Wait, Zootopia Depicts Torture? Analyzing Its Prevalence in Top Films

Context of the Study

Popular media's role in shaping public views on torture remains largely unexamined despite its frequent depictions. This research explores how torture is portrayed across major films released from 2008 to 2017.

Data & Methods

• Analyzed the top 20 highest-grossing films each year from 2008-2017 (total over 320 movies)
• Coded every documented torture scene in these films for content and context

Key Findings

• Prevalence: Torture scenes appear frequently, even in films aimed at children.
• Effectiveness: Movies consistently show torture as an effective tool.
• Perpetrators:
• Protagonists often use torture instrumentally or defensively
• Antagonists more commonly employ punitive and gendered violence

Implications

These findings suggest potential pathways for desensitizing the public to torture, as seen in unexpected films like Zootopia.