Morbid Podcast Episode 644: A Deep Dive with Chapman & Maclain Way on "The Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Saga"

In Episode 644 of Morbid, hosts Elena and Ash engage in an enlightening conversation with Emmy-award-winning documentary directors Chapman and Maclain Way. The duo discusses their latest work, "The Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Saga", a three-part Netflix documentary that unravels a convoluted true crime story set in the heart of Mississippi.

1. Meet the Filmmakers: Chapman & Maclain Way

Chapman and Maclain Way come from a family deeply entrenched in the film industry. With a screenplay-writing father and relatives involved in producing and acting, their passion for filmmaking was cultivated early on. However, their initial interests leaned towards sports, only pivoting to documentary filmmaking in their late teens when they recognized the evolving landscape of the genre.

Chapman shares, “We kind of grew up where documentaries were kind of like the vegetables. So they were like the broccoli of the entertainment industry” ([04:54]).

Their transition to documentaries was inspired by a desire to create more entertaining and artful narratives, leading them to fully immerse themselves in the field around 2010.

2. Unpacking "The Kings of Tupelo"

"The Kings of Tupelo" centers around a bizarre incident from 2013 involving one of America’s most prominent Elvis impersonators, Kevin Curtis, who was arrested for allegedly attempting to assassinate President Barack Obama by sending ricin-laced letters. However, the plot thickens as Curtis claims he was framed by a rival taekwondo instructor from Tupelo.

Chapman explains, “In 2013, kind of one of our country's preeminent Elvis impersonators had been arrested for trying to assassinate President Barack Obama and had sent poison in the mail” ([05:16]).

The documentary delves into Curtis's journey post-arrest, uncovering layers of conspiracy, black-market body parts, and the eclectic personalities of Tupelo’s residents.

3. Living in Tupelo: A Unique Filmmaking Experience

Filming in Tupelo, Mississippi—the birthplace of Elvis Presley—provided Chapman and Maclain with a vibrant backdrop teeming with larger-than-life characters and an inherent storytelling culture. Contrary to their expectations of resistance towards being filmed, the locals were incredibly welcoming and enthusiastic about the project.

Chapman recounts, “We were all going this” ([09:28]), highlighting the southern penchant for embellishing stories and celebrating eccentricities as a badge of honor.

The filmmakers spent nine months in Tupelo, fostering deep connections with the community, sharing meals, and immersing themselves in the local culture. This prolonged engagement allowed them to capture authentic and heartfelt narratives, making Tupelo almost a character in its own right.

4. Navigating Complex Narratives and Conspiracies

One of the standout challenges Chapman and Maclain faced was structuring a narrative laden with conspiracies and unexpected twists. Initially presenting Curtis as the prime suspect, the documentary masterfully leads viewers to a surprising revelation that he was, in fact, framed.

Chapman describes the process, “We decided early on, like, let's just fully embrace the madness and the mythology” ([19:08]).

The intricate web of stories, including the involvement of local figures like Steve Holland—a Mississippi undertaker—and the enigmatic Everett Dutchke, added layers of complexity. Balancing factual accuracy with engaging storytelling required meticulous editing and creative structuring.

Ash adds, “Conspiracy is like this weird amalgamation of, like, well, a” ([41:16]), emphasizing the difficulty in making convoluted conspiracies comprehensible and entertaining for a broad audience.

5. The Art of Editing: Crafting a Cohesive Story

Editing "The Kings of Tupelo" was a formidable task due to the multifaceted nature of the story. The filmmakers employed various techniques, such as note cards and string maps, to visualize connections between characters and events.

Chapman notes, “We had the note cards. We had the string on the walls” ([50:21]), illustrating their methodical approach to untangling the narrative.

The reveal that Everett Dutchke, a seemingly peripheral character, was the true antagonist was carefully interwoven throughout the documentary to foreshadow his pivotal role without overtly tipping off the audience.

6. Unincluded Yet Impactful Elements

Despite the documentary’s comprehensive coverage, Chapman and Maclain had to omit certain segments due to time constraints. These included deep dives into Kevin Curtis’s mental health struggles and a significant 1992 standoff with Chicago Police SWAT, which provided further insight into Curtis’s psychological state.

Chapman shares regret over these exclusions, stating, “I think one of the real, real first reasons we wanted to make this was when we were researching, I kind of became obsessed with this Reddit thread” ([56:48]).

These omitted sections promised a more nuanced portrayal of Curtis and the ripple effects of his actions on his family and community.

7. Future Endeavors and Continuing the Storytelling Legacy

Looking ahead, Chapman and Maclain are set to explore the realm of sports documentaries with a forthcoming ten-part series on Jerry Jones and Jim Johnson of the Dallas Cowboys, partnering with Skydance and NFL Films for Netflix. This project marks a departure from their true crime roots but underscores their versatility and continued passion for uncovering compelling stories.

Chapman enthusiastically states, “Just real. We're excited for Dallas Cowboys. It's coming out this summer” ([63:43]).

Their future projects promise to maintain the same depth and intrigue that characterized "The Kings of Tupelo" while venturing into new thematic territories.

8. Reflections on Documentary Filmmaking

Throughout the episode, Chapman and Maclain reflect on the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking. They express a preference for uncovering obscure, untold stories over widely recognized events, aiming to introduce audiences to new narratives that challenge and captivate.

Elena concurs, “I think you guys are in the right mindset, though, with the way you do it, with like, taking a story that, that most people will not be familiar with” ([38:33]).

Their dedication to authenticity and narrative innovation positions them as notable voices in the documentary community, continually pushing the boundaries of the genre.

Notable Quotes

• Chapman on embracing local culture: “We kind of decided early on, like, let's just fully embrace the madness and the mythology and the storytelling” ([19:08]).

• Ash on the complexities of conspiracy documentaries: “Conspiracy is like this weird amalgamation of, like, well, a system that needs to be, like, accurately or not accurate” ([41:16]).

• Chapman on the reveal strategy: “We had to set up the crime earlier... we were trying to convince you for the next 90 minutes that this guy [did it]...” ([43:22]).

• Elena on audience experience: “It's easy to follow, though, for sure. By the end of it, you get what's happening” ([51:41]).

Conclusion

Episode 644 of Morbid offers listeners an in-depth look into the intricate process of creating a true crime documentary that balances fact, fiction, and the rich tapestry of local storytelling. Through their candid discussion, Chapman and Maclain Way reveal the challenges and triumphs of bringing "The Kings of Tupelo" to life, highlighting their commitment to storytelling that is as engaging as it is authentic. For fans of true crime and documentary filmmaking, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

Listen to Episode 644: If you haven't watched "The Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Saga", it's available on Netflix. Dive into this enthralling documentary and explore the depths of southern eccentricity and criminal intrigue.