Directed by Joel Schumacher, A Time to Kill, relies on the invocation of feelings and emotions both among the characters and with the viewers. The plotline of the story concerns a murder case where Carl Lee Hailey murders two white men who brutally physically and sexually harassed his ten-year old daughter. Hence, the film is largely dependent on empathy especially for such a strange case where whether or not Carl Lee Hailey is punished justice will still be served. Schumacher however, uses the opening scene in order to sway the audience’s emotions towards Carl Hailey.

The opening scene of A Time to Kill immediately allows the viewer to empathize with Carl Lee Hailey, for it cleverly portrays how these two racist, white men shattered the innocence of a young, black girl and diminished the livelihood of an adolescent. The producer did not plunge the viewers in to the rape scene, but rather juxtaposes the initial two atmospheres and settings. One of terror and dominance as the two bigoted men enter the town versus the tranquil and naïve atmosphere brought by Tonya. The camera works of this scene essentially puts the viewers in Tonya’s shoes and constructs the utter tumultuous nature of Tonya’s state of mind. Zooming into the harsh ropes tying her small hands and showing her bloody, lifeless legs are key components of this scene that trigger the audience to empathize with her. This same empathetic response does not seem possible if the viewers heard it through the words of Jakes Brigance. Ultimately, viewers wish for these two men to be punished. Thus, when Carl Hailey is put on trial for murdering these rapists, it is understandable for the viewers to side with Carl Hailey since he served justice for the sake of his ten year old daughter.

During the rape scene, the producer uses first person narration of Tonya. This choice invokes real empathy because she is an adolescent who has yet to enjoy her childhood, but became victim to the corrupt and barbarous nature her bigoted society. Throughout this scene, she calls for help by continuously calling “Daddy.” This reminds the viewers that this is a child who does not even understand what is being done to her and only comprehends that she is in pain and trouble. The idea that she could not say anything other than daddy also emphasizes her vulnerable state, and further characterizes the two white men as callous and inhuman. Empathetic feelings of anger and injustice are aroused through the opening scene in addition to feelings of distress for Tonya and her family. However, this is the key moment where the fragility of empathy is exposed because a viewer is susceptible to over-aroused by this scene. Over-aroused empathy can make the viewer blindly support Carl Hailey, and fail to recognize the nuances of the case from an objective view point. The strategic placement of the rape scene sets the audience against the two men, and helps justify the vigilant murder committed by Carl Hailey.

Works Cited:

A Time To Kill.  Joel Schumacher. Regency Enterprises, Warner Bros 1996. Swank Motion Pictures.