8/10
Overwhelming, Amazing, Upsetting
26 June 2003
I saw this documentary last night with three friends. One cried, the

other was speechless, and I couldn't sleep I was so jazzed up and

intrigued. This documentary is so fascinating and haunting. I alternated

through the film feeling furious that I had paid money to see a family

self destruct, elated with the heartfelt reunion between Jesse and his

mother, touched by David's willingness to ruin his career for Jesse, and

annoyed by the incompetent police. Other than Requiem for a Dream, never

has a film drawn out so many emotions from me at once. What was just as

interesting was the verbal reaction of the audience. I heard sighs of

frustration as Elaine babbled on, laughs when the detectives were

speaking, gasps at various information. At one point a man yelled out

bitch when Elaine was speaking. In the lobby on our way out so many

people were discussing it and on the subway I heard a couple arguing

about it. What a response! This powerful documentary affects everyone in

someway. See it twice. I am going again tonight because I am still so

overwhelmed and impressed by first time director Andrew Jarecki and the

Friedman's destruction. The mix of film, super 8, tv footage and home

photographs along with the expert editing will stay in your mind
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