Putting A New Spin On An Old Concept
There are so many films, books, and television series surrounding Manson and his family that it’s pretty hard to know where to start. In my case, I can just look at Mindhunter or American Horror Story, both of which include references to the gruesome Tate-LaBianca murders that took place 56 years ago.
Not to mention the plethora of books that have been produced since to include CHAOS: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties, which was released in 2019 and is penned by Tom O’Neil, the very nonfiction work this documentary seeks to execute.
The movie attempts to offer a fresh perspective on this aged issue, which it manages to accomplish in a rather stylistic way, and what a sharp documentary film it is! as well as leaning towards some of the more conspiratorial notions and theories of the Manson Murders.
Chaos: The Manson Murders has been divided into distinct chapters that tackle notable aspects of Manson’s life, including his music, the worship from his followers, and how it all ties to the bigger spectrum. The film does not, however, focus on his early years or formative years, which feels like a gaping hole in the story being told. Most importantly, his childhood trauma must have, to a strong degree, allowed him to identify with other vulnerable spirits he would latch onto and form deep bonds with through the trauma bond phenomenon.
This documentary does not pursue the notion that Manson is presumed to bond with his followers under the influence of pain, drugs, and other forms of stimulus and narrative while being cut off from the rest of the world.
The central narrative shift, instead, focuses on a Manson Family conspiracy with the CIA that includes something called Operation CHAOS, which sought to plant false memories and create mind-controlled soldiers.
However, it isn’t just a descent into conspiratorial lunacy. Director Errol Morris realistically tries to remain objective by tackling other aspects, including the one surrounding Helter Skelter.
And, as one might expect from a film like this, the chronology of the murders is covered extensively, including a lot of archival footage from the period. Photos are dramatically presented by hierarchically bipartitioning the victims and replacing them with blank space. There are also obtuse split-screen views, archival interviews of Manson, a number of his contemporaries, and a great deal of red ink. Even the animated autopsy reports are surprisingly effective in depicting the bullets or knife wounds inflicted, which had to be shown.
In reality, Chaos: The Manson Murders presents some new angles on the Manson Murders, but it is through some pretty out-there, and in some cases, completely absurd theories. It’s not the worst watch, but for how much this topic has been explored, there isn’t much that tries to offer new perspectives on the already scrutinized events.
To Watch More Movies Like Chaos: The Manson Murders, Visit Soap2day.
