In August 1991, freelance writer Danny Casolaro was found dead in a bloody scene at a hotel in West Virginia. His death was ruled a suicide, but suspicions arose due to his investigation into a potentially groundbreaking story. Netflix’s four-part mini-series, “American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders,” delves into Casolaro’s story, exploring obsession, betrayal, and possible insanity. It raises questions about whether Casolaro angered powerful individuals and got lost in a web of conspiracies.
In the 1980s, Inslaw, Inc., a company in Washington D.C., created a software called PROMIS. They accused the U.S. government of stealing it, sparking Congressional investigations involving figures like William Barr and Janet Reno. PROMIS was more than just stolen software; it was claimed to have a back door allowing U.S. monitoring. The software was sold to various countries, raising concerns about international relations.
Casolaro’s investigation led him to Michael Riconosciuto, who claimed to have inserted the back door into the PROMIS software and believed he was targeted by powerful figures. Riconosciuto, featured in “American Conspiracy,” is intriguing—a mix of seeming derangement and credible truths. Casolaro delved into the PROMIS story and expanded to theories like the “October Surprise,” alleging Reagan’s team influenced Iran to delay releasing hostages until after the 1980 election.
In “American Conspiracy,” Casolaro and Riconosciuto delve into the belief that a powerful group of eight leaders, dubbed the “Octopus,” controlled the world through illegal means. They suspect one of these individuals may even become President. While it may sound far-fetched, the series explores this theory in depth.
In “American Conspiracy,” director Zachary Treitz takes a skeptical approach to the story, presenting it through the eyes of journalist Christian Hansen, who becomes obsessed with Casolaro’s case. Hansen’s journey serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of delving too deep into dark corners of the world. Treitz provides a lifeline to reality for Hansen, contrasting with Casolaro’s lack of support.
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Danny Casolaro’s Death | In August 1991, Danny Casolaro, a freelance writer, was found dead in a hotel room in West Virginia under suspicious circumstances, leading to questions about his investigation. |
| Inslaw Case | In the 1980s, Inslaw, Inc. accused the U.S. government of stealing their software, PROMIS, which allegedly had a back door for U.S. monitoring, sparking Congressional investigations. |
| Michael Riconosciuto’s Involvement | Casolaro’s investigation led him to Michael Riconosciuto, who claimed involvement in the PROMIS software’s back door, adding complexity to Casolaro’s inquiry. |
| “The Octopus” Conspiracy | Casolaro and Riconosciuto believed in a conspiracy involving a powerful group of eight leaders, referred to as “The Octopus,” controlling the world through illegal means. |
| “American Conspiracy” Series | The Netflix series explores Casolaro’s story, skepticism towards conspiracy theories, and the dangers of investigative journalism through the eyes of journalist Christian Hansen. |
