True Crime Movies

[kensei]

Ah, my mistake. Thanks for correcting me.

[sdreid]

History Channel's first showing of Manson is Monday evening at 9-8c. IMDb lists the players but doesn't give much other information about the production.

[Magpie]

History Channel's first showing of Manson is Monday evening at 9-8c. IMDb lists the players but doesn't give much other information about the production.

I wish I could see that. Hopefully they'll get around to showing it on the Canadian version of the History Channel.



Speaking of Manson, did anyone see the remake of Helter Skelter? I know it got almost universally crappy reviews, but I thought it was pretty good.

[sdreid]

Hi Magpie,

I saw it and agree with you.

[sdreid]

Perhaps for purposes of clarity, I should lay out what I think are the tiers of "true crime related" films. In a subsequent post, I'll list them, least to most, by Category-Description Film Example (Case)

[sdreid]

True Crime Related Film Levels:

1-Fictional connection-Film with a made up tie to an actual case Time After Time (Jack the Ripper)

2-Inspired by-A movie where the idea came from a real crime but with few actualities maintained Psycho (Ed Gein)

3-Based on-The faithful recreation of a case but with names and/or locations changed Naked Massacre (Richard Speck)

4-Docudrama-Generally true rendition of the crimes portrayed by actors Helter Skelter (Charles Manson)

5-Docudramentary-A documentary with dramatized reenactments interspersed The Other Side of Bonnie and Clyde (Parker/Barrow Gang)

6-Documentary-Pure primer on the case Villisca: Living with a Mystery (Villisca axe murders)

[Magpie]

Good news/bad news on the Manson show. History Television is showing it in Canada tomorrow night, but unfortunately I'm working.

Luckily my wife is going to record it for me so I can watch it when I get home

[sdreid]

Good deal Magpie. I'm sure it will be replayed numerous times also.

[sdreid]

I thought the Manson production was pretty good. It wasn't just a remake of Helter Skelter. The program will re-air at 12 Midnight Central/1 AM Eastern.

[sdreid]

I watched Night Stalker (2009) last night. It was only 85 minutes long and that's about the only good thing I can say about it.

[sdreid]

Last month, I watched Drifter: Henry Lee Lucas. I didn't expect much but it actually gets a passing grade from me.

[sdreid]

My rating systen top to bottom:

Exceptional

[sdreid]

Superior

Good

[sdreid]

Decent

Mediocre

[sdreid]

Poor

Bad