Netflix’s new documentary CHAOS: The Manson Murders delves into the mind control, CIA experiments, and murder surrounding Charles Manson. Director Errol Morris avoids sensationalizing the true crime narrative, instead opting for a nuanced exploration of how our desire to craft narratives around the unexplainable shapes our understanding of the world.
Through conversations with Tom O’Neill, a committed obsessive who connects Manson to Louis “Jolly” West, a psychiatrist connected with the CIA’s MKUltra project, Morris weaves together multiple interpretations of events. The documentary includes new audio interviews with Bobby Beausoleil and reenacts the story of the murders through court transcripts.
Morris breaks down the basics of the case, offering a straightforward retelling of the events. However, this section feels bland and stripped of emotional resonance, as Morris intentionally avoids sensationalism to focus on the complexities of the narrative. The documentary’s intention is not to provide an answer but rather to explore the need for stories in explaining the unexplainable.
Morris serves as an active presence, engaging with his subjects and posing provocative questions. He encourages viewers to consider their own fascination with celebrity and victimization, stripping away genre or theme expectations to create a more authentic portrayal of the tragedy.
Ultimately, CHAOS is a thought-provoking documentary that probes the human need for narratives in understanding the unexplainable. While it may not provide clear answers, Morris succeeds in conveying the complexity and nuance required to truly grasp the events surrounding Charles Manson.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/chaos-the-manson-murders-review-errol-morris-netflix-1236156795