Capturing the Friedmans

A documentary film that looks closely at a family torn apart by charges of paedophilia against two members of the family. It was a sensational case at the time as it rocked a well regarded family in a well regarded neighbourhood. As the documentary begins, it seems pretty much an open and shut case, but then it goes onto ask questions in terms of the evidence collected - it weighs the heinousness of the crime vs. the psychology behind the mass hysteria that society can create in situations like this. The effectiveness of the documentary is boosted by all the live footage that family had created during the period - where the family does come across as crazed and dangerous. All reality show lovers, might find this interesting.

Rating: * *