The Purge (movie 2013) Am I missing something?

[Inkidu]

How exactly is making all crime legal for one night going to reduce the crime rate? I mean, I'm a firm believer in the willful suspension of disbelief, but as far as contrived plot excuses go this one's so contrived I can't even just let it happen in my brain.

Did someone else figure it out yet, because I can't figure out (other than being a really weak excuse to have a home invasion flick) how it's supposed to work as intended. :\

[Skynet]

People work out all their anti-social, violent impulses in those 12 hours, after which they resume being productive members of society.  This way, crime and unemployment remains low as they bottle up their resentment until the next Purge.

[Inkidu]

People work out all their anti-social, violent impulses in those 12 hours, after which they resume being productive members of society.  This way, crime and unemployment remains low as they bottle up their resentment until the next Purge.

That's not actually going to stop crime though, I doubt in reality it would put a damper in the numbers. :\
I mean there's still going to be murder, stealing, and robbery. People aren't going to save it all for one day.

It's not going to make the world a better place, because the good, honest people aren't going to go out and kill, and they're going to be hunted by violent maladjusted psychopaths. Soon you're going to have a nation of closet psychos. :\

[Chris Brady]

That's not actually going to stop crime though, I doubt in reality it would put a damper in the numbers. :\
I mean there's still going to be murder, stealing, and robbery. People aren't going to save it all for one day.

It's not going to make the world a better place, because the good, honest people aren't going to go out and kill, and they're going to be hunted by violent maladjusted psychopaths. Soon you're going to have a nation of closet psychos. :\

And that's why that movie is stupid.  Because no one thought that far ahead.

[Inkidu]

And that's why that movie is stupid.  Because no one thought that far ahead.

It's kind of a backward premise then. I actually thought it was going to be some kind of dystopian piece, but it's really just a contrived home-invasion-horror story. :|

[Neysha]

What Skynet said.

You're supposed to have enough suspension of disbelief that his explanation makes sense, even if you think about it, it really doesn't.

[Inkidu]

What Skynet said.

You're supposed to have enough suspension of disbelief that his explanation makes sense, even if you think about it, it really doesn't.

As someone who prides himself on his nearly infinite ability to suspend his disbelief, I've got to think that it's pretty weak to not work on me. :\

[Beguile's Mistress]

Wasn't this same plot device or one like it used in a Star Trek episode in the original series?

[Shjade]

It's not going to make the world a better place, because the good, honest people aren't going to go out and kill, and they're going to be hunted by violent maladjusted psychopaths. Soon you're going to have a nation of closet psychos. :\

Considering the "good, honest people" are the closet psychos (the not-good, not-honest people tend to not be so closeted about it), I'm not sure I understand your position. ;p

[Beorning]

Wasn't this same plot device or one like it used in a Star Trek episode in the original series?

Yup. Although in the episode in question, the planet's population was actually mind-controlled into being law-abiding etc. IIRC, the "festival" was the only moment when the control was lifted, so that people would get all these evil impulses out of their system...

[Inkidu]

Considering the "good, honest people" are the closet psychos (the not-good, not-honest people tend to not be so closeted about it), I'm not sure I understand your position. ;p

I'll never tell. :]

Seriously though not everyone's a closet psycho. Most people don't want to go out and kill a person at least for reals. In honesty if such a scenario were to exist people would go out and rob banks on the one day where it's legal. Go steal a tank or explosive, blow open a bank, instant rich. :\

That's why I think it's a bit weird. Yeah, there would be murder, but most murders are crimes of passion and would happen regardless of a legal murder day. :|

[Beguile's Mistress]

So a couple guys are sitting around drinking beer, commiserating over being dumped/getting fired or audited/grousing about the a-hole that cut them off on the freeway/etc.  One thing leads to another, politics is tossed into the cauldron and - voila! - a movie is born. 

"I'd love to have just one day where I can..."

[Inkidu]

So a couple guys are sitting around drinking beer, commiserating over being dumped/getting fired or audited/grousing about the a-hole that cut them off on the freeway/etc.  One thing leads to another, politics is tossed into the cauldron and - voila! - a movie is born. 

"I'd love to have just one day where I can..."

Yeah, I know, but it just doesn't click. Seriously, is killing the A-hole who cut you off in traffic worth getting killed yourself for lesser reason?
You might accuse me of thinking too hard about this, but I'm hardly firing one cylinder here.
I thought harder about Avatar (the Cameron movie). :\

[Beguile's Mistress]

When you're making a movie you need money.  To get money you need a story that will sell and will attract stars.  Think "Falling Down" with Michael Douglas.  That movies started a genre of its own and was the first domino to fall.  However, in the entertainment industry the next movie needs to be bigger, better, hotter.  Some producers and directors can maintain the quality and grow the genre.  Some producers and directors don't care about quality or growth.  They want fast money rolling in, less money spent and a ticket to the next project.

[Neysha]

An annual purge is the best way to cleanse society of homeless, illegal immigrants, the unsavory lower clssses and other undesirables. Or at least that's what the website alludes to.

[Mathim]

My understanding (when I first heard about this months ago) was that the reason they did this was because prison overcrowding meant they couldn't afford to arrest any more people. So apparently suspending law enforcement for 12 hours is more humane than simply executing prisoners. Go figure.

[Inkidu]

An annual purge is the best way to cleanse society of homeless, illegal immigrants, the unsavory lower clssses and other undesirables. Or at least that's what the website alludes to.

That I could buy, but all the promo material I've seen alludes to it being a home-invasion slasher flick. :\ Of a fairly affluent family who has blast doors on their domicile.

So maybe it's the homeless, illegal immigrants trying to kill an affluent family and steal their home when it's totally legal. In which case, I don't think that's what the purge was aiming for.

*resists urge to give slow clap*

BeMi: I get how movies are made :P
I'm talking about it as a plausible concept that I personally find lacking. :\

[Beguile's Mistress]

BeMi: I get how movies are made :P
I'm talking about it as a plausible concept that I personally find lacking. :\

I know that. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the people who came up with story don't care what anyone really thinks of it so I don't think about it because I don't care about them since all they care about is money.

[Inkidu]

I know that. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the people who came up with story don't care what anyone really thinks of it so I don't think about it because I don't care about them since all they care about is money.

Oh, okay. I got it now. ^_^; Sorry about the confusion.

[RubySlippers]

Its a movie I assume its a combination of letting out ones stress and dark desires a half day a year, reduced population getting rid of those in the bad strata of society and likely a strong social safety net in the background.

But its a movie. It has to be better than Twilight and that boring Robin Hood remake.

[Neysha]

That I could buy, but all the promo material I've seen alludes to it being a home-invasion slasher flick. :\ Of a fairly affluent family who has blast doors on their domicile.

So maybe it's the homeless, illegal immigrants trying to kill an affluent family and steal their home when it's totally legal. In which case, I don't think that's what the purge was aiming for.

*resists urge to give slow clap*

Except that they were pursuing someone into their home, not targeting the house itself. As made somewhat clear in the trailer, they were apparently more then comfortable with leaving said family alone if they turned their prey over.

[Inkidu]

I didn't see that trailer I guess. :\
I typically don't watch them online, and I haven't seen a long tailer on T.V.

[Valterre]

I get where they're coming from saying that it reduces the crime rate because everyone just waits for the Purge to do all their raping/stealing/killing, it's just not a good enough explanation for me to find believable really.

[Inkidu]

I get where they're coming from saying that it reduces the crime rate because everyone just waits for the Purge to do all their raping/stealing/killing, it's just not a good enough explanation for me to find believable really.

Well, something like seventy percent of all crimes are crime of passion, so ultimately a purge wouldn't do anything for them. The next big thing would be drugs and gangs. The former is going to happen anyway, no way they're waiting for one day to make all their money, the latter would have the cohesion to put down any threat to them from anything less than another gang. They might agree to wait to duke it out. Other than that the only people who could foster enough murderous intent to wait a whole year are psychopaths.

I agree hackneyed premise .

[Jennifer swallows]

The next big thing would be drugs and gangs. The former is going to happen anyway, no way they're waiting for one day to make all their money,

Hello, I'm new hear, just wanted to drop in and say a few words. Love horror movies my self, but not really feeling this one. however, your comment, especially the line i quoted up top, brought a very humorous image to mind. I can just picture some junkie saving all of his money all year round, with a pile of it stacked in the corner of his crack house, just counting down the days till the "purge".

[RubySlippers]

And that's why that movie is stupid.  Because no one thought that far ahead.

Really say you were a organized crime group when would YOU launch attacks on territory when NO ONE would interfere from the government or when they would. Also all drug deals, fencing and acts of civil terrorism would be all legal. They could bring in a huge shipment in one evening and not have any issues.

Add in sadists, rapists, pedophiles, sickos of all sorts and rich and poor exploiting the laws.

If your poor get into a bank or rich persons home its all good - right?

[Inkidu]

Really say you were a organized crime group when would YOU launch attacks on territory when NO ONE would interfere from the government or when they would. Also all drug deals, fencing and acts of civil terrorism would be all legal. They could bring in a huge shipment in one evening and not have any issues.

Add in sadists, rapists, pedophiles, sickos of all sorts and rich and poor exploiting the laws.

If your poor get into a bank or rich persons home its all good - right?

Drugs ain't going to happen that way. That's one day to make a year's worth of money. No one's going to do that. They already thumb their nose at the law, why change?

The gangs might wipe each other out, but really that's about it.

The acts of terrorism thing shows just how freaking broken this premise is. I know what I would do:

Kill me some dumb-ass politicians. >:3

[Neysha]

According to the website, a lot of government personnel are considered off limits during the Purge.

[Inkidu]

According to the website, a lot of government personnel are considered off limits during the Purge.

Two words and one of them is that. -__-

So what if crime is legal? I think a little illegal crime would be more... traditional.

[Oniya]

Yeah, if I knew there was one day when all the rapists in town were going to be out prowling the streets because they can, I'd be locking myself in a windowless room with a microwave, some TV dinners, a couple gallons of water, and a good selection of DVDs to last me at least three days.

[RubySlippers]

Drugs ain't going to happen that way. That's one day to make a year's worth of money. No one's going to do that. They already thumb their nose at the law, why change?

The gangs might wipe each other out, but really that's about it.

The acts of terrorism thing shows just how freaking broken this premise is. I know what I would do:

Kill me some dumb-ass politicians. >:3

No but they could import and stash a years worth of drugs with a surplus without any government interference they could openly bring in hundreds of smaller ships packed up and move the cargo in twelve hours if they planned it out, and it would be safer for the workers and their families who would have ample guns around protecting them. Why risk the cargo being intercepted.

It saves money this way outside the twelve hours the government can go after the drugs.

I must add who says there is a drug problem maybe such drugs are legal? Like Soma in Brave New World.

[Funguy81]

Suspension of belief aside about how the "Purge" is initiated by the government to allow all crime to be done for those 12 hours, there is one thing I find funny about the family in the house when I watched the trailer.

The father spends money to fortify his house like a fortress for that one night a year. You would think that he would put in a little extra to install a child lock on that system to insure his obviously naive son from opening the door to a complete stranger on the one night a year you shouldn't be even be looking at one.

[RubySlippers]

Or do what I would do if I had money take my family to a foreign nation for the day, one not involved in The Purge. Or get on a nice cruise with a foreign registered cruise line.

[Funguy81]

Actually that would be a hell of an idea right there as well. Take a nice...week long.. vacation.

[Shjade]

I didn't see that trailer I guess. :\
I typically don't watch them online, and I haven't seen a long tailer on T.V.

Here you go: The Purge Official Trailer #1 (2013) - Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey Thriller HD

Skip to about 1:10 to be introduced to the family's guest for the evening.

[RedPhoenix]

Having watched the preview, no. I don't think you're missing anything.

My only thought is how lame I would be about this.

Oh man, Purge is coming I'm going to download so much music!!!!! And maybe go to a bar and smoke a cigarette!! Crazy!!!

[Shjade]

I have to admit I'm conflicted when I consider my likely response to such a thing.

On the one hand, I'm a nice guy. I typically go out of my way to follow laws that don't matter just because they're there, they exist. I like to help people when I know I can do something about their problem. The idea of purposely doing something to upset, much less hurt, someone else bothers me.

On the other hand, there's my history of past behavior.

So I dunno. I could end up going the pedestrian hide-in-a-hole-until-it's-all-over route, or I could end up completely fucking over someone's night. I honestly can't say which is more likely. Which bothers me, too. :|

[Neysha]

Well if they go on vacation, people might steal or destroy all their stuff while they're away.

[Inkidu]

Well if they go on vacation, people might steal or destroy all their stuff while they're away.

Well the home seems uber-locked. So if you think he spends a lot of money on the house and just goes into international waters for a year he and his family are good. It's only slightly less contrived than junior unlocking the house from the inside. Seriously, if such a thing existed you think parents would tell their kids not to do it, or at least, like someone else said, child proof it.

[Neysha]

Kids do stuff their parents try to prevent them from doing sometimes. *shrug*

[RedPhoenix]

True, but if you're gonna put a password on something you'd think it'd be the only thing keeping you safe from the angry mob.

Also, I find myself having a hard time sympathizing with the protagonists here. The whole time I'd be thinking what about the folks who can't afford a million dollar security system? We're supposed to feel sorry for these rich people?!?!

[Shjade]

The problem with locking your kids out of a system like that: unexpected disasters.

Say a fire of some kind bursts up in the house and the kids can get to the exit but the parents are either incapacitated or just can't reach the controls, cut off by the flames. Kids are screwed 'cause they can't get out.

[Oniya]

And that's where the child education angle comes in.  If the Purge has been happening for years, I'm sure that there's plenty of fodder for 'cautionary tales' - like, don't wander off into the woods or you'll find a witch's house and she'll catch you to eat you for dinner.

[Inkidu]

The problem with locking your kids out of a system like that: unexpected disasters.

Say a fire of some kind bursts up in the house and the kids can get to the exit but the parents are either incapacitated or just can't reach the controls, cut off by the flames. Kids are screwed 'cause they can't get out.

There are certain rock-and-hard-place elements to your statements that needs to be examined. :\

[Funguy81]

I'm sure there would be safe guards that computers can determine for such dire situations. We have security systems now that if it detects a fire, or some similar situation it would unlock all doors and exits to get the people out as soon as possible.

At the same time, there is that rock and hard place inkidu mentions. either get burned by the fire that is about to take your house...or get killed by the possible, murderous mob that comes rolling along in that night.

[Oniya]

I'm sure there would be safe guards that computers can determine for such dire situations. We have security systems now that if it detects a fire, or some similar situation it would unlock all doors and exits to get the people out as soon as possible.

^This.  I remember hearing about prisoners starting mattress fires so that the smoke detectors would unlock cell doors.  Pretty sure there's a failsafe for that now, but the tech exists.

[SpiralSpider]

I don't think it would work, but I think the scary concept is a culture that would even give it a try...

[Wolfy]

All I know is that I hope that Closet Psycopath thing happens.

I hope they make a Sequel where "The Purge" has made everyone into Phsycotics...the government has fallen, and the entire nation as fallen into Anarchy and Chaos because of the practice.



.....Of course, the creators wouldn't be that smart, so all I have is my imagination.

[Oniya]

Apparently, the trailer is showing a lot on YouTube.  I had to explain the movie concept to the little Oni.  The plot-holes that people have mentioned already were invaluable.

[Inkidu]

Apparently, the trailer is showing a lot on YouTube.  I had to explain the movie concept to the little Oni.  The plot-holes that people have mentioned already were invaluable.

I'm getting a and-that-why-you-don't-do-drugs-because-you-write-Swiss-cheese vibe from this statement. ;D

[Oniya]

Well, she pointed out that the guy didn't even have window protection.  You'd think a set of Lexan windows around the ground floor would be on the basic model.

[Inkidu]

Well, she pointed out that the guy didn't even have window protection.  You'd think a set of Lexan windows around the ground floor would be on the basic model.

My hope in the next generation is somewhat restored then. :)

[Shjade]

Yeah, the window thing is weird, though I'm currently going on the assumption that those shots are taken at some point after the baddies have at least partially disabled the security system.

[Oniya]

My hope in the next generation is somewhat restored then. :)

Well, when you can sit around the table and converse about plans for the zombie apocalypse, fending off mere humans is just cake!

Yeah, the window thing is weird, though I'm currently going on the assumption that those shots are taken at some point after the baddies have at least partially disabled the security system.

You put in Lexan, it doesn't matter if the power/security system is disabled.  That stuff can stop a hockey puck or flying robot parts!

Oh yeah, and bullets, too.

[ZephySempai]

The main premise of The Purge is literally its title. It's a Purge.

The point of making all crime legal is so that the people literally kill each other off. In times where the population has blown up to such epic proportions, a lot of strain will be put on resources. The Purge, as a law, is just a guise shadowing the fact that it allows the population to regulate itself. Survival of the fittest and most cunning.

Not sure if anyone else already said the same, but that's pretty much the premise. I think I'll pass on going to the movies for it, but I'll definitely watch this title as the premise is interesting, but the movie itself just strikes me as meh...

[Inkidu]

The main premise of The Purge is literally its title. It's a Purge.

The point of making all crime legal is so that the people literally kill each other off. In times where the population has blown up to such epic proportions, a lot of strain will be put on resources. The Purge, as a law, is just a guise shadowing the fact that it allows the population to regulate itself. Survival of the fittest and most cunning.

Not sure if anyone else already said the same, but that's pretty much the premise. I think I'll pass on going to the movies for it, but I'll definitely watch this title as the premise is interesting, but the movie itself just strikes me as meh...

Yeah, but it's also a great way to totally ruin the economy. Unless the new American society makes it really hard to get guns and explosives then it's going to see a lot of its money stolen. 

[Oniya]

Well, there are two ways to interpret what's being 'purged', and both have a certain degree of claim to being the 'right' one.  One is that it's a purge of people, as you say, and the other is that it's a purge of those violent impulses - which I'm sure is what the government in this future-time is claiming.

[Valeran]

I'll never tell. :]

Seriously though not everyone's a closet psycho. Most people don't want to go out and kill a person at least for reals. In honesty if such a scenario were to exist people would go out and rob banks on the one day where it's legal. Go steal a tank or explosive, blow open a bank, instant rich. :\

That's why I think it's a bit weird. Yeah, there would be murder, but most murders are crimes of passion and would happen regardless of a legal murder day. :|

A little open honesty here. I am one of those good honest people. I try to never lie and I try never to harm anyone. But here is the thing. There are times when I am at work or there are times when I am alone or  just messed up times.

Everyone, I am a firm believer, everyone has some violent thought. I would never act upon it. Unless. I was given the opportunity.

Everyone has an ulterior motive. Everyone has a dark secret and I am sure everyone has a darker side.

If I was given the chance to let out all my rage and all my inhibitions and let go of my conscious. By god I would take it.

[Shjade]

If I was given the chance to let out all my rage and all my inhibitions and let go of my conscious. By god I would take it.

While I'd agree with this on impulse, I know I'd talk myself out of it if I had to wait until Purge Day to do it. At least if there were more than a few days to wait. I don't hold grudges well and I'm usually good at self-purging my hostile urges.

But if something happened, like, that morning? I would not want to be near me that night when I'm all irrational and haven't had my usual time to overthink everything and lose my anger in the process.

Edit: a thought just occurred to me as I read this post back to myself. Maybe the Purge isn't, itself, what lowers the crime rate in this hypothetical scenario. Maybe it's the knowledge that, suddenly, any bad shit you do can have serious repercussions beyond the legal system.

Like, is it really worth robbing that store when you know in a few months the store owner might just track you down and fucking murder you? I'd be more deterred by that thought than the knowledge that I'm risking X years in prison.

[Valeran]

While I'd agree with this on impulse, I know I'd talk myself out of it if I had to wait until Purge Day to do it. At least if there were more than a few days to wait. I don't hold grudges well and I'm usually good at self-purging my hostile urges.

But if something happened, like, that morning? I would not want to be near me that night when I'm all irrational and haven't had my usual time to overthink everything and lose my anger in the process.

Edit: a thought just occurred to me as I read this post back to myself. Maybe the Purge isn't, itself, what lowers the crime rate in this hypothetical scenario. Maybe it's the knowledge that, suddenly, any bad shit you do can have serious repercussions beyond the legal system.

Like, is it really worth robbing that store when you know in a few months the store owner might just track you down and fucking murder you? I'd be more deterred by that thought than the knowledge that I'm risking X years in prison.

I am not usually the type to delve into my personal details. But when I was growing up I was abused physically and emotionally. And only recently got out of the abuse and control that I experienced in my family for years. I abide by the rules. I am kind. I am open and honest. And try to be kind to people. But twenty plus years of abuse, emotional control, and emotional blackmail can leave someone so angry inside.

I hide behind a smile. Inside of me is so much pent up rage, and anger. And sorrow and pain. I use writing RPs and writing my stories and novels as ways to express my inner anger. To express myself. And to let go.

But there are days inside, when I am just angry. I no longer even know why I am so angry.

Anyway before I digress, there was a point that I shared this. I guess I would be one of those closet psychos people are talking about. I'd just love to one day be able to be given the permission to stab the shit out of someone to make me feel better. No matter how much talking, no matter how many musical compositions, no matter how much I write. No matter what good has come in my life I am so still angry inside.

Either way before people are afraid of me, I really am generally a good kind person. I have a hard shell surrounded by fur. Because I know murder is wrong and because I would feel terrible to actually do it, I would never do it. I'd just like to. And I could see how the Purge could be beneficial to some people.

[Mathim]

I read the plot description and wasn't impressed. Its resoundingly negative reviews would seem to agree.