The Real Women of ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’
From the titular alleged murderer to a bloodthirsty 16th-century countess and a 1980s sex worker-serial killer, Ryan Murphy’s new show ties together real-life rageful women — but often stretches the truth
The latest series from Ryan Murphy, "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story", has sparked conversation not only for its dramatized take on infamous women but also for its exploration of female rage and the blurred lines between fact and fiction. For music enthusiasts, it's interesting to note how the show's themes of female empowerment and rebellion might resonate with similar narratives found in music. Artists like Lady Gaga, with her own persona of strong female leads, or musicians like St. Vincent, who often explores themes of female identity and societal expectations, might find parallels in the show's portrayal of complex women.
The show's weaving together of real-life stories, from Lizzie Borden to Elizabeth Báthory, a 16th-century countess accused of torturing and killing young women, and Kristen Gilbert, a 1980s sex worker-serial killer, raises questions about the public's fascination with female perpetrators of violence. This fascination is also reflected in music, with songs like "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga or "Disturbia" by Rihanna, which explore themes of dark desire and the blurring of lines between good and evil.
As the show continues to unfold, it's worth watching how it navigates the complexities of its subjects' stories and the cultural context in which they lived. For music fans, it will be interesting to see if the show inspires new works or if artists respond to its themes and characters in their own music. With Murphy's track record of sparking cultural conversations, it's likely that "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story" will have a lasting impact on both television and music.
Originally reported by rollingstone.com. MusicNewsletter adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.