Charles Manson: The Final Words

Charles Manson: The Final Words is a riveting 2017 documentary that delves into the life of one of the most infamous figures in modern history - Charles Manson. Directed by James Buddy Day, the film features Manson's unheard memories and insights, narrated by Rob Zombie, while also shedding light on Manson's enigmatic persona and unsettling mindset. The documentary combines chilling first-person accounts, intriguing archival footage, police records, and conversations with Manson himself while in prison.

The film goes beyond just the historical record to explore Manson's decades-long influence on American culture, and indeed, globally. It unearths his charismatic allure that enabled him to manipulate his followers, leading to the gruesome Manson Family murders that shook the foundation of 1960s America.

One of the main draws of Charles Manson: The Final Words is that it includes actual phone conversations between James Buddy Day and Manson. The conversations took place just a few months before Manson's death in 2017, offering unsettling yet profound insights into his mind. Manson's narratives guide the structure of the documentary, providing his perspective on the series of events that led to the notorious crime spree of the Manson Family.

Despite his confounding and disturbing rhetoric, Manson's dissection of his life and the notorious family he led paints a broader picture of the man beneath the monster image society attributed to him. The documentary lays bare the mastery of control that Manson exerted over his followers, instigating them into committing heinous crimes and the role that drug-induced psychosis played in the Manson Family members' actions.

The documentary does not solely focus on Manson; it also includes interviews with former Manson Family members, like Bobby Beausoleil and Barbara Hoyt. Their accounts help illustrate the warped reality that Manson created for his followers. It's equally captivating and disturbing to hear firsthand of Manson's manipulative ways and the impact he had on these individuals' lives. Who they were before they met Manson and the consequences they faced as a part of the Manson Family shapes the narrative of the film.

Other key narratives in the documentary are from the legal actors involved in the Manson trials. Their accounts underline the magnitude of the Manson Family crimes and the media frenzy that followed. The documentary also dissects the prosecution's case against Manson, contributing further depth to the already multi-dimensional narrative of the film.

The film doesn't shy away from contradicting certain widely accepted ideas about the Manson Family's crimes. Using investigative journalism techniques, it identifies a few gaps in the official story and takes a critical look at the motive attributed to the murders. It unflinchingly puts the spotlight on some of the lesser-known facts & narratives, challenging various aspects of the Manson mythology and presenting alternative viewpoints.

Charles Manson: The Final Words painstakingly pieces together the complex tapestry of Manson's life - from his troubled childhood, his time as a petty criminal, the forming of the Manson family, the shocking crimes they committed and the media circus that ensued. Intertwined with Manson's mesmerizing and chilling monologues, the documentary builds a haunting portrait of a man whose name became synonymous with evil.

Visually, the documentary employs a gripping cinematic style to add to the intensity of the content. A series of recreations, archival footage, and photographs enhance the impact of each narrative and form an integral part of the documentary's storytelling device.

While Charles Manson: The Final Words may not necessarily provide definitive answers or change opinion about Charles Manson, it certainly offers a greater understanding of how he became the symbol of unhinged madness that he is known to be. The film is a thought-provoking exploration of a famously twisted psyche, the horror of his reign, and a cultural phenomenon that continues to leave an indelible mark on American society.

For those with an interest in true crime, psychology, or recent history, Charles Manson: The Final Words presents a captivating narrative filled with disturbing revelations and profound insights into one of the darkest chapters of American history. It is a chilling journey that leaves viewers reflecting on the nature of evil, manipulation, and the human capacity for violence.