Watch Inside the Manson Cult: The Lost Tapes
- 2018
- 2 hr
-
6.3 (676)
Inside the Manson Cult: The Lost Tapes is a 2018 documentary film that provides an unprecedented look into the infamous Manson Family. The movie is a compilation of genuine archival footage and police materials that were discovered only recently. The documentary was directed by Hugh Ballantyne and produced by Naked Television and ITV Studios America.
The film goes beyond the chilling details of Charles Manson and his Family's notorious murder spree and explores how they managed to manipulate and control members' minds. It also examines Manson's messianic vision that shaped their dangerous world view.
Inside the Manson Cult: The Lost Tapes takes a unique approach to the topic by telling the story through the lens of actual footage taken at the time of the Manson Family's crimes. The documentary captures the essence of the Manson family members and allows audiences to witness their lifestyle and behavior firsthand. The footage includes scenes of the Family hanging out at the Spahn Ranch, revealing how they lived, and interacted with other cultists.
Liev Schreiber narrates throughout the documentary, offering contextual information and historical background on the crimes committed by the Family. He provides a compelling yet unbiased account of the events, providing an informative and riveting narration exposition.
The documentary also features new interviews with people such as prosecutor Stephen Kay and Manson family member Catherine Share, among others. They offer their perspectives and provide additional insight into the actions and motivations of the Manson Family.
The film chronicles not just the Manson murders but also the subsequent investigations and trials. It shares the stories of the victims and survivors who were harmed by the Family's warped ideology. The interviews and footage provide emotional depth and contextualize the Family's behavior within the larger cultural context of the 1960s.
Keith J. Obit contributes to the authenticity of the film by providing his perspective as an LAPD officer who was one of the first officers on the scene on August 9th, 1969, when the police discovered five people brutally murdered at the home of Sharon Tate. He shares details from the investigation, and his presence in the documentary lends credibility to the film.
Stefan Ashton Frank is another important figure in the documentary, bringing a unique perspective as the son of a Manson family member. His mother Squeaky Fromme was serving time in prison when he was born. Frank describes the ways in which Manson manipulated his mother and how Fromme's devotion to Manson and his ideals created major strain in their relationship.
The use of raw footage of Manson and his Family members, as well as court hearings and interviews, gives the viewer an eerily intimate look at the manipulations and murders committed by the group. The film chronicles how Manson's charisma and charisma attracted young, marginalized individuals seeking greater purpose in their lives. The documentary adds depth to Manson's past and delves into his relationship with music producer Terry Melcher, the former resident of 10050 Cielo Drive, where the Tate-LaBianca murders occurred.
Ultimately, Inside the Manson Cult: The Lost Tapes stands out amongst other documentaries on Manson and the Family. By weaving together the lost footage and interviews with those who were personally affected by Manson's crimes, it captures the genuine emotions and consequences of their horrific actions.
In conclusion, Inside the Manson Cult: The Lost Tapes is a compelling and unique documentary that provides insights into the mind and behavior of one of the most notorious cult leaders in modern history. It exposes the vulnerabilities that many people face, allowing themselves to fall under the control of leaders with more sinister intentions, leaving unmeasurable emotional and mental scars that persist for a lifetime. The documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime, as it provides a deeper understanding of the complex, and at times twisted, motivations of cult leaders and their followers.
Inside the Manson Cult: The Lost Tapes is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.