Every once in a while at headquarters, we open up something that is a little bit- okay insanely- off kilter. In that vein, The Film Detective has sent us a copy of the 1970’s film, The Other Side of Madness.
In 1969, the Charles Manson Family began a murder spree in Los Angeles, in would what would become to be known as the Tate-LaBianca Murders. Often researched, documented, and immortalized with many books and films, there was one film that started it all; The Other Side of Madness. This film was the first to hit the scene, even as the trial was still ongoing. It was filmed a few months after the murders, based on published newspaper and television reports. In short, there’s a lot of factual inaccuracies, but that’s not the message the film is trying to get across. Now 50 years old, The Film Detective is rereleasing this absolutely bonkers film on Bluray.
The Other Side of Madness begins with a group of men and women standing before a map. Suddenly, Charles Manson appears and offers a piece of paper, which we assume must be orders to go out and commit murder. The film credits are a spider wrapping up a fly, preparing to eat it. No major figures are named in this movie, other than Charlie. As no one had been charged when the film was made, they decided to avoid using the names of the key players in the murders in what I imagine was avoiding getting sued or having the film shut down. Still, all involved parties are pretty clearly identifiable. The film relies on voiceovers and has a very psychedelic feel over all, even as the film is only in black and white. There are scenes of naked people doing yoga and rock climbing at a concert. The majority of the film is people taking drugs, dancing, holding pseudo orgies, and establishing a 1970’s vibe. Oh, and murder; a lot of murder. In short, this is definitely not a movie to watch with the kids.
One of the most uncomfortable parts of this film is that scenes were actually filmed at Spahn’s Movie Ranch, before it burned down in September 1970. For those who don’t know, Spahn’s was the headquarters for the Manson family. The Bluray also comes with a CD of Charles Manson’s music. The film includes interviews with the filmmakers, including details about how they had to use a ton of chocolate syrup as blood for the film.
The Otherside of Madness comes to Bluray on November 24, 2020.
