Film Lens
When Women Kill is a documentary film directed by Lee Grant that examines life in women's prisons across the United States. The film features various inmates and the circumstances that led to their incarceration, covering a range of crimes from drug use to first-degree murder. Notably, it includes a segment on Leslie Van Houten, a member of the Manson Family. The film was produced under a deal with HBO and was filmed over several months, gaining access to multiple women's prisons.
The documentary presents a sympathetic portrayal of its subjects while addressing the complexities of the criminal justice system. Critics noted that the film struggles with the morality of its subjects, suggesting that the system is uncertain about how to rehabilitate these women. The New York Times remarked that the film implies that no one is rehabilitated in prison and that rehabilitation may not be necessary for these women.
Why Watch
- •Meet Leslie Van Houten, a Manson Family member.
- •See life inside various women's prisons.
- •Find out about women's crimes from drug use to murder.
Did You Know
•The film was directed by Lee Grant, an Academy Award winner.
•Filming took place over many months in several women's prisons.
•Barbara Kopple, director of Harlan County USA, was the sound recordist.
•The film originally aired on HBO in 1983.
Perfect For
True crime enthusiastsDocumentary fansCriminal justice studies