It’s this sense of identity that’s on the line when you let Øystein “Euronymous” Aarseth (Rory Culkin) narrate his life with the promise that things won’t end well. They demand that their tough image survives. And if the film is somehow truer to real life than jokingly admitted by being “inspired by the truth, lies, and what actually happened,” their rejection shouldn’t be surprising. The thing you cannot do, however, is blindly believe them since we’re talking about murderers, arsonists, and accomplices whose anarchist psychopathy provides ample reason for being vocal in opposition. It definitely says something about the story behind the legend if those depicted disapprove. Is this vitriol worthy of our attention? Sure. Musician Varg Vikernes has been vocal about denouncing his portrayal in Lords of Chaos along with those of his former Mayhem band-mates. So they of course hate the idea of director Jonas Åkerlund’s adaptation of said book alongside co-writer Dennis Magnusson. They’ve got their reputations to uphold and this story works to question their mettle let alone sanity. And who are we to defy them? These are convicted monsters that continue making music today for a rabid fan-base reveling in their no-holds-barred demonic creed.
Those who were tried and found guilty before serving their time in prison don’t dispute the acts themselves, but merely the way in which they are presented.
#Varg vikernes lord of chaos series
It’s interesting because the facts behind a series of church burnings, the suicide of a lead singer, and two subsequently high profile murders are indisputable. Talk to “true” Norwegian black metal fans and they’ll tell you Michael Moynihan and Didrik Søderlind’s book about the scene’s origins and criminality is a bunch of baloney (but in much harsher words).