Vince Gilligan’s Plea: Breaking Away from Glamorizing Evil
Disillusionment with the Allure of Bad Guys
At the Writers Guild of America Awards, celebrated creator Vince Gilligan, the mastermind behind the acclaimed series "Breaking Bad," voiced his concern regarding the pervasive trend in films and television that glorifies and glamorizes villainous characters.
Gilligan pointedly remarked, "For decades, we’ve made the villains too sexy." Referring to iconic antagonists like Michael Corleone, Hannibal Lecter, Darth Vader, and Tony Soprano, he observed that viewers tend to be drawn to these characters, admiring their perceived coolness and badassery.
The Perils of Aspirational Evil
Gilligan emphasized the unintended consequences of this fascination with evil characters. He cautioned that when villains become aspirational figures, they cease to serve as cautionary tales and instead inspire viewers to emulate their negative traits. This phenomenon, Gilligan believes, contributes to the current societal climate characterized by a rampant disregard for rules and ethical behavior.
A Call for More Inspiring Heroes
Gilligan urged the assembled audience of television and film writers to shift their focus toward creating more positive and inspiring characters. He pointed to beloved figures such as George Bailey from "It’s a Wonderful Life" and Andy Taylor from "The Andy Griffith Show" as examples of characters who have made a positive impact on society during challenging times.
"If I had created those characters, I’d be proud, indeed," Gilligan declared.
Looking to the Future, Transcending Walter White
While Gilligan acknowledged his pride in his creation of Walter White, the complex and morally ambiguous protagonist of "Breaking Bad," he expressed a desire to be celebrated for creating characters that are truly inspiring, especially in today’s tumultuous environment.
Implications for Real-World Evildoers
Although Gilligan refrained from explicitly naming present-day figures who he believes embody the evils he decried, his quip, "Who am I talking about? Well, this is Hollywood, so guess," strongly hinted at his concerns about certain real-world leaders and their self-serving and destructive actions.
An Advocate for Good in Storytelling
Gilligan’s plea for a shift in storytelling echoes his previous comments regarding the need for more "hopeful" and "redemptive" narratives in television. He believes that stories have the power to inspire change and shape societal attitudes, and that it is the responsibility of writers to use that power for the betterment of humanity.
Conclusion
Vince Gilligan’s impassioned address at the Writers Guild Awards highlights a growing concern about the damaging effects of glamorizing evil in popular culture. By advocating for a resurgence of positive and relatable heroes, Gilligan challenges writers to harness the power of storytelling to inspire and empower audiences, fostering a more ethical and just society.
