After a spectacular fall from grace, a new tell-all documentary sheds light on the Armie Hammer scandal and his horrific family history.
When Armie Hammer burst onto our screens in Call Me By Your Name, Hollywood was quick to brand him the next big star. And by all appearances, he had it all: the impossibly good looks, an adoring fan base, a loving family, and the kind of acting skills that made the film endeared to populations around the world. But just as quickly as the star power of Armie Hammer began its ascent, so too did it fall – only this time, in spectacular fashion.
The Golden Boy of Hollywood was accused in January of 2021 of detailing desires for disturbing and violent sexual fantasies – including cannibalism – over social media. Just a few months later, messages were leaked and Hammer was accused of rape by a woman in Los Angeles, despite the fact that the 35-year-old repeatedly denied each accusation.
Since his fall from grace, Hammer has retreated from the screen and Hollywood, it seems fair to say, are reluctant to call up the actor at all. We might not see Hammer on the big screen for a long time, if ever, again, but a recent documentary is shedding light on the horrific claims of his alleged abuse and control in a three-part series, titled House of Hammer.
As well as exploring he actor’s dark personality which saw him inclined to such fantasies, it also shines a spotlight on five generations of the Hammer family, with one member speaking out on the horrors of the Hammer’s “dark misdeeds.” Here’s everything you need to know about your next documentary binge, as well as how to watch it here in Australia.
What is House of Hammer about?
The documentary is an investigation into the several sexual abuse allegations surrounding Armie Hammer, which first began after messages which appeared to be from the actor were leaked on social media. Two of Hammer’s alleged victims are interviewed in the documentary, detailing some of their alleged abuse. It also includes voice memos and text messages allegedly sent by the actor, including one in which Hammer calls himself “100% a cannibal.”
As one victim reads another message from Hammer: “I have a fantasy about having someone prove their love and devotion and tying them up in a public place at night and making their body free use.”
Hammer has denied all allegations of sexual abuse and claims all interactions with women were consensual. But the documentary goes further by exploring his family’s history and alleged abuses of power. Unbeknownst to many, the Hammer family made their fortune in oil. As Hammer’s aunt, Casey Hammer, alleged in 2015, her father, Julian, sexually abused her as a child.
Hammer’s great-great grandfather, Julius Hammer, was also reportedly convicted of first-degree manslaughter in 1920. Then in 1955, Hammer’s grandfather, Julian Hammer, reportedly killed a man in Los Angeles due to a gambling debt, however charges were dismissed as Julian claimed self-defence.
‘House of Hammer’ Official Synopsis
“Debauchery. Deceit. Abuse. Addiction. Corruption. Over the course of five generations, the men in the Hammer family have more secrets and scandals than any vault can contain. Armie Hammer’s alleged crimes are only the tip of the iceberg.
Through a trove of archive and interviews from survivors and family members, the dark and twisted secrets of the Hammer family come to light. Behind the ,only and power lies a dysfunctional dynasty with its male characters exhibiting all the devastating consequences of privilege gone wild.”
Who stars in House of Hammer?
As depicted in the trailer, two of Hammer’s alleged victims, ex-girlfriends Courtney Vucekovich and Julia Morrison, feature in the documentary as they detail how their relationships with the actor took a dark turn and became more violent in nature and sexual fantasy. “I’m here to talk about what happened in my relationship with Armie Hammer,” says Vucekovich.
“In the beginning, I felt like this was all perfect. This was amazing.” Morisson also adds, “He would say things like, ‘God, you’re so perfect. It’s like you were made for me.’”
Hammer’s aunt, Casey Hammer also appears in the trailer and served as a consultant on the series as the granddaughter of Armand Hammer, the American oil typhoon. “When all this came out about Armie, I was not shocked,” she says. “You don’t just wake up and become this dark controller, abuser. This behaviour is deep rooted.”
As Casey adds, “On the outside, we were a perfect family. But magnify Succession a million times and it was my family. If you believe in making deals with the devil, the Hammers are top of the totem pole. Every generation of my family has been involved in dark misdeeds. And it just gets worse and worse and worse.”
What do Hammer’s victims have to say about the documentary?
Despite being made to “break the cycle of abuse,” The Los Angeles Times reports that one of Hammer’s accusers feels the documentary may be doing more harm than good, with the 26-year-old known as Effie saying she feels her trauma has been exploited. She apparently told producers that “it is extremely inappropriate of you to exploit such a tragic, vulnerable time in many people’s lives, with no regard whatsoever for our healing process and privacy.”
It comes as Effie didn’t want to be involved in the project, but watched the documentary only to find that details of her experience had been included, such as images from her Instagram and clips from the 2021 press conference in which she alleged Hammer raped her over the course of four hours. “The way they’ve been exploiting my trauma is disgusting,” Effie told The Los Angeles Times. “When I keep screaming ‘no’ and they keep going, saying they don’t need permission, they remind me of Armie.”
When will House of Hammer be released?
Directed by Elli Hakami, the Discovery+ series is set to premiere in the UK on September 4. Currently no Australian date has been set, but it’s likely to premiere on Foxtel’s Discovery+ channel and be available to later stream on BINGE.
Source @womenshealth.com.au: Read more at : womenalive.org
