Whether you’re an aspiring criminologist or simply enjoy a compelling story, you can’t go past some good crime viewing. With such a vast genre though, recommendations are gold, and who better to ask for some favourites than our very own crime expert, Mr Matthew Thurgood, Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator, Criminology and Justice.
Top 10 crime fiction and film
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Distributed by: Orion Pictures Corporation
“Silence of the Lambs” released in 1991, is a psychological horror-thriller film directed by Jonathan Demme. It is based on Thomas Harris’s 1988 novel of the same name and features a memorable performance by Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant but psychotic cannibalistic serial killer. Jodie Foster also stars as Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee who seeks Lecter’s help to catch another serial killer known as Buffalo Bill, played by Ted Levine.
Matt’s notes: “The finest serial killer movie ever made, watch this and imagine yourself as the next Clarice Starling. The book kick-started my interest in criminal psychology and the film… it’s a classic!”
The Accused (1988)
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
“The Accused”, released in 1988, is a legal drama film directed by Jonathan Kaplan. It stars Jodie Foster as Sarah Tobias, a young woman who is sexually assaulted in a bar while bystanders cheer on the attackers. The film explores the aftermath of the assault, focusing on the legal proceedings and the emotional toll it takes on Sarah.
Matt’s notes: “Challenging rape myths and the gender-based barriers that victims face within the criminal justice system, The Accused is relevant today as it was when it was made in the eighties.”
Incarceration Nation (2021)
Writer & Director: Dean Gibson
“Incarceration Nation”, released in 2021, is a documentary that connects the relentless government intervention since colonisation to the trauma and disadvantage experienced by Indigenous Australians – the two key drivers of incarceration.
Matt’s notes: “An absolute must-watch documentary on the over-representation of First Nations peoples in Australian prisons that explores historic and enduring issues we are yet to alleviate.”
On Incarceration Nation... "An absolute must-watch documentary on the over-representation of First Nations peoples in Australian prisons that explores historic and enduring issues we are yet to alleviate." - Matthew Thurgood
Unbelievable (2019)
Distributed by: Netflix
“Unbelievable”, released in 2019, is a Netflix series based on the 2015 news article “An Unbelievable Story of Rape,” which was later adapted into the non-fiction book “A False Report” by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong.
Matt’s notes: “A mini-series starring Toni Colette, Unbelievable is a more modern take on the criminal justice issues and social stigma that victims of sexual assault and rape experience.”
Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
Distributed by: Columbia Pictures (Sony)
“Zero Dark Thirty” (2012) is a film directed by Kathryn Bigelow, which chronicles the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden after the September 11, 2001 attacks. The screenplay was written by Mark Boal, and the film stars Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, and Joel Edgerton among others. It received critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, and performances, and was nominated for several awards, including five Academy Awards.
Matt’s notes: “As someone who taught the Terrorism Unit for many years, I found this a fascinating (albeit ‘Hollywood-ised’) insight into the mission to find Osama Bin Laden, touching on important issues of the post-9/11 era.”
On Zero Dark Thirty... "As someone who taught the Terrorism Unit for many years, I found this a fascinating (albeit ‘Hollywood-ised’) insight into the mission to find Osama Bin Laden, touching on important issues of the post-9/11 era." - Matthew Thurgood
No Friends but the Mountains: Writing from Manus Prison (2018)
Author: Behrouz Boochani
The book “No Friend but the Mountains: Writing from Manus Prison” is written by Behrouz Boochani, an Iranian-Kurdish journalist, writer, and refugee who was held in the Australian-run Manus Island immigration detention center. The book is a powerful account of his experiences and reflections during his time there, chronicling the harsh conditions and the struggles faced by asylum seekers. It was originally written in Farsi and later translated into English by Omid Tofighian. The title reflects the profound isolation and adversity faced by those detained on Manus Island.
Matt’s notes: “An account of life in the Manus Island detention facility that highlights the inhumane treatment of asylum seekers and reveals the power of law to criminalise and dehumanise certain populations.”
Se7en (1995)
Distributed by: New Line Cinema
“Se7en”, released in 1995, is a psychological thriller directed by David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman. The film follows two detectives, one about to retire (played by Freeman) and his young, ambitious partner (played by Pitt), as they track down a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as motifs in his murders. The film is known for its dark atmosphere, intricate plot, and intense performances, culminating in a memorable and shocking climax. It’s often praised for its direction, cinematography, and exploration of moral themes.
Matt’s notes: “A fitting title for my number 7, Seven is to me the second best serial killer movie. Assuming you can get past the Kevin Spacey factor, the final act holds so much power, while the use of the 7 deadly sins works well if you’re down for a cynical take on society.”
Eichmann in Jerusalem: a report on the banality of evil (1963)
Author: Hannah Arendt
“Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil” is a book written by political theorist Hannah Arendt, first published in 1963. The book is based on Arendt’s coverage of the trial of Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi official who played a key role in organizing the Holocaust, particularly the logistics of mass deportation of Jews to ghettos and extermination camps.
The phrase “the banality of evil” refers to Arendt’s observation that Eichmann and other perpetrators of the Holocaust were not necessarily driven by extreme motives or ideologies. Instead, she argued that they were ordinary people who simply accepted the roles assigned to them within the Nazi bureaucracy. Arendt’s analysis provoked significant controversy and debate, as it challenged prevailing assumptions about the nature of evil and responsibility.
The book is considered a seminal work in the fields of political theory, philosophy, and Holocaust studies, and it continues to be widely studied and referenced in discussions about totalitarianism, bureaucracy, and moral responsibility.
Matt’s notes: “A brief but thorough report on the capture and trial of Nazi leader Adolf Eichmann, a fascinating examination of the Holocaust and the trivial nature of the ‘evil’ people involved. See also the 2012 movie Hannah Arendt.”
"The phrase "the banality of evil" refers to Arendt's observation that Eichmann and other perpetrators of the Holocaust were not necessarily driven by extreme motives or ideologies. Instead, she argued that they were ordinary people who simply accepted the roles assigned to them within the Nazi bureaucracy. Arendt's analysis provoked significant controversy and debate, as it challenged prevailing assumptions about the nature of evil and responsibility."
Mindhunter (2017-2019)
Distributed by: Netflix
“Mindhunter” is a TV series that aired from 2017 to 2019. It’s a psychological crime thriller based on true events, focusing on the early days of criminal psychology and criminal profiling at the FBI. The show delves into the minds of serial killers and explores the development of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit through the eyes of fictional characters inspired by real-life personalities. It was well-regarded for its intense storytelling and character development, created by Joe Penhall and produced by David Fincher and Charlize Theron among others.
Matt’s notes: “I consumed so much true crime stuff when I was younger so try to avoid it these days but I caved with this series and I’m glad I did. Watch it for some interesting background into behavioural sciences in law enforcement.”
Die Hard (1988)
Distributed by: 20th Century Studios
“Die Hard,” released in 1988, is a classic American action film directed by John McTiernan and based on the novel “Nothing Lasts Forever” by Roderick Thorp. The movie stars Bruce Willis as John McClane, a New York City police officer who becomes embroiled in a terrorist takeover of a Los Angeles skyscraper during a Christmas party. The film is renowned for its intense action sequences, memorable characters, and for establishing Bruce Willis as a leading action star.
Matt’s notes: “I first saw Die Hard at too young an age but it remains a favourite of mine. One of Alan Rickman’s finest performances and without a doubt, the best Christmas movie ever! Just maybe wait until Grandma’s gone to bed.”
