Why Didn't 'RoboCop' Show Murphy’s Family?

The first 'RoboCop' is a classic science-fiction film that explores themes of corporate malfeasance and encroachment of private businesses on public sectors, such as policing. One intriguing aspect is the absence of Murphy's family in the movie. This article delves into why the filmmakers chose not to show Murphy's family, and how this decision contributed to the film's narrative and emotional impact.

Memories of a Lost Past

Contrary to popular belief, Murphy's family is not entirely absent from 'RoboCop.' They appear only in Murphy's memories and flashbacks. For instance, during a scene in the film, Murphy's son is shown watching TV, and an advertisement for the TV show 'T.J. Lazer' appears. The scene includes a question from the son asking if his father can do that. Similarly, Murphy's wife is shown in a pink bathrobe, telling him she loves him. Additionally, a scene shows Murphy recalling his wife and son waving goodbye as he left for work. These moments serve to create a vivid sense of Murphy's lost past for the audience.

However, the absence of the real family serves a crucial role in the narrative. It keeps the focus on the story's core themes and maintains the tense and gritty atmosphere of the film.

Focus on Larger Themes

The original 'RoboCop' is meticulously crafted to explore its themes without the distraction of family melodrama. By keeping Murphy's real family off-screen, the film can maintain a sharp narrative focus. The inclusion of family drama could have diluted the film's intense and dark tone, detracting from the central narrative of corporate corruption and the loss of humanity.

Murphy's family serves as a kind of emotional backdrop to the story, representing the loss and the struggle for identity and humanity. This is further exemplified by the contrast between Murphy's return to his now empty family home, which highlights his emotional journey. When RoboCop recovers his memories, it signifies his reconnection with his lost humanity. Providing the audience with these emotional touchpoints emphasizes the need for Murphy to reclaim his identity and humanity, rather than deal with the added complications of family drama.

Character Development and Arc

Murphy's character is intentionally developed around a core of resilience and anger, which would have been undermined by scenes involving his family. His bond with his new cop partner serves as his emotional support, providing a counterbalance to his hardened outlook. This partnership is crucial to the film's dynamic and serves as a substitute family structure for Murphy.

Moreover, introducing Murphy's family into the film would have shifted the balance of power and action. The film's villains would become more than just corporate entities; they would also become personal threats. This could have diluted the high-stakes action and character-driven plot. The addition of family drama might have also undermined the film's sense of urgency and action, ultimately diluting the overall narrative.

It's important to note that the decision to show Murphy's family only in flashbacks and memories likely contributed to the film's success in maintaining its unique tone and narrative focus. While the full story of Murphy's family remains untold, the hints of their existence create a poignant emotional impact.

In conclusion, the absence of Murphy's family in 'RoboCop' was a deliberate choice made to maintain the film's focus and tone. Through the use of flashbacks and emotional backdrops, the filmmakers were able to create a compelling narrative that emphasized the film's core themes and character arcs.