Review – Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple

Unlike most of the other things I’ve seen about Jim Jones – mostly crap on high-band cable – this is a serious documentary rather than cheap sensationalism. That’s no big surprise, considering this is part of the PBS American Experience series. Overall it’s an excellent blend of interviews – really good interviews – and old footage from various points in the cult’s history. The thing I liked the most about this was the insight into the ordinary people and everyday operations of the cult. Jones himself aptly comes across as a dull blend of charismatic preacher and garden-variety psychopath. The interesting part of the story is the positive effects the Peoples Temple had on the lives of its members and how that beneficial influence was twisted by the cult’s leader. If you’re watching this on DVD, be sure to watch the deleted scenes as well. Worth seeing