Behind-the-Scenes of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story – Was Episode 5 Filmed in One Take?

Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story is the exciting second season of the anthology series Monster, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. This compelling biographical crime drama comprises nine episodes, all of which premiered simultaneously on Netflix on September 19, 2024.

This season vividly chronicles the notorious real-life murders of José Menendez (played by Javier Bardem) and his wife Kitty (portrayed by Chloë Sevigny) at the hands of their sons, Lyle (played by Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and Erik (played by Cooper Koch) in 1989.

According to Netflix, the synopsis for Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story reads:

“This riveting true-crime drama probes the lives of the Menendez brothers, convicted of the brutal 1989 murders of their parents in Beverly Hills.”

Notably, episode 5, titled The Hurt Man, is shot in a single, continuous take and lasts approximately 36 minutes.

Insights into the Filming of Episode 5: Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story

Episode 5, The Hurt Man, diverges from the series’ typical hour-long format with a unique runtime of 36 minutes. It features only two characters: Erik Menendez (Cooper Koch) and his lawyer Leslie Abramson (Ari Graynor), captured in a single uninterrupted shot.

Throughout the episode, Erik recounts his painful experiences of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse in harrowing detail to his lawyer. The camera remains focused on Koch for the entirety of the 36 minutes as he delivers his emotional testimony, while Graynor’s character is filmed from behind, facing Koch.

In a conversation with TheWrap, Cooper discussed the preparation for this emotionally charged scene in September 2024:

“I read it every day leading up to (filming). I had this groove for a long time. I read it before I went to bed. I really tried to get all of those memories to be so real and specific for me, so that when I recounted them, they would evoke an emotional response.”

Ari Graynor revealed that Ian Brennan penned The Hurt Man nearly a year before filming took place. To maintain authenticity, both actors rehearsed the scene together only once in front of the show’s writers and directors.

The episode was directed by Michael Uppendahl over two days, culminating in a total of eight takes. The final take from the second day made it to the screen.

Reflecting on the scene’s significance, Graynor expressed:

“It makes me happy, because once you put that out in the world — to have a model of Leslie listening and holding that space… but to be able to say that to him and to potentially have anyone hear something who’s never shared their story to hear ‘You did not deserve that’ and ‘That is not what a parent is’ is really important.”

Plot Summary: Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story

Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story offers a dramatized portrayal of the infamous murders committed by brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez.

The brothers gained national attention in 1989 for the brutal killing of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. The narrative explores the events leading up to the murders, the subsequent prosecution, and their eventual conviction.

This series delves into the complex circumstances surrounding the tragedy from various angles. It highlights the brothers’ shocking allegations of abuse, both physical and emotional, at the hands of their parents, alongside perspectives from the parents, backed by extensive research by the creators.

Cast and Characters in Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story

The main cast of Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story includes:

• Javier Bardem as Jose Menendez
• Chloë Sevigny as Mary Louise ‘Kitty’ Menendez
• Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez
• Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Lyle Menendez
• Ari Graynor and Leslie Abramson
• Nathan Lane as Dominick Dunne
• Dallas Roberts as Dr. Jerome Oziel
• Jason Butler Harner as Det. Les Zoeller
• Leslie Grossman as Judalon Smyth
• Marlene Forte as Marta Cano
• Larry Clarke as Brian Andersen
• Charlie Hall as Craig Cignarelli
• Jeff Perry as Peter Hoffman
• Jade Pettyjohn as Jamie Pisarcik
• Tanner Stine as Perry Berman
• Enrique Murciano as Carlos Baralt
• Drew Powell as Det. Tom Linehan
• Michael Gladis as Tim Rutten
• Gil Ozeri as Dr. William Vicary
• Salvator Xuereb as Robert Shapiro
• Brandon Santana as Tony
• Tessa Auberjonois as Dr. Laurel Oziel
• Jess Weixler as Jill Lansing

All episodes of Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story are now streaming on Netflix.

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