Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired (2008)

Examines the public scandal and private tragedy which led to legendary filmmaker Roman Polanski's sudden flight from the United States.

Director:

Marina Zenovich

Writers:

Joe Bini, P.G. Morgan,

Stars:

Pedro Almodóvar, Istvan Bajzat, Steve Barshop

Won 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 2 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Pedro Almodóvar	...	Himself (archive footage)
Istvan Bajzat	...	Himself
Steve Barshop	...	Himself
Marilyn Beck	...	Herself
Madeline Bessmer	...	Herself
Pierre-André Boutang	...	Himself
Andrew Braunsberg	...	Himself
Richard Brenneman	...	Himself
Nicolas Cage	...	Himself (archive footage)
Michael Caine	...	Himself (archive footage)
John Cassavetes	...	Guy Woodhouse (archive footage)
Dick Cavett	...	Himself (archive footage)
Furnell Chatman	...	Himself (archive footage)
Joan Collins	...	Herself (archive footage)
Michael M. Crain	...	Himself

Storyline

In 1977, Roman Polanski was arrested in Los Angeles on charges he gave drugs and had sex with a 13-year-old girl he was photographing for Vogue. Eleven months later, having pled guilty to one count, he fled to Europe before sentencing. This film examines that year-long period, using archival footage of the media frenzy and of Polanski's life before the charges, clips from his films, and contemporary interviews with many of the principles - attorneys, the victim, and Polanski's friends and associates. Polanski remains enigmatic, but portraits emerge of the machinations of justice and of a judge more interested in his image than his word or the law.

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Plot Keywords:

media frenzy | sentencing | media | girl | attorney | 

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Taglines:

The truth couldn't fit in the headlines.

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Genres:

Documentary | Crime

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Official Sites:

Cinefilo (Spanish)

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English French German

Release Date:

11 December 2008 (Greece)

Also Known As:

Polanski. Scigany i pozadany

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$4,613 (USA) (11 July 2008)

Gross:

$59,192 (USA) (26 September 2008)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Antidote Films (I), British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Graceful Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Color:

Black and White Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

Samantha Geimer: The worst part was... no one believed me.

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Connections

Features Le gros et le maigre (1961)

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Soundtracks

"Lullaby"
Written by Krzysztof Komeda (as Christopher Komeda)
Sung by Mia Farrow

User Reviews

Crime means time-and time doesn't neutralize guilt,folks

Roman Polanski is what I would consider a genius filmmaker. He is the consummate "filmmaker's director", and has made many excellent films--some of the most important films ever created-- for over 40 years.I think he is a highly engaging, intelligent and gifted human being. And I would treasure the opportunity to sit with him over a glass of wine and hear ,what I'm sure would be an amazing, riveting life story.

Having said that,the recent motions to dismiss his guilt regarding the 1977 child-rape case HE PLEAD GUILTY TO to me are belittling of our criminal justice system.

It boils down to his GUILT, not wheather or not the judge is an a**hole--right? Haven't many convicted members of the MANSON family ,guilty of slaughtering his pregnant wife and unborn son, attempted similar motions, pleas and tactics to reduce or overthrow THEIR sentences. Do THEY also deserve to "walk" just because it's "been a long time and things change"?

This is a compelling film and very, very absorbing and it is recommended viewing,regardless of your personal opinion regarding Polanski's guilt--but to what end? I do not agree with it's perspective,purpose and viewpoint so in that sense, it is an inherently flawed project.

We wish you could return to the USA, Mr.Polanski--But you have done something that you must pay for, just as Tex Watson and Susan Atkins have to pay for the crimes they inflicted in your rented home on Cielo Drive on that tragic summer evening in 1969.