#killer legends

Feature Length Documentary Films:

Happy Valley, (2014) dir. Amir Bar-Lev.

“A documentary that observes the year after Pennsylvania State University assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky's arrest on child sex abuse charges.” 

Discussion of Child Sexual Assault

Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son about His Father, (2008) dir. Kurt Kuenne.

“A filmmaker decides to memorialize a murdered friend when his friend's ex-girlfriend announces she is expecting his son.”

Murder, Strong Language, A completely Tragic Story

Cropsey, (2009) dir. Barbara Brancaccio, Joshua Zeman.

“Realizing the urban legend of their youth has actually come true; two filmmakers delve into the mystery surrounding five missing children and the real-life boogeyman linked to their disappearances.”

Discussion of the Murder and Disappearance of Severely Handicapped Children

Killer Legends, (2014), dir. Joshua Zeman.

“Delving into our collective nightmares, this horror-documentary investigates the origins of our most terrifying urban legends and the true stories that may have inspired them.”

Murder!!! Rape!!! Urban Legends!!!

Salinger, (2013), dir. Shane Salerno.

“An unprecedented look inside the private world of J.D. Salinger, the reclusive author of The Catcher in the Rye.”

J.D. Salinger’s questionable interest in young girls, Language?

Who Took Johnny, (2014) dir. David Beilinson, Michael Galinsky, Suki Hawley.

“WHO TOOK JOHNNY explores an infamous 30-year-old cold case: the disappearance of Iowa paperboy Johnny Gosch, the first missing child to appear on a milk carton. The film focuses on Johnny's mother, Noreen, and her tireless quest for the truth. Along the way there have been mysterious sightings, strange clues, bizarre revelations, and a run-in with a person who claims to have helped abduct Johnny.”

Abduction, Allegations of Rape, Human Trafficking, has a Conspiracy flavor to it

Matt Shepard Is A Friend Of Mine, (2014) dir. Michele Josue.

“An intimate portrait of Matthew Shepard, the gay young man murdered in one of the most notorious hate crimes in U.S. history. Framed through a personal lens, it's the story of loss, love, and courage in the face of unspeakable tragedy.”

Assault and Murder, discussion of rape, so many emotions

The Hunting Ground, (2015) dir. Kirby Dick

“An exposé of rape crimes on U.S. college campuses, their institutional cover-ups, and the devastating toll they take on students and their families.”

Discussing Sexual Assault and the blatant disregard for survivors by their Collegiate Institutions

Citizenfour, (2014) dir. Laura Poitras

“A documentarian and a reporter travel to Hong Kong for the first of many meetings with Edward Snowden.”

Strong Language, the unconstitutional surveillance of millions of americans

Risk, (2016) dir. Laura Poitras

“The story of WikiLeak's editor-in-chief Julian Assange as seen by documentary filmmaker Laura Poitras.”

Julian Assange is a warning unto himself, discussions of assault, leaks, us maltreatment of Chelsea Manning in prison

Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence In The House Of God, (2012) dir. Alex Gibney

“Alex Gibney explores the charged issue of pedophilia in the Catholic Church, following a trail from the first known protest against clerical sexual abuse in the United States and all the way to the Vatican.”

Child Abuse, strong language, Bigotry abounds

We Steal Secrets: The Story Of Wikileaks, (2013) dir. Alex Gibney

“A documentary that details the creation of Julian Assange's controversial website, which facilitated the largest security breach in U.S. history.”

Julian Assange again, Rape Allegations, depictions of war crimes, murder, strong language

Going Clear: Scientology and The Prison Of Belief, (2015) dir. Alex Gibney

“A devastating two hour documentary based on Lawrence Wright's book of the same name. Scientology is laid bare by a film that skilfully knits together archive footage, testimonials from former high ranking officials and public, and dramatic reconstructions.”

Strong Language, Descriptions of brainwashing, abuse, assault

My Scientology Movie, (2015) dir. John Dower

“Louis Theroux documents his investigation into what goes on behind the scenes of the infamous Church of Scientology.”

Reenactments of abuse, strong language, paranoia

Louis Theroux: Savile (2016) dir. Arthur Cary

“In light of numerous allegations of abuse and sexual violence against the late Jimmy Savile, Louis Theroux re-examines his media relationship with the enigmatic public figure.”

Descriptions of assault and rape, really creepy archival footage of Jimmy Savile being a gross old man

Cobain: Montage Of Heck, (2015) dir. Brett Morgen

“An authorized documentary on the late musician Kurt Cobain, from his early days in Aberdeen, Washington to his success and downfall with the grunge band Nirvana.”

Strong Language, Drug Use, Disturbing Imagery, Kurt Being Kurt lol

Joy Division, (2007) dir. Grant Gee

“A chronological account of the influential late 1970s English rock band.”

Strong Language, Suicide, Epilepsy

No Distance Left To Run, (2010) dir. Will Lovelace, Dylan Southern

“A documentary about the English rock band Blur.”

Strong Language, some discussion of heroin and alcohol abuse, feelings

Casting JonBenet, (2017) dir. Kitty Green

“The unsolved death of six-year-old American beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey remains the world's most sensational child murder case. Over 15 months, responses, reflections and performances were elicited from the Ramsey's Colorado hometown community, creating a bold work of art from the collective memories and mythologies the crime inspired.”

Speculation on the motive and killer behind the Murder of JonBenet Ramsey, including child abuse, assault, adultery, child sociopaths, kidnapping, human trafficking, and discussion of these in actors personal lives

League Of Denial: The NFL’s Concussion Crisis, (2013) dir. Michael Kirk

“The National Football League, a multibillion-dollar commercial juggernaut, presides over America’s indisputable national pastime. But the NFL is under assault: thousands of former players have claimed the league tried to cover up how football inflicted long-term brain injuries on many players. What did the NFL know, and when did it know it? In a special two-hour investigation, FRONTLINE reveals the hidden story of the NFL and brain injuries.”

Discussion of the destructive habits of NFL players with CTE who killed themselves, some footage of brains among other autopsy stuff 

Documentary Series:

Bright Lights, Brilliant Minds: A Tale of Three Cities, (2014)

“Dr James Fox tells the story of three cities in three exceptional years - cities whose artists and thinkers, writers and musicians set the world on a new course.” BBC, Netflix

discussion of sexual content, drug use, poverty

The Keepers, (2017) dir. Ryan White

“A seven-part docuseries about the unsolved murder of a nun and the horrific secrets and pain that linger nearly five decades after her death.” Netflix

abuse!! rape!!! murder!!! the catholic church covering shit up yet again!!!!

Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends, (1998-2001, 3 seasons)

“Louis Theroux documents some of the US's most bizarre happenings, events and rituals, by getting involved himself…” BBC, Netflix

there’s some crazy shit that goes on in this series like dang

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, (2013-present, 9 seasons)

“Anthony Bourdain visits country's and delves into political issues as well as indigenous food and culture.” CNN, Netflix

some strong censored language

Feature Length Fiction Films:

Spotlight, (2015) dir. Tom McCarthy

“The true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core.”

abuse, strong language, the catholic church

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, (1992) dir. David Lynch

“A young FBI agent disappears while investigating a murder miles from Twin Peaks that may be related to the future murder of Laura Palmer; the last week of the life of Laura Palmer is chronicled.”

murder, assault, drug use, scary imagery, rape, incest, surrealism

The Big Short, (2015) dir. Adam McKay

“Four denizens in the world of high-finance predict the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s, and decide to take on the big banks for their greed and lack of foresight.”

strong language, wall street fucks entire country at once

The Grand Budapest Hotel, (2014) dir. Wes Anderson

“The adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous hotel from the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second World Wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.”

some strong language and sexual situations, murder

Animated Feature Length Films

Evangelion Rebuild Series (2007-2012):

-1.0: you are (not) alone, (2007) dir. Hideaki Anno, Masayuki, Kazuya Tsurumaki

- “The fate of the world is threatened by seemingly monstrous entities known as Angels. NERV is an organisation set up to counter this threat and it is up to young pilots to protect Earth but exactly what are the real motives behind NERV?”

-2.0: you can (not) advance, (2009) dir. Hideaki Anno, Masayuki, Kazuya Tsurumaki

- “Under constant attack by Angels, NERV introduces two new pilots: the mysterious Makinami Mari Illustrous and the intense Asuka Langley Shikinami. Parallel to the incursion, Gendo Ikari and SEELE proceed the secret project that involves both Rei and Shinji.”

- 3.0: you can (not) redo, (2012) dir. Hideaki Anno, Masayuki, Kazuya Tsurumaki

- “Shinji Ikari has finally woken up fourteen years after causing the Third Impact. He hasn't aged at all since the incident, but everything else has changed. The earth is in ruins. The people he once protected treat him like a prisoner and threaten to kill him if he pilots another Eva. At NERV headquarters, Shinji meets pianist Kaworu. As the boys bond, the organization's true mission comes into focus. Lost in a labyrinth of deception, Shinji careens toward a mental breakdown that could bring about the end of humanity.”

~GIANT ROBOTS AND MENTAL ILLNESS

Metropolis, (2001) dir. Rintaro

“Metropolis is a visually stunning, rich, and memorable pleasure. It's contributors have brought us other classics such as Astroboy and Akira. The story takes place in the muti-leveled, fascinating, megalopolis called Metropolis. Metropolis is loosely ruled by Duke Red, who is close to presenting his ultimate work, an advanced AI robot girl named Tima. His son; however, is an opponent of AI and resents Tima. Tima finds herself deep within the labyrinth of Metropolis. She befriends the kind son of a police officer and begins exploring her new world. When Duke Red's son separates this new friendship, he puts much more at risk than anyone thought possible.”

destruction of infrastructure, guns, emotions, robot gore

Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror Of Shamballa, (2005) dir. Seiji Mizushima

“Edward Elric, an alchemist from an alternate world, races to prevent the Thule Society from harnessing alchemy to wage war on his home”

some language, violence, ed being only slightly taller

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn, (2011) dir. Steven Spielberg

“Intrepid reporter Tintin and Captain Haddock set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded by Haddock's ancestor.”

violence, drinking, destruction of property, tintin being a smart little shit

Fiction Series:

*Live Action Series

Twin Peaks, (1990) dir. David Lynch, Mark Frost

“An idiosyncratic FBI agent investigates the murder of a young woman in the even more idiosyncratic town of Twin Peaks.”

violence, drugs, assault, murder, surrealism, some damn good coffee

Broadchurch, (2013)

“The murder of a young boy in a small coastal town brings a media frenzy, which threatens to tear the community apart.”

some language, violence, and pain. david tennant’s scottish accent

*Animated Series

Over The Garden Wall, (2014) Patrick McHale

“Two brothers find themselves lost in a mysterious land and try to find their way home.”

spooky stuff, more pain, woods, “i’m toOO YOUNG TO GO TO FROG JAIL”

Horror documentary? More like horrible documentary. They go over the plot of The Town that Dreaded Sundown. Next onto the Candyman. Then they told the old lady who lived at the murderer's house that she lived in a murderer's house (wow, thanks).  Now deadly babysitters. They go to an old woman's house who was best friends with a victim. She's crying.

There was a time when I would throw in a documentary every year for a bit of variety but that feel by the wayside for a bit. Probably because that was more in the infancy of this horror kick and I was using that as a way to pick up potential viewing material. They were normally centered around looking at the history of horror movies, exploring different periods and how styles shifted as the years passed.

This one though is looking at urban legends, specifically ones that revolve around a horror aspect. Namely; The Hook Man, The Candyman, The Killer and the Man Upstairs and The Killer Clown.

The Hook Man isn’t quite as literal because it branches off to talk about the real life Texarkana Moonlight Murders, inspiration for The Town That Dreaded Sundown. There is a comparison that is drawn to how the real life murderer used his gun as part of his sexual assault on one of his victims, so there’s a link between the penetration with a foreign, metal object there and the killers hook. As I mentioned in that post and the When a Stranger Calls ones, it’s all really about a scare tactic for young lovers. It’s interesting to see them going around talking to people in the town and hear how they were scared away from going to these lovers lane sites because of the murders.

It serves as a neat companion piece to watching the movie, seeing these real life locations and talking to people involved in the original investigation. They also talk to the promoter of the yearly screening they have of Sundown and they acknowledge this strange scenario they have where the town is becoming this extension of an urban legend. Like, kids will tell these exaggerated tales of urban legends but the town itself is doing that by showing this movie which is an exaggerated version of these real life events.

I don’t know where they sourced these illustrations for hook killers though. It looks like a Wikihow article on how to get murdered.

The second story is on tainted candy. You know, razor blades in an apple, pins in a candy bar...stuff like that. They show examples of the hysteria around it, talking heads of people who say they will check through all their kids candy, news pieces on local hospitals giving free x-rays to candy. Firstly, what hospital has time to just do that? Secondly, that just strikes me as weird that you have parents worried about foreign bodies snuck into these sweets but are fine with shooting radiation at them? I would imagine it’s going to be pretty low level but still, just seems odd.

There doesn’t seem to be many actual examples of this happening in real life, the major ones you’ve having to go back decades to find. They cover one quite majorly, Ronald Clark O’Bryan giving tainted Pixy Stix to his own kids as well as some neighbour kids who they were trick or treating with. This resulted in the death of his son but the other children survived. He originally try to pin this on the old urban legend about twisted individuals giving out poison to kids but eventually it came out that it was him, seemingly as some sort of insurance scam as he had taken out life insurance on his kids very recently. Apparently he opened the Pixy Stix, poured in the poison and resealed them before handing them out.

Again, they explore the local town talking to people to find out what they know about the incident, including going to the old O’Bryan house, hesitant to reveal to the current occupant just what had gone down there all those years ago. They even interview the former Assistant District Attorney who worked on the case and it’s almost funny at first as he looks at a picture of O’Bryan and says ‘Look at that lying son of a bitch’. But as they talk to him, it’s clear that it’s still something that shakes him up like 30 years later and that’s really understandable. It really boggles the mind to think that someone would do that to their own children.

The Babysitter and the Man Upstairs is another that they struggle to find any real evidence of, save for going back to the 1950’s. Again though, it’s still something that’s very prevalent today and they touch upon the various movies that will use this concept. Hell, like I said in the Stranger Calls post, they’re doing another Black Christmas remake this year.

This looks into the case in the 50’s that seems to have sparked this whole legend, as well as some similar killings around that time that they suspect could be linked. At the time, an Africa American man was convicted and executed for the crime but people in the town speak of a prejudice present in the town at the time, suggesting that this conviction was just a case of trying to appease the public.

The Killer Clown is one they figure can be easily traced to the 80’s when you had things like Poltergeist and IT that very much pushed the idea of the scary clown to the forefront but they found stuff that pre-dated that. A lot of talk about clowns being used to try and lure kids away.

They focus a lot on John Wayne Gacy who had his clown persona but he is a case where they suspect that he’s actually not doing it to lure victims. On the contrary, someone mentions that his makeup will feature these pointed edges and triangular eyes which can actually be quite offputting for kids.

Clearly this is true, just look at that creepy bastard in Spawn. All sorts of pointed edges going on there.

I think it definitely helps that I’ve just watched some of the movies they mention here so it’s cool to see the real life stories behind them. The one nitpick I would have with it is that they do a lot of their location visits in the middle of the night which seems a little sensationalist to me. They’ll have music start up suddenly or one of the pair will scream, only to find it was them walking into a spiders web...it’s just odd that they’re trying to go for these cheap scares in the middle of this documentary.

Maybe there’s some method to that madness though. The movie in general seems to carry this idea that urban legends actually seem to be covering up truths that are much more horrifying than the stories themselves which is interesting because the legends are what are meant to be scaring the kids. In the podcast I listened to with the director, Josh Zeman, he mentioned that these urban legends almost have to be dressed up in order to really get through to the kids because they’re just uninstrested otherwise. “Hey kids, don’t go into those woods, there’s a mad man around.” Whatever. “Don’t go into those woods, there’s an escaped mental patient with a hook for a hand.” Fuck that noise, I’m going nowhere near those woods. Still, especially the Babysitter section talking about the potential that this town was just falsely convicting people that made it easy for it’s Confederate leaning public to swallow is very worrying.