‘Monsters’ Stars Break Down Erik Menendez’s ‘Powerful,’ 33-Minute Single Take in Episode 5: ‘You Couldn’t Look Away’

As a supporter who has been captivated by the raw emotional intensity of Netflix’s “Monsters,” I must say that the fifth episode, titled “The Hurt Man,” stands out as a testament to acting brilliance and storytelling excellence. The 36-minute uncut monologue delivered by Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez is a tour de force that demands attention and empathy.

Following four episodes delving into the turbulent lives of Lyle and Erik Menendez, Netflix’s “Monsters” series experiences a dramatic change in tone and approach during its fifth installment.

Entitled “The Agonized Man,” this 33-minute segment unfolds in one continuous scene, where Erik (Cooper Koch) recounts, in a heartfelt and emotional manner, the distressing incidents of child abuse he experienced. Erik’s narrative follows after his arrest for the murder of parents Jose and Kitty (portrayed by Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny), during a dialogue with his attorney Leslie Abramson (Ari Graynor).

The ninth episode of the series significantly deviates from the norm, splitting its nine-episode season into distinct halves. This unique episode, titled “The Hurt Man,” offers Erik a solo platform to delve into the profound darkness that lies at the core of the narrative, while simultaneously isolating him from his elder brother Lyle (Nicholas Chavez). In her review, Aramide Tinubu, a critic for EbMaster TV, praises “The Hurt Man” as a “standout” episode and highlights it as the climax of an exceptionally strong first half of the series’ storyline.

In the unaltered 36-minute span of “Monsters,” I carry the weight of Abramson’s character, as he remains hidden from direct view.

Graynor stated, “We fired at it eight times – four shots per day over two days. We had a lot of practice sessions planned out. Cooper and I had gone through it a few times individually to practice aloud, then we ran it during rehearsals. Given how much effort we put into preparing and the emotional investment we had in it, when we entered the room, we performed it once and Michael Uppendahl, our exceptional director, suggested, ‘Instead of rehearsing it further, let’s just film it.’

Koch recalled the rehearsal: “It was so beautiful. It went better than I could have imagined.”

Initially, he didn’t experience the same enthusiasm during the first two attempts. Recalling the moment, Koch said, “I approached Michael and asked for assistance, ‘I’m struggling here. I can’t seem to grasp it, or understand what I’m missing,'” he recounted. To which Michael replied, “You’re trying to replicate the magic of the initial rehearsal, so let go of that pursuit in the next one. Instead, be receptive to Ari and whatever she might say. Look for light in every opportunity and try to uphold your parents’ values.’ This advice really helped me. I felt fantastic after the third take.

In the final instance, the scene showcased in the episode is the one where Cooper performed something remarkable. Each time we tackled it, it was nothing short of extraordinary, and we managed to pull it off without a hitch. There were no setbacks, just pure dedication and teamwork. Every take was unique, and I believe we both recognized the rare opportunity we had as actors. This episode was so much more than just us; it was a platform for Erik’s story, and for me as Leslie, I aimed to portray the kind of attentive listening and love that she extends towards him.

Speaking about collaborating with Graynor, Koch found himself getting emotional. “What’s remarkable is that despite not seeing her physically, we only hear her voice,” he noted, “and she manages to guide and support him throughout the entire process. Ari is incredibly giving in her performances,” he added, dabbing away tears from his cheeks.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “This happens every time I talk about her.”

Murphy stated that they, along with co-creator Ian Brennan, were determined to give Erik a platform to express his perspective. “Whatever he says in the script is rooted in things he’s previously said, written, or discussed,” he clarified. “During the writing process, I believed that the most compelling approach would be to present it as a single, uninterrupted narrative, making it impossible for viewers to look away.

Murphy remarked that it was so quiet you could have heard a pin dropping during the filming of the scenes, and he commended Graynor’s performance as truly exceptional acting from behind the camera.

He stated that they were deeply dedicated to the topic they were discussing and ensuring justice for victims of sexual abuse.

Not long after the show started streaming on Netflix, Erik criticized “Monsters” and Murphy over the damaging depictions of him and his brother’s characters. Both brothers are currently incarcerated at the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California, following their conviction for the murder of their parents in 1996.

During an interview with EbMaster, Murphy expressed his support for the series by stating that it represents “the most remarkable event” for the brothers in the past three decades.

After the premiere of the series, Koch encountered the brothers during a prison visit with Kim Kardashian. He firmly aspires that they can secure a retrial, expressing his hope: “I truly wish they’ll be granted parole and have a remarkable future ahead.

2024-09-28 19:17

‘Monsters’ Stars Break Down Erik Menendez’s ‘Powerful,’ 33-Minute Single Take in Episode 5: ‘You Couldn’t Look Away’

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