Review of Capturing the Friedmans (2003) by Ian B — 20 Jun 2005

Considering the number of new film release I saw from last year's crop, the fact that more than 10% were docs, it's suprising it took me this long to see Capturing the Friedmans. Perhaps the subject matter was just too much to take in this increasingly dangerous world for families. Given Andrew Jarkecki, the director is a former boss as the CEO of Moviefone, I should have seen it sooner.

And while the subject is grizzly, Andrew presents it in a way that's thoughtful and pensive, even in the grittiest details. Whether or not Arnie or Jesse did it is still a bit of a mystery to me, but the ease with which they were charged is not. AJ brings all kinds of detail to this tale which only time allows and does what great docs do; raises good questions and allows for the viewer to decide themselves. He's a gifted businessman and artist and I consider myself lucky to have been a part of Moviefone. Look for more from him in the future in art and business.

Don't look for the Friedmans too many places. I can't imagine they want to talk.