Mastermind

Mastermind (2024) is a captivating blend of psychological tension and razor-sharp storytelling. The film follows a complex web of schemes and betrayals, keeping you guessing at every turn. With its smart dialogue and clever plot twists, it demands your full attention and rewards you with edge-of-your-seat suspense.

The cast delivers stellar performances, especially the lead, who perfectly embodies the cunning and charisma of a true mastermind. The pacing is tight, and the direction is stylish, making every scene feel vital. It's a thrilling exploration of power, manipulation, and the price of ambition. If you love intricate plots and mind games, Mastermind is a must-watch.

I watched this documentary to learn more about Dr. Ann Burgess, one of the crucial folks behind the creation of the FBI's BSU, after seeing her portrayed on the show Mindhunter. I must say that I think Mindhunter did her a huge disservice with the character based on her. She's even more incredible in real life, and she never came across as cold/clinical, unlike the character in the show.

It's very disappointing how that show completely changed her background, so we never got to see how she overcame the challenges of balancing a full time career and her role as a wife and mom to her family. Her husband deserves a thumbs up for being so supportive of his wife, during a time where most husbands wouldn't have been.

Mindhunter also failed to really explore the workplace sexism she faced, like how none of her male colleagues asked her to be in the group photo for a newspaper after solving a major case, when she deserves a lot of the credit that they were taking.

I've seen some of the other reviewers commenting that they felt like the 3rd episode was unnecessary because they don't agree with her defense of the Menendez Brothers, but I have to disagree. I think regardless of where you stand on that case, it is important to include why someone who had worked so many years for the FBI, would chose to be on a criminal's Defense team, and how difficult it was to advocate for something she believed in (sexual abuse of males), even while being derided by her old colleagues and the general public. For me, all three episodes gave me a more in depth understanding of who this woman is, and some of the principles that she holds dear.

I would love to see a new series with Ann as the main protagonist, because she deserves it for all of the fantastic work that she's done in this field. Overall, I enjoyed the documentary very much, as I learned a lot about this brilliant lady.

This was a truly excellent and appropriately timed series about an unsung hero in the behavioral science game, Ann Burgess. It follows her early work with victims of rape and using what she knew to formulate standards when the FBI was talking with serial killers. This gave the FBI something to compare and contrast when going through the data and arguably has very much improved what FBI knows about people who kill and how they treat victims. All while Mrs. Burgess was raising three kids and a married mother and nurse.

That being said, I have a quibble in general with profiling these days due to its being taken too far and its potential for abuse. When looked at as a "gut feeling" it isn't allowed in a court of law, but when called a "science" gut feelings are allowed in. I also have a quibble with her support of the Menéndez brothers. She supports there abuse story without a bit of evidence. That makes me think she could be manipulated and wonder about her credibility.

Nevertheless it was a gripping documentary and wonderful to see a spotlight on a woman making a difference.

*Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer* is a gripping psychological thriller that delves deep into the mind of a master manipulator. The film skillfully explores themes of control, obsession, and deception, keeping the audience on edge with every twist and turn. The performances are intense, with standout portrayals that make the complex characters feel real and dangerous. While the pacing can sometimes feel slow, the intricate plotting and sharp dialogue make up for it. With its dark atmosphere and clever twists, it's a tense, cerebral experience for fans of mind games and suspense. Highly recommended.

After reading the reviews, in particular the reviews regarding episode 3 and the Menendez Brothers Case, some of the reviewers have incorrectly stated that there was no evidence of abuse in the Menendez case. However this is incorrect. There was evidence of abuse including medical reports from the hospital, photos and testimony. The letter from their cousin and Roy Rosello further corroborates this abuse. Please educate yourself before making such incorrect claims. Doctor Ann Burgess is an incredible woman and ahead of her time. Having watched both Mindhunter and Dr Ann Burgess testimony during the Menendez trial it was a welcomed documentary to finally watch.