Some of the most fascinating documentaries have followed specific criminal cases. They often resonate with power and emotion, but even more interesting is their ability to raise questions and doubt. There is much substance listed here.
Capturing The Friedmans
Capturing the Friedmans (2002) is unsettling to say the least. When Andrew Jarecki began filming, he thought he was making a documentary about clowns for hire, until he met the Friedmans. The dysfunctional family had documented their lives with countless hours of video tape, which the filmmaker was able to incorporate into his film. The result is a unique perspective rarely obtained.
Paradise Lost : The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills
Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills (1996) is one of the greatest documentaries of all time, but is not for the faint of heart. Three teens now known as the West Memphis Three were charged for the murders of three little boys in West Memphis, Ark. Filmmakers Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky were given full trial access, and were able to interview almost everyone with any relation to the principles and events. As a result of this film and it’s fine sequel, Paradise Lost 2: Revelations (2000), there have been many questions raised about the outcome of the case. As a matter of fact, appeals are still being made to this day.
Brother’s Keeper (1992), also made by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky, is a close look into the death of an elderly man who shared a home with his two brothers on a dairy farm. The suspicious circumstances in the case rise to the surface, as does the abnormal lifestyle of the three brothers. Brother’s Keeper proved to be an excellent debut for their filmmaking partnership.
The Thin Blue Line
The Thin Blue Line (1988) is just one of Errol Morris’s crowning achievements. The documentary recounts the murder of a policeman in Dallas, Texas, based on several interview sources. Morris makes well use of thoughtful reenactments and a wonderful music score by Philip Glass. Attention from the film led to the conviction of Randall Dale Adams being overturned.
Until next time, I hope you have a great viewing experience. Comments are welcomed at cinespire@gmail.com.
