🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the documentary “Casting JonBenet,” filmmaker Kitty Green takes a unique approach to explore the macabre legacy of the infamous unsolved murder case of 6-year-old beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey. Rather than focusing on reenactments of the crime, the film delves into the casting process for the roles of real people involved in the case, such as Jon and Patsy Ramsey, Burke Ramsey, John Mark Karr, and Boulder police officials.
Set in Colorado, the film captures the emotions and speculations of various local actors as they audition for these roles, dressed as the individuals they are trying to portray. Through these auditions, the documentary observes how the tragic events surrounding JonBenet’s murder have become a point of pop-cultural obsession and conspiracy, shaping the collective memories and mythologies within the Colorado community.
Kitty Green’s unconventional approach to “Casting JonBenet” involves engaging with the people of Boulder who responded to the casting call, inviting them to audition for any role in the Ramsey case. The film takes shape as a series of auditions, where the director explains her vision for the project to each participant, emphasizing the unique nature of the film and the absence of a traditional script.
“Casting JonBenet” offers a thought-provoking exploration of the impact of media speculation and public fascination on a real-life tragedy that continues to captivate audiences even after two decades. The documentary sheds light on the complexities of human emotions, the blurred lines between reality and performance, and the enduring legacy of a case that remains shrouded in mystery.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Actors | Role |
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Various Colorado-area actors | John and Patsy Ramsey, Burke Ramsey, John Mark Karr, Boulder police officials |
Kitty Green | Director |
Scott Macaulay | Producer |
James Schamus | Producer |
Michael Latham | Cinematographer |
Davis Coombe | Editor |
Nathan Larson | Music Composer |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Casting JonBenet Movie Review: A Provocative Peek into Pop-Culture Obsession
Imagine you’re at a neighborhood block party, and instead of playing charades, everyone decides to reenact their theories about a local unsolved mystery. Now, sprinkle in some audition nerves, personal biases, and a dash of conspiracy. Voila! You’ve got “Casting JonBenet,” a documentary hybrid as intriguing and unsettling as finding pineapple in your pizza.
Plot & Themes:
“Casting JonBenet,” directed by Kitty Green, takes an unconventional approach to exploring the infamous 1996 murder of six-year-old beauty queen JonBenét Ramsey. Instead of delving straight into the crime itself or offering new evidence, this film turns its lens on the ripple effects within the community. It’s less about what happened to JonBenét and more about how her story has been absorbed into the public psyche.
The documentary is structured around casting sessions for roles in a hypothetical biopic about the Ramsey case. As locals from Boulder, Colorado audition for parts like John Ramsey or Patsy Ramsey (JonBenét’s parents), they reveal much more than their acting chops—they share their personal theories and deep-seated emotions about the case. This setup creates a meta-narrative where speculation becomes performance art.
Acting & Characters:
The “actors” are regular folks from Ramsey’s neighborhood, each bringing their unique take on the characters they’re auditioning for. One might play John Ramsey as an innocent man devastated by his daughter’s death, while another might portray him as suspiciously composed. Here’s where it gets fascinating: these performances are less about accuracy and more about revealing how different people process tragedy.
- Alice from down the street insists Patsy had something to do with it based purely on her gut feeling.
- Bob next door is convinced it was an outside job because he’s always felt safe in his own home.
- Carol two blocks away, dressed to the nines in pageant wear, believes JonBenét’s stage life holds all the clues.
This blend of amateur acting and raw personal reflection gives “Casting JonBenet” its unique emotional texture. It’s like watching a town therapy session unfold on screen—simultaneously riveting and discomforting.
Direction & Score:
Kitty Green deserves kudos for her audacious vision. Rather than presenting yet another true-crime documentary with ominous narrations and shadowy recreations, she opts for something that questions our obsession with such stories. This isn’t just a whodunit; it’s a why-do-we-care-dunit?
The score subtly underscores this eerie fascination without overwhelming viewers with melodrama. The music creeps in like an afterthought—much like how macabre curiosity sneaks into our minds when we least expect it.
Cinematography & Production Design:
The visuals are striking yet minimalist—think stark audition rooms contrasted with snippets of everyday Boulder life. This juxtaposition adds layers to the narrative by reminding us that behind every sensational headline is an ordinary community grappling with extraordinary events.
Binge-watching Tip:
If you’re diving into true crime territory on Netflix, start with “Casting JonBenet” for its fresh take before moving on to more traditional documentaries like “Making A Murderer.” It’s like having dessert before dinner—it just makes sense sometimes! ️
The interviews are shot so intimately that you can almost feel the tension in each person’s voice—the sort of tension you’d feel if you were asked to audition for Hamlet but ended up pouring your heart out instead.
Edit & Pace:
“Casting JonBenet” moves at a deliberate pace—not too slow to lose interest but measured enough to let each moment sink in fully. The editing stitches together these fragmented auditions into an oddly cohesive narrative that keeps you hooked without resorting to cheap thrills or cliffhangers.
Ponder This… ✨:
If you were cast in a film based on your town’s biggest mystery, who would you play? And what would your rendition reveal about you?
Binge-watching Tip:
This isn’t popcorn material; pair it with something contemplative—like herbal tea or dark chocolate—to fully appreciate its nuances without distraction!
Dialogues Worth Mentioning:
- “Sometimes I think we all just want answers so badly that we’re willing to create them ourselves,” muses one participant—a line that sums up both the film’s ethos and our collective true-crime mania.
- “I don’t know if we’ll ever know what happened,” admits another—a refreshingly honest departure from typical true-crime bravado claiming ultimate truth discovery.
Binge-watching Tip:
If you’re planning a true-crime marathon night (because who doesn’t love those?), make sure this one’s early on your list—it sets up fascinating questions you’ll be pondering through subsequent shows!
User Interaction Time! :
How do you think pop culture influences our perception of real-life events? Comment below!
Comparisons? If you’ve seen “The Jinx” or “Wild Wild Country,” how does “Casting JonBenet” stack up? Let’s discuss!
Hypothetical Scenario: Imagine being part of such an audition process for another high-profile case—is it enlightening or exploitative?
In summary:
“Casting JonBenet” is less about solving a mystery and more about understanding why we’re captivated by them in the first place.
It’s raw.
It’s unsettling.
It’ll make your brain do somersaults.
This film challenges viewers not just to watch but to introspect—about crime, community, and collective consciousness.
So grab some chamomile tea (or perhaps something stronger), settle in comfortably (but not too comfortably), and prepare yourself for one heck of an emotional rollercoaster.
I’d give it 8/10 ✨—a thought-provoking masterpiece that’s definitely worth your time!</ strong >
And remember: Sometimes it’s not about finding answers but appreciating the questions themselves! ️♂️ ️♀️
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Fascinating and unsettling exploration of a high-profile unsolved true crime mystery | May not provide definitive answers to the case |
Offers personal impressions and speculations from people involved in the community | Could be uncomfortable to watch due to the subject matter |
Unique approach to observing the impact of the case on pop culture and conspiracy theories | Some viewers may find the reenactments disturbing |
Engaging set pieces and audacious documentary style | Does not focus on the actual crime details |
Raises thought-provoking questions about the case and those obsessed with it | May leave viewers wanting more concrete information |
Available for streaming on Netflix | Could be emotionally challenging for sensitive viewers |
Feedback
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Casting JonBenet | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix - YouTube
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Casting JonBenet - Wikipedia
Synopsis
Casting JonBenetdocuments the casting process for the re-enactments in the documentary. Various Colorado-area actors are interviewed and tested for the roles of real people involved in the case, including John and Patsy Ramsey, Burke Ramsey, John Mark Karr and Boulder police officials. During the process, the would-be actors, dressed as the individuals they are auditioning for, reveal their emotions about the case and offer their own speculations. Rather than documenting the crime, the film observes how the events have become a point of pop-cultural obsession and conspiracy.
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Casting JonBenet movie review (2017) | Roger Ebert
To get at these questions, Green uses a similar approach to that employed by Robert Greene in his excellent “Kate Plays Christine,” viewing the case through the eyes of a group of actors auditioning to play the roles of John, Patsy, JonBenet, and other key players in this American drama. Their performances offer their personal impressions of the murder: one person plays John as completely innocent; another thinks he’s protecting someone in the house. We even see actors auditioning to play Santa Claus, as one theory posits that the Christmas party’s Kris Kringle may have been involved. It’s almost the inverse of a traditional crime doc. Whereas crime docs typically seek to offer everything that is known about a crime, “Casting JonBenet” proves how little we will ever understand about that night.
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
“Casting JonBenet” is not your typical true crime documentary. Instead of rehashing the details of the infamous JonBenet Ramsey murder case, director Kitty Green takes a unique approach by exploring how people have responded to and engaged with the case over the years. The film delves into the world’s obsession with the tragic death of a young girl in Colorado and the myriad theories that have emerged surrounding the case.
The film follows a group of actors auditioning for roles in a recreation of the events surrounding JonBenet’s murder. These actors offer their own interpretations and theories about what happened that fateful night. From speculations about family dynamics to far-fetched conspiracy theories involving Santa Claus, the auditions serve as a platform for individuals to share their personal stories and beliefs about the case.
What sets “Casting JonBenet” apart is its focus on the actors themselves. Rather than featuring experts or law enforcement officials, the film showcases ordinary people who have been drawn to participate in reenacting the tragic events. As the auditions progress, the line between performance and confession blurs, with participants revealing personal experiences and traumas that connect them to the story in unexpected ways.
Green’s meticulous approach intercuts the audition footage with snippets of what could be considered the “final product” of the reenactment. Viewers witness the actors portraying key moments from the case, such as press conferences and the discovery of JonBenet’s body. Through this layered storytelling technique, the film invites audiences to reflect on their own darkness and fears, prompting them to consider how they might react in the face of tragedy.
As the film unfolds, Green skillfully weaves together the various stories, theories, and performances, ultimately underscoring the elusive nature of the truth behind JonBenet’s murder. By exploring our collective fascination with true crime and unsolved mysteries, “Casting JonBenet” challenges viewers to confront their own curiosity and complicity in consuming stories of human tragedy.
Green’s masterstroke comes in the film’s conclusion, where she artfully layers the multitude of narratives and interpretations, reinforcing the notion that the ultimate truth remains unknowable. Through its examination of the true crime industry and our cultural obsession with sensationalized narratives, “Casting JonBenet” prompts viewers to question the ethics and motivations behind our consumption of such stories.
Overall, “Casting JonBenet” serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of human nature and our enduring fascination with morbid tales. By blurring the lines between performance and reality, the film challenges audiences to confront their own voyeuristic tendencies and consider the impact of our insatiable curiosity on the lives of those affected by tragedy.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-14
Age Rating:
“Casting JonBenet” is rated R for mature themes, discussions of a murder case involving a child, and some strong language.
Parental Guide:
Parents need to know that “Casting JonBenet” is a Netflix Original Movie that delves into the unsolved 1996 murder case of JonBenet Ramsey. The film features a compilation of interviews with Colorado actors speculating on the case, as well as re-enactments of scenes related to the murder. The content includes mature themes surrounding a tragic real-life event, discussions about the murder of a child, and some strong language. Due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter, this movie is more suitable for mature audiences and may not be appropriate for younger viewers.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
streaming service | extra information |
---|---|
Netflix | Casting JonBenet is available for streaming on Netflix with different maturity ratings ranging from 13+ to TV-14. Local actors from JonBenet Ramsey’s hometown offer multiple perspectives on her 1996 murder as they vie to play roles in a dramatization of the case. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
Green uses a similar approach to that employed by Robert Greene in his excellent "Kate Plays Christine," viewing the case through the eyes of a group of actors auditioning to play the roles of John, Patsy, JonBenet, and other key players in this American drama.
Casting JonBenet is a 2017 American documentary film about the death of JonBenét Ramsey and the large impact it left behind.
Kitty Green's avant garde documentary allows people auditioning to play JonBenét Ramsey and her family to expound their conspiracy theories about the unsolved murder of the child beauty pageant.
The first face we see is practically a dead-ringer for young JonBenét, minus the curly blonde bouffant.
In the months following the unsolved murder of 6-year-old beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey, responses were elicited from her Colorado hometown community, creating a work of art from the collective memories and mythologies the crime inspired.
"Casting JonBenet" is not like the dozens of true crime episodes of shows like "Dateline NBC" or "48 Hours" that have analyzed the most famous unsolved murder of the ‘90s ad nauseam.
🤖Casting JonBenet Reddit Talks
Casting JonBenet: A Unique Perspective on a Notorious Crime
Netflix’s “Casting JonBenet” takes a distinctive approach to the infamous JonBenet Ramsey murder case. Unlike traditional true crime documentaries, this film focuses on the casting process for a hypothetical movie about the tragedy. Through interviews with aspiring actors portraying key individuals involved in the case, the film explores the public’s fascination with the crime and the various theories surrounding it.
Speculation and Conspiracy Theories
One of the primary themes emerging from the discussions is the rampant speculation and conspiracy theories that have plagued the JonBenet Ramsey case for decades. The film highlights how the casting process becomes a platform for individuals to share their own interpretations and theories about what happened. Some auditionees firmly believe in the innocence of the Ramsey family, while others suspect their involvement or even implicate outside forces.
Ethical Concerns
The film also raises ethical concerns about the portrayal of such a sensitive case. Some viewers express discomfort with the dramatization of the murder, particularly the inclusion of a disturbing scene involving breast torture. They argue that it is disrespectful to the victim and her family to exploit such a tragic event for entertainment purposes.
Cultural Obsession
“Casting JonBenet” delves into the cultural obsession with the JonBenet Ramsey case. The film suggests that the case has become a source of fascination and speculation, with numerous books, documentaries, and even a tabloid frenzy surrounding it. This obsession has led to a distorted perception of the events, with the public often more interested in sensationalism and conspiracy theories than in finding the truth.
Critique of the Film
While some viewers praise the film’s innovative approach and its ability to spark discussion, others criticize it for being exploitative and lacking substance. They argue that the film fails to provide any new insights into the case and instead perpetuates the cycle of speculation.
Conclusion
“Casting JonBenet” is a thought-provoking film that examines the complexities of the JonBenet Ramsey case and its impact on popular culture. Through the casting process, the film invites viewers to consider the ethical implications of dramatizing such a sensitive subject and to question the motivations behind the public’s fascination with true crime stories.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/68arrn/discussion_thoughts_on_casting_jonben%C3%A9t/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/JonBenetRamsey/comments/rqwif4/does_anyone_else_find_netflixs_casting_jonbenet/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/69ebc8/casting_jonbenet/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/7j42v1/i_finally_got_around_to_watching_casting_jonbenet/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/JonBenetRamsey/comments/154jr78/would_it_be_possible_to_make_a_movie_or_a/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Did casting JonBenet turn into a movie?
Casting JonBenet is a 2017 American documentary film about the death of JonBenét Ramsey and the large impact it left behind. The film was directed by Kitty Green.
Is casting JonBenét scripted?
Green told me that she spent 15 minutes with each actor who showed up to her casting call pitching the premise of the film: There was a three-page treatment and no script. Casting tapes would be used in the film. Multiple actors would be playing each role.
Is casting JonBenet still on Netflix?
Yes, Casting JonBenet is available to watch via streaming on Netflix. The film features people from Ramsey’s neighborhood as they reenact pivotal moments from the case.
Was there sperm found in JonBenet Ramsey?
Semen was not found on or near the body, in the girl’s bedroom or in the basement room where her body was found Dec. 26, sources told The Denver Post.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
- The Case of: JonBenét Ramsey: A TV series delving into the case of JonBenét Ramsey.
- Who Killed JonBenét?: A documentary investigating the murder of JonBenét Ramsey.
- JonBenet Ramsey: What Really Happened: A documentary exploring the true events surrounding JonBenét Ramsey’s case.
- Perfect Murder, Perfect Town: JonBenét and the City of Boulder: A drama based on the JonBenét Ramsey case set in Boulder.
- Suburban Nightmare: JonBenét Ramsey: A TV movie focusing on the tragic story of JonBenét Ramsey.
- JonBenet: An American Murder Mystery: An investigative documentary on the JonBenét Ramsey murder mystery.