Manson, My Name Is Evil : DVD Review


Title: Manson Girl
Starring: Kristin Adams, Gregory Smith, Sarah Gadon, Kristen Hager, Ryan Robbins
Duration: 81 minutes
Certificate: 18
Format: DVD
Released: 9th August 2010

Manson Girl (2009) - Movie PosterManson Girl, known also a Leslie, My Name Is Evil focuses on the trial of Leslie Van Houten, a member of the infamous Manson Family. During her trial for her involvement in the killings a young male juror, Perry, is seduced by her and begins to have sympathy for her.

The film is set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War in the 1960s and the underworld of Charles Manson and his cult followers. Leslie and a number of other young impressionable girls are seduced into Manson’s cult of violence, murder and sex.

The themes of murder, cult followings, sex and the Vietnam War may offend some viewers. What’s more some of the content is handled in a humorous manner which may also offend as of course the violent crimes that they committed were very horrible and here Manson and his followers are shown in a sympathetic light, some might even say they are glamorised.

However the acting and direction across the board is strong and the film itself is very stylish, if a little gruesome in places. Kristin Adams is very impressive as the ‘All American’ Christian girl, Dorothy, girlfriend of Perry, played by Gregory Smith, who at time has to take the lead in the film, in some of the court case scenes. He’s very good. Sarah Gadon as Laura and Kaniehtiio Horn as Katie and Anjelica Scannura as Sadie all produce fine performances, only bettered of course by Kristen Hager as Leslie. Ryan Robbins is very strong in his portrayal of Charlie Manson.

Manson Girl will not be for everyone but for those that enjoy films of a semi-biopic nature such as Bonnie and Clyde or Natural Born Killers this film should hit the spot.

Author : Kevin Stanley