Watch Charles Manson Superstar

Charles Manson Superstar is a 1989 documentary film, that revolves around the notorious cult leader and mass murderer, Charles Manson. The film is directed and narrated by Nikolas Schreck and features a series of interviews with Manson himself, as well as interviews with Manson Family members, including former members of the cult who had been present during the notorious Tate-LaBianca murders in 1969.

The film opens with a serene shot of a desert landscape and a haunting background score, setting the grim tone for the rest of the documentary. The narrator, Nikolas Schreck, begins the film by acknowledging Manson's legacy as a cultural icon and also his reputation as a mass murderer. He also teases the viewer with the promise of an intimate look into the mind of the man whose name is synonymous with evil.

The interviews with Manson are the highlight of the film, and they reveal the cult leader's own version of events leading up to the murders, as well as his worldview on society and the human condition. Manson is portrayed as a cunning and charismatic leader whose words can still hold influence over certain individuals, even decades later.

The film does not shy away from portraying Manson as a celebrated figure, with clips of his music videos and performances, showcasing his musical talent, which was one of the reasons why he drew such a devout following in the late 1960s. However, the documentary also underlines the twisted nature of Manson's beliefs, which included a bizarre blend of environmentalism, Scientology, and racial supremacy.

Schreck's documentary also provides a voice to the Manson Family members, some of whom are now living in seclusion from society. They reveal their reasons for joining the cult and their experiences living on the Spahn Ranch, which served as the headquarters for the Manson Family. These interviews are accompanied by eerie footage of the derelict ranch, which adds to the overall eerie vibe of the film.

The documentary also explores the larger cultural significance of the Manson murders and their lasting impact on American society. There are interviews with journalists, historians, and law enforcement officials, who discuss the influence of Manson's philosophy on subsequent counterculture movements, as well as the intricacies of the Manson trial and how it changed the American legal system.

The documentary also includes interviews with James N. Mason, a white supremacist who adopted Manson's philosophy and saw him as a hero. Mason's inclusion in the film provides a grim reminder of Manson's role as a symbol of hate and violence in American society.

Despite its chilling subject matter, Charles Manson Superstar is a well-crafted documentary that manages to delve deep into Manson's psyche without glorifying his crimes. The film presents a balanced perspective, showing both Manson's charisma and musical talent, and his undeniable role in orchestrating one of the most heinous crimes in American history.

In conclusion, Charles Manson Superstar is a haunting documentary that sheds light on the enigmatic cult leader and the lasting impact of his crimes on American society. The film provides an intimate glimpse into Manson's mind and the twisted worldview that led him to orchestrate the Tate-LaBianca murders. However, it also explores the larger cultural significance of Manson's legacy, and how his crimes changed the American legal system and became a cautionary tale for generations to come.