So, let me start this review by setting my tone for this review quickly. “Manson, My Name is Evil” was originally called “Leslie, My Name is Evil” as the story focuses on Leslie Van Houten and a juror in her trial named Perry and not really a whole lot about good ole Charlie. So, the “bait and switch” right out of the gate has already dampened my mood considerably.
“Manson, My Name is Evil” is about the trial of Leslie Van Houten, a member of the “Manson Family” and it’s also about Perry, a confused kid who struggles with faith, his father and the fact he does not want to go to Vietnam, as well as his struggle of being on the jury of the Leslie Van Houten trial and if she deserves to die.
“Manson, My Name is Evil” does dive into both worlds. The world of Leslie and how she became part of the “Family” and Perry and the issues he is facing and how he starts to feel compassion for Leslie. Visually, the movie tries to recreate the time period and does so rather nicely (although, since I wasn’t alive at that time I will just assume it is spot on). However, the religious overtone of the movie really bothered me. Perhaps because I was still on edge from realizing I had been “duped” into thinking this was going to be a movie about Charlie Manson or my own personal religious beliefs, but when watching this movie I just felt awkward about what exactly the movie was trying to convey leaving me confused and scratching my head.
Again, perhaps my personal opinion on this subject influenced my viewing or I was really hoping to watch a Manson movie, If you are interested in a movie about Charles Manson, you will be disappointed in this movie, however as a stand alone with the original title this movie stands on its two legs, wobbly as they are, but standing none-the-less.
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