Deep Dive: Talhotblond (2009)
Film Lens
Talhotblond is a 2009 documentary directed by Barbara Schroeder that recounts an Internet love triangle leading to a murder. The film centers on Thomas Montgomery, a 47-year-old married man from Clarence, New York, who pleaded guilty to murdering his 22-year-old co-worker Brian Barrett. Both men were romantically interested in a person they believed to be an 18-year-old girl named 'Jessi', who was actually the mother of the real Jessi, Mary Shieler, posing as her daughter online. The film illustrates the complexities of online relationships and the tragic consequences that can arise from deception.
The narrative unfolds through interviews with key figures, including Montgomery himself, clinical psychologist Dr. Rex Julian Beaber, and law enforcement officials. The documentary examines the psychological aspects of the case and the impact on the families involved. It also shows how a seemingly innocent online interaction can spiral into a real-life tragedy, emphasizing the dangers of catfishing and the blurred lines of identity in the digital age.
Why Watch
- •Meet Thomas Montgomery, the man behind the murder.
- •Find out about the catfishing plot by Mary Shieler.
- •See the real-life consequences of online deception.
Did You Know
•Thomas Montgomery was 47 years old when he murdered Brian Barrett, who was 22.
•Mary Shieler was catfishing as her daughter Jessi without her knowledge.
•The film won the Best Documentary Grand Jury Award at the Seattle International Film Festival in 2009.
•A Lifetime movie based on this story aired on June 23, 2012.
Perfect For
True crime enthusiastsInternet safety advocatesFans of psychological dramas