David Fincher’s latest work, the Netflix series “Mindhunter,” has no shortage of uncomfortable dialogue coupled with images of horrendous acts. But underneath the grit is a haunting lesson: empathy is dangerous.
In a video essay by Over Analyze, the haunting nature of “Mindhunter” is deconstructed, showing patterns of psycho analysis and the consequences of Holden Ford’s obsession and empathetic nature. The danger of human connection is expressed in “Mindhunter” by how the characters, based on real life FBI agents, interact with serial killers. As opposed to studying patterns and gauging hypotheses, Holden goes a step further, building trust with subjects in order to better understand their mentality. As the series unravels, the audience bears witness to Holden’s own decline; his paranoia building, his connections with the psychopaths as complex as any regular relationship. Holden’s fall is gradual, and by the end of the season, he fully understands the rabbit hole he finds himself in, with the camera for the first time shaking uncontrollably, mimicking his own break and loss of control and understanding.
READ MORE: ‘Mindhunter’ Season 2 Story Revealed
“Mindhunter” is an extremely fascinating series to watch; the writing is tactile, the discussion of violence and absence of the physical act makes it all the more unnerving. This video essay is a nice look back on the series as we wait for season two.