Netflix’s recent docu-series brings back to life the fascinating story of Osho’s Rajneeshpuram commune in America. The Way brothers — the director duo behind the show — take us behind the scenes of the most talked-about show in the country right now.
Who wouldn’t want to establish their own city, governed by a self-defined set of principles, and self-sufficient to the extent of having private airports and dams? As you know by now, someone actually did, with Rajneeshpuram. Netflix’s recent six-part docu-series, Wild Wild Country, resurrects a lost slice of American history, telling the incredible story of Rajneesh aka Osho and his commune in America. Set in a tiny town of ranchers in Oregon, it captures the bizarre and near-implausible turn of events between 1981 and 1985, when Osho’s secretary, Ma Anand Sheela, called the shots and helped the leader establish a 64,000-acre commune at the Big Muddy Ranch in Wasco County.
Salmonella, weapons, betrayal and, of course, sex — the explosive contents of the documentary have made it a ubiquitous topic at dinner tables. Behind the series are siblings Chapman and Maclain Way. During the filming of their debut 2014 documentary, The Battered Bastards of Baseball, the duo was introduced to a cache of 300 hours of archived local news footage of the Rajneeshees — around 7,500 full-time residents and thousands of other itinerant devotees. MW spoke to the Way brothers about the show’s rousing reception, possible spinoffs, Sheela and their style of filmmaking.
How does the reception to your documentary make you feel?
It’s been really interesting, this past month. We’d been working on this project for over four years. Even in the United States, not many people remembered the story of Bhagwan Rajneesh (before the release of Wild Wild Country), so we were a little worried that it might not be something that very many people would be interested in. But to see the reaction, and see people engage in all the material and complexity, has been really exciting for us.
Do you have any previous ties with the Rajneesh movement?
Denne historien er fra May 2018-utgaven av Man's World.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 2018-utgaven av Man's World.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Rekha At 70 The Enduring Mystique
More than a generation after she was last seen on screen, the mystique that she successfully wrapped herself in continues to serve her well in the public imagination. Her fleeting public appearances in dazzling silk sarees and makeup continue to beguile the camera in the same manner it did at the peak of her career
iPhone Fatigue
Do we really need an annual Apple flagship release?
Men's Guide To Combat Premature Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness hit men at an early age, at times in late 30s and early 40s. We asked the experts the reason behind it, treatments that can help, and factors to take care of
SMRITI MANDHANA MAKES CRICKET LOOK EASY
In conversation with Man's World for Hyundai Drive Within campaign, the stylish Indian batter talks about her craft, evolution, and her thoughts on women's cricket
Pritam Hitting The High Note
A National Award for Brahmastra: Part One Shiva this year and songs that continue to clock millions of streams, Pritam Chakraborty proves why he's one of the most acclaimed Hindi Film music directors of our time
JEMIMAH RODRIGUES IS HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE
In conversation with Man's World as a part of Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Jemimah Rodrigues take us through the drive within her that inspires her to be the best in her business.
SHAFALI VERMA IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
In conversation with Man's World India as a part of the Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Shafali Verma opens up about her historic double century, her fearless brand of cricket, and more
Hands Onl Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch SPB455 100th Anniversary Edition
Seiko's 100th anniversary of the first watch to bear its name brought an exciting addition to its famed Prospex collection; a timepiece that pays homage to the brand's iconic history while embracing modern ideas of versatile wearability
WATCHES ON THE WILD SIDE ATYPICAL CASE DESIGNS
Horology isn't just about precision. It's also about understanding the rules of perception-and sometimes, taking a sledgehammer to them
Denim The Timeless Trendsetter
Crystal Henricksen, Head of Denim Design at GAP, shares with us what makes the fabric simple, versatile, and timeless
