Chaos: The Manson Murders – A Disappointingly Conventional Take on an Unconventional Crime

Errol Morris’s new Netflix documentary, Chaos: The Manson Murders, had the potential to be a truly fascinating exploration of the infamous 1969 Manson Family killings. However, despite its intriguing premise and initial promise of delving into conspiracy theories, the film ultimately falls short, offering a somewhat superficial and unfulfilling experience.

A Missed Opportunity:

The documentary centers around journalist Tom O’Neill, who spent years investigating the Manson murders and challenging the official narrative. O’Neill’s research uncovered potential links between Manson and the CIA’s MKUltra program, suggesting a government conspiracy to destabilize the counterculture movement.

However, instead of fully exploring these intriguing connections, Morris seems more interested in deconstructing O’Neill’s theories, highlighting their lack of concrete evidence. This approach, while intellectually stimulating, ultimately undermines the documentary’s potential to truly delve into the shadowy depths of the Manson case.

A Rehash of Familiar Territory:

While the film does provide a comprehensive overview of the Manson case, including Manson’s background and the gruesome details of the murders, this information is readily available elsewhere. For those already familiar with the case, this rehashing of well-known facts feels somewhat redundant and fails to offer any new insights.

A Generic Aesthetic:

Visually, Chaos adheres to the typical Netflix true-crime aesthetic, with a rapid-fire montage of archival footage, crime scene photos, and talking-head interviews. This approach, while aiming for dynamism, feels generic and uninspired, failing to elevate the film beyond standard true-crime fare.

Unanswered Questions:

The film’s use of Manson’s music adds an unsettling atmosphere but also raises questions about the filmmaker’s intentions. Is Morris attempting to humanize Manson or simply exploit the macabre fascination surrounding him? The film never provides clear answers, leaving viewers with a sense of unease and unresolved questions.

Thought-Provoking but Unsatisfying:

Despite its shortcomings, Chaos does raise important questions about the nature of truth and the narratives we construct around historical events. By juxtaposing O’Neill’s conspiracy theories with more conventional explanations, Morris encourages viewers to critically examine the information they consume.

However, the film’s failure to fully commit to either debunking or supporting O’Neill’s theories leaves it feeling somewhat incomplete and unsatisfying. It’s a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Manson case and offer a truly compelling alternative perspective.

In Conclusion:

Chaos: The Manson Murders is a film that is more interesting to think about than to watch. It teases the possibility of uncovering hidden truths and exploring alternative narratives but ultimately falls short of delivering a truly satisfying experience. While it serves as a reminder of the complexities of historical events and the challenges of seeking definitive answers, it ultimately leaves viewers wanting more.