When faced with a gun, they say you start sharing your life story. It's ironic since we're taught not to talk to strangers. Yet, revealing everything – your full name, age, hometown – humanizes you. Suddenly, you transform from prey into a complete human being with a story: a sister, a son, a teacher, and a parent. A history that's not easily erased. This is why it's easier for the audience to connect with movie heroes. We witness their journey from childhood, learning about their interests, music, and snacks. They endure hardships, rising from the ashes, and using their trauma for good. It's natural to root for them.

But for villains, we meet them only in their villainous state. No backstory, no understanding of why they are the way they are. Bitter, vile, always scheming evil plans. Yet, few pause to consider that villains might have a story too. It makes me think, that perhaps they have a favorite color, a beloved food. Maybe, like heroes, they were once children with unmet dreams and hopes. Maybe there is a reason why they turned out to be the villain.

You were the villain in my life. You seemed indifferent, always angry, casting a shadow on every happy occasion. I resented you for it. Reflecting on this, I wonder – if I had known your music preferences, your favorite food, that moved and tickled your taste buds, or if you had only told me your favorite color from the start, maybe I would have empathized more. Perhaps it would have made me realize that, in our story, I was the one holding the metaphorical gun.

© Reimante
#prose #villain #story #life #philosofy #contemporaryart