Mindhunter: a fresh take on a stale genre

by Patrick McKee

Mindhunter, the new series released on Netflix, is putting a new spin on the police procedural. Directed by Joe Penhall and produced by David Fincher and Charlize Theron, the series slows down the cop drama and is rooted in the true crime genre. Following FBI agent Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff), who is based on real-life criminal psychologist John E. Douglas, the series shows the creation and evolution of the framework used to profile serial killers. In fact, this show documents (and dramatises) the coining of the phrase “serial killer”.

Focused mainly on building an archive of interviews with notorious killers, Mindhunter utilises the real documentation of the original interviews. The dialogue is taken verbatim from the case files in the 70’s, bringing more authenticity to the show and highlighting exactly how a common law tactic of profiling became business as usual. There is a question about coercion and dirty tactics that police use that society has now come to look at as problematic, but remember that this was the first time anyone had considered pattern behaviours with killers and discussing the mental capacity or illness of these murders keeps you wanting to learn more. Learning about the evolution of the psychology behind these killers is intriguing and, because of the factual nature of the research, almost terrifying. Mindhunter also comments on the ignorant behaviour of police and FBI agents of the 70s. With scenes in the FBI base discussing certain words that cannot be used around women (such as pussy, cunnilingus and anal probing), and gay characters hiding behind closed doors, the 70s was a completely different time and we can see how much things have changed. With a period soundtrack consisting of nothing but classic 70s rock, the series is deeply rooted in its time and really immerses you in post-Manson America. It’s slow and difficult to maintain interest in the first few episodes, but Penhall keeps the momentum going with the characters using their new found knowledge to help local law enforcement with active cases.

Mindhunter really captivates anyone who is interested in both the true and dramatised crime genre and yet it focuses on the psychology of the narrative rather than relying on action and shock value (well, besides episode one but the suicide was worth it). The show was renewed for a second season six months before it premiered on Netflix, indicating that the critics saw something worthwhile and different. It’s worth a shot, hopefully, next season they continue to keep up the pace and momentum. I would hate to see an interesting show like this become yet another basic crime show.