This research paper delves into a relatively unexplored facet of media ethics, focusing on the ethical implications and consequences of portraying real-life events in Hollywood films. Specifically, it scrutinizes the balance between artistic freedom and the responsibility to represent factual events accurately, examining how deviations can impact public perception and the dignity of real-life subjects. The paper highlights several case studies, including the portrayal of the 1993 Waco Siege in "Waco: The Rules of Engagement" and the dramatization of the pursuit and killing of Osama bin Laden in "Zero Dark Thirty." These films are analyzed to assess filmmakers' ethical considerations when balancing dramatic narrative with factual accuracy.
Furthermore, the paper discusses the ethical implications of using real-life trauma for entertainment purposes, particularly how such portrayals can retraumatize those directly affected by the events. For instance, "United 93", which vividly reenacts the events aboard one of the hijacked planes on September 11, 2001, serves as a poignant example. The ethical concerns regarding consent, the portrayal of victims and heroes, and the potential for profit at the expense of truth and sensitivity are critically evaluated. This study contributes to the discourse on media ethics by urging a reevaluation of the norms and practices in Hollywood regarding the depiction of true events. It calls for a framework that filmmakers can refer to, which respects factual integrity and the emotional reality of the subjects portrayed, ensuring a respectful and ethical approach to storytelling in cinema.

Authors:
Jarvis Curry, University of the Cumberlands, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Jarvis Tyrell Curry is currently an adjunct professor in business at the University of the Cumberlands and Bay Atlantic University. Dr. Curry is currently researching business aspects of corporate culture amidst the global transition automation.

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