Issue 22 - In the Dark

Hello and welcome to my weekly email newsletter, Deep Life Reflections: Friday Five, where I share five things I’m enjoying, thinking about, and find interesting.

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Here’s my Friday Five this week.

1. What I’m Reading

In Cold Blood. By Truman Capote.

Published in 1966, Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood is a pioneering non-fiction novel that details the 1959 murders of four members of the Clutter family in the small farming community of Holcomb, Kansas. Through years of extensive research, Capote, along with his friend Harper Lee (renowned for her classic novel To Kill A Mockingbird), followed the trails of the killers, Richard Hickock and Perry Smith, until their arrest and eventual execution.

In Cold Blood revolutionised the true crime genre, creating what Capote called the non-fiction novel. It advanced the concept of New Journalism, blending elements of fiction and fact to create a compelling account of the events. In the narrative, Capote introduces us to the Clutter family, allowing us a window into their everyday, simple lives, humanising them beyond mere victims. Their murder is presented in a brutal and senseless light.

Unraveling the complexities of the human psyche becomes a central theme, as Capote digs into the killers’ troubled pasts, mental illnesses, and circumstances that led to their horrific act. In Cold Blood goes beyond simply recounting the crime, it humanises the perpetrators and probes into their motivations, raising questions about the nature of fate, the reasons behind such senseless violence, and the complexities of crime and punishment. The book inspired a 1967 film adaptation, nominated for four Academy Awards.

The cultural significance of In Cold Blood endures sixty years later, exploring the darkest aspects of humanity while pushing the boundaries of storytelling and journalism (the book was not without its controversies). One can consider Capote's work as the starting point of the true crime genre, which remains so pervasive in today’s literary and media world.

2. What I’m Watching

Black Bird. Developed by Dennis Lehane.

Black Bird is a six-part series of a true story chronicled in James Keene and journalist Hillel Levin’s memoir, In With the Devil: A Fallen Hero, a Serial Killer, and a Dangerous Bargain for Redemption. The show tells the true story of James Keene, a low-level criminal who accepts an undercover mission to befriend a serial killer named Larry Hall in a maximum-security prison. Keene must elicit a confession from Hall to find the bodies of as many as eighteen women.

It’s a dark and tense story, sustained over six hours by excellent acting, directing, and especially writing from the great Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Shutter Island, and Gone Baby Gone). The show also marks the final appearance of the late Ray Liotta as James Keene’s father, Big James Keene. Liotta died before the release of the show and the third episode is dedicated to his memory.

Black Bird transcends the true crime genre to become a character study of a man forced to befriend evil to make sure it doesn’t escape. Taron Egerton’s portrayal of James Keene strikes a perfect balance between grit and vulnerability. The last place in the world he wants to be is in a cell next to Hall—he’s just an opportunist criminal, not someone who wants to discuss rape and murder. The emotional stakes are huge for Keene, especially dealing with a dangerous sociopath like Hall. Reluctantly immersed in Hall’s heinous world, Keene’s mental state crumbles under the weight of not only what he’s forced to hear, but also what he’s forced to endorse.

Black Bird is rich and character-driven, taking its time to get under your skin. It also has a great score by Mogwai. The show explores themes of redemption, manipulation, and the human capacity for evil. The fact it’s based on a true story only adds more gravitas.

3. What I’m Contemplating

The success of In Cold Blood in 1966 sparked a surge in public interest in true crime stories, captivating readers who craved more accounts of real crimes and investigations. As someone who has long been interested in true crime stories, whether through books, films, or documentaries, I’m contemplating what draws us to these macabre tales?

One factor is morbid curiosity, a common psychological trait that feeds our natural desire to solve puzzles and mysteries. We are always looking for something new that ignites an element of excitement, even if tinged with darkness. True crime stories can offer a short, sharp shock of adrenaline, all within the confines of a relatively safe environment.

This theme of safety is significant. Watching true crime shows allows us to examine the darker sides of humanity from a safe distance, observing extreme situations from the comfort of our homes. Consuming content about crime may provide us with a feeling of control and knowledge about an uncertain and anxiety-provoking world, especially in our current era of constant news updates across multiple platforms.

As humans, we are evolutionary designed to pay particular attention to potential threats, helping us learn and gather essential information. Heightened awareness of threats enables quick action and the ability to seek safety. Stories, particularly true stories, play a crucial role in teaching us about others and how to keep ourselves safe in the world. They allow us to experience and learn from terrible events without ever being in real danger.

True crime stories invite us to explore the depths of the human condition and our innate curiosity to understand the darker facets of our world. By engaging with true crime stories, we navigate the thin line between fascination and repulsion, seeking a sense of comprehension that helps make our own world a little safer.

4. A Quote to note

“The greatest crimes in the world are not committed by people breaking the rules but by people following the rules.”

- Banksy

5. A Question for you

When reading or watching a true crime story, how does it affect your emotions and thoughts—do you experience a sense of catharsis, or does it leave you contemplating the complexities of human behaviour?

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Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

James