Why Villains Always Fail: A Deliberate Narrative Choice

Villains often fail in movies and shows, a phenomenon that has its roots in the history of film production and the structure of storytelling itself. This article delves into the underlying reasons behind this recurring pattern, examining the influence of the Hays office and the impact of narrative structure on audience preferences.

The Influence of the Hays Office

During the early 20th century, the film industry faced significant regulatory challenges. The Hays Office, established by film mogul Will Hays, was tasked with setting standards for film content. One of the key principles was to ensure that the police and other law enforcement officials were depicted as the good guys, and that criminal activities always ended in their defeat. This set a precedent that persists in contemporary cinema. For instance, memorable films such as Little Caesar and Scarface portrayed success for gangsters in their opening scenes, but concluded with their downfall to emphasize this principle.

Examples of Villainous Characters Escaping

While villians often face defeat, there are instances where they escape or achieve success. For example, in the film Silence of the Lambs, the famous Hannibal Lecter comes close to achieving his goal, but ultimately faces a different form of justice. In Clockwork Orange, Alex, the main antagonist, is deemed "cured" and, in a sense, freed from his pathological tendencies, yet still remains a villain. The Usual Suspects presents the enigmatic Keyser Soze, who walks away unscathed at the end. Moreover, in The Omen, Damien, who represents evil, achieves a smile at the end, symbolizing his ultimate triumph. Lastly, The Devil's Advocate ends with the devil winning, but not in a way that would encourage such behavior in real life.

The Reasoning Behind Villainous Failures

Two primary reasons support why villains typically fail: audience preferences and narrative structure. Firstly, the audience does not hope for villains to triumph; they generally want the protagonist to succeed. This desire provides an emotional satisfaction and a dose of real-world optimism. Should villains succeed more often, it could lead to a more pessimistic worldview, unaligned with the generally positive outlook of most viewers.

Secondly, the villain's purpose is to serve as an adversary to the hero. The hero, representing positive and admirable qualities, is the embodiment of triumph and success. The antagonist, with his destructive and negative attributes, serves as a foil to the hero. Overcoming such an antagonist is part of the hero's journey, and failure for the villain reinforces the embodiment of these qualities. The narrative structure typically supports the hero more than the villain, often providing a biased perspective that aligns with the protagonist's victory.

Conclusion

The failure of villains in movies and shows is a deliberate choice rooted in historical filmmaking guidelines and the fundamental structure of storytelling. While there are rare exceptions, the overarching narrative maintains a form of order and optimism, catering to the audience's desire for a positive outcome and a realistic portrayal of conflicts. Next time you watch a film or show, notice how the narrative often shifts towards the hero's triumph, reinforcing the inherent values that resonate with most viewers.