As a longtime follower of politics and pop culture, I find myself intrigued by Kamala Harris‘ strategic positioning as a former prosecutor in her presidential campaign. On one hand, her background has undeniably equipped her with the skills to tackle complex issues and take on powerful adversaries, much like the heroes we see in movies and TV shows. However, the problem is that Hollywood hasn’t been kind to protagonists wearing a prosecutor’s hat, often portraying them as cold, calculating, or even morally bankrupt.
During her acceptance speech on Thursday evening, Kamala Harris emphasized her previous role as an attorney general. Speaking to the audience at the United Center, she said, “When I was a prosecutor, I didn’t charge cases in the name of the victim, but in the name of the people.”
I’ve always admired individuals with unwavering dedication to justice and fairness, and this candidate embodies that spirit perfectly. Ever since she ramped up her campaign, I’ve observed a consistent strategy that resonates deeply with me – a relentless pursuit of accountability.
On the other side, this strategy is based on straightforward reasoning. Harris climbed up the political ladder through her well-respected career as a prosecutor. Given that her opponent was found guilty of a felony and his campaign hinged on the perception that Democrats are too lenient on crime, being labeled a “successful career prosecutor” works effectively in her defense.
However, although it might be politically effective, Harris’ affiliation with her past profession as a prosecutor could lead to an unforeseen obstacle: Over time, Hollywood has crafted a lukewarm perspective on prosecutors in the public consciousness.
On screens, for quite some time now, we’ve seen many valiant lawyers take center stage – characters like Perry Mason, Atticus Finch, Jake Brigance portrayed by McConaughey in “A Time To Kill”, and Alicia Florrick from “The Good Wife”. However, they all represent the defense, working tirelessly to correct injustices with an air of self-reliance and unwavering honesty.
In many well-known movies and series, prosecutors are often portrayed as supporting characters or even fall into trouble because of the legal system they themselves established.
Instead of focusing on the adversaries of defense lawyers, let’s discuss the affectionately inept prosecutors. These legal professionals act as gracious passers, allowing the defense to score decisive victories. In fact, Hamilton Burger, the L.A. County prosecutor from Perry Mason, was so ineffective in his courtroom battles that the actor portraying him, William Talman, frequently argued that his character wasn’t a mere underling – a clear indication that he may have been one.
“He often boasted that a district attorney can’t lose because they don’t convict innocent people. However, it was noticeable that he never seemed to prosecute the guilty either. This became evident in the movie ‘My Cousin Vinny’, where the prosecutor frequently struggled against Joe Pesci’s character. In a similar fashion, Trump has capitalized on these impressions by labeling his DA adversary Alvin Bragg as ‘lacking in efforts against violent crime.'”
In Sidney Lumet’s 1996 drama, “Night Falls on Manhattan“, the portrayal of a prosecutor, played by Andy Garcia as ADA Sean Casey, was unique and complex. As he rapidly advanced in his career while maintaining his principles, the storyline unfortunately lost its impact – it’s worth noting that this movie wasn’t as successful compared to other films. Furthermore, Garcia’s depiction of righteousness coupled with compromise didn’t hold a candle to the traditional heroic figures seen on the other side of the courtroom. Interestingly, 40 years prior to this, Lumet had created “12 Angry Men,” which relied heavily on the eventual collapse of the prosecution for its narrative structure.
In my opinion, when not clouded by cynicism and impotence, fictional prosecutors often stumble over their own hardened perspectives, as portrayed in shows like “Law & Order”. Characters such as Jack McCoy, a seasoned veteran, are typically jaded and weary. His protege, Claire Kincaid, started off with idealistic fervor but was gradually worn down by the relentless pursuit of convictions, eventually becoming disillusioned. A former assistant U.S. attorney once wrote for NYU’s Brennan Center for Justice, stating that they became a prosecutor because they detest bullies, but ultimately stopped due to encountering similar behavior within the system itself.
As Kamala Harris delves deeper into her career, it appears that she’s inadvertently striking a sensitive nerve – one that suggests we’ve been conditioned over many years by the entertainment industry not to cheer for it.
In this summer’s screenings, Jake Gyllenhaal portrays a compassionately depicted prosecutor in Apple TV+’s “Presumed Innocent.” However, to escape the murder accusation, his character requires – as one might expect – a skilled defense lawyer.
In a manner that few screen prosecutors embody the profession’s intimidating demeanor as effectively as Harvey Dent from Batman does, both in early 1940s DC comics and modern Christopher Nolan films. Harvey Dent transitions from a justice-driven District Attorney to a symbol of moral corruption, regardless of time passing or changes in presidency. Fictional prosecutors, however, consistently meet their downfall.
As a keen observer, it’s fascinating to note how Hollywood portrayals often echo and, at times, even influence political realities. These depictions can potentially create obstacles, such as influencing voting decisions, especially closer to the ballot box.
In the contemporary period, only one experienced prosecutor, Bill Clinton, has managed to secure the White House. However, it’s more accurate to say he achieved this position less due to his moral authority and more because of other factors. When considering U.S. presidents throughout history, those who were known for defending the disadvantaged quickly come to mind: Jefferson, Lincoln, Obama. On the other hand, when contemplating presidents who served as prosecutors, a flurry of Jeopardy clues pops up: Polk, McKinley, Van Buren.
Indeed, it’s important to note that prosecutors play a vital role in our society, with many outstanding individuals serving in this capacity. As Harris highlighted on Thursday, her work was just as heroic as that of any defense attorney. She pointed out several cases she pursued against “predators,” “deceptive banks,” “fraudulent colleges,” “abusers of the elderly,” and “criminal cartels.”
However, the popular portrayal of authority figures has fallen behind. The allure of the American outlaw and the underdog seems to cast the prosecutor, supported by the government and constrained by rules, as an unattractive character. During the Bill Cosby trial years ago, my fellow journalists and I were drawn to the defense attorney’s dramatic performances and colorful phrases, while the prosecutor, whose abilities were undeniable, found no need for late-night drugstore visits for sleep aids.
Without a doubt, Harris has rejected many aspects often associated with her, including her distinctive laughter, casual remarks, and vibrant memes, which challenge stereotypes. Intriguingly, it seems that her relaxed instances have gained popularity precisely because they are so different from the labels typically attached to her field.
Over the next ten weeks, I’ll persistently work towards reshaping my public persona. Whether this approach will lead to an electoral victory remains uncertain until November. However, one thing is clear – I’ve managed to accomplish something that Hollywood has strived for over 75 years: craft a captivating on-screen prosecutor character.
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2024-08-23 14:25