What Makes a Psychopath?
What Makes a Psychopath?

Movie spotlight

What Makes a Psychopath?

2017
Movie
49 min
English

It is estimated that about 1 in 100 people are psychopaths, but although many violent offenders fall into this category it does not mean all psychopaths will be violent. Nor does it mean all violent people are psychopaths. Is the tendency towards psychopathic behaviour something that people are born with, or is it something caused by our upbringing? Find out about the indicative behaviours doctors look out for when making a diagnosis of psychopathy.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Director: Kevin McDonaldGenres: Documentary, Crime

Plot Summary

Documentary filmmaker Kevin McDonald, known for his work on films like 'The Thin Blue Line,' investigates the complex and often disturbing world of psychopathy. He delves into the biological, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to the development of psychopathic traits, exploring whether these individuals are born or made. McDonald interviews leading experts and individuals diagnosed with psychopathy to offer a nuanced perspective on this controversial topic.

Critical Reception

The documentary received a generally positive reception from critics and audiences for its informative and thought-provoking exploration of psychopathy. Reviewers often highlighted the film's balanced approach, presenting scientific research alongside personal testimonies without sensationalizing the subject matter. The film was praised for making complex psychological concepts accessible to a general audience.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its clear and accessible explanation of complex psychological theories.

  • Appreciated for its respectful yet unflinching look at psychopathy.

  • Notable for featuring insights from leading researchers in the field.

Google audience: Audience reviews were not readily available or aggregated for this specific documentary. However, based on general reception, viewers found the film to be enlightening and a valuable educational tool for understanding psychopathy.

Fun Fact

Kevin McDonald, the director, was inspired to make this documentary partly by his own family history and his interest in the nature versus nurture debate surrounding criminal behavior.

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