Idol Creators

Most of us likely have individuals to whom we look up to for guidance and inspiration, but how do they attain that exalted status? Is it because of their expertise and accomplishments? Is it for their fame and notoriety? Or is it because they leave a lasting legacy after their deaths that we find impressive, impressionable and awe-inspiring? While all of these considerations factor into the result, it’s actually quite amazing how often the third reason – their legacy – has the greatest impact. In many cases, the “what might they have done if they had only lived longer” element comes into play, elevating such individuals to an iconic level of respect and admiration that they may not have achieved otherwise. They truly become “idols” in their own right. But are they alone responsible for this outcome, or are other considerations involved? That’s the question addressed in writer-director Luís Diogo’s latest offering about a secret society that helps to create idols in a singularly unique way – by assassination. Through clandestine and less-than-subtle means, the Order of Idolmakers quietly facilitates the deaths of legendary figures. Some of their targets are said to have included such individuals as John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Elvis Presley and many others. The purpose? In part, it’s to give members of the public the icons they need to be inspired to their own greatness, a noble ambition, even if it’s accomplished in a questionable manner. More importantly, however, it’s a means to ensure that these figures live on in the collective consciousness of society, an undeniable awareness that invariably leads to multiple money-making opportunities through memorabilia merchandising, re-releases of their beloved creative works, visitations to relevant tourist destinations such as Graceland and so forth, the self-serving counterpart to the aforementioned noble intent. Historically, this secret society of killers has been an all-boys club, but, as the film open...