The dictionary defines aggression as an unprovoked or provoked attack. Human beings express a myriad of emotions in their behaviour. As we experience love and hate, inevitably, there is an element of aggression in everyone. Aggression is a natural part of life and relates directly to the individual and their own personal expression of aggression. It can be a good natural response to the injustice and horror we see around us, or it can contribute to the horror in the world through an inappropriate expression. Through looking at Blood Brothers, 12 Angry Men, After the First Death and a police report we can see that aggression is a natural response to the surrounding environment, yet also shaped by other factors. Whilst aggression takes a more subtle form in some, in others it can be a dominant force and goes beyond socially acceptable limits. This essay will look at the reasons, consequences and justification of aggression and through looking at the four mediums: film, text, song lyrics and a police report we can see why the creator of each text has chosen their own form to most effectively create meaning and convey the feeling of aggression. .
12 Angry Men, a film directed by William Friedkin portrays a fascinating, psychological insight into twelve men and the expression of their aggression. The plot revolves around jury deliberations for an 18-yr-old Hispanic boy, who is on trial for the murder of his father. We see the arguments as each juror struggles to sort the evidence from the opinions. 12 Angry Men explores the predispositions of men and the good - or bad - that emerges when they"re tossed together and forced to reach a unanimous decision on the fate of another person. The consequences of aggression can also be seen as some men are so blinded by their own emotions they become illogical and a young man's life is almost wrongfully taken from him. 12 Angry Men is a dialogue-laden film, yet this is not the only way meaning is created, the use of filmic techniques, actions and the visualisation of the aggressive behaviour is just as significant.