The Whydunit: Unraveling the Mystery Behind Detective Movies
Have you ever watched a detective movie and found yourself more intrigued by the motives behind the crime than the culprit’s identity? If so, you’ve likely stumbled upon a fascinating subgenre of detective stories known as the “whydunit.” In this deep dive, we’ll explore the intricacies of this compelling twist on traditional detective narratives and why it’s captivating audiences worldwide.
What Is a Whydunit?
At its core, a whydunit is a detective story that shifts the focus from “who did it?” to “why did they do it?” This subtle yet powerful change in perspective opens up a whole new world of storytelling possibilities, allowing filmmakers and writers to delve deeper into the human psyche and explore the darker corners of our shared experiences.
The Whodunit vs. The Whydunit
To better understand the whydunit, let’s compare it to its more well-known cousin, the whodunit:
- Whodunit: Think of classic murder mysteries like Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express.” The primary focus is on gathering clues and unmasking the killer’s identity.
- Whydunit: In contrast, movies like “The Silence of the Lambs” reveal the killer’s identity early on. The real mystery lies in understanding the psychological motivations driving their actions.
The Five Flavors of Whydunits
According to Blake Snyder’s “Save the Cat Goes to the Movies,” whydunits can be further categorized into five distinct subtypes:
- Film Noir Whydunit: The protagonist enters a shadowy world that only they can navigate.
- Political Whydunit: These stories uncover the abuse of political or corporate power. Think “All the President’s Men” or “The Pelican Brief.”
- Fantasy Whydunit: Set in otherworldly realms, these stories blend mystery with fantastical elements.
- Cop Whydunit: These narratives focus as much on the lawman’s internal struggles as on the criminals they’re pursuing.
- Personal Whydunit: A civilian takes on a case to save themselves or others, often diving into unfamiliar and dangerous territory.
The Three Pillars of a Whydunit
Every great whydunit is built on three essential elements that work together to create a compelling narrative:
1. The Detective
The detective in a whydunit can be anyone from a seasoned professional to an amateur sleuth or even an imaginary investigator. What sets them apart is their unwavering determination to uncover the truth, no matter where it leads.
Some notable examples include:
- Betty, the starry-eyed actress in “Mulholland Drive”
- Brendan, the high school student in “Brick”
- Jake Gittes in “Chinatown”
Interestingly, these detectives often remain unchanged by their investigations. Instead, it’s the audience who experiences the transformation, gaining new insights into human nature and societal issues.
2. The Secret
At the heart of every whydunit lies a secret so powerful that it overshadows worldly temptations like money, sex, power, or fame. This enigma drives both the detective and the audience forward, growing in intensity as the story unfolds.
Consider these examples:
- In “Under the Silver Lake,” Sam is drawn into a surreal mystery that threatens to consume him entirely.
- Jim Garrison’s investigation into JFK’s assassination in “JFK” puts him in the crosshairs of powerful forces.
- In “Rear Window,” Jeffrey’s suspicion of his neighbor’s murderous activities becomes an all-consuming obsession.
3. The Dark Turn
As the detective delves deeper into the mystery, they often find themselves becoming part of the very darkness they’re investigating. This “dark turn” is a crucial element of the whydunit, showing how the pursuit of truth can lead even the most principled individuals to break their own rules.
Examples of the dark turn include:
- Deckard falling in love with a replicant in “Blade Runner”
- Sergeant Exley taking justice into his own hands in “L.A. Confidential”
- Detective Mills succumbing to wrath in “Se7en”
The Psychology Behind Whydunits
What makes whydunits so captivating to audiences? The answer lies in our inherent curiosity about human nature and our desire to understand the motivations behind seemingly inexplicable actions.
Exploring the Dark Side of Human Behavior
Whydunits allow us to safely explore the darker aspects of human psychology from the comfort of our seats. As we follow the detective’s journey, we’re confronted with uncomfortable truths about ourselves and society at large.
The Allure of the Forbidden
There’s an undeniable attraction to the forbidden and the taboo. Whydunits tap into this fascination, allowing us to vicariously experience the thrill of crossing moral boundaries without actually doing so ourselves.
Challenging Our Assumptions
By focusing on the “why” rather than the “who,” these stories force us to question our preconceptions about good and evil. They remind us that even the most heinous acts often have complex motivations behind them.
Crafting a Compelling Whydunit
If you’re inspired to try your hand at writing a whydunit, here are some key elements to keep in mind:
- Create a Complex Detective: Your protagonist should be flawed and relatable, with their own internal struggles that mirror the external mystery they’re trying to solve.
- Develop a Multi-Layered Secret: The central mystery should have multiple levels of revelation, each one deepening the audience’s understanding of the characters and their motivations.
- Plan the Dark Turn: Consider how your detective will be changed by their investigation and how they might compromise their values in pursuit of the truth.
- Build Atmosphere: Whydunits thrive on a sense of unease and moral ambiguity. Use setting, dialogue, and mood to create an immersive atmosphere that keeps your audience on edge.
- Focus on Character Development: While the plot is important, the real heart of a whydunit lies in its exploration of character motivations and psychological depth.
The Impact of Whydunits on Popular Culture
Whydunits have left an indelible mark on popular culture, influencing everything from literature and film to television and video games. Their emphasis on psychological complexity and moral ambiguity has helped pave the way for the antihero-driven narratives that dominate much of today’s prestige television.
Moreover, the whydunit’s focus on understanding motivations rather than simply solving puzzles has encouraged audiences to engage more deeply with storytelling, looking beyond surface-level plot points to explore the underlying themes and ideas.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the Whydunit
In a world that often seems increasingly complex and morally ambiguous, whydunits offer us a way to grapple with difficult questions about human nature and society. By inviting us to look beyond the surface and explore the hidden motivations behind people’s actions, these stories challenge us to think more deeply about the world around us.
Whether you’re a fan of classic film noir, political thrillers, or mind-bending psychological dramas, there’s a whydunit out there for you. So the next time you’re in the mood for a mystery that goes beyond simple whodunits, why not give a whydunit a try? You might just find yourself asking, “Why didn’t I discover these sooner?”
Remember, as we’ve learned from the best whydunits, some secrets are better left hidden – but the journey to uncover them is always thrilling.