Key Takeaways:
– “Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story”, a Netflix series by Ryan Murphy, focuses on the infamous 1989 murder of their parents.
– One scene generating a lot of buzz is about Lyle Menendez’s rumored baldness and use of hairpieces.
– While some consider Murphy’s infusions dramatic, the testimony shows that Lyle Menendez did wear hairpieces.
– Murphy faces backlash for his creative interpretations, but the series continues to captivate audiences.
The Hidden Hairpiece Tale
Ryan Murphy, renowned for his successful Jeffrey Dahmer series, delves into the real-life story of the Menendez brothers in his new series “Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story”. The Netflix show explores the infamous 1989 double murder of José and Kitty Menendez by their sons, focusing on the gritty side of the Menendez brothers.
Murphy’s Artistic License
Crafting such true crime series can present challenges, and Murphy is navigating these rough waters, walking the fine line of authenticity and entertainment. Despite facing criticism for some inaccuracies, Murphy continues to succeed in amplifying the drama of an already gripping story.
The Potent Hairpiece Scene
A specifically intense scene within the series is the exposure of Lyle Menendez’s rumored baldness and his alleged love for hairpieces. Viewers are left hanging in mid-air, questioning what’s fact and what’s fiction.
In this dramatic scene, Lyle Menendez, played by Nicholas Alexander Chavez, argues with his parents, José and Kitty, about his wish to marry his girlfriend. Amidst the argument, Kitty, portrayed by Chloë Sevigny, in a fit of anger, unveils his baldness by ripping off his hairpiece. This shocking scene acts as a significant trigger leading to the tragic murders.
The Hair-Raising Fact
Despite the intense dramatization, Lyle Menendez, indeed, wore hairpieces. He confirmed during his testimony that he had a fierce argument with his mother about the hairpiece just five days before the horrifying incident.
He revealed the chilling detail of his mother tearing off his hairpiece without any solvent glue, which made the situation extremely traumatic. His brother Erik didn’t even know about the hairpiece, further intensifying the incident’s humiliation.
Starting to Wear a Toupee
Lyle started losing his hair at a young age of 14. His father suggested he should wear a toupee to enhance his image at Princeton. Vanity Fair’s reports show that each of his hairpiece cost over $1,450. During trial, he was allowed to wear them, which led to noticeable differences between his appearance in court and in his mugshots.
Murphy’s Interpretations Questioned
Even though the Netflix series portrays Lyle as almost entirely bald, his testimony suggests he was more likely dealing with hair thinning. These interpretations have led to some backlash against Murphy.
Despite the criticism, this case remains one of the most fascinating and chilling in true crime history. Both brothers are currently serving life sentences at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego.
The high-stakes drama and real-life horror of “Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story” keeps the audience hooked, despite the swirling rumors and theories. The series is currently streaming on Netflix. While it pays to bear in mind some creative liberties taken by the creators, it certainly provides an entertaining and thrilling watch.