i read a few review of this tv movie which all say that the film drag on for too long and that it be basically only sensationalistic entertainment . i agree that perhaps and the film go on a bit too long ( 2h30 would have be enough . ) but i certainly do not think it sensationalize the subject matter . jim jones expansive power trip and slow degradation into mental illness and paranoia and drug abuse be never treat in a voyeuristic manner . the movie take it time in show how jones recruit follower ( brenda vaccaro and brad dourif character be stand out in that matter ) but also in observe an uncanny shift in jones perception of reality . it be mind boggle to see an egalitarian and leave wing and compassionnate preacher become such a destructive and cruel dictator . perhaps the movie doesn not explore jones motivation enough and which can make the whole ordeal a bit superficial at time ( may have to do with censorship as well . ) but power boothe mesmerize performance make it all come true . i be not familiar with the detail of the real jim jones life and but boothe sure make the monster he play believable and real . the movie feature many strong scene and among them the preach mess of jones and jones meet with father divine ( a remarquable james earl jones ) and congressman leo ryan ( ned beatty ) visit to the guyana camp and of course and the suicide scene . it be quite a gloomy spectable to watch and boothe be quite commanding in those last moment . madge sinclair shine in this scene a one of the suddenly sceptic follower and and so do veronica cartwright ( a jones wife ) and brad dourif and especially when their time come to drink the murderous potion . the relative calm of the end of this scene and the tasteful direction and the contrast beauty of the natural surroundings all work in make those image quite impossible to erase from one mind . a disturbing reflection on human nature and it weakness . worth watching and if only to keep in mind one of the truly horrific event of the 20th century . not to let it be repeat again . like and ironically and the inscription in jim jones camp represent those who do not know the past be bind to repeat it .