‘Monsters’ Star Ari Graynor on Playing Attorney Leslie Abramson and Wanting to Meet the ‘Extraordinary’ Menendez Brothers: ‘I Would Love to Get to Hug Them One Day’

As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for delving deep into the lives of characters portrayed on screen, I must say that Ari Graynor’s performance as Leslie Abramson in “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” is nothing short of breathtaking. Her dedication to understanding the intricacies of Abramson’s character, without directly communicating with her, speaks volumes about Graynor’s commitment to her craft.


Ari Graynor did not contact the actual Leslie Abramson during her preparations for portraying the famous defense attorney featured in Netflix’s “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.

Graynor shared with EbMaster, “I understood she’d been quite open about not discussing any of her cases. You can see that in all the documentaries or shows they’ve made, she’s never appeared for an interview. I believe she distanced herself from it, not just because this specific case was so emotionally taxing for her, but also due to her frank opinions regarding the media and its impact.

In 1997, Abramson penned her memoir titled “The Defense Is Ready: Life on the Frontlines of Criminal Law.” Today, at 80 years old, she has retired and seldom attends public events.

Graynor expresses, “I have a profound sense of attachment towards her, as if I’ve developed feelings for her unknowingly from a distance. A significant part of my experience has been about honoring her, so now I’ve been attempting to send her an email. I’ve been seeking out individuals who could potentially deliver it to her, merely to recognize her and share with her the admiration I hold for her, should she ever wish to converse.

Graynor advocates for a second chance for Erik and Lyle Menendez, hoping they might one day be freed from prison. At present, they are serving life sentences without the option of parole, which they received for their conviction of first-degree murder of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in 1989.

As a fan, I can’t help but feel an intimate connection with them in this peculiar alternate world. They’re reportedly extraordinary individuals who, as Leslie put it at the show’s end, will not only enrich their own lives but also significantly contribute to our society. From all accounts, they seem simply amazing. Erik is educating people on meditation, while they’re involved in the GreenSpace prison reform initiative. I eagerly look forward to the day when I can embrace them personally.

‘Monsters’ Star Ari Graynor on Playing Attorney Leslie Abramson and Wanting to Meet the ‘Extraordinary’ Menendez Brothers: ‘I Would Love to Get to Hug Them One Day’

I recently shared with Graynor that Ryan Murphy, the series co-creator, commended her “performance from behind” when discussing the fifth episode, a 33-minute single take focused on Erik (Cooper Koch) recounting his childhood experiences of sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of his father. In this scene, Graynor’s voice can be heard but her face remains off-camera as she faces away from the lens. “I found myself reflecting the other day,” Graynor says, “that Episode 5 was the most authentic artistic endeavor I’ve ever been a part of because there was no camera in my face. There’s a theory in physics that an observer can alter something’s state, and I felt a strong connection to this idea during the filming. It seemed as if my presence and my desire to support Cooper and provide him with all the resources he needed so he could deliver his best performance were what mattered most. Essentially, my face became a performance for one — for him.

In a more playful tone, I’d say: “Stepping into the shoes of Abramson was an enchanting experience, thanks to a striking, voluminous blonde wig. This wig wasn’t just a simple accessory; it was a transformative piece that brought forth the essence of a multifaceted, perfect lady. Without her hair and attire, Leslie simply wouldn’t have felt or been found as I did.

She reminisces about donning the wig prior to a family dinner in Silver Lake for four hours. “During that break,” she says with a grin, “I decided to bring her [the wig] along to dinner. I surprised everyone at the table since they didn’t recognize me. The waiter, later on in the evening, complimented my hair as he passed by.

‘Monsters’ Star Ari Graynor on Playing Attorney Leslie Abramson and Wanting to Meet the ‘Extraordinary’ Menendez Brothers: ‘I Would Love to Get to Hug Them One Day’

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2024-10-03 21:46