How the Director of 'The Menendez Brothers' Documentary Connected with his Subjects Through Messi

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Argentine filmmaker Alejandro Hartmann has captivated audiences worldwide with his powerful documentary 'The Menendez Brothers, now available on Netflix.

The documentary not only revisits one of the most notorious true crime cases in the United States but also stands out for Hartmann's unique approach that allowed him to connect with Erik and Lyle Menendez on a personal level.

As a passionate Argentine and a master storyteller, Hartmann leveraged his cultural background to establish a common ground with the Menendez brothers, who love sports. He found a unique opportunity to break the ice using soccer, mainly through conversations about the iconic Lionel Messi and the FIFA World Cup. Hartmann's lack of familiarity with the Menendez case became one of his most vital assets when Campfire Studios approached him to direct the documentary.

Unlike other filmmakers who might approach the story with preconceived notions, Hartmann engaged with the material out of genuine curiosity. "It was like being a blank canvas," he shared in interviews, highlighting how his lack of bias allowed him to explore the narrative from a fresh angle.

One of the most challenging aspects for Hartmann was building a rapport with the brothers, who had been convicted for the murder of their parents under circumstances marked by allegations of abuse and emotional trauma.

To overcome this barrier, Hartmann took an unconventional approach—he started talking about soccer. The sport, a shared passion between the brothers, created a relaxed atmosphere that facilitated the first candid conversation the brothers had had in decades.

The Messi Magic

"We started talking about Messi, the Argentine national team, and their feelings about the World Cup. It was a starting point that allowed us to connect on a more personal level," Hartmann recalled. This connection not only helped break the ice but also opened up a deeper dialogue about their experiences and the context behind their actions.

The bond that developed between Hartmann and the Menendez brothers was crucial to the documentary's success. Over five months, conversations flowed more like friendly interactions than formal interviews. Hartmann shared personal anecdotes, making the brothers feel comfortable enough to speak openly about their lives and the trauma they endured. "I've never had such an open conversation with an interviewee before," the director commented.

As the relationship strengthened, Erik and Lyle began revealing details about their childhood and the pain they carried for years. This connection enabled Hartmann to present a more nuanced and humanized narrative, portraying the brothers not only as criminals but as individuals deeply affected by their circumstances.

The resulting documentary is raw and honest, delving into difficult aspects of the Menendez brothers' lives, such as the complexities of their relationship with their parents and the contradictions between the love they felt for them and the tragic actions they took.

The Menendez Brothers ultimately provides a form of vindication for the brothers and serves as a platform for a deeper understanding of the case.

"I want people to see this as a tragedy—not just for the parents who lost their lives but for the brothers and everyone involved in the story," Hartmann stated. Following the series 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story', it seemed that Netflix had prepared a documentary that would offer the brothers a chance to tell their side of the story, and for this purpose, they turned to a Latino director.

Alejandro Hartmann is a rising Argentine director making waves in the film industry. With 'The Menendez Brothers,' he caught the world's attention by shedding new light on a familiar story. With a career spanning several years in film and television, Hartmann has established himself as an honest and empathetic storyteller, merging critical analysis with a human-centered approach in his projects.

Prior to 'The Menendez Brothers,' Hartmann worked on various projects that propelled him to prominence in documentary filmmaking and fiction. His career began in the Argentine television industry, where he directed and produced several series and documentaries that tackled socially and culturally relevant topics.

Among his most notable works are 'El Fotógrafo y El Cartero', an incisive and thorough investigation into a crime that shocked Argentina, and 'Carmel: El Asesinato de María Marta'.

Hartmann's innovative approach to capturing complex narratives has made him a director who can engage his audience with a captivating humanity. His unique take on the Menendez brothers' story has not only revived interest in a famous case. Still, it has also sparked a necessary dialogue, allowing the brothers to speak about family trauma and the pursuit of justice in a media-driven world that often focuses on sensationalism.

The Making of "The Menendez Brothers"

The creation of "The Menendez Brothers" was a monumental challenge. Hartmann and his team conducted extensive research, poring over court documents, interviews, and previously unseen archives. "We wanted to understand not just the facts but also the emotional and psychological context of the brothers," Hartmann shared in recent interviews. The goal was to present an honest and human portrait, avoiding the sensationalism that had surrounded the case for decades.

Throghout the production, Hartmann also focused on testimonies from criminology experts, as well as friends and family members of the Menendez brothers to construct a narrative that not only informed but also evoked empathy. "This isn't just a documentary about a crime; it's an exploration of family, trauma, and the pursuit of justice," he added.