Patrick Macmanus Questions Audience Reaction to Non-Violent John Wayne Gacy Series Devil in Disguise
The recent true crime series “Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy,” directed by Patrick Macmanus, offers a unique approach to the notorious case. Unlike conventional portrayals of serial killers, this show emphasizes the victims’ stories over graphic violence. Macmanus initially hesitated to take on the project, fearing it would fall into a repetitive narrative of horror.
Victim-Centric Storytelling
Macmanus made it clear from the onset that he would only participate if the narrative focused on the victims, their families, and the broader implications of Gacy’s actions. He noted that the show would not depict any of the 33 murders attributed to Gacy but would explore themes of hope, tragedy, and the experiences of sex workers in the 1970s Chicago.
Research and Outreach
- Research was initiated using resources from NBC News and the Peacock documentary.
- A private researcher contributed thousands of pages of court documents and interviews.
- Outreach was made to several victims’ families, resulting in five families expressing their support for the project.
The series comprises several episodes, each dedicated to a different victim, culminating in the stories of survivors David Cram and Jeffrey Rignall. Macmanus carefully curated the order of episodes to highlight the significance of their narratives.
Collaboration with GLAAD
Recognizing the historical context surrounding Gacy’s crimes, Macmanus brought GLAAD into the production process. GLAAD provided feedback on scripts and allowed their expertise to shape how sensitive topics, including latent homophobia, were addressed.
Artistic Decisions
Macmanus consciously chose to minimize Gacy’s presence in the narrative. Initially, Gacy had a more prominent role, but the final decision was to depict him sparingly, emphasizing that Gacy should not dominate the story. By doing so, the series shifts the focus away from him and towards the victims’ lives and experiences.
Audience Anticipation
Macmanus expressed curiosity about how viewers would react to this departure from traditional crime storytelling. He acknowledged the potential risks of not depicting violence, which often draws audiences in. However, he believes the approach of focusing on deeper narratives may resonate in unexpected ways.
Conclusion
“Devil in Disguise” challenges conventional true crime tropes by prioritizing the voices of the victims and their families. With its careful construction and partnership with advocacy groups, the series aims to provide a respectful portrayal of the aftermath of Gacy’s actions while inviting audiences to engage with the stories of resilience and loss.
