[Fantastic Fest ’22] ‘Mister Organ’ review: Stranger than fiction documentary about a prince, a lawyer, and a liar

Mister Organ is a documentary that chronicles the years long journey of journalist David Farrier (Tickled) and his investigation into the mysterious Michael Organ. It all began in 2016 when Farrier saw a commotion outside of an antiques shop. His investigation led him to Organ who was a supposedly a lawyer and a prince, and was definitely something far worse. The film is also a look into journalistic obsession and the lengths it will drive some.

Things start lighthearted enough. There are a series of funny clips that include comments, archival footage, and even news coverage. When Organ enters the film, it takes a much darker turn. Mister Organ is well paced and slowly goes from a fun watch to something scarier. At first, Organ almost seems like a halfwit who just makes outrageous claims for attention. He is someone all audience members will know; he is just operating on a larger scale.

As Farrier learns more, Organ does not seem so harmless. He is a mental terrorist who entrenches himself in his victim’s lives. Initially, the damage seems limited to fear mongering. Many people refuse to speak about the titular character and those who do refuse to be shown on camera. Things escalate to stolen yachts and tales of revenge leading into a horrific tale from Organ’s past.

The effects on the filmmaker are seen as Mister Organ progresses. Farrier looks and sounds physically and mentally exhausted by the end. He is unable to finish his thoughts and is often at a loss to explain what is happening. The story is already captivating enough, but seeing the effects on Farrier give a picture of the harm Organ is able to inflict upon those who get close to him.

By the time things end, Farrier and the audience have been on an out of control ride that is frightening and taxing. The director  shows vulnerability in allowing the audience get so immersed in this work and the toll it is taking on him. There are many documentaries that fall into the realm of truth being stranger than fiction, but few are as frightening as Mister Organ.

Mister Organ is screening at Fantastic Fest