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- The Origins of America’s Love of True Crime
- Why Murphy and Brennan Chose the Menendez Brothers
- Erik and Lyle’s Less Than Perfect Crime
- The Running Tally of Erik and Lyle Menendez Plot Twists
As a seasoned observer of human nature and a student of the bizarre and macabre, I find myself captivated by the saga of the Menendez brothers. Having lived through the tumultuous 80s and 90s, I remember the initial shockwaves that reverberated through our collective consciousness when news of their heinous acts broke. The story was a stark reminder of the darker side of the American Dream, where wealth and privilege can breed entitlement and a warped sense of reality.
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.
Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan took three decades to produce “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” for Netflix. However, they may not have fully depicted the entire saga of the Menendez brothers, whose story continues to unfold. In 1989, these Los Angeles siblings gained international notoriety by murdering their parents, José and Kitty (Mary Louise), in their luxurious mansion. Erik and Lyle were subsequently convicted of the double homicide following two individual trials, as the state opted for a joint trial after initial mistrials.
After the captivating yet oddly-named “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” which delved into the heinous acts of the Milwaukee cannibal, creators Murphy and Brennan move their focus to the Pacific coast for this second season of their Netflix success. This season explores the trials of the Menendez Brothers and the events preceding their murders. Prepare for a good dose of deceit and manipulation as the show delves into the dark corners of high society, serving as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of greed and privilege. Stars Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny portray José and Kitty, while Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch take on the roles of the title characters, the preppy murderers, in this crime anthology.
Starting the storyline for this season’s events was as tough as deciding where to conclude them. Given the ongoing nature of this tragedy, Murphy and Brennan may require a part two for this specific season. It seems appropriate that this dark chapter in Los Angeles’ history would be so rich in drama and filled with unending, seemingly implausible twists that even the most desperate screenwriter might find hard to believe. So, what can we anticipate from the upcoming show, and why did the creators of Monster select this case file?
The Origins of America’s Love of True Crime
In the era before O.J. Simpson or Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard, the court trials of the Menendez Brothers were the most sensational celebrity scandals, perhaps paving the way for America’s fascination with extended legal dramas involving celebrities. As a result, Court TV was introduced to cater to this media frenzy, one of the defining elements of ’90s popular culture. At the time of the crime, the brothers weren’t famous themselves, but the media’s relentless coverage and analysis of every detail offered an opportunity for those intrigued or outraged to delve into the specifics of the incident.
The Menendez family’s patriarch was a Cuban refugee who made a fortune in Los Angeles, eventually purchasing a mansion that had once been home to Prince and Elton John. Growing up in Beverly Hills, the brothers lived a lifestyle typical of spoiled children, playing tennis, driving expensive foreign cars, and attending prestigious schools. While one brother attended Princeton, the other was planning to enroll at UCLA.
Initially, the deaths of José and Kitty Menendez were suspected to be a mob hit, potentially linked to José’s role as an entertainment executive. To protect them from alleged mafia assassins, a security team was hired, but it later became clear that the police’s focus shifted away from the underworld and towards the two sons of the deceased couple, one of whom was still a minor.
As I tried to conceal my actions by purchasing tickets for Batman and the new James Bond movie, it seemed like a clever deception. However, my lies began to unravel when I finally admitted that I was indeed responsible for the murder of my parents on August 20, 1989, using a shotgun. My alibis crumbled under scrutiny. In the ensuing trials, Jerome Oziel, our psychotherapist, found himself in an uncomfortable position as he was compelled to testify. This was a breach of doctor-patient confidentiality, but he had let his mistress tape the sessions where we confessed. It’s worth mentioning that he failed to attend the third trial. The prosecution’s case against me was so strong that they didn’t even feel the need to call him as a witness.
Why Murphy and Brennan Chose the Menendez Brothers
The reason for choosing this particular story may not be easily defined, but it appears Murphy and Brennan may have felt compelled to exercise caution in their selection of sensational legal dramas, given the backlash from the previous season of Monster, which delved into the crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer. It’s plausible they opted for a crime with more complex moral shades that is likely to receive less criticism.
Viewers may remember that Netflix and the production team faced criticism for sensationalizing Dahmer’s disturbed fetishes. In her essay published on Business Insider in 2022, Rita Isbell, sister of victim Errol Lindsey, expressed her disapproval of the series’ focus on what she called “murder entertainment,” which she felt was insensitive and disrespectful to the victims and their families. The series seemed to glorify the horrific events, with each episode featuring a famous soundtrack that accentuated the murder scenes.
…”If the production somehow positively impacted the families of the victims, it would seem less insensitive and reckless. It’s disheartening to think that they’re profiting from this calamity, which suggests nothing more than unchecked avarice.
Erik and Lyle’s Less Than Perfect Crime
The significance of their misdeeds lies less in the crime itself, but rather in their inability to show remorse and their relentless pursuit of social advancement, which eventually led to their downfall and became their defining traits. This lack of regret is strikingly visible in a New York Knicks trading card, where they are depicted grinning from ear to ear, seated courtside at Madison Square Garden during their extravagant spending spree following the inheritance of their family fortune.
Associates and colleagues often speak of these two brothers as perpetually seeking extravagant playthings as they strive for an opulent lifestyle. Friend Glenn Stevens, who Lyle encountered at Princeton, shared his observation that Lyle was not satisfied with an Alfa Romeo sports car, but rather yearned for a Porsche. This desire even led him to invest $300,000 in purchasing his own restaurant. Once the funds began flowing, he shifted from mourning to flaunting expensive items like a Rolex and lavish spending habits.
As reported by The LA Times, Stevens suggested that Lyle appeared relaxed, to which Lyle responded, “I’ve been eagerly anticipating this situation for such a long time that I’m ready for it.” The prosecution argued that their criminal act was motivated by the 1987 NBC TV film, Billionaire Boys Club, starring Judd Nelson, who was part of the Brat Pack. This movie was distributed by Lyle’s father’s company and aired momentarily before the alleged crimes were committed.
They essentially handed the verdict to the prosecutor. As reported by People Magazine, Erik had penned a script about a child killing their parents for an inheritance two years prior, implying it was his idea or something they had been considering for a long time. Additionally, Erik enjoyed burglary and was arrested for it in 1988. Their actions and the screenplay made them seem guilty to many people even before a jury could decide. Far from being masterminds, they were not.
The Running Tally of Erik and Lyle Menendez Plot Twists
Before many viewers of the docudrama were even born, they were sentenced. However, this isn’t the full story. Seven years later, the therapist involved, Dr. Oziel, was prohibited from practicing in the state of California. This ban came about partly because of the attention the case received, as it was discovered that Dr. Oziel had been involved in sexual relationships with his female clients, alongside a number of other serious accusations. These revelations led to the collapse of his career, which, interestingly enough, focused on psychological conditions related to sex.
Speaking as a film lover, it’s fascinating to see how Lyle and Erik, whose fame skyrocketed over the years, are now drowning in fan letters. They both found their wives through pen pal services within prison walls, living out their dreams of stardom and admiration. Now, 37 years after his unrealized screenplay, it’s Erik’s teenage dream that’s getting a Hollywood makeover. Amidst negotiating with a skinhead for a can of tuna, he’s too preoccupied to watch. Remember, be careful what you wish for, kids.
Though seldom mentioned in media reports lately, fresh proof might clear the pair, suggesting that their claims of self-defense against their abusive father were indeed valid. However, it’s important to note that the third trial did not allow for a defense based on retaliation for abuse. Initially, many reacted indifferently to the jury’s verdict. Yet, this fresh information may lend support to the brothers’ argument that they reacted defensively against their father’s cruelty and mother’s intimidating silence.
Could the creators of the “Monster” series have added an ending title card, as this gripping tale moves into another intriguing phase, possibly leading to the release on parole for one or both killers? The miniseries stars Nathan Lane and Ari Graynor in significant roles. Stream “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” exclusively on Netflix starting September 19th.
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2024-09-12 00:02