1988
Directed by Errol Morris
I have never watched a "true crime" story before, but after seeing this documentary, I understand the appeal. I have a feeling that it would only take about two Dateline episodes before I go live in a bomb shelter, so maybe I shouldn't indulge.
Randall Adams was convicted to a life long sentence for the murder of Officer Robert Wood. In a series of interviews and reenactments, the crime is dissected. It is generally believed that the actual killer was David Harris, but because Harris was a juvenile at the time, Adams was prosecuted so that they could get a death sentence conviction. Ah, justice.
This film brings up really interesting questions, but I suppose I shouldn't make this a forum to discuss the death penalty or police ethics (I kind of want to though; down with the death penalty). It is a movie that I think everybody should see, but it hardly feels like something you are sitting through simply because you would feel guilty if you didn't watch it.
Did that make sense? It's been a long day.
RATING: *****
Interesting Facts:
Randall Adams never received payment from Texas.
David Harris was executed for the murder of Mark Mays in 1985.
I've just seen O.J.: Made in America so this film was an interesting corollary. If you manufacture evidence on a daily basis, what do you expect people to believe at the end?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the film is really interesting and entertaining. You, Americans, know how to do good pictures of your justice miscarriages. I guess one thing makes up for the other.
Haha never thought about it that way but it's true...
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