Is gay TV titan Ryan Murphy guilty of sensationalising murderers?

Ryan Murphy has once again stirred debate with his latest Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, a significant addition to his extensive portfolio of television productions. Known for his provocative storytelling, Murphy has consistently generated responses from both viewers and critics through his daring themes and narrative choices.

The new series, which debuted recently on Netflix, explores the infamous case of the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in the late 1980s. Upon release, the show quickly amassed 19.5 million views within its first week, becoming the most-watched programme on the streaming platform worldwide at the time.

In classic Murphy style, the series has not been without its share of controversy. Prior to its release, the show attracted attention with a promotional poster featuring the Menendez brothers depicted in a suggestively intimate and homoerotic manner. This creative choice has been perceived by many as sensationalism, intended to provoke, and has sparked significant backlash. The brothers, currently serving life sentences, have publicly denounced the series, describing it as a dishonest portrayal of events. Their statement from prison criticized the show for presenting a distorted narrative that they claim maligns their story.

The controversy surrounding Murphy’s work is not new. His prior series, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, faced criticism from the families of gay murderer Dahmer’s victims. Many accused the show of reopening old wounds and trivializing their traumatic experiences for entertainment value. Nonetheless, this series proved to be hugely successful, accumulating a billion views in a mere 60 days, securing its position as the third most-watched Netflix programme ever.

Murphy’s career trajectory has been a mix of critical success and public contention, marked by his relentless output of TV shows and series. From groundbreaking works such as Glee and Pose, which celebrated queer culture and diversity, to the darker tones of American Horror Story and Nip/Tuck, his influence in television is undeniable.

Particularly with Pose, co-created with Steven Canals, Murphy made history by creating one of the few series to prominently feature transgender actors, which was both critically acclaimed and culturally significant. It received accolades for its portrayal of New York’s ballroom scene, earning historic achievements and recognition for its groundbreaking approach.

Despite these successes, Murphy’s recent ventures, especially under a lucrative $300 million partnership with Netflix, have drawn mixed reviews. Productions like The Politician and Ratched have failed to garner the same acclaim as his earlier works, raising questions about whether his storytelling has maintained the innovative edge it was once known for.

Nonetheless, Murphy continues to work on a slew of upcoming projects including Doctor Odyssey and a new season of Monster, featuring Charlie Hunnam as serial killer Ed Gein. These forthcoming series are anticipated to adhere to his signature blend of drama and controversy, a hallmark of Murphy’s unique, albeit divisive, approach to television production.

Source: Noah Wire Services