Inside the twisted mind of an unlikely assassin
Unveiling ‘Suburban Fury’: A deep dive into Sara Jane Moore’s story
When delving into “Suburban Fury,” the documentary based on Sara Jane Moore, viewers are taken on a journey into one of the strangest episodes of 1970s American history. Moore, an ordinary-appearing 45-year-old single mother, attempted to assassinate President Gerald R. Ford in 1975—a deed she botched due to a faulty gun. This surprisingly detailed documentary offers a comprehensive look into Moore’s mind and the peculiar wave of violence that marked the decade.
The complexity of Sara Jane Moore
Moore’s story is fascinating beyond her failed assassination attempt. She struck an unusual deal with filmmaker Robinson Devor: she would be the only person interviewed for the documentary. Even in her 90s, Moore comes across as lively and captivating—a riveting storyteller who infuses her tales with a sense of spontaneity. Her relaxed demeanor and firm assertion that she was never insane add layers of intrigue to her narrative, challenging the audience to discern the fine line between fact and fiction.
The making of a radical
“Suburban Fury” meticulously reconstructs Moore’s backstory, painting a picture of an individual who constantly reinvented herself, much like a snake shedding its skin. Born in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1930, Moore often falsely implied aristocratic Southern roots. Despite multiple marriages—five husbands, in fact, with one husband married and divorced twice—she led a turbulent personal life, marked by the abandonment of most of her four children.
Moore’s move to Danville, California, positioned her close to the epicenter of one of the most sensational crime stories of the era: the Patty Hearst kidnapping. She became closely involved with Randolph A. Hearst’s efforts to address the demands of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) by distributing $2 million in groceries through the People In Need (PIN) program. Not only did she become an accountant for the program, but she also identified with the SLA’s radical beliefs, further entwining herself with left-wing underground groups.
An unlikely informant
Intriguingly, Moore was also recruited by the FBI to infiltrate these groups, delivering detailed daily reports on their activities. This dual allegiance—reporting to the FBI while harboring radical sympathies—reflected a psychologically complex personality, reminiscent of the dual lives led by other infamous figures like Lee Harvey Oswald.
The logic behind the assassination attempt
Moore’s motives, born from the post-Vietnam, post-Watergate disillusionment that characterized the 1970s, were eerily logical in their own twisted way. She viewed the American political system as morally bankrupt, especially after the resignation of Richard Nixon and the appointment of Nelson Rockefeller as vice president—an unelected leader embodying the wealthy WASP establishment. Inspired partly by the CIA’s history of orchestrating assassinations and coups and the FBI’s involvement in the murder of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton, Moore saw her attempt on Ford’s life as a form of poetic justice—revealing the system’s inherent corruption.
Rockefeller, in particular, was a target of Moore’s disdain. Having been involved in the highly criticized response to the Attica prison uprising in 1971, he represented to Moore all that was wrong with American politics. She believed that his presidency would starkly expose the rot at the core. This rationale could be viewed as a distorted reflection of the ”Twinkie defense,” blending radical political criticism with personal vendettas.
An exploration of conflicting identities
The film delves deep into the intricacies of Moore’s psyche. At just 19, she experienced an episode of ‘amnesia’ outside the White House, symbolizing her complex relationship with memory and identity. In her 20s, she even dabbled in acting, studying with Lee Strasberg and displaying a beauty that suggested she could have had a Hollywood career. Despite her radical activities, she remained a committed FBI informant, illustrating an ideological dichotomy that the documentary likens to the torn personality of Lee Harvey Oswald.
The influence of other female radicals
Moore’s actions were significantly influenced by other high-profile incidents of the time. The arrest of Patty Hearst on September 18, 1975, just days before Moore’s assassination attempt, played a pivotal role in shaping Moore’s resolve. Additionally, the attempted assassination of President Ford by Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, a former Charles Manson follower, only 17 days prior might have contributed to Moore’s decision, although the documentary does not explicitly make this connection.
A performative persona
In “Suburban Fury,” archival footage juxtaposed with contemporary interviews reveals Moore’s consistent lack of remorse. Filmed in symbolic settings like the backseat of a ’70s station wagon, her narrative is as much a performance as it is a confession. This performative aspect underscores her need for attention, driving her toward infamous acts.
By the film’s end, “Suburban Fury” appears closely intertwined with Moore’s worldview, nearly suggesting that her attempt on Ford’s life was a misguided quest for social justice. This portrayal offers an intimate look into what can be perceived as insanity when viewed from within.
For more insights and detailed reviews of recent documentaries, be sure to share this content on your social media or follow our platform for the latest updates in the world of film and television. If this film piqued your interest, don’t miss the trailer for “Suburban Fury”.