“Violent Redeemers in American Cinema: Are These the Heroes We Need?” Faith, Film, Philosophy 2026

In their 2002 book, The Myth of the American Superhero, John Shelton Lawrence and Robert Jewett argued that there is a monomyth at work in American films in which the hero operates largely outside the law to deliver freedom and justice to the oppressed by means of violence. Although America did not invent the idea of heroes using violence to destroy evildoers and protect the weak, there is a distinctively American form of this myth which views America as savior of the world with the right to intervene violently whenever we decide. While I disagree with Lawrence and Jewett on a variety of points—notably, that these myths are inherently fascist or anti-democratic—I agree with them that, historically, Americans have had a great deal of confidence in the use of violence as a legitimate and effective means for conquering evil, and films have supported this myth. Yet many Americans have come to question this myth, as they increasingly doubt the justice of US military actions as well as the extent of violence done by law enforcement.  This talk will examine how films have expressed both the myth of the violent heroic redeemer as well as critiques of this myth, and will consider the extent to which films demonstrate a shift in our cultural myths—which may give us models of heroes who do not require violence as they seek justice, as well as mercy, for others. This event is part of Faith, Film, Philosophy 2026: Reconsidering the Cinematic Hero. Events are held each night the week of October 12-16. All are FREE and open to the public. For more information see: https://www.gonzaga.edu/ffp2026.