2019 has movies such as The Haunting of Sharon Tate and the upcoming Once Upon a Time in Hollywood on the horizon exploring the Manson murders.
Charlie Says Review
Charlie Says takes a less exploitative stance than The Haunting of Sharon Tate and focuses on trying to understand the motivations of the women who killed for Charles Manson.
Here is my Charlie Says review.
Based on the book by Karlene Faith, a teacher who worked with the Manson girls in prison. The movie explores how these girls were brainwashed with false promises.
At the end of the day, they just wanted to be loved. According to this particular film’s narrative that is.
With incredibly shot scenes, superb sound design and a first-class performance by Matt Smith Charlie Says is certainly an intriguing watch. Spahn Ranch, a free-spirited community of love, togetherness and being one with the universe.
It all seems to be so normal. Until Charlie is turned down for a record deal and the more sinister side of his personality takes hold.
Despite the movie trying to understand the motivations behind the killings. The film has a hard time trying to explain exactly what it is that made them do what they did. Charlie’s charm is apparent in this movie. It’s an endearing quality.
Certainly not a forced quality or portrayed as someone deceiving these girls into doing his bidding. The real-life motives are still quite unclear so I wasn’t expecting answers but the film almost casts these aside and focuses on the community.
With Manson seen as a god, whilst the women cleaned, cooked and laid with him.
We are sucked into the world of Charles Manson. An essence of endearment, of curiosity and when the credits roll more questions are asked than answered.
Matt Smith scarily embodies the man himself and it’s good casting at its finest.
Whilst the script is sparce in many places we get caught up in the Manson girls idealistic view of the world around Manson. Thankfully the film never exploits the killings.
Charlie Says only seeks to tell the tale of how these girls were lured into a dark world to commit such heinous crimes.
Charlie Says review by Sean Evans
Summary
A stunning Matt Smith performance as Charles Manson keeps this movie on track and direct. Whilst not exploitative Charlie Says takes a unique perspective on the Manson murders by exploring the mindset of the girls who committed the crimes and were encapsulated by the warped endearing magic of Charles Manson.
