to enjoy the vigilante justice aspect of the film very much. It’s interesting to learn of the conflicting viewpoints within the film that question whether or not Clyde is morally justified in his extreme actions, as my dad seemed to be entirely on his side for taking down a corrupt system. Your analytical writing style is very similar to my own, and one that I hope to continue to perfect within my own works.
The first time that I saw this film I did not fully understand its significance either. I did not know that many film critics consider this movie to have gone too far with its intended message, creating a film that lacks credibility. The use of an in text video to fully express a point looks like a useful tool. It has the power to immediately show readers the emotions and layers of a scene that would otherwise merely be hinted at by the writing.
Hello Bailey,
At 14, this movie had to be very confusing, as it talks about a lot of abstract ideals that make up the justice system. It also seems to have a lot of violence and anger. It is not the kind of movie that I would normally pick to watch. It is interesting that several fathers introduced their children to this movie.
I do like movies that make me think about how two different people can see things totally differently from each other.
I like both the actors in the film and may give it a try.
I haven’t watched this film but the way you portrait it seems like it is very intriguing. We don’t have a perfect system truly and learning that this movie is based on the system conflicts makes me want to actually watch it. I like that you that described the issues of the movie with clarity.
Hi Bailey,
I have to say, you picked a good one for sure! I recently watched this film and was also torn about the character’s actions. Much like you, at first I thought the plot of the movie emphasized the point of revenge; however, as I continued watching, I realized that it was actually focusing on the injustice in the system that’s supposed to pursue it. I like how you drew points to explain how it was both conventional and unconventional in different ways. I really enjoyed how you started off, mentioning the “weight of the film,” as well as the heavy use of quotes from the movie.