Filling the Void: Post-Mindhunter Content to Watch

The short-lived Netflix series ‘Mindhunter’, renowned for its dramatization of real-life crime stories, sparked a plethora of other media forms, varying from thrilling to dramatic. Launched in 2017, the show received widespread acclaim for its representation of the work of FBI profiler John Douglas. Despite all its narrative liberties, the root of ‘Mindhunter’ lies in true events, making it a captivating watch.

However, after two engaging seasons, audiences were caught off guard when the series was abruptly discontinued. This cancellation left the narrative hanging midway with numerous untouched aspects of Douglas’ life, leaving the viewers craving for closure. While the chances of resolving the fictitious storyline in the series are bleak, a considerable amount of media related to Mindhunter continue to thrive.

The show is known for its insightful interviews showcasing some of the most infamous inmates of the era. These conversations played a significant role in shaping the psychological strategy to capture other lawbreakers. With only passing references to the broader narratives of high-profile criminals like David Berkowitz and Charles Manson, the series paved the way for other filmmakers to delve deeper into their stories.

The realm of true crime-inspired cinema is diverse, swinging from genuine analysis to over-the-top scandalous representations. Similarly, the cases featured in ‘Mindhunter’ span the spectrum. Notwithstanding their varying degrees of excellence, many of these films reveal intriguing information that did not find mention in the series. Although these movies may not suffice to fill the gap created by the show’s cancellation, they make for a great addition to the Netflix series’ storyline.

One such film is Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’ (2019), appreciated for its homage to a fading era of the iconic city. Albeit being loosely centered around one of Hollywood’s most notorious chapters, the movie provides a fascinating alternate universe where the Tate-LaBianca murders didn’t occur, stopping the Manson family crimes in their tracks.

From an informational viewpoint, ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ might be inadequate. However, the film’s charm and imaginary flair make up for its historical inaccuracies, rendering any factual shortcomings forgivable. Another related film, ‘The Clovehitch Killer’ (2018), is a horror delight semi-based on the crimes of David Rader, alias the BTK Killer. This is one storyline that ‘Mindhunter’ enthusiasts may find reminiscent as the series details Rader’s crimes in a separate thread.

‘Chicago Massacre: Richard Speck’ (2007) is another movie tapping into this genre, differing from ‘Mindhunter’s’ high-budget presentation, providing a raw, economically produced true-crime narrative. This direct-to-video film offers a comprehensive view of mass murderer Richard Speck’s life, tracing his journey from his early days to his contentious end in prison.

The series ‘Mindhunter’, thanks to Cameron Britton’s stellar portrayal of the gigantic Ed Kemper, highlighted a profound human aspect to this infamous killer. Frequently appearing in the series, his character serves as a grim anchor amidst the emotional turbulence caused by a deep dive into the minds of serial offenders.

Yet, ‘Kemper: The Co-Ed Killer’ (2008) does not present the same lens to the narrative. The movie, in its attempt to chronicle Kemper and his crimes, alters certain critical details, possibly diluting its appeal and effectiveness.

Spike Lee’s ‘Summer Of Sam’ (1999) may have faded away from the collective memory, but it provides an intriguing look into true crime cinema linked back to ‘Mindhunter’. Set in the notorious summer of 1977, the movie admirably portrays the charged atmosphere in New York City during that period, revolving around multiple incidents, including the horrific crimes committed by the Son of Sam.

‘Charlie Says’ (2018) is a more recent representation of Manson’s cult, distinguishing itself by choosing factual representation over scandalous dramatization. This film chronicles a journalist’s efforts to help cult members deprogram and presents detailed retrospections straight out of the more infamous pages of history.

The movie refutes unnecessary sensationalism and maintains a commitment to portraying the facts, making ‘Charlie Says’ a commendable accompaniment to ‘Mindhunter’. Though slightly austere and accompanied by a somewhat uninspired script, the film scores points for its adherence to factual integrity.

In conclusion, there’s a broad array of existing content that can help fill the void left by the ‘Mindhunter’ series. While these movies cannot fully recreate the unique narrative spun by the series, they contribute to a deeper understanding of the crimes and criminals featured in it, offering viewers an extended journey into the minds of these infamous figures.