Hollywood’s Latest Rape Fantasies

Sociological Images has posted a disturbing trailer for The Killer Inside Me, a new film starring Casey Affleck, which we’ve included after the jump. Be forewarned – it depicts sexual violence. Less than a minute into the trailer you’ll see Jessica Alba‘s character being sexually assaulted and humiliated by a sociopathic sheriff. Horrifying, yes, but sexual assault happens. What doesn’t happen is what the movie depicts next – Alba’s character suddenly starts to enjoy the assault, and she begins a relationship with the assailant.

It isn’t the first time that Hollywood has depicted a woman who falls for the man who attacks her. The rape scene in Watchmen was especially violent, and yet the victim eventually has consensual sex – and conceives a child – with her rapist. It begs the question: Who believes in these absurd scenarios? And should Hollywood be perpetuating the myth that women enjoy being assaulted and raped?

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