Predator (1987): Symbolic Deaths Reflecting Masculinity

One fan theory about the 1987 Predator movie delves into an intriguing interpretation of the film's underlying theme of masculinity. The theory posits the idea that the deaths of the characters in the movie are not just about eliminating them but are symbolic tests of their masculinity, with each character dying in a manner that critiques their individual displays of manliness.

Hawkins, the first to die, is portrayed as the least successful in projecting masculinity, and his gruesome death reflects his earlier crude jokes about his girlfriend. Blain, known for his swagger and famous "I ain't got time to bleed" line, dies in a bloodless manner, showcasing the superficiality of his masculine bravado. Mac, the mentally unstable character, meets his end through a headshot, possibly a nod to his constant head-shaving and his self-proclaimed threat to "carve my name into your skin."

Dillon, who engages in an arm-wrestling match with Dutch, loses and later suffers a death that targets the same arm, symbolizing his loss of dominance. Finally, Ramirez, who displays his prowess during the guerrilla camp raid, is thrown through the air similarly to his enemies in the very scene he dominates, hinting at irony in his fate. The only character who doesn't strive to project masculinity is Billy, and he meets a more noble and mysterious off-screen death due to his choice not to run, emphasizing a different kind of masculinity exemplified by Dutch, rooted in instinct and resourcefulness.