A compilation of 58 incidents of alleged movie-inspired violence from 1970 through 1982 produced findings dominated by male victims, handguns, and one particular movie, The Deer Hunter. The need to structure a causal connection between pretend violence and real violence led the authors to propose a three-step standard of identification, perseveration of beliefs, and execution of those beliefs. This standard is explored in relation to several movies, including the insanity case of John Hinckley (Taxi Driver) and of a young mother charged with killing her daughter (The Exorcist).
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