The Legend of Cropsey

June 13th, 2011

If you're familiar with anything I do, whether it's at Bloody-Disgusting or with one of my magazines, chances are you've heard me say something pretty mean. Rude. Derogatory. Inflammatory... about documentaries. I hate the damn things. I think they're boring torture devices that we get forced into watching during school.

In other words, as an adult, I'd rather watch grass grow. Then get cut. Then grow again. 

The funny thing is, a couple of different documentaries have changed my mind over the past year, CROPSEY being one of them. Now, while many of you may argue with me that this is just another documentary about a serial killer, here's the thing- it feels real. There's something about the filmmaking in this particular piece that leads you to believe the killer, Andre Rand, is actually going to show up at your door, force you into his vehicle, and slice your throat somewhere out in the woods.

Yeah- it's that good.

I first had the opportunity to watch the movie a few months ago and, in my opinion, it was a very gripping film. It dives into the story of a child serial killer who takes advantage of not only his victims, but an entire Staten Island community. The filmmakers, island natives Barbara Brancaccio and Joshua Zeman, remembered the urban legend of CROPSEY from their childhood and took it upon themselves to infuse that particular tale into the real life facts surrounding an array of disappearances and murders, as well as an abandoned mental institution. 

You heard me. I said abandoned mental institution. (Creepy, right?)

The world first heard of the now famed Willowbrook Mental Institution when journalist Geraldo Rivera did an expose on the inner workings of the hospital. It's disturbing, but if you're interested here's the actual video--





CROPSEY is a combination of reality and myth that forces the viewer to question what he/she knows and wants to know. There's a thin line between what is presented and what is assumed. For me, the best part of CROPSEY is the fact that the murderer, Mr. Rand, actually was in contact with the filmmakers... and sent them cryptic messages about the case. It's like mixing The Blair Witch Project with the First 48 and throwing in the Son of Sam. 

If you're looking for something different, check out CROPSEY. I can't say enough good things about this total mind-fuck. Check out this quarter's STIFF MAGAZINE for my full CROPSEY article, featuring interviews with both filmmakers. More information on STIFF can be found on their website. If you're looking for more information on the CROPSEY doc, check out their FACEBOOK PAGE here, or visit their website. 
 
Go on, click the links, you know you want to...





Peace, Love and Heartbreak ♥
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