MovieChat Forums > The Manson Family (2004) Discussion > So far the worst film I've seen this yea...

So far the worst film I've seen this year (I'm not going to see ALONE IN

posted 19 years ago by shangrilab
50 replies | jump to latest

I got encouraged to watch this film because I've heard good word of it: it was supposed to be this thrilling true crime milestone, disturbing, shocking... all that jazz. Well, I am disturbed because I spent money on it, and I am shocked that something so God-awful actually got released. That's about it.

This is a supposed "new look" at Charles Manson's family of insane loser junkies and their murders. But if this is a "new look" then it's probably "new" as in "fresh and totally inept": just watching it gave me a headache and I had to give up trying to make any sense of it or even understand just what the director intended it to be.

I suppose I should say something about the plot but fact is, it was so stupid and incoherent that I barely remember if there even WAS a plot at all. There was something about a "Manson tape" delivered to a radio DJ (or a TV producer?), then an hour of pointless random footage of "the family" in '69, then the Polanski murders (looking like a bad school play) and finally some idiotic part about a bunch of skinheads getting drunk and beating the hell out of one another in an alley (I kid you not), and then it ended (thank God) (Don't ask me to make any sense of that, I'm just recalling what I saw!)

The performances were terrible, too. And how difficult is it to make a convincing "Manson"? Get a short skinny scrawny bloke, put a dirty wig and a shaggy beard on him. There's your Manson. But this "Manson" doesn't even look right. He just looks like, uh, a bloke in a cheap wig and a glued on Santa beard painted black.

Or maybe that's what this film is actually about: Manson's family didn't make any sense, so this film doesn't make any sense, either. It's symbolic! (Yeah, right)

I'm still so angry at spending money on this I stopped my normal lurking on this site and registered just to vote 1 for this film and post this warning that will hopefully prevent others from spending their money on this garbage. Stay away from it, it's not even worth renting.

PS. The recent US TV production "Helter Skelter" got bad reviews here but I saw it last month (I saw the 1976 original too) and let me tell you, compared to "Manson Family", that new Helter Skelter is BRILLIANT and FLAWLESS. And I was disappointed in it! That's how bad "Manson Family" is: it makes a flawed and mostly disappointing TV movie look perfect.

[–] FinnWolf 19 years ago

I can't agree more!
I lost 95 minutes of my life while watching this piece of sh*t!

NO plot and director thinks he's Oliver Stone!
Avoid this movie if you don't want to have a headache!

If I ever see a movie as bad as this "movie" I will stop watching movies!!!

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] FinnWolf 19 years ago

Hiller-6 showed level of his courage!!!
Are you sure that you have enough guts to write such words!!!

I bet that you are bullied in a school and wanted to make yourself feel so big and you were thinking like this"Oh,I will write this and internet will defence me because I have not enough courage to say anything like this face to face to anybody"!!!

Take care of your lunch money,weak one!!!

"u both suck hard cock. it f--king ruled."
This is what you wish for,well you will find someone to suck you but not from here and if you want to take a look at your own "cock" remember to use a pincers so you you wont lose that!!!
Don't share your fantasies her,think those while you are gettin beaten at the school yard!

Remember to drink your daily milk and I'm sure that you find some cookies too!

Manson movie was so crappy but I don't wonder why a little whimp like you like it!!

[–] dvanburen 19 years ago

Why is it that all I can hear in my head while reading this post is the voices of Hans and Franz?? Were here to pump... you up!
How many times do you have to come on here and say you think the movie sucked?
Do you feel you will change other's opinions?
If you are not a fan of Jim Van Bebber's previous movies, what makes you think you will like this one?
If any of you think Helter Skelter is a great movie, there is probably no hope that you will like this movie.
Helter Skelter is a one-sided piece of garbage that shows what Vincent Bugliosi wanted everyone to 'believe' about Charlie Manson, not the actual truth about him.
Anyone that wants to hear Manson's side of the whole ordeal should read "Manson In His Own Words" as told to Nuel Emmons.
But if you want to remain closed-minded and one-sided, just sit there and do nothing.
Thanks for your time.

[–] shawncphillips 19 years ago

I was hoping this movie would be cool but I really disliked it. The only cool thing about the film is the aged film effect.

**Watch the Don and Murph review show**
www.donandmurph.com

[–] dvanburen 19 years ago

Just a quick question...
have you watched any of Jim VanBebber's other movies?
If so, what did you think of them?

[–] natalie8190 19 years ago

It is sad to think that anyone in the world thinks of Charles Manson as anything but an inhuman monster. That 35 years later he could be influencing anyone is abhorrent. Even those that followed him and killed for him have denounced him. I have not seen this movie. I came onto this board to get others opinions on it. After reading that there are people out there that believe that Charlie is a prophet, I am truly frightened. He had at least seven people brutally butchered. That alone makes him a monster. There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for what he did. Manson had no ordeal. He should have been put to death for his crimes. He justed lucked out to still be alive today.

[–] Donahue2 19 years ago

I'll admit, had I not pretty much known the whole "1960's vs. the early 1990's" storyline beforehand, I would have been a bit confused. But, I still liked it.

GIMMIE GIMMIE YOUR BRAINS!

[–] jj_art71 19 years ago

This is not really a film for people who are into the whole manson thing or want to learn something new about the guy. I have read alot about the case, and have seen and own both Helter Skelter DVDs, but I'm also a huge fan of underground film, so for me, this movie worked quite well as an ultra-cheesy, f-up'd underground movie. From the first frame, you know this is going to be a wild ride in alternative cinema. I mean, VanBebber dubbed in pig sounds during the Tate murders! The Manson Family is NOT a serious docudrama - it's a well-made exploitation movie - and it's great! I absolutely loved it, would have paid twice as much as i did for my copy if I had to, and look forward to many many viewings! But to take it seriously as some sort of a informative docudrama? Nah - You'll hate every minute of it.

[–] GroovyDoom 16 years ago

The dubbed pig sounds were actually an idea used in the original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" from 1974. Van Bebber quotes it several times, like the pig noises and the closeups of the female victim's eyeballs in the weird rape scene.

[–] bredlau3 16 years ago

That doesn't make it good.

[–] GroovyDoom 16 years ago

No, it doesn't.

[–] indieangel3 18 years ago

Helter Skelter may be one-sided to some extent, but this film was made by a man who openly admires Manson so you can't possibly argue that it isn't biased. The violence is glorified and alot of it is unecessary. The film lacks any true character analysis of Manson or his family and gives little information on what actually happened. Although I likes the way it was shot I think this film does little for anyone wanting to gain a wider view of the case in hand, being, as it is, a series of strung together scenes involving much violence and sex. It seems merely intended to shock, not inform.

[–] bredlau3 18 years ago

if you watched any of the documentary and making of's on the DVD he doesn't admire Manson.

[–] james_oblivion 18 years ago

Anyone that wants to hear Manson's side of the whole ordeal should read "Manson In His Own Words" as told to Nuel Emmons.
But if you want to remain closed-minded and one-sided, just sit there and do nothing.
Thanks for your time.

You're welcome.

And hearing Manson's side of the story is certainly entertaining...because he raves like a madman and tries to speak in pseudo-apocalyptic phrases as much as possible. But the fact is, Charlie, unlike Vincent Bugliosi, has been a con man all his life. Charlie Manson is a pathological liar, plain and simple. His side of the story is far more entertaining than Bugliosi's, sure. But then, this is a guy who claimed to be Jesus Christ...how can his version of what went down not be entertaining? And how, furthermore, can anyone really take it that seriously?

[–] bredlau3 18 years ago

that book isn't Manson's words, and it's not written in the way he speaks. It's his story maybe, the the title is very missleading.

[–] james_oblivion 18 years ago

Still, any account, even if it's just from Manson's point of view, or based on what Manson says is "his side of the story," it can't really have much merit. Insight, maybe...but no reliability. Charlie is a pathological liar, and has been all his life. Reading such a book may give the reader valuable insight that Bugliosi can't provide, because Bugliosi was never able to fully understand Manson. But for a more accurate assessment of the situation, in dealing with facts, give me Bugliosi any day. Vincent Bugliosi may not completely understand Charlie, the family, and their motives...but at least he's not a lifelong con artist. And, above all else, that's what Charlie was, is, always has been, and always will be.

[–] bredlau3 18 years ago

oh I agree with you totally, the book comes off as a sympathy ploy, BUT it's interesting because it does contain 'confessions' of him going into the LaBianca's house and that he went back to the Tate House. It's very interesting. I wonder if that is what he is so upset about with the book.

[–] james_oblivion 18 years ago

I dig what you're saying. Yes, reading Charlie's accounts (or accounts from his side of the spectrum) is very interesting and provides some insight that we would not otherwise be allowed.

[–] nfaust1 19 years ago

This response is even more reprehensible than killer-6's. Though I would not put it the way he did, I agree with the notion he meant to communicate. THE MANSON FAMILY is a visionary film. Justifying that statement now is what I should do, but after re-reading your riff on the guy's use of the word "cock" I don't really see the point.

[–] tolchocker 19 years ago

Just in case FinnWolf's response to Hiller-6 is removed for profanity, I'm including a censored version. FinnWolf, your lunch money line is classic. I will be repeating it to everyone...

---------------------------------------------
(by - FinnWolf on Wed Mar 23 2005 12:56:08)

Hiller-6 showed level of his courage!!!
Are you sure that you have enough guts to write such words!!!

I bet that you are bullied in a school and wanted to make yourself feel so big and you were thinking like this"Oh,I will write this and internet will defence me because I have not enough courage to say anything like this face to face to anybody"!!!

Take care of your lunch money,weak one!!!

"u both suck hard *beep* it *beep* ruled."
This is what you wish for,well you will find someone to suck you but not from here and if you want to take a look at your own *beep* remember to use a pincers so you you wont lose that!!!
Don't share your fantasies her,think those while you are gettin beaten at the school yard!

Remember to drink your daily milk and I'm sure that you find some cookies too!

Manson movie was so crappy but I don't wonder why a little whimp like you like it!!
---------------------------------------------

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] FinnWolf 18 years ago

Heehee,I haven't check this thread for some time now,good to see that people is sharing their opinions widely!

At first,Killer-6 told me that I suck c*cks and then I answered to him,would I have been a cool guy if I would just tell him that"oh you're so kind and full of guts"?

People who write about stuff how others suck c*cks or something like that are just a spineless and they don't dare to tell those kind a things face to face.

Internet is so easy way to be a big man and be something what you want but you can't IRL,sad but true.

To this what rodarnott wrote:
"Uh huh...its sad to think that you consider this guy to be Shakespeare. Do both of you witless pinheads spend your spare time victimising small animals?"

Thank you for comparision and for answer about torturing animals,I have to tell you that NO,I don't ever hurt anything which can't do single thing for a defence and even when I hurt someone I do that only for self-defence.

If you want to do those kind a things you should go to meet a shrink.

Witless pinheads???,is this best what you can do,c'mon give something better for an insult next time,O.K:D

To tolchocker
"Just in case FinnWolf's response to Hiller-6 is removed for profanity, I'm including a censored version. FinnWolf, your lunch money line is classic. I will be repeating it to everyone..."

Hee,hee,you can do that and I have many more funny lines waiting.
Thank you for your humor!

Summa summa rum.

I didn't liked this Manson movie and thats my opinion,don't take it as an offence toward your persona.
I don't lose my sleep because someone likes this and I'm fine with that fact that somebody thinks that this is an excellent piece of art.

My opinion is just my opinion,comprende?

"I don't see nightmares,I live them!"

[–] 18 years ago

[deleted]

[–] FinnWolf 18 years ago

"I've seen and met my share of self-absorbed creeps but you take my 'plum duff' award for the month."
Great:D,is there any real value in this award:D.

"While you spend so much time big-noting yourself with self-congratulatory 'wit' (I use the word advisedly) in response to my brief sarcastic initial post, you didn't even stop to think if it was directed at you in the first place!"

Well,that might be true(nobody is flawless),if your post weren't pointed to me then I'm sorry for my attack on you but I'm only sorry for that but since you are a pedophile I think that you reprresnt lowest form of life,you are nothing ellse that sorry excuse of nature.
What is wrong in your life,leave kids alone.

"Was I suppossed to be shaken by your witless response?"
No,you were supposed to read it,I don't try to shaken people vie safety of the internet.
Is that what you have got lately,do you shaken easily and then hide under you bed.
Well,drink a warm milk and then check your closet,I hope for your sake that there is a boogeyman.

You asked-"What are you, twelve and looking for bragging rights in a schoolyard? "
Hmm,are you looking for a company to warm your lonely bed?,child-molesters aren't so popular so please try to find a help for you,do you even care what you are doing with kids.
Is your only explanation that they wanted it too.
You're sick.

"I don't see nightmares,I live them!"

[–] 18 years ago

[deleted]

[–] JaggedDagger 8 years ago

WHAT IS THIS?

I love this movie.

This and the new Manson are my favorite Manson movies.

I love they both are uncut in their views.

[–] Falconeer 10 years ago

Ummmm...Charles? Is that you??? When did you escape from prison?

"IMdB; where 14 year olds can act like jaded 40 year old critics...'

[–] Lazlow187 18 years ago

95 minutes? Are you sure you're watching the right movie? This movie was well over 95 minutes. WELL over.

[–] amok1980 19 years ago

ugh... the only even remotely interesting thing about this film was watching Manson's funky chicken dances on the bonus DVD. if this is what all of van bebber's movies are like i'll avoid them like the plague...

[–] nascain 19 years ago

Jesus Christ! You guys seriously don't get this movie at all. I thought this movie was incredibly well made, the fact that they did it on such a small budget. The gory effects are pretty well made actually, there gritty and raw. The interesting part of the movie is also the fact that it took almost 10 years to do, wich makes the footage even more realistic.
THis aint no hollywood budget film, the guy practically made this in his backyard. It's my first Bebber film and i thought it was great, i wasn't expecting anything, not like you *beep* expecting some hollywood romp. Take it for what it is and you'll love it.

Dead but warm?

[–] Donahue2 19 years ago

The interesting part of the movie is also the fact that it took almost 10 years to do, which makes the footage even more realistic

Uh... how do you figure?

GIMMIE GIMMIE YOUR BRAINS!

[–] Balome 19 years ago

Yes, it was terrible. Thank God it only took me ten minutes to realize that it wasn't going to get any better.

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] j-miguel-goncalves 19 years ago

A loud speaker spoke up and said: "Give Up; Give Up".
This film's not for everyone. There are films that simply aren't for the mainstream.

[–] stormyweathers-1 19 years ago

YOU PEOPLE ARE RETARDED

THE FILM WAS AWSOME.

THE REVIEW IN HERE SAYS THAT JUNKY LOSERS WITH BURNED OUT BRAINS MIGHT LIKE IT.

WELL I AM A JUNKY LOSER WITH A BURNED OUT BRAIN AND I LOVED IT HOW COULD YOU NOT IT HAD GORE AND SEX AND DRUGS AND SOME JIM JONES SERMONS IN THE BACKGROUND AND EVEN A BIT OF A RICHARD KERN MOVIE PLAYING IN IT.

IT WAS GREAT MAN WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT.

YOU GOT TO SEE NAKED PEOPLE DOING DRUGS THEN SOME VIOLENCE.

FIRE UP A JAY DROP SOME SHROOMS AND ENJOY

[–] InsaneSnakePlissken 19 years ago

Someone's 'Caps Lock' key is broken. Someone dumb.

I knew nothing about Charlie Manson previous to seeing this (apart from the fact that he's in jail), and I approached this movie with the cautious air which I normally approach 'Based on a True Story' stories. Clearly the director is perpetrating 'evil' Manson in a very negative light, depicting the influence that he still holds over his followers from the 60's who are still defending him, so of course I'm going to assume that this is a biased representation of 'the family'. Having said that, I was not swayed in any way in my opinion of Manson when I watched 'The Manson Family', much like I am not swayed in my opinion of the world when I watch the news. The media works effectively through representation, and the truth is that none of you knows what really happened back then, and none of you ever will. If you are offended by this film, then you have obviously been influenced by pro-Manson propaganda, whereas on the opposite end of the scale, if you supported the views and values which van Bebber depicts in his film, then you have obviously been influenced by anti-Manson propaganda. It is impossible to formulate a personal opinion about an issue of which you have no direct experience with.

Thank you for reading, I hope this assists a lot of you out there to stop wasting your time.

[–] bujak_62 19 years ago

too god damn right, cant believe just how bad this film was. brought it yeah, for a tenner expecting decent plot, violence, fantaastic direction and what i got was a load of crap. just which id have read the posts about this film b4 i spent my moms well earned cash on it. now i know ion future i will take other people view seriously b4 purchasing films.
p.s VHS Rules

[–] bredlau3 18 years ago

it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, I had the script of it a few years before I saw the movie, and the script was horrible. mainly, and you don't get this from the movie, but the script has certain characters and family members saying quotes (largely taken from the documentary MANSON), but in the script he has the wrong people saying the quotes. this drove me up the wall. I am a stikler for things like that, if you are making a movie based on true events, get the right people saying the right things. but in the movie you don't always know the characters names. but like I said, a lot of this was word for word taken from MANSON, just watch that movie instead.

the subplot was boring as all hell. but watching the making of, you understand why he put it in. the murder scenes were almost comical, especially with the pig noises. My biggest complaint...why was Tex blonde?! now I know Jim had no budget, but at least dye someone's hair. Manson looked more like Carl Wilson or Kenny Loggins.

[–] 18 years ago

[deleted]

[–] g_monte 18 years ago

"My biggest complaint...why was Tex blonde?! now I know Jim had no budget, but at least dye someone's hair."

bredlau3, I don't think they had any money left over for hair dye cuz they spent it on the eyebrow pencils to draw lines around the women's eyes to make them look older. I laughed every time I saw that. This is a fairly bad movie but I don't think it's completely terrible. It has some interesting qualities. I didn't mind the amateurish special effects or questionable casting ('let's get gramma to play the 25-year-old Abigail Folger'). But what I hated was the sloppily-written script. It's fine that they lifted quotes from "Manson" but then they just ascribe them to any character. I was confused by who was playing which of the lesser known family members. They not only have the wrong characters recite the wrong quotes but they have the character speak one part of person's statement and juxtaspose part of a different person's statement. They should have had me for a script consultant, lol, I would have sent them back to the drawing board.

[–] ravenous_freak 18 years ago

I thought it was a good movie. I am also a fan of Deadbeat at Dawn as well as My Sweet Satan. Most people bash it for the violence and the nudity but thats how it really was. I find it funny that the reviewer didn't get ther fact it's called The Manson Family for a reason. It's about the family that murdererd people, not necessarily charlie.

Damn, I spilled my Big Gulp!

[–] prettynewshoesx 18 years ago

God, i bet everyone whos bashing this film actually likes Brokeback Mountian.

This film was cool. Yeah it looked shabby in parts, but its a fun movie. Don't take life so seriously!

[–] wyoe1320 18 years ago

I was in just about every film Jim has made, the reactions here don't surprise me
one bit, we all figured that "you would love it or hate it"!
Most of Jim's projects are that way.
The fact this film ever got finished is a minor miracle, for all the budget constraints and roadblocks they ran into, I thought it was pretty good.

[–] ravenous_freak 18 years ago

Which actor are you?

Damn, I spilled my Big Gulp!

[–] 18 years ago

[deleted]

[–] fbi__press 13 years ago

AWFUL AWFUL MOVIE... and clearly you've never heard of Tommy Wiseau.

[–] jabberwocky7575 11 years ago

Just finished watching this. It took over 10 YEARS to complete this random/nonsensical PILE OF SH!T?!

[–] ajmal-m 11 years ago

agreed. it was just terrible and a disgraceful waste of time.

[–] 11 years ago

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