The
illusion of the American dream is concept that has been explored in virtually
every form of artistic expression. The irony that during a global
pandemic, a time in which American exceptionalism is being deconstructed on a
daily basis, a show about the unrelenting nightmares of poverty, unregulated
capitalism, and animal abuse would become a cultural phenomenon is perhaps one
of the few boons of these surreal times.
Focusing
on the exotic animal underworld, Tiger King explores a labyrinth of
narcissism, criminal conspiracy, and appalling manipulation of poor, uneducated
youths, social media do-gooders and arm's length activists. Directors
Eric Goode and Rebecca Chaiklin present the material as a serial drama, delving
into the lives of several celebrities within this esoteric, shockingly
interconnected community of charlatans, cult leaders, and killers. At the
center of the storm is Joe Exotic, an eccentric and unhinged owner of private
zoo who makes his fortune through selling tiger and lion petting
services. Opposite the colorful king is Carole Baskin, leader of Big Cat
Rescue who opposes Joe’s treatment of the animals. As the series progresses
each member of this tragically joined duo are explored ad nauseam, however,
while their relationship is the center, there are many other characters and
stories that connect and evolve around them, creating a drug and sex fueled web
of unspeakable animal care practices and vampiric financial design.
While
some criticism has been levied for the way the show depicts its principals, one
of the strongest elements at play is how everything is presented as is.
Yes, the ultimate result is essentially a reality horror story playing out in
front of the viewer, however, it is the revelation that this is taking place
right now in 2020 that is perhaps the most terrifying aspect. Organized
crime exposes and human trafficking series deal with grim subject matter
frequently, and yet, nothing has attained a level of popularity like Tiger
King. This is most likely due to an unforeseen collision of several
things. First, the world is a captive audience, held hostage by an
invisible killer that is ravaging the Earth. Second, the personalities
that comprise this strange group of business people are quite simply, born for
the camera. Each them is the living embodiment of an urban legend, the
personification of the dark side of unregulated greed. Finally, there is an
unapologetic truth under the grimy surface of the story: Criminals and their
marks (both clientele and employees) are slaves to the economic machine.
Employees work for next to nothing, and yet continue to stay on, even when
critically injured. Families pay thousands of dollars to simply pet a
tiger cub. When punishments are finally levied, the purveyors confess
that their only way to offer recompense is by continuing their exploits, signaling
the awful truth of capitalist carousel.
Perhaps
the shows biggest crime is that atrocities visited upon the animals lurk
only in the large shadow cast by Joe and his bizarre band of outlaws and con men. The awful heart at the center of this underworld (both animal
abuse and the frequent manipulation of the impoverished) are drowned out by Joe
Exotic's undeniable aura of charisma and this is the dark magic of Tiger
King. These are irredeemable people, and yet the viewer is unable to
stop watching due to the manner in which they’re presented, culminating in a
metaphorical knife fight in a phone booth between the guilty desperately trying
to avoid prosecution. The fact that the perfect storm of real-life
tragedy, larger than life real characters, and extremely proficient camera work
(some of which was done by Josh Safdie) created a cultural zeitgeist only
reinforces the point. The greatest crime is in how sides are being taken,
conspiracies are being touted while, inexplicably, these beautiful, endangered
creatures remain in captivity.
Now
streaming on Netflix, Tiger King is one of the most important American
films(series) of the century. The uncomfortable truths that it exposes
about our culture, our lives, and ultimately about our tolerance is
staggering. The revelation of a vast criminal underground of snake oil salespeople with their own complicated and serpentine plans only further
instills a sense of wrongness as the world slowly begins to burn outside our
shuddered windows. Ultimately, this is the kind of experience that will either
repulse or entice. The trick is in discerning the layers of corruption
and degradation that festers around the animals while their jailers profit and
settle scores with one another. The existence of a cabal of crazed,
lawless, insidious, and most importantly intelligent grifters might initially
seem humorous, perhaps even impossible, however as the final episode concludes,
the inescapable truth that this could only happen in America becomes an
uncomfortable companion in solitude.
--Kyle
Jonathan