This article contains references to sexual violence.
Netflix hit show Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez StoryRyan Murphy’s sequel to the 2022 scandalous sensation Monster: Jeffrey Dahmer’s storyfollows the infamous brothers from their initial plot to kill their parents to their eventual sentence of life in prison without parole. But the Menendez brothers are far from the only real-life characters to be dramatized on screen, as the various characters heavily involved in their trial get their moments to shine.
Chief among these historical players is lawyer Leslie Abramson (played by Ari Graynor), whose dogged defense of Eric failed to free him or his brother, but left a deep impression on the world of the sexual and emotional abuse they allegedly suffered at the hands of their father. . Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story It also features the perspective of Dominique Dunne (Nathan Lane), whose daughter Dominique was murdered by her ex-boyfriend ten years ago. The killer, John Sweeney, spent just two and a half years in prison, sending Dunne on the warpath when he feared the Menendez brothers might get away with it thanks to what he considered a flawed defense strategy.
Screen Rant interviewed Lane and Graynor about their approach to the tragic truth behind Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Lane shared how he reached out to Dominick Dunne’s son in real life to better understand the investigative journalist, and Graynor admitted that she continued to brush up on her knowledge of Leslie Abramson even after filming the show ended.
Nathan Lane spoke with Dominic Dunne’s son to better understand monsters
“Then I was just trying to capture his rhythm and tone, which was very specific.”
Screen Rant: Nathan, can you talk about Dominic Dunne’s personality and how you approached bringing his character to life on screen?
Nathan Lane: Well, I have to give credit to the writers because it was their creation, their version of Dominic, and it was so beautifully written. I was sent to read the first four episodes and then I spoke with Ryan, who said that in the next episode we would like to explore his backstory and what led to his passionate advocacy for victims.
As usual, I’ve been doing a lot of research and reading. I talked to Griffin Dunne, his son, who helped me a lot; a wonderful person and a wonderful writer. He recently wrote a memoir called The Friday Afternoon Club, which is a wonderful book. I have the extended version and it was very helpful to see Dominic through his son’s eyes.
Back then it was just trying to capture his rhythm and tone, which was very specific. I would just watch a bunch of YouTube videos of him being interviewed. There’s a lot of what they call the Archives of American Television, and he does that. I found this extremely useful. And then, the writing in the show itself was so damn good that it did most of the work for me.
Ari Graynor still turned to Leslie Abramson’s book for advice after finishing Monsters
“There was a completely different maternal, caring, spiritual part in her…”
Screen Rant: Ari, what was your process for embodying the qualities that made Leslie Abramson such a tireless and dedicated attorney? Did you read her book or use any other resources to prepare for the role?
Ari Graynor: You know her book “Defense Ready!” I’m sure I did. God, I read Defense Ready. I read it, audio-recorded it, or bookmarked it… I actually brought it with me. I’m such a nerd that before we even did it, I had to cram all my Leslie stuff all over again. So I have her book here at the hotel.
Like Nathan, I just used everything I could to try to see it, to know it, to watch it… Because she was so incredible. [lawyer] and he had such amazing energy and was great and everything. It’s like you’re going on a quest to find clues and details. And then you do all the deep acting work of trying to embody that so you can then take these beautiful scripts and really bring them to life with her spirit, which is what I wanted most.
I knew she was fierce and tough and amazing in the courtroom, but there was a whole other maternal, caring, soulful part to her that I was really hoping to bring out.
About Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez
Following the huge success of Dahmer, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s anthology series returns with Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez, which follows the real-life brothers convicted in 1996 of murdering their parents, Jose. and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez.
While the prosecution argued that they were seeking to inherit their family fortune, the brothers argued – and remain adamant to this day as they serve life sentences without the possibility of parole – that their actions were motivated by fear of physical, emotional, emotional and mental health. suffering throughout life. and parental sexual abuse. “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” delves into the historical case that captivated the world, paved the way for audiences’ modern fascination with true crime, and responds by asking viewers the question: Who are the real monsters?
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Source: Screen Rant Plus