Mommy Dead and Dearest

Documentaries, when done well, are like great theater. Count "Mommy Dead and Dearest" among one of the best ever made. It also doesn't hurt that the filmmakers have an unbelievable fascinating story to work with.

"Gypsy Rose" sounds like a name for the title character in some form of art. But the story of her life is a tale best left for nightmares.

Just when you think that there is nothing else that could horrify or surprise you, along comes a story that turns that on its head.

It is going to take me a lifetime to forget what I just watched. I also now have a new added skepticism of or society, legal and justice system- all of which dropped the ball here.

Sometimes the worse solution may end up being the only solution.

This story is incredibly fascinating, in the deepest, darkest and saddest of ways. Even if you know the facts and outcome of this case from the media, it is still remarkable to listen to the horrifying accounts of the events from all those involved. Excellent documentary from HBO.

This story is INSANE. Hard to believe something this complex, fascinating and disturbing could occur in real life. Is Gypsy purely a victim? A pathological liar? An abuse survivor? A mentally confused and stunted young girl? A willing participant? A product of over medication and abuse? Probably a mixture of all of this and more, each taking its turn at the forefront of her personality. A sad, enrapturing and pulpy crime doc.

I don't know where to begin. I am one hour into this documentary, and about twenty-two minutes are left. I am completely horrified by everything I've seen so far.

I have never heard of this crime, the people involved, anything. This tale, which is not simply a crime story, is probably the most horrifying incident I've ever heard in my life, and it's not the murder itself that is the most disturbing, but rather, ALL that led up to it. Given what Gypsey Rose endured her entire life, it's no wonder she finally murdered her mother. And, she'll probably need a lifetime of therapy to get over the trauma her mother inflicted upon her. Merely watching her story, I was beyond uncomfortable, unsettled, disgusted, revolted and horrified by what that woman did to her daughter, and I was equally as horrified by how the system COMPLETELY failed her. She endured purposeful, systematic abuse by her mother, and the system ignored her situation her entire life, wh8ch is why she felt compelled to take matters into her own hands. Her life heretofore has been a complete freak show.

I hope she will be able to start a new life. Somehow.

Gypsy's mom, no doubt, created a sociopath, with her constant horrific abuse of her daughter. Now, Gypsy is able to express herself articulately and sympathetically, but her upbringing, taught to lie throughout her lifelong abuse, probably has produced a cunning sociopath. Yes, I do feel sorry for her. I don't blame her for orchestrating the murder of her mother. That said, the woman (therapist?) who commented that Gypsy "may be dangerous" was probably right. Gypsy will probably never have a normal relationship. Sociopaths are very skilled at expressing themselves convincingly.