Niche College Scholarship

Scholarships.com Blog

search

New Hollywood Film Glamorizes University of California-Santa Barbara Murder Rampage

New Hollywood Film Glamorizes University of California-Santa Barbara Murder Rampage
8/13/2015
|
Susan Dutca-Lovell

Lights, camera, backlash. It comes as no surprise that Hollywood films have been criticized for glamorizing violence and criminals - undermining the severity and reality of actual, tragic events. Similarly, there have been multiple occasions where violent movies have been used as inspiration to concoct and devise murder plots. Ideas can come with severe consequences, and recently-filmed "Del Playa," set to release in October already faces condemnation for too closely resembling the 2014 serial murder in Isla Vista, California near the University of California-Santa Barbara. The Huffington Post records an ongoing petition of over 23,000 signatures to change the film's title and donate proceeds to a memorial fund. Kate Nollner, who wrote the petition, claims that the film "intentionally seeks to commoditize the death of six beloved students... it not only justifies the motives behind the Isla Vista gunman, but also glorifies his actions."

In 2014, Santa Barbara City college student Elliot Rodger, 22, had stabbed, shot, and killed 6 students and injured 14 others on his rampage before committing suicide. The trailer, already released, illustrates a bullied and abused adolescent man who primarily seeks revenge for being rejected by women. Prior to the incident, Rodger had posted a YouTube video stating his planned "day of retribution," claiming, "You girls aren't attracted to me, but I will punish you all for it." Filmmaker Shaun Hart apologized in an interview stating, the "film is not about Elliot Rodger... it is meant to portray incidents that take place, not only in Santa Barbara, but across the country on a daily basis."

Currently, no changes have been made to the release, title, or plot of "Del Playa." What is sure, is that it will continue to be of heavy controversy - so in your opinion, would the movie be beneficial for exposure on the issues of bullying? Or should it be stopped from release? Also, if you are a fan of film production and wish to explore the scholarships out there to fund your college education, conduct a free scholarship search to see the film-related scholarships.

Related
We make it simple and match you to college scholarships you qualify for.