When Jeff Ament started the process of scoring “Under the Banner of Heaven,” he actually received quite a bit of input from series creator Dustin Lance Black about how he wanted to communicate a constant sense of dread. “He wanted to have that shimmer of the celestial, but he wanted that to be juxtaposed with really dense earthly evil,” he tells Gold Derby during our recent webchat (watch the exclusive video interview above). In order to achieve the desired sound, Ament (along with co-composers Josh Klinghoffer and John Wicks) started messing around with what instruments to use to exaggerate those scenes. “We got a lot of the earthly stuff through the loops that we were playing and running keyboards through lots of effects, pedals and sub-harmonizers, low kind of guttural sounds.”
“Under the Banner of Heaven,” which can currently be streamed on FX on Hulu explores how Utah detective Jeb...
“Under the Banner of Heaven,” which can currently be streamed on FX on Hulu explores how Utah detective Jeb...
- 6/19/2022
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
When Sam Worthington was first approached about starring in a limited series adaptation of Jon Krakauer’s true-crime book “Under the Banner of Heaven,” he was somewhat cautious. He had read the book years ago, but the crime at its center – the murder of a young woman and her child in a tight-knit Mormon community – was so horrific, he worried an adaptation might run the risk of feeling exploitative.
Showrunner Dustin Lance Black put those hesitations to rest, assuring Worthington the murder would be handled delicately and that the series would delve into the intricacies of the book. “The exploration of the patriarchal society and excessive use of being able to twist beliefs and faith to your own will, that was what was interesting to me,” the actor told TheWrap during a recent interview. “It wasn’t necessarily the whodunit aspect, obviously, it was definitely the how did something like...
Showrunner Dustin Lance Black put those hesitations to rest, assuring Worthington the murder would be handled delicately and that the series would delve into the intricacies of the book. “The exploration of the patriarchal society and excessive use of being able to twist beliefs and faith to your own will, that was what was interesting to me,” the actor told TheWrap during a recent interview. “It wasn’t necessarily the whodunit aspect, obviously, it was definitely the how did something like...
- 6/15/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
It was no easy task for Wyatt Russell to try and make murderer Dan Lafferty a multi-dimensional character. He found himself able to do this by concentrating on what Dan did out of what he considered to be love. “That was one of the things that we really focused on. He loved his family so much that he was so afraid of being ex-communicated. Any questions he ever had about what life might be like in the outside world weren’t even considered,” he tells Gold Derby during our recent webchat (watch the exclusive video interview above). He also believes that Dan found true freedom in embracing a more fundamental teaching of the Lds Church and used that as a way to justify his actions. “He’s a great manipulator and a fantastic narcissist, two qualities that a lot of very evil people with a lot of power and wielding...
- 6/15/2022
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
[Warning: The following contains Major spoilers for the Under the Banner of Heaven finale, “Blood Atonement.”] For those unaware of the true-crime case that inspired Under the Banner of Heaven, the FX on Hulu series revealed who killed Brenda Lafferty (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her 15-month-old daughter, Erica Lafferty, in the June 2 finale. It also brought Jebediah Pyre’s (Andrew Garfield) struggle with his faith to a complicated conclusion and provided a satisfying ending to the Mormon history flashbacks via Gil Birmingham‘s Bill Taba. Throughout the series, the Lafferty brothers (Wyatt Russell‘s Dan and Sam Worthington‘s Ron) descended further and further into fundamentalist Mormonism (Flds). Their religious extremism spelled danger for everyone, particularly the women in their lives whom they viewed as property. Russell breaks down the Under the Banner of Heaven finale, sharing what he learned about the real Dan Lafferty (currently serving two life sentences in prison) while preparing for the series and what...
- 6/2/2022
- TV Insider
It goes without saying that playing a convicted murderer isn't an easy feat to pull off. So Under the Banner of Heaven stars Sam Worthington and Wyatt Russell knew they had their work cut out for them when they agreed to play Ron and Dan Lafferty, two brothers who killed their sister-in-law, Brenda Lafferty, 24, and her 15-month-old daughter, Erica, in 1984. Worthington told E! News that he couldn't begin to understand what would motivate someone to do such a thing. And then he realized through working with writer Dustin...
- 5/26/2022
- E! Online
The chilling murder cases of Brenda Wright Lafferty and her 15-month-old daughter that sent shock waves through the Utah Mormon community in the '80s are the center of the true-crime thriller series "Under the Banner of Heaven." The seven-part FX miniseries, which is based on the eponymous 2003 nonfiction bestseller by Jon Krakauer, stars Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones in lead roles as it examines how deep-seated religious beliefs played an integral part in a tragic double murder. The gruesome killings were carried out by Brenda's brothers-in-law Ron and Dan Lafferty, who believed they were prophets and claimed divine revelations from God as their motivation for the murders.
Though most of the adaptation focuses on the troubled fundamentalist brothers and their misguided principles, Ron's marital life with his then-wife, Dianna Lafferty, also had an impact on their homicidal machinations. Continue reading to learn more about Dianna, her tumultuous marriage to Ron,...
Though most of the adaptation focuses on the troubled fundamentalist brothers and their misguided principles, Ron's marital life with his then-wife, Dianna Lafferty, also had an impact on their homicidal machinations. Continue reading to learn more about Dianna, her tumultuous marriage to Ron,...
- 5/22/2022
- by Pallavi Bhadu
- Popsugar.com
The history of the world is filled with predatory men who will go to great lengths to justify abusing and oppressing women and girls.
On Under the Banner of Heaven Season 1 Episode 5, things get bleak for all the women involved, and the truth about Ron is revealed.
It's the running theme of a story that keeps losing its focus.
Even though this episode is about Ron and Dan, their wives are far more compelling characters. These women are brutalized by their husbands, psychologically tortured in Matilda's case, and physically brutalized in Dianna's case.
Jeb's meeting with the Bishop and his wife reveals that these women were of little consequence to the church, possibly because they were both outsiders and forgotten by their families either due to distance or because they had written her off for "joining a cult."
Chloe Pirrie handles Matilda's resigned courage gracefully, making us feel the disgust...
On Under the Banner of Heaven Season 1 Episode 5, things get bleak for all the women involved, and the truth about Ron is revealed.
It's the running theme of a story that keeps losing its focus.
Even though this episode is about Ron and Dan, their wives are far more compelling characters. These women are brutalized by their husbands, psychologically tortured in Matilda's case, and physically brutalized in Dianna's case.
Jeb's meeting with the Bishop and his wife reveals that these women were of little consequence to the church, possibly because they were both outsiders and forgotten by their families either due to distance or because they had written her off for "joining a cult."
Chloe Pirrie handles Matilda's resigned courage gracefully, making us feel the disgust...
- 5/19/2022
- by Mary Littlejohn
- TVfanatic
It's starting to feel like a disjointed puzzle with too many pieces.
Under the Banner of Heaven Season 1 Episode 4 is, unfortunately, feeling the crushing weight of its source material.
While there was a lot of information, the plot (such as it is) moved slowly as we learned more about Ron and Dan Lafferty.
Non-fiction crime can be challenging to adapt. When it's done right, everything feels organic and seamless.
There is a delicate balance of how much information from the original case (and book) to include and how to distill it down to its essential elements to make it an engaging story.
There is so much information in this adaptation and occasionally it feels clunky in how it is presented to the viewer.
Material must be adapted for the medium. It feels very much like reading a book, but it should feel like watching a television show.
Some of the...
Under the Banner of Heaven Season 1 Episode 4 is, unfortunately, feeling the crushing weight of its source material.
While there was a lot of information, the plot (such as it is) moved slowly as we learned more about Ron and Dan Lafferty.
Non-fiction crime can be challenging to adapt. When it's done right, everything feels organic and seamless.
There is a delicate balance of how much information from the original case (and book) to include and how to distill it down to its essential elements to make it an engaging story.
There is so much information in this adaptation and occasionally it feels clunky in how it is presented to the viewer.
Material must be adapted for the medium. It feels very much like reading a book, but it should feel like watching a television show.
Some of the...
- 5/12/2022
- by Mary Littlejohn
- TVfanatic
Photo: ‘Under the Banner of Heaven’ Andrew Garfield is a detective whose faith is shaken when investigating the murder of Mormon mother and baby that seems to involve The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Lds Church) in the new FX series ‘Under the Banner of Heaven’. The new true-crime drama series is based on the nonfiction book of the same name by Jon Krakauer and it was adapted by screenwriter Dustin Lance Black and directed by David Mackenzie. The cast includes Andrew Garfield as Detective Jeb Pyre, Sam Worthington as Ron Lafferty, Daisy Edgar-Jones as Brenda Lafferty, Denise Gough as Dianna Lafferty, Wyatt Russel as Dan Lafferty, Billy Howle as Allen Lafferty, Chloe Pirrie as Matilda Lafferty, Seth Numrich as Robin Lafferty, Adelaide Clemens as Rebecca Pyre, Rory Culkin as Samuel Lafferty, Sandra Seacat as Josie Pyre, and Gil Birmingham as Bill Taba. Related article: Oscar-nominated - Exclusive: 'Dune' Full Commentary,...
- 5/5/2022
- by Ayana Hamilton
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
The new FX/Hulu limited series "Under the Banner of Heaven" is based on the 2003 true-crime bestselling book of the same name by Jon Krakauer. It follows the investigation into the 1984 murders of Brenda Wright Lafferty and her daughter, Erica Lafferty, and its relation to the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that shocked the Mormon community. The book, and now the show, dive into how religion played a role in the murders.
How Was Brenda Lafferty Murdered?
On July 24, 1984, Brenda Lafferty was found dead by her husband on the floor of their home, her throat slashed, according to court documents (via Justia Law). Her infant daughter, Erica, was also murdered in her crib. Notably, the murder took place on Pioneer Day, an official holiday in Utah that commemorates the first group of Mormon pioneers settling in Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847.
Who Killed Brenda Lafferty?...
How Was Brenda Lafferty Murdered?
On July 24, 1984, Brenda Lafferty was found dead by her husband on the floor of their home, her throat slashed, according to court documents (via Justia Law). Her infant daughter, Erica, was also murdered in her crib. Notably, the murder took place on Pioneer Day, an official holiday in Utah that commemorates the first group of Mormon pioneers settling in Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847.
Who Killed Brenda Lafferty?...
- 4/30/2022
- by Riley Utley
- Popsugar.com
With its exploration of how the principles of an American religion founded in 1830 informed a gruesome double murder 154 years later, Jon Krakauer’s “Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith” became a New York Times bestseller in 2003. It also became a thorn in the side of the Mormon Church, where it has festered ever since: The book remains the top seller in Sociology and Religion on Amazon. That discomfort will become more acute with the April 28 premiere of FX limited series on Hulu, “Under the Banner of Heaven.”
The nonfiction book explores Joseph Smith founding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with its revelations of polygamy, justifications of violence, and capacity to foster would-be prophets. Even as the church officially abandoned polygamy, disenchanted Mormons created a modern-day Fundamentalist movement with multiple breakaway factions that hew to their (often conflicting) interpretations of Smith’s original teachings.
The nonfiction book explores Joseph Smith founding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with its revelations of polygamy, justifications of violence, and capacity to foster would-be prophets. Even as the church officially abandoned polygamy, disenchanted Mormons created a modern-day Fundamentalist movement with multiple breakaway factions that hew to their (often conflicting) interpretations of Smith’s original teachings.
- 4/28/2022
- by Dana Harris-Bridson
- Indiewire
After mining his religious upbringing for the HBO series Big Love, Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black is focusing on a much darker Mormon family story. Through FX on Hulu, Black is adapting Jon Krakauer’s true-crime bestseller Under the Banner of Heaven, which recounts two brothers’ murder of their sister-in-law and her toddler. Ron Lafferty and Dan Lafferty killed 24-year-old Brenda Lafferty, the wife of their brother, Allen, on July 24, 1984, by slitting her throat, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. Dan then killed Brenda’s 15-month-old daughter, Erica. Ron Lafferty is escorted out of the Utah County Court House in Provo, Utah, on April 25, 1985. (George Frey/Getty Images) As the newspaper reports, Ron was a self-proclaimed prophet whose extreme fundamentalist views got him excommunicated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and led to the breakdown of his marriage. Ron blamed his divorce on four individuals — including Brenda,...
- 4/27/2022
- TV Insider
The title “Under the Banner of Heaven” comes from John Taylor, third president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Lds). “God is greater than the United States, and when the Government conflicts with Heaven we will be ranged under the banner of Heaven against the Government.” Taylor was— like his predecessors Brigham Young and Joseph Smith, the church’s famous founder — a professed polygamist. “The United States says we cannot marry more than one wife; God says different.”
Plural marriage is only a small plot point in the FX true-crime limited series “Under the Banner of Heaven,” centering on the 1984 murder of a Mormon mother and her infant daughter. But it’s ultimately what gets Dan Lafferty (Wyatt Russell) excommunicated, and that is a very big deal in Lds-land. “The Laffertys — they’re kind of like the Utah Kennedys,” explains Detective Pyre (played by Andrew Garfield). Laughs his partner,...
Plural marriage is only a small plot point in the FX true-crime limited series “Under the Banner of Heaven,” centering on the 1984 murder of a Mormon mother and her infant daughter. But it’s ultimately what gets Dan Lafferty (Wyatt Russell) excommunicated, and that is a very big deal in Lds-land. “The Laffertys — they’re kind of like the Utah Kennedys,” explains Detective Pyre (played by Andrew Garfield). Laughs his partner,...
- 4/27/2022
- by Melissa Bernardo
- The Wrap
FX/Hulu’s big play for Emmy glory in this incredibly crowded season is an adaptation of Jon Krakauer’s excellent 2003 book “Under the Banner of Heaven,” a historical analysis of the history of Mormonism in this country framed alongside a dissection of a brutal murder case from 1984 in the state of Utah. While the book had the context of the history of the origin of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints and how it got twisted into the mindset of the fundamentalist sect of Mormonism that pushed Ron and Dan Lafferty to commit brutal murder, the show feels at the beginning like it wants badly to be more “True Detective” and less Ken Burns, improving in the third and fourth episodes as it becomes more about a broken community than a specific murder.
Continue reading ‘Under The Banner Of Heaven’ Review: Andrew Garfield & Daisy Edgar-Jones Star...
Continue reading ‘Under The Banner Of Heaven’ Review: Andrew Garfield & Daisy Edgar-Jones Star...
- 4/25/2022
- by Brian Tallerico
- The Playlist
Andrew Garfield stars as Detective Jeb Pyre in the new series "Under the Banner of Heaven" on FX and Hulu alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones as a murdered woman named Brenda Lafferty. Under the guidance of creator Dustin Lance Black, the miniseries delves into the events that led to Brenda's 1984 murder as Det. Pyre tries to figure out exactly what went down on that fateful day. It's a true crime story that already has people wondering how true it is. Here's what we know.
Is "Under the Banner of Heaven" a True Story?
"Under the Banner of Heaven" is based on the nonfiction book "Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith" by Jon Krakauer, the same author who penned "Into the Wild" (later made into a movie starring Emile Hirsch). The book is based on true events from 1984. The story gives insight into Mormon Fundamentalists in remote towns and...
Is "Under the Banner of Heaven" a True Story?
"Under the Banner of Heaven" is based on the nonfiction book "Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith" by Jon Krakauer, the same author who penned "Into the Wild" (later made into a movie starring Emile Hirsch). The book is based on true events from 1984. The story gives insight into Mormon Fundamentalists in remote towns and...
- 4/20/2022
- by Hedy Phillips
- Popsugar.com
Andrew Garfield continues his reign over the entertainment industry, this time playing his hand as a detective in the new FX series Under the Banner of Heaven.
“It is Andrew Garfield’s year, and that is continuing with a new FX series called Under the Banner of Heaven. Based on the novel of the same name by Jon Krakauer, the story follows the real-life murder of Brenda and Erica Lafferty by Ron and Dan Lafferty. The story isn’t an easy one to digest and is still a case that is widely talked about in the Utah area.”
Read more at The Mary Sue
The showrunner of Marvel’s Luke Cage is nervous that the new streaming home for his TV show might censor some vital elements of the series.
“Cheo Hodari Coker, executive producer and showrunner of Marvel’s Luke Cage Netflix series, recently spent time on Twitter reminiscing about his work.
“It is Andrew Garfield’s year, and that is continuing with a new FX series called Under the Banner of Heaven. Based on the novel of the same name by Jon Krakauer, the story follows the real-life murder of Brenda and Erica Lafferty by Ron and Dan Lafferty. The story isn’t an easy one to digest and is still a case that is widely talked about in the Utah area.”
Read more at The Mary Sue
The showrunner of Marvel’s Luke Cage is nervous that the new streaming home for his TV show might censor some vital elements of the series.
“Cheo Hodari Coker, executive producer and showrunner of Marvel’s Luke Cage Netflix series, recently spent time on Twitter reminiscing about his work.
- 2/25/2022
- by Lee Parham
- Den of Geek
After a huge 2021, Andrew Garfield looks to continue his hot streak with the first teaser for “Under the Banner of Heaven,” a new true crime miniseries premiering this spring on FX on Hulu.
Based off of the 2003 nonfiction book from Jon Krakauer, “Under the Banner of Heaven” focuses on a double murder committed by Ron and Dan Lafferty, two Mormon brothers who killed their sister-in-law Brenda and niece Erica in 1984. The brothers were former members of the School of Prophets, a small fundamentalist Mormon group, and Ron claimed he received visions from God ordering him to commit the murders.
The miniseries adaptation of the book will focus on Pyre (Garfield), the police detective assigned to investigate the Lafferty case. As he untangles the mystery and finds evidence linking the church to the crime, Pyre, a devout Mormon himself, undergoes an ugly crisis of faith. The trailer sees the detective examining the crime scene,...
Based off of the 2003 nonfiction book from Jon Krakauer, “Under the Banner of Heaven” focuses on a double murder committed by Ron and Dan Lafferty, two Mormon brothers who killed their sister-in-law Brenda and niece Erica in 1984. The brothers were former members of the School of Prophets, a small fundamentalist Mormon group, and Ron claimed he received visions from God ordering him to commit the murders.
The miniseries adaptation of the book will focus on Pyre (Garfield), the police detective assigned to investigate the Lafferty case. As he untangles the mystery and finds evidence linking the church to the crime, Pyre, a devout Mormon himself, undergoes an ugly crisis of faith. The trailer sees the detective examining the crime scene,...
- 2/23/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
The FX on Hulu series adaptation of “Under the Banner of Heaven” has set its main cast.
Sam Worthington, Denise Gough, Wyatt Russell, Billy Howle, Gil Birmingham, Adelaide Clemens, Rory Culkin, Seth Numrich, Chloe Pirrie, Sandra Seacat, and Christopher Heyerdahl have all joined the drama series alongside previously announced series leads Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
Based on the Jon Krakauer novel of the same name, the series follows a devout detective whose faith is tested as he investigates a brutal murder that seems to be connected to an esteemed Utah family’s spiral into Lds fundamentalism and their distrust in the government. Production on the series recently began in Calgary.
Worthington will play Ron Lafferty. He is repped by CAA, Anonymous Content and Hansen, Jacobson. Gough will play Dianna Lafferty. She is repped by UTA, Independent Talent Group, and Tapestry.
Russell will play Dan Lafferty. He is repped by UTA and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.
Sam Worthington, Denise Gough, Wyatt Russell, Billy Howle, Gil Birmingham, Adelaide Clemens, Rory Culkin, Seth Numrich, Chloe Pirrie, Sandra Seacat, and Christopher Heyerdahl have all joined the drama series alongside previously announced series leads Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
Based on the Jon Krakauer novel of the same name, the series follows a devout detective whose faith is tested as he investigates a brutal murder that seems to be connected to an esteemed Utah family’s spiral into Lds fundamentalism and their distrust in the government. Production on the series recently began in Calgary.
Worthington will play Ron Lafferty. He is repped by CAA, Anonymous Content and Hansen, Jacobson. Gough will play Dianna Lafferty. She is repped by UTA, Independent Talent Group, and Tapestry.
Russell will play Dan Lafferty. He is repped by UTA and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.
- 8/26/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
FX on Hulu’s “Under the Banner of Heaven” has rounded out its cast with 11 additions to the limited series starring previously announced leads Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
Sam Worthington, Denise Gough, Wyatt Russell, Billy Howle, Gil Birmingham, Adelaide Clemens, Rory Culkin, Seth Numrich, Chloe Pirrie, Sandra Seacat and Christopher Heyerdahl have all joined the show inspired by Jon Krakauer’s bestselling nonfiction book “Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith,” FX Networks revealed Thursday.
Created by Dustin Lance Black, FX’s TV series version of the book follows a devout detective whose faith is tested as he investigates a brutal murder that seems to be connected to an esteemed Utah family’s spiral into Lds fundamentalism and their distrust in the government.
Worthington has been cast as Ron Lafferty, Gough is playing Dianna Lafferty, Russell has the part of Dan Lafferty, Howle is Allen Lafferty,...
Sam Worthington, Denise Gough, Wyatt Russell, Billy Howle, Gil Birmingham, Adelaide Clemens, Rory Culkin, Seth Numrich, Chloe Pirrie, Sandra Seacat and Christopher Heyerdahl have all joined the show inspired by Jon Krakauer’s bestselling nonfiction book “Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith,” FX Networks revealed Thursday.
Created by Dustin Lance Black, FX’s TV series version of the book follows a devout detective whose faith is tested as he investigates a brutal murder that seems to be connected to an esteemed Utah family’s spiral into Lds fundamentalism and their distrust in the government.
Worthington has been cast as Ron Lafferty, Gough is playing Dianna Lafferty, Russell has the part of Dan Lafferty, Howle is Allen Lafferty,...
- 8/26/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
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