Review of Into the Abyss (2011) by Chris H — 11 Jun 2012
Werner Herzog has made some of the most thoughtful, strange, and haunting documentaries throughout his career, and Into The Abyss could be his best to date. Though the subject of capital punishment is polarizing, Herzog shows incredible restraint in the structure of the film.
While his opinions on the death penalty are made explicit, the documentary feels relatively fair and even-handed. The thoughtlessness and barbarism of the crimes of Perry and Burkett are unflinchingly displayed, while the process of the justice system is conveyed in a similarly objective manner.
The film has an agenda, but it feels like Herzog is more interested in provoking thought and initiating discussion than pushing any ideology. If you have an opinion on the death penalty, Into the Abyss won't likely change it, but the cold and direct interview with Michael Perry just days before his execution might give a new perspective of the criminal justice system.
A very, very fine film.
This review of Into the Abyss (2011) was written by Chris H on 11 Jun 2012.
Into the Abyss has generally received positive reviews.
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