Review of Capturing the Friedmans (2003) by Jesse L — 19 Jan 2004

(DVD) (First Viewing, 1st Jareki film).

For the first few minutes of [b]Capturing the Friedmans[/b], one of 2003's most acclaimed documentaries, it seems like we're in for a nostalgia trip. Vintage home movies flicker on the screen and The Beatles' bouncy "They're Going to Put Me in the Movies" plays over the credits, bringing to mind the endless family photos and videos one is subjected to over the years. But any illusion of normalcy is quickly shattered as it becomes obvious that this slightly eccentric family group is harboring some dark and unsettling secrets under their all-American family facade.

The Friedman's existence is turned upside down when postal authorities discover a kiddie porn magazine being shipped to the Friedman household. Authorities are alerted, and after some examination, the police arrive at the Friedman's doorstep with a warrant in hand. Additional pornography depicting minors is found in the house, instantly changing the social status of Arnold Friedman from from respected high school teacher and tutor to a despicable monster bent on destroying the innocence of the children entrusted in his care.

As evidence is gathered, their youngest son Jesse also become implicated in the criminal allegations, which have to expanded to sexual molestation and sodomy. With this startling accusation, the Friedman family quickly begins to unravel.

What makes [b]Capturing the Friedmans[/b] so unusual is the material Jareki has to work with. The family always had a fascination with video cameras, and for some reason they actually taped the disintegration of their home life before, during and after the investigation and trial. This means we don't just get to hear the stories of fights recounted by several individuals, but we actually get to experience the yelling, screaming and personal breakdowns firsthand. The intimacy with the family that this creates is rather uncomfortable, but it's impossible to look away.

[b]Capturing the Friedmans[/b] never takes a stand on the evidence it presents. The evidence from both sides of the argument (whether or not actual abuse took place) seems compelling at different points throughout the film, making the film both more interesting and aggravating at the same time.

However, I had a few problems with the film's presentation of some of the material. I rather resented that some information was withheld from the viewer until it would achieve a more climactic impact, because it feels like cheating. And at one point one of the interviewees condemns Jesse for not having any apparent sympathy for the alleged victims, and I would say that the film itself could be accused of the same thing. An argument could be made that Jareki was focusing on the family unit instead of analyzing the story in its full context, which is valid.

But ultimately, [b]Capturing the Friedmans[/b] ends up being a gripping account of a family torn apart by scandal. In the 1954 film [b]Rear Window[/b], a character makes the comment that "people do a lot of things in private they couldn't possibly explain in public." Maybe, maybe not- but the members of the Friedman family would probably agree.

And perhaps that's what makes the film so fascinating in the end.