 |
| Errol Morris' doc is fascinating. |
Directed by Errol Morris
Produced by Mark Lipson
Written by Errol Morris
Starring Randall Adams, David Harris and Gus Rose
Plot Summary: The details of a Dallas police murder in 1976 reveal a miscarriage of justice towards the incarcerated Randall Adams.
Significance: Considered one of the best documentaries ever made, this film was featured in the latest Sight and Sound Poll (#235 in 2012 critics' poll and #174 in the directors’ one), and it was even nominated for Best Feature and Best Director at the Independent Spirit Awards. Also, it was added to the U.S. National Film Preservation Board’s Film Registry in 2001.
Thoughts: I don’t watch many documentaries, especially true crime ones, but my first foray into Errol Morris’ work was remarkable. By examining the events of that fateful night and its aftermath, Morris has made a compelling movie out of mostly interviews and re-enactments. The edit is so tight, and the narrative never slows down or loses focus. It’s a very eye-opening, intense film that grips you from the start. The film presents a strong case for Randall Adams’ innocence, and, really, the facts show how ridiculous his conviction was. While the evidence presented in the documentary vindicates the wrongly imprisoned Adams, it also sparked new interest in his case at the time. He was freed shortly after the film’s release, after serving twelve years in prison. If a film can do that, it’s certainly worth seeing. Fortunately, it’s also a great one on its own.
Rating: A
This is the ninth film in my 2015 Blind Spot Series, as first started by Ryan McNeil.
SO happy you liked this one. One of my all-time favorite docs. It really is a stunner.
ReplyDeleteIt really is amazing. Glad I finally watched it.
DeleteI love true crime stories/docs/anything like that. I've never seen this, but I will try to now. Great write up!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think you'd really like this one, given your love of crime stories.
DeleteFor me, this is one of the greatest docs that I had ever seen and why I hold Errol Morris in such high esteem as a documentarian rather than Michael Moore.
ReplyDeleteIt's a terrific doc, indeed. I need to see more of Errol Morris' work.
DeleteThis film gives me the shivers and your review is so spot-on that I'm feeling it even now!
ReplyDeleteThanks. It's definitely a tough film to forget.
DeleteWhen we did 4 Ways a Best Picture, Kevin talked this one up...A LOT...so it's been on my radar, and now I feel the need to bump it way up the list. Great review, buddy!
ReplyDeleteThanks buddy! I haven't seen most of the Best Documentary Oscar winners, but I'm sure this film is much better than a lot of them.
DeleteAgree it's eye-opening and intense. As the viewer, I felt I was the jury, deciding who the guilty ones are. Definitely influential, pioneering the style of modern crime-scene reenactments. Although Errol Morris was also criticized by some for not revealing all the facts and inventing dialogues, so as to add to the suspense. A reminder of how messed up the justice system is.
ReplyDeleteIt's so inspiring that a film like this could effect change. A very well-made doc, but an important one as well.
Delete