Evil Studies Vol. I: The Netflix docu-series about Jeffrey Dahmer

I begin with the brief explanation of the title. I have this idea of developing, even once a week, a moderately detailed and complete study on the main subjects that have stood out (for their infamy and cruelty) in the use of evil. This is volume I, and it will start with a character that is one of the most mediatic in social networks, and especially in the streaming giant, such as Netflix. A docu-series that I have seen complete a couple of times and that I have a lot of consumed literature to be able to explain.

Answering the question, "Why are we so attracted to evil in its various facets?" It is among the most difficult questions of human contemporaneity. Almost similar to answering the universal question with more texts and discussions (what is the human purpose within biological life). Nevertheless, this is cinema, this is a community that highlights, appreciates and promotes the dissemination of the most impactful art of all.

In Dahmer, the series based on Dahmer's life, we get to see the whole life, the incidents and the consequences that led to the outcome we all sadly know.... But while Dahmer's killer was a dismal character, unjustifiable from the human point of view and absolutely cruel and unconscionable in the use of evil, it is no less true that everything he did would have been impossible without the racism of the time, the negligence of the authorities and above all, the prejudices of the society of the last decade of the last century.....

This is what I love about Dahmer. That mini-series is perfect for cinematically dealing with the different perspectives. It doesn't fall into romanticizing the harsh childhood, the killer's problems or the family context. It goes beyond that. There is an entire episode dedicated to the optics of one of Jeffrey Dahmer's victims. Where it is shown that he also had complications (he was deaf-mute), of black ethnicity in a state like Wisconsin where racism is important, and yet, he did not end up being like the one who finally took his life....

Also, there's something that perhaps no one has quite noticed. The power of the script. In almost any review, you'll see praise (super-deserved for Evan Peters, the actor who brings Dahmer's character to life) but few linger on the structure of the mini-series. From a screenwriter's point of view, this work is made for those who directly know the horrible story and unfortunately that has transcended more than 30 years to the present day.... I think Netflix has understood the interesting niche it has in the biopics genre and exploited it wonderfully.

To this end, the intellectual creation behind Dahmer, the mini-series, and "Conversations with a Serial Killer: Jeffrey Dahmer" are based on serious work, research and a fantastic literature that includes an unnoticed master such as Robert Ressler, former FBI agent, who outside of the relationship between Jeffrey and his father (which was widely and suspiciously binding) was the second person who spent more time studying the Milwaukee Cannibal.

Ressler, he ended up concluding, even had many differences with his former Law partners, in coming to the conclusion that what is going on with Dahmer is closer to an actual mental illness than to a sadistic, cold and disinterested execution of evil. Put more simply, is Dahmer just as evil as Dennis Rader (The BTK Killer)?In the opinion, of the former FBI agent, no. In the opinion of the former FBI agent, no; because the methodology, the logic behind the murder, the care and cover of the clues that could lead him to be discovered, were totally different.

So, what I have to say about the filmography available on Netflix about Dahmer, is simply applause. From all ways of looking at it. Entertainment, specialized literature, good cinematography, excellent story development, historical fidelity, photography and art direction, etc.... Perhaps, in many ways, seeing how easy it is for some human beings to break the boundary between the acceptable and the unforgivable can scare us.And therefore, we are attracted to know what is so everyday, common and dangerous? I hope you liked my vision. Maybe, next week I will do Vol. II. A hug, boys and girls.