Resource and Social Exchange Theories in the Film Sin City: A Dame to Kill For

Criminological Theory Illustrated In Film
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Criminological Theory Illustrated In Film
Introduction
Domestic and intimate partner violence (DV/IPV) is a pressing issue today, devastatingly affecting victims and their families. The issue has been addressed in various mediums, including crime films. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For is a film that centers on violence and its consequences on the characters. This research paper will examine the film in light of two criminological theories: Resource Theory and Social Exchange Theory.
Synopsis of Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
Sin City: A Dame to Kill For is a 2014 film directed by Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez. It is a sequel to the 2005 film Sin City and is based on the graphic novel of the same name by Frank Miller. The film is set in Basin City, where corruption, crime, and violence are rampant. The film features several interconnected storylines that revolve around the characters' desire for power, money, and revenge CITATION Sin14 \l 1033 (Sin City, 2014). One of the storylines in the film centres on Dwight McCarthy (Josh Brolin), a private investigator who is hired by his former lover, Ava Lord (Eva Green), to help her escape from her abusive husband, Damien Lord (Marton Csokas). Dwight reluctantly agrees to help her, despite knowing that Ava is a dangerous and manipulative woman CITATION Sin14 \l 1033 (Sin City, 2014). As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Ava is not the victim she claims to be. She has been manipulating Dwight and others for her gain, and her ultimate goal is to gain control of the city. Ultimately, Dwight realizes the truth and seeks revenge against Ava and her henchmen.
Resource Theory
Resource Theory is a criminological theory that explains the causes of DV/IPV by examining the distribution of resources in relationships. According to this theory, people with more resources, such as money, education, and social status, have more power in relationships. This power dynamic can lead to DV/IPV if the person with more resources uses their power to control and dominate their partner. In Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, Ava Lord is a character who has many resources. She is wealthy, beautiful, and influential. Her husband, Damien Lord, is also a powerful man in the city. However, despite her resources, Ava is unsatisfied with her life position. She wants more power and control and sees Dwight McCarthy as a way to get it.
Ava uses her resources to manipulate Dwight and others in the film. She plays on Dwight's emotions and convinces him to help her escape her abusive husband. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Ava is not the victim she claims to be. She has been manipulating Dwight and others for her own gain, and her ultimate goal is to gain control of the city CITATION Fin01 \l 1033 (Finkel & Campbell, 2001). This dynamic between Ava and Dwight illustrates the power dynamic described in Resource Theory. Ava has more resources than Dwight, and she uses her resources to control and manipulate him. This dynamic ultimately leads to violence and chaos in the film.
Social Exchange Theory
Social Exchange Theory is another criminological theory that explains...