Being a victim doesn't mean you are not also an abuser. Not all victims become abusers. We all live with the same fucked up system, but we don't all fall down. We don't all turn to violence and self-righteousness. Douglas was the fucking bad guy. Try watching it from his wife's point of view.

At the time of its release, Douglas's father, actor Kirk Douglas, declared: "He played it brilliantly. I think it is his best piece of work to date."[26] He also defended the film against critics who claimed that it glorifies lawbreaking: "Michael's character is not the 'hero' or 'newest urban icon'. He is the villain and the victim. Of course, we see many elements of our society that contributed to his madness. We even pity him. But the movie never condones his actions."

If you see something to be emulated or respected, you might just be fucked in the head.

[–] stray@pawb.social 1 points 2 days ago

I didn't say that victims can't be abusers, nor did I say that he was a hero.

People who've done harm need to be prevented from causing further harm, but it's important to acknowledge the root cause of their behavior if you want to stop future iterations.

I think that the OP is entirely a joke, but that it comes from the very real villain of systemic injustice that pressures us all to lash out. I think one could see the film as inspirational insofar as being inspired to take violent action, but I would hope they direct their aggression towards worthy targets.

[–] RedSnt@feddit.dk 2 points 3 days ago

Yeah, originally I was going to say I don't agree at all with his character, but the progression is so great, leading up to the "I'm the bad guy?" moment.

[–] Agent641@lemmy.world 1 points 3 days ago

Well...

[–] ratel@mander.xyz 8 points 3 days ago

Oh damn, I've never seen this thanks for linking.

[–] toynbee@lemmy.world 5 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Perhaps you would also enjoy Changing Lanes. (Trailer)

[–] RedSnt@feddit.dk 3 points 3 days ago

I just don't get how this has a 6.5 score, it seems like at least a 7+. But maybe it's the rose tinted glasses, we were kind of spoiled for good movies back in 2002 when it came out, and most of the votes are probably from back then.