In 1997, Michael Alig, along with his friend, Robert “Freeze” Riggs, were arrested for the murder and dismemberment of fellow club goer and drug dealer Angel Melendez. Before that, Alig was considered to be the Kingpin of club life, selling out venues with little to no notice. His story sparked a Documentary in 1998 called Party Monster: The Shockumentary, a brutally honest book written by James St. James called Disco Bloodbath in 1999, and the Hollywood movie, Party Monster, in 2003, starring Macauley Culkin and Seth Green. After seventeen years behind bars, Michael will make his way back into the world he once knew to make a new life for himself. Writer/Producer Ramon Fernandez (Law & Order series, Sons of Anarchy series) sought out to tell that story with an updated Documentary, recapturing the tragic tale as well as post prison life.
- Glory Daze: The Life & Times of Michael Alig
Not to be confused with 1996’s Glory Daze featuring Ben Affleck and Alyssa Milano, the two hour and twenty minute released on August 21, 2016 on VOD, Glory Daze: The Life & Times of Michael Alig, starts with a prologue, highlighting the nightlife scene and the influence Andy Warhol had. When he was shot, club goers almost came to a stand still – until they met Michael Alig. A new kid from Indiana, he jumped into the chaotic world with both feet and immediately made it his own, much like Jack Skellington upon seeing Christmas Town. His strong personality would take NYC by storm and create an era of decadence and debauchery, affecting hundreds of people seeking to be part of this world.
No matter how chaotic things were, Michael was worshiped wherever he went. He would upgrade parties to other locations such as McDonald’s and subway stations, where large groups would show at a moment’s notice. Naturally, as the nights got more out of control, so did the drugs. Angel Melendez was a frequent club kid, mainly known for always carrying drugs and handing them out, later on asking for the money that was owed, which of course most users ignored. Michael was the biggest culprit of this, and one altercation would change everyone’s lives forever.
- Glory Daze: The Life & Times of Michael Alig
The first half of Glory Daze: The Life & Times of Michael Alig retells the whole story, not just from Michael’s friends and family, but law enforcers as well. At almost twenty years later, the public also gets to see the ripple effect this murderous crime had on everyone who knew Michael. One by one, clubs were shut down and other investigations opened up to take down the owners, along with the drug scene. Most of those who were affiliated with Michael could not find work, and either moved away or comforted themselves with drugs past the point of no return.
Little by little, NYC was getting a makeover. The grungy and crime-ridden streets were wiped clean of gang members and the homeless. Clubs were upgraded to a more lounge environment. Other areas sparked to life with restaurants, markets, and stores. As the date for Michael’s release came closer, how he was going to handle this new world he had been away from for so long was a mystery to everyone, including himself. He would have to learn modern technology, a new layout of the city, and what he planned to do for work. Among those who spoke on camera had a wide speculation of this, as they could not help but remember the Michael they once knew.
James St. James, Patricia Field, DJ Keoki, and many others who were featured in the Documentary did not shy away from this story and how it affected them. There were positives and negatives on every angle – how the scene was chaotic, but still a good time, how Michael was considered crazy, but still a genius. To the former club kids, it was a place of acceptance and family. The public and law enforcement obviously saw different. Michael himself spoke openly, touching on the details of prison life, what got him there, and his plans for the future. He even went as far as taking James St. James to the very spot he and Freeze dumped Angel’s body. There were some moments that questioned any remorse from Michael, but at this point, what has been done is done. The fact that this tale is still relevant today is impressive, and Michael got to see that first-hand post prison. Still bombarded by the media, it is hard to accept that he was totally “free.” Although a family member spoke on Angel’s behalf in 1998’s Party Monster: The Shockumentary, none of his family were seen in Fernandez’s collaboration, nor were mentioned, so it is a mystery if they were asked or simply refused.
- Glory Daze: The Life & Times of Michael Alig
This tale paints an image of not only a tragic murder, but the impression it had on NYC in general, before and after. Acknowledge it or not, it is still a brief piece of history that helped shape the infamous Big Apple. Fernandez’s Glory Daze: The Life & Times of Michael Alig is wonderfully paced and offers a wide spectrum of then to now. If true Crime Drama peaks one’s interest, this Documentary is worth the watch. CrypticRock gives it 4 out 5 stars.
- Osiris Entertainment
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