Movies and TV shows often blur the lines between romance and obsession, portraying stalking as an intense form of courtship.
However, it’s important to distinguish these fictionalised depictions from the reality of stalking.
Stalking is not a one-time event or act of love, but a pattern of repeated, harmful behaviour that causes significant fear, distress, and significant emotional harm to victims. It is a serious issue, far removed from the charming narratives often depicted on screen.
Stalking in Popular Culture: A Distorted Narrative
Many films and TV series romanticise or glorify stalking, distorting its reality. Let’s explore some notable examples that feed into these misconceptions:
In the ‘Twilight’ saga, Edward Cullen’s behaviour towards Bella Swan is a classic example of romanticised stalking. Edward’s constant surveillance of Bella, including watching her sleep without her knowledge, is presented as an expression of his deep affection. This invasive behaviour is portrayed as passionate and endearing, rather than a disturbing violation of privacy.
The Notebook is a beloved romantic drama, famed as many people’s favourite film of all time, Noah Calhoun’s relentless pursuit of Allie Hamilton, despite her initial rejections, is framed as a testament to true love. His persistence, including writing numerous letters and making grand gestures, is depicted as romantic, rather than invasive or coercive.
Romanticising stalking can have several detrimental effects:
Normalisation of Harmful Behaviour
By presenting stalking as acceptable or even desirable, these portrayals contribute to the normalisation of intrusive and harmful behaviour. This can influence viewers, especially younger audiences, to misinterpret similar actions in real life as expressions of love rather than red flags for potentially dangerous behaviour.
Victim Blaming
When stalking is portrayed as romantic, it can lead to victim blaming. If obsessive behaviour is seen as a sign of love, victims may be blamed for provoking or not reciprocating the affection, rather than being supported and protected.
Distortion of Reality
Romanticised portrayals seen on screen create a distorted view of what constitutes healthy relationships. They blur the lines between romance and criminal behaviour, making it difficult for individuals to recognise and address real-life stalking and harassment.
Undermining Seriousness
Undermining Seriousness: The glamourisation of stalking can undermine the seriousness of the issue, making it harder for victim/survivors to be taken seriously and for appropriate measures to be taken to address and prevent such behaviour. Many films and TV shows trivialise or glorify stalking, presenting it through a distorted lens. Stalking in Popular Culture: A Distorted Narrative Many films and TV series romanticise or glorify stalking, distorting its reality. Let’s explore some notable examples that feed into these misconceptions: Many films and TV shows trivialise or glorify stalking, presenting it through a distorted lens. Let’s explore some notable examples that feed into these misconceptions.
Dramatisations often depict extreme behaviours and may lack proper warnings, leading to misconceptions about what stalking truly entails in a real-life scenario. For some victims, this misrepresentation can be more harmful than helpful. Real-life stalking can be more subtle than its portrayal in popular movies and TV, though it is equally damaging and dangerous.
This thriller portrays the consequences of an extramarital affair that lead to a woman becoming obsessively fixated on the man with whom she shared a steamy evening. The film depicts her stalking him and terrorising his family. This dramatisation focuses on the extreme consequences of stalking, reinforcing a sensationalised view of the behaviour.
This TV series features the character ‘A,’ who engages in relentless, on-going and violent stalking towards the main characters. The show blends elements of mystery and drama, presenting A’s stalking as part of a complex and thrilling narrative. This dramatic portrayal leads viewers to see stalking as only overtly aggressive and sensational, ignoring its more subtle forms. By emphasising extreme and high-stakes scenarios, the series reinforces the misconception that stalking is always overt, rather than recognising its more nuanced and insidious aspects.
Moving Towards Responsible Portrayals Stalking
It is crucial for directors and producers to handle sensitive topics like stalking with care and responsibility. Authentic portrayals should emphasise the seriousness of stalking and its impact on victims, rather than romanticising or trivialising harmful behaviour. By depicting the real-life consequences of stalking and offering a more nuanced understanding of healthy relationships on the silver screen, the film industry can play a positive role in shaping societal attitudes and supporting victim/survivors.
'Stalking is a crime' Campaign
We want to educate Victorians on the signs of stalking and how to report it in a new campaign with Victoria Police.
Resources
Learn more about our ‘Stalking is a Crime‘ campaign here.
Stalking is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions that affect how we respond to and support victims.
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Resources to recognising and reporting stalking.
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If anyone is in immediate danger or a crime is currently occurring, please call police on Triple Zero (000). If you cannot access a phone, you can also go to a police station.
If you think you may be the target of stalking, you can report it to the police by contacting your local police station.
If you or someone you know is unsure what to do and would like to discuss your options:
- Victims of Crime Helpline – 1800 819 817 (8am-11pm): https://www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au/get-help
- Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre – 1800 015 188 (24/7): https://www.safesteps.org.au
- The Orange Door – 1800 312 820 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri): https://www.orangedoor.vic.gov.au
- Victoria Legal Aid – 1800 677 402 (8am-6pm): https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
If you would like help removing content online or reclaiming your identity:
- eSafety Commissioner – Link to report
- IDCARE – 1800 595 160 (8am-5pm, Mon-Fri): https://www.idcare.org
Everyone responds to crime differently. If you need help, it is important to reach out:
- 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 (24/7): https://www.1800respect.org.au
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7): https://www.lifeline.org.au
- 13YARN – 13 92 76 (24/7): https://www.13yarn.org.au
- Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 (24/7): https://kidshelpline.com.au
- Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 (24/7): https://www.beyondblue.org.au
- Headspace – 1800 650 890: https://headspace.org.au
- RainbowDoor – 1800 729 367 (10am – 5pm): https://www.rainbowdoor.org.au
Remember: It can make a real difference having someone to talk to.
- No to Violence – 1300 766 491 (24/7): https://ntv.org.au
- MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978: https://mensline.org.au
- Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS): https://www.vahs.org.au
- InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence: https://intouch.org.au
- Djirra: https://djirra.org.au
- Sikh Helpline Australia: https://www.australiansikhsupport.org
- Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) Support Services: https://icv.org.au
- African Family Services: https://www.africanfamilyservices.org.au/volunteers
- Thorne Harbour Health: https://thorneharbour.org
TIS National – 131 450 (24/7): https://www.tisnational.gov.au
Access to interpreters speaking more than 160 languages.