Dir. Mary Harron (trailer)
Charlie Says is a new perspective on the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders committed by Charles Manson and his cult followers 50 years ago. Unlike other films and books about the Manson Family, usually told from the male perspective, this film takes a new approach by focusing on the perspective of Leslie "Lulu" Van Houten, arguably one of the most famous Manson girls.
The film follows Van Houten as she joins the Manson Family on Spahn Ranch and meets Charlie for the first time. Over time we see Charlie go from a charismatic leader who pays special attention to Leslie to an abusive leader who becomes obsessed with the prospects of fame via music producer Terry Melcher.
As the film leads up to the nights of the two murders, the story cuts back and forth to the three Manson girls in prison. They are kept in seclusion in a cell block on death row, now empty due to the abolishment of the death penalty in California. The girls spend their days singing songs and reciting the lines that Charlie brainwashed them with on the ranch. It is only when a graduate student begins visiting the girls and giving them feminist literature that Leslie begins to break apart from Manson's grasp and think for herself.
Although the story could focus more on the girls in prison, continuing to learn more about themselves and breaking away from Manson, the scenes in prison feel a little hollow and underdeveloped. Conversely, the scenes that take place on Spahn Ranch are much more fleshed out and make a stronger impact on the audience due to Matt Smith's incredible performance as Charles Manson. By far, the most emotional scene is the final one involving Van Houten, it gives a glimpse of what could have been and creates a sense of empathy for the girl sitting in prison.
While the film leaves much to be desired, it is a well acted indie film that any fan of true crime will enjoy, especially due to the fresh perspective provided by director Mary Harron, and makes a great companion piece to Quentin Tarantino's recent take on the Tate-LaBianca murders.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Recommended for fans of: American Psycho (2000), drama, Once Upon A Time Hollywood (2019), horror, My Friend Dahmer (2018)
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