Manson Family, The (2003) d. VanBebber, Jim (USA)
I first heard about The
Manson Family, and its uncompromising creator Jim VanBebber, in 2005 when
it made its DVD debut courtesy of DarkSky Films. Through the various press articles that
surrounded the completion of this legendarily extended gestation process (principal photography began in 1989), as
well as a terrific article in FAB Press’ Flesh
and Blood Compendium, I slowly formed an image of VanBebber as a mad genius
who either couldn’t or wouldn’t allow his passion project to leave the nest. Upon finally catching up with the film proper, I was impressed with the man’s attention to detail and his vision,
although a little put off by the somewhat ham-handed modern-day bookending
device. The final evaluation: This was a worthy effort, certainly a suitable companion piece for 1976’s
celebrated TV-movie Helter Skelter, which
was promptly filed away in the DVD library under “M” and thought little more
about. Until now.
