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In this article, much like the last one, we delve into a selection of iconic films and television series spanning the late 20th century, each offering unique insights into the portrayal of police/law enforcement.
From the dystopian streets of “RoboCop” to the high-rise tension of “Die Hard,” and from the comedic escapades of “The Naked Gun” to the surreal mysteries of “Twin Peaks,” these narratives explore the complex, sometimes bizarre nature of the police in society and pop culture.
- RoboCop (1987)
Paul Verhoeven’s “RoboCop” dares ask the question we have all wondered: What if we made them into a robot, thus making a RoboCop? It’s a brilliant idea, right? Exactly, and the mega-corporation called Omni Consumer Products (OCP) agrees after poor officer Alex Murphy (Peter Weller) is brutally slain while on duty and later revitalized as the titular character.
As a cyborg crime fighter, Murphy is now programmed to execute the city of Detroit’s legal directives with no memory of his previous, more human life. However, there are times when RoboCop threatens to go rogue, remembering fragments from his past (he goes rogue in other respects, too, sometimes applying greater force than necessary on the job).
Though well-equipped to fight crime, RoboCop has his hands full with crime lord Clarence Boddicker (Kurtwood Smith). The movie functions on a pure Hollywood plot, but Weller plays a cop in an adequately robotic manner (and that literally cannot be an insult here!). The movie does sort of play up fears around narcotics and prostitution, which some might say makes it conservative, but the movie also does make fun of corporate culture.
Of course, the movie also deals with what happens if a human is programmed. Plenty of sci-fi films have pondered this question, with “Blade Runner” calling into question what it means to have a memory implant activated. Would it still be your memory, as someone who didn’t originally have it? In this case, Murphy deals more with amnesia, and a memory that seems suppressed by his programming
implants (or whatever OCP’s “products” would call it). RoboCop also stars Nancy Allen.
- Die Hard (1988)
In John McTiernan’s “Die Hard, Bruce Willis plays New York City police detective John McClane, who may just be the quintessential action movie cop. Granted, he technically doesn’t do everything 100% by himself, as even his limo driver, Argyle (De’voreaux White), pitches in on one key occasion. However, for the most part, McClane goes about his work alone.
This police-involved story is also more about the action than anything else. John doesn’t really go around finding evidence at crime scenes. Nope, he runs around the Nakatomi skyscraper kicking ass and casting doubt on anyone who questions McClane’s credentials; he may as well reveal his real name as “Asskicker McBeatemup.” In fact, it’s hard to imagine him looking for a job in any other profession.
“Die Hard” also doesn’t have much to discuss about McClane’s past cases, though he is in Los Angeles to make amends with his estranged wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia). Lastly, for those concerned that Hollywood movies only portray non-Westerners as terrorists, “Die Hard” is actually an exception. By all appearances, Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) is a bad guy but doesn’t belong to the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda, or anything like that. In fact, it really appears that he’s in it for the money more than anything else. He isn’t a true believer in anything but himself. “Yipee-ki-yay, mother****er!”
- The Kids in the Hall (1988–2021)
The Canadian comedy troupe The Kids in the Hall became famous with their sketch comedy show of the same name, though since the initial run was over, they did a television mini-series special, a film and a related soundtrack album, and numerous stage shows. Years later they returned with a new Kids in the Hall series on Amazon, though that appears to only consist of one season.
The Kids in the Hall produced sketches that often employed grotesque, surrealist, and dark humor to express everyday situations, and did not shy away from sight gags, genre parody, or slapstick. Among these were their representations of police in various sketches. The most famous cops played by members Mark McKinney and Bruce McCulloch, who showed the police as incompetent yet at times relatable, became the show’s most frequently used recurring characters, usually engaged in small-talk and often depicted as incompetent or uncaring when it comes to their duties.
- The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)
David Zucker’s comedy classic The Naked Gun stars Leslie Nielsen as police lieutenant Frank Drebin, and, in addition to launching the Naked Gun franchise, is basically the film that made Nielsen into a 1980s and ’90s comedy star. Of course, every great cop story also has to have a criminal, and in this installment, it is Vincent Ludwig (Ricardo Montalbán). Drebin’s not the most competent lawman, but he does have a habit of looking into Ludwig’s dealings, culminating in more than one cat-and-mouse-style chase, and even an explosion or two. Hell, the original “Naked Gun” even has a killer major league baseball player, unwittingly programmed into assassinating Queen Elizabeth II (Jeannette Charles)!
Ludwig’s top-secret plans see Drebin under threat of being ambushed by Ludwig’s hitmen, impersonating famous singers, and pretending to be a Major League Baseball Umpire. Of course, ” The Naked Gun” is also interesting if you want to see O.J. Simpson playing someone who is almost mortally wounded. “The Naked Gun” also stars
- Batman (1989)
Tim Burton’s “Batman” has plenty of strengths, including compelling performances and quotable lines like “You wanna get nuts? Let’s get nuts.” However, another strength is actually how it looks at weaknesses, including a weak police department. Though released in 1989, the portrayal of the police plays an important role in the overall narrative, and is by no means mere “copaganda.”
The Gotham City Police Department (GCPD) is depicted as a corrupt and ineffectual force, struggling to maintain order in the crime-ridden city. Commissioner James “Jim” Gordon (Pat Hingle) is the head of the GCPD and is one of the few honest officers in the department. Jim is portrayed as a sympathetic character who recognizes the city’s dire situation and is willing to work with Batman to fight crime. However, his authority is limited, and he faces opposition and skepticism from his fellow officers.”
The film introduces the character of Lieutenant Max Eckhardt (William Hootkins), a corrupt police officer involved in criminal activities (though he does dismiss The Joker, played by Jack Nicholson “an A-1 nut boy” with no future”). Eckhardt serves as a contrast to Gordon, representing the pervasive shadowy corruption within the GCPD. Eckhardt’s actions further demonstrate the compromised state of law enforcement in Gotham City. Throughout the movie, the police are shown as ineffective in dealing with the Joker, the main antagonist.
They struggle to apprehend him or prevent his criminal activities, yet their administrative expertise lacks the flair and results of Batman (Michael Keaton). Their failure highlights the need for Batman’s intervention and vigilante justice to combat the rising threat. This dark tone and prevailing sense of lawlessness help propel the 1989 film to success, and it had the second largest worldwide gross of the year, behind only “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (though it seems people may remember “Batman” more). In “Batman,” the police are depicted as a flawed and compromised institution, with only a few individuals, like Commissioner Gordon, striving for justice in a city plagued by corruption.
- The Simpsons (TV Series 1989– )
In “The Simpsons,” the police are depicted in a variety of ways throughout the series. Whereas reality TV shows like COPS and LivePD have been criticized for sometimes regarding “bad and often demonstrably illegal behavior” as “good policing,” practically no one will watch “The Simpsons” and think their cops do a good job.
Chief Clancy Wiggum (Hank Azaria) is the bumbling and incompetent police chief of Springfield. He is often portrayed as lazy, overweight, and more concerned with his own interests than with enforcing the law. Chief Wiggum is known for his frequent donut consumption and often fails to solve crimes or maintain order in the town. In the episode “My Sister, My Sitter” he says, “If anything goes wrong, just dial 911. Unless it’s an emergency.”
Then you have Officer Eddie (Azaria/Harry Shearer) and Officer Lou (Azaria, Alex Désert/Shearer), who are Wiggum’s subordinates and fellow police officers. They are typically depicted as more competent and level-headed than their chief, but they still follow his lead. Eddie and Lou often serve as the straight men to Wiggum’s comedic antics.
Occasionally, the show addresses issues of police brutality and excessive force. In certain episodes, the police are portrayed as using excessive violence or behaving inappropriately when dealing with the citizens of Springfield. These instances are typically portrayed as negative and the show makes a point to criticize such behavior. Like many aspects of “The Simpsons,” the portrayal of police often incorporates satire and social commentary. The show frequently uses humor to poke fun at various aspects of society, including law enforcement.
- Edward Scissorhands (1990)
In the film “Edward Scissorhands” Tim Burton brought to life a character he “sketched a while back…”
While Edward Scissorhands (Johnny Depp) is a fascinating character, it pays to also examine how the police are depicted as a representation of authority and law enforcement within the suburban community where the story takes place.
Although their presence is not central to the plot, they serve as a contrast to the fantastical and unconventional character of Edward, the film’s main protagonist. The police in “Edward Scissorhands” are portrayed as ordinary, uniformed officers who uphold the law and maintain order in the neighborhood. They are depicted as being generally well-intentioned and concerned with public safety. Their interactions with the residents are mostly polite and professional. However, when push comes to shove, they still represent a society that will inevitably clash with anyone who is different.
The role of the police in the film becomes more significant when Edward, a gentle and misunderstood creature with scissors for hands, is accused of criminal activity. As rumors and fear spread among the townspeople, the police are called upon to handle the situation. They represent the conflict between conformity and acceptance of those who are different.
However, it is important to note that the film does not delve deeply into the complexities of law enforcement or explore many social issues related to police. Instead, the focus of “Edward Scissorhands” lies primarily on themes of individuality, acceptance, and the challenges faced by an outsider trying to fit into a conformist society. That being said, conformist or not, it might be pretty tricky to hug Edward Scissorhands.
- Goodfellas (1990)
The critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes calls “Goodfellas” “arguably the high point of Martin Scorsese’s career,” and few would argue it’s not a contender. Directed by Scorsese, the police play a significant role in the classic gangster story, primarily as antagonists to the criminal activities of the main characters. The film is based on the true story of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a former mobster turned informant, and his life in the New York City Mafia.
The police are alternately portrayed as occasionally corrupt, yet a constant threat to the criminal activities of the main characters, who are involved in various illegal activities such as theft, drug trafficking, and murder. The law enforcement agencies are depicted as actively investigating and trying to bring down the criminal organization. Henry Hill, the central character, becomes increasingly paranoid about law enforcement as he realizes the risks and consequences of his criminal lifestyle.
Hill’s narrative begins with the classic line: “As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.” However, as things start to get crazier and crazier, he fears being caught and prosecuted for his involvement in the criminal activities orchestrated by the mafia but begins to fear his criminal associates even more. Throughout the movie, several scenes depict police raids, surveillance operations, and arrests, highlighting the ongoing battle between the criminal underworld and law enforcement agencies. The role of the police serves to emphasize the constant danger and criminality inherent in the characters’ lives.
- Twin Peaks (1990–1991)
In the television series “Twin Peaks,” the police play a central role in investigating the murder of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee), which serves as the primary mystery and narrative focus of the show. The town of Twin Peaks is shaken by the discovery of Laura Palmer’s body, and the local law enforcement, led by Sheriff Harry S. Truman (played by Michael Ontkean) and assisted by FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper (played by Kyle MacLachlan), takes on the task of solving the crime.
Sheriff Truman and Agent Cooper work together to unravel the complex and mysterious circumstances surrounding Laura Palmer’s murder. The investigation delves into the dark and surreal aspects of Twin Peaks, revealing the town’s secrets and the intertwined lives of its residents.
The police procedural elements are intertwined with supernatural and psychological elements, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The role of law enforcement in “Twin Peaks” extends beyond conventional crime-solving, as the series blends genres, including mystery, drama, and supernatural elements. The interactions between the characters, particularly Agent Cooper’s unconventional investigative methods and his fascination with dreams and the supernatural, contribute to the unique atmosphere of the show. The police’s involvement is crucial in uncovering the secrets of Twin Peaks and resolving the central mystery.
David Lynch has said, “I love Twin Peaks and its world,” which is no doubt partly why he was willing to bring the series back when had the chance years after its initial run. Every once in a while, maybe it pays to get a “damn fine coffee” and revisit this mind-bending show.
- Cape Fear (1991)
In the 1991 film “Cape Fear,” directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro and Nick Nolte, the role of the police is significant in the narrative. Sam (Nolte), his wife Leigh (Jessica Lange) and daughter Danielle (known as “Danny,” played by Juliette Lewis) are put in danger, as is Lori (Illeana Douglas), Sam’s co-worker and flirtatious admirer.
The film is a psychological thriller about a convicted rapist, Max Cady (played by De Niro), who seeks revenge on his former defense attorney, Sam Bowden, whom he blames for his incarceration. Throughout the film, the police are portrayed as being involved in investigating the escalating conflict between Cady and Bowden. They become increasingly involved as Cady’s actions become more threatening and violent. The police attempt to protect Bowden and his family while also trying to apprehend Cady for his various crimes.
However, Cady, who is extremely cunning and manipulative, manages to outmaneuver the police at several points in the film, exploiting legal loopholes and using his knowledge of the law to evade capture, “testing” the limits of the law (both to avoid accountability and also seemingly for sport). This creates a sense of tension and frustration for the Bowdens and the authorities as they struggle to contain the situation.
The role of the police and thr criminal justice system in “Cape Fear” serves to highlight the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with a determined and intelligent criminal, as well as the psychological toll such a pursuit can take on those involved.
