Comparing Mystic River to Greek Tragedy

Many of today's novels, television shows, and movies have plots based on the classic Greek tragedy. Mystic River, a film directed by Clint Eastwood, follows this formula in some respect but it would be note worthy to examine how it differs. Dave Boyle, Jimmy Markum, and Sean Devine are playing in the street when a sedan pulls up and then drives away with Dave in the back. The guys in the car were pedophiles who …

…not traumatized by his actions. The most sadistic part though is that Sean doesn't avenge Dave's murder by informing the authorities. He just lets it go. The same way him and Jimmy let Dave go. The makers of Mystic River didn't follow this part of the formula to surprise the audience. People have grown accustom to the Greek tragedy formula in movies. Also it would seem out of character for Jimmy to feel great remorse.