Murray: Devil's Own and Patriot Games

The Devil’s Own and Patriot Games create antagonists who are not openly in opposition to the protagonist but instead they even sometimes help the protagonist.  Especially in Devil’s Own the antagonist helps the protagonist.  The antagonists do things that are clearly against the morals of the public.  Both antagonists have at least intentions of using explosives.  This is distinctly different from using guns for violence.  Guns when used correctly have very few unnecessary casualties.  Guns can be aimed and therefor are more targeted.  Explosives, on the other hand, are not controlled.  In Patriot Games Jack Ryan’s family is almost killed.  If they had been hurt then they are simply collateral damage.  Likewise, in Devil’s Own, Frankie intends to bomb a building by driving a boat full of explosives into it.  He does not know who will be in the building.  Both have the intention of causing a scene and have no regard for the innocent casualties that may occur.  This disregard for human life in generally viewed as heinous but both films make the antagonist into someone the audience sympathizes with.  Frankie in opening scene has an idyllic life.  This is portrayed through the distinctly with the lighting.  When the characters are outside there is natural light but it is a soft light.  It is sunny but not overwhelmingly so.  The viewer is not blinded but soothed.  Even inside when there is low light it is a soft light.  The warm tones create a warm atmosphere until this quiet scene is abruptly interrupted by violence and death.   Harrison Ford said” The film was pretty unabashed in its admiration for the I.R.A. and all things Irish” (Pfeiffer 234). There is less sympathy fostered for Sean Miller.  It is still portrayed though.  The scene in particular that Sean’s emotions are shown is when his brother is killed.  The most obvious way this is shown is the fact that there is a reaction shot.  Clearly before we know that the two are brothers the audience is made aware that this death in particular affected him. The pain is visible on his face and this pain does not disappear though out the entirety of the film. The fact that it is his brother affects the audience specifically.  In general family is held in high regard but the loss of a sibling is a much greater deal.  Fratricide is said to have been the first crime ever committed according to the bible and has always been viewed the worst type of betrayal.  Though Sean did not kill his brother this fact furthers the idea that the death is beyond something that a person should have to deal with.  This sympathy is instinctual in the audience and therefore produced an audience who is not in direct conflict with the antagonist.