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Ryan Murphy defends ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’
A controversial portrayal of a notorious case
Ryan Murphy’s latest Netflix series, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” has ignited a firestorm of debate since its release on September 19. The series delves into the infamous 1989 murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez by their sons, Lyle and Erik, and the subsequent trials that culminated in their 1996 convictions. The real Erik Menendez has publicly criticized the show, labeling Murphy’s depiction as “naive and inaccurate.”
Murphy’s response to criticism
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Murphy addressed Erik Menendez’s comments. “I think it’s interesting that he’s issued a statement without having seen the show,” Murphy remarked. “It’s really, really hard — if it’s your life — to see your life up on screen.”
Murphy emphasized that a significant portion of the series focuses on the abuse allegations made by the Menendez brothers. “I would say 60 to 65 percent of our show in the scripts and in the film form center around the abuse and what they claim happened to them,” he explained. “And we do it very carefully and we give them their day in court and they talk openly about it.”
A balanced narrative approach
Murphy, who co-created “Monsters” and contributed as a writer on several episodes, acknowledged the challenges of depicting sensitive topics like sexual abuse on television. “It’s a ‘Rashomon’ kind of approach, where there were four people involved in that,” Murphy said. “Two of them are dead. What about the parents? We had an obligation as storytellers to also try and put in their perspective based on our research, which we did.”
Controversial elements and their origins
One of the most contentious aspects of “Monsters” is the portrayal of a homoerotic and incestuous relationship between Lyle and Erik Menendez. The series includes scenes where the brothers are shown showering together, which has sparked significant backlash. Murphy defended these choices, stating that they were rooted in real theories that emerged during the trial.
“If you watch the show, what the show is doing is presenting the points of view and theories from so many people who were involved in the case,” Murphy said. He referenced Dominick Dunne, a journalist who wrote extensively about the Menendez case, as a source for these theories. “We are presenting his point of view. And we had an obligation to show all of that and we did.”
The importance of comprehensive storytelling
Murphy’s commitment to presenting a multifaceted narrative is evident throughout the series. By incorporating various perspectives, including those of the parents and journalists, “Monsters” aims to provide a holistic view of the Menendez case. This approach underscores the complexity of the events and the differing interpretations that have emerged over the years.
Watch the series and form your own opinion
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” is now available for streaming on Netflix. For those interested in exploring the intricate details and controversial elements of this case, the series offers a thought-provoking portrayal.
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