The Netflix series Monsters
The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has captivated audiences with its portrayal of the infamous Menendez brothers, and actor Cooper Koch took his role as Erik Menendez to a whole new level.
To embody the convicted murderer, Koch turned his trailer on set into a replica of Erik’s bedroom. This extreme method acting helped him get into character and deliver an authentic performance for the Ryan Murphy-produced show.
Cooper Koch’s Dedication to Playing Erik Menendez
Cooper Koch, known for They/Them and Power Book II: Ghost*, embraced his role in ”Monsters” with dedication.
To fully understand Erik Menendez’s mindset, Koch transformed his trailer into a space mirroring Erik’s childhood bedroom.
“I had clothes everywhere, pictures of Erik, and even pictures of myself,” Koch shared at the Los Angeles premiere.
This immersive environment helped Koch deeply connect with the character, bringing the Menendez brothers’ true story to life.
In 1989, Erik Menendez, aged 18, and his brother Lyle, aged 21, brutally murdered their parents in Beverly Hills.
The shocking case became one of the most widely discussed trials of the 1990s, capturing national attention.
Koch’s portrayal of Erik Menendez highlights the psychological complexities, emphasizing the alleged abuse leading to the murders.
Method Acting: The Art Behind the Performance
Koch didn’t stop at just replicating Erik’s environment. He used various methods to ensure his portrayal was as authentic as possible. He explained that he watched videos of himself as a young boy to understand Erik’s mindset and gain perspective on the abuse claims.
“I looked at how my parents treated me, which gave me a deep sense of gratitude for my family and contrasted it with what Erik went through,” said Koch. To further immerse himself, he kept journals, listened to music Erik might have enjoyed, and religiously watched interviews and footage of Erik.
Nicholas Alexander Chavez, who plays Lyle Menendez, had a different approach. Not familiar with the case before joining the series, Chavez sought out those who lived through the media frenzy of the Menendez trial.
“The first thing I did was call people who were alive at the time to get their perspective,” said Chavez. He also watched Court TV footage and documentaries to better understand Lyle’s role in the infamous case.
A Complex and Multi-Layered Story
The ”Monsters” series takes a deep dive into the Menendez brothers’ lives, offering viewers different perspectives on the tragic events that led to their conviction.
The show has been compared to the 1950 Akira Kurosawa film ”Rashomon” for its multiple viewpoints on the same incident.
According to Chavez, the series allows audiences to come to their own conclusions about the case and the Menendez family. “This show presents the facts from so many different perspectives,” Chavez noted. “It lets people make their own judgments, which is one of the most compelling aspects of it.”
The Role of Leslie Grossman in the Series
Leslie Grossman, a long-time collaborator with Ryan Murphy, portrays Judalon Smyth, the mistress of the Menendez brothers’ therapist. Grossman’s character plays a pivotal role in bringing the case to light. “She is the one who goes to the police and reveals the brothers’ confession,” said Grossman. Judalon’s motives, however, are portrayed as far from pure.
Her decision to expose the Menendez brothers was fueled by her own personal grievances with the therapist, not necessarily by a sense of justice.
Grossman explained that Judalon’s actions may have been driven by a desire for fame as well. “She may have wanted her 15 minutes of fame,” Grossman noted, emphasizing the character’s complicated motivations.
The actress added that the real-life court transcripts proved Judalon’s involvement in the case was “wilder than any fiction you could have written.”
Nathan Lane Reflects on the Menendez Trial
Another notable cast member is Nathan Lane, who plays Vanity Fair correspondent Dominick Dunne. Dunne was one of the key media figures covering the Menendez trial in the 1990s.
Lane recalled having vague memories of the case but admitted that working on the series revealed just how complex and disturbing the story truly was. “You think you know what happened, but the more you learn, the more shocking it becomes,” said Lane.
The ”Monsters” series delves into the family dynamics, legal intricacies, and the media circus surrounding the case, offering viewers a more nuanced understanding of the brothers’ motivations and the aftermath of the crime.
A True Crime Story Like No Other
The Menendez brothers’ case is one of the most infamous in American history, and ”Monsters” revives its tragic story.
The series not only covers the murders but also delves into the psychological turmoil that led to the killings.
By showing the case from different angles, the show encourages viewers to rethink the brothers’ actions and motivations.
It also sheds light on the alleged abuse they endured, asking viewers to question the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
A Must-Watch for True Crime Fans
Monsters:
The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is now streaming on Netflix, offering a fresh perspective on the case.
With a talented cast, including Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, the series dives into complex, emotional territory.
The show examines the Menendez brothers’ actions, the media frenzy around the trial, and hidden family issues involved.
The series also highlights darker aspects of family life that may have contributed to the murders’ shocking outcome.
True crime enthusiasts and psychological drama fans will appreciate this gripping portrayal of a highly notorious murder case.
The series challenges viewers to rethink their understanding of one of the most infamous cases in modern history.
