Mastermind

This of course is the former and it is a breath of fresh air - having had just finished a 'troubled teen' documentary that Max produced, which was so disappointing, then to come over to this "campire films" production who gave us greats such as " Jiro dreams of sushi" and "a glitch in the matrix" - I am just so appreciative of the professionalism and expertise BOTH by the filmmakers AND the subjects - which is becoming more and more rare these days. For one thing, it features the amazing Dr Ann Burgess, a true pioneer in the study and research and quantifying of criminal behavior - who is, imo, a national treasure and subject matter I could watch for hours.

*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.

(Speaking as an aficionado of the true crime genre) I found this documentary to be endearing, educational, and riveting. Dr. Burgess contributed so much to modern Forensic Psychology and her name is rarely spoken in the field.

It also made me re-think my love for the show, "Mindhunter", due to its complete bastardizing of Dr. Burgess' actual lived experience. This woman had 5 children and a husband who became a pilot to ensure that his wife could pursue her high demand career and still be around her small children. That was such an endearing story and the show made her the opposite. (The documentary never discusses the series, however it's pretty obvious that the fictional character is based on her).

10/10 must watch!

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 2024 American documentary series directed and produced by Abby Fuller. It explores the career of Ann Burgess, focusing on her work at the FBI developing means of tracking serial killers and other violent criminals based on her novel research into their behaviors. Ann dives deeper into the minds of serial killers, while balancing her life as a mother of four.

The series follows Burgess and her investigations at the FBI into serial killers and their victims.

If you like a tv series based on a true story and a crime documentary, then this is a tv series for you. It is interesting and fascinating.