Review of Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory (2012) by Ben D — 26 Jan 2012

Documentaries such as this are hard to review as solo works, and simply as pieces of cinema. This film, and the previous two instalments, have had such an impact upon the lives of too many people, and on the Arkansas state legislature, that they seem more important than they might be.

I'd seen the previous two instalments and thought them highly impressive works. This one is no less as strong. You can sense the injustice in every frame. What is interesting is that the filmmakers thought their film done - they even had a premiere in Toronto - and then suddenly the Arkansas decided to review new evidence sixth months early and the whole nature of the film changed.

These three films are not easy watching, but really need to be seen by as many people as possible so that 1) they can understand how the state can get it wrong 2) how innnocent people can be convicted of crimes and even setenced to death for them on the flimsiest of evidence 3) how film can have an impact and be more than a simple entertainment.

Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory is nominated for Best Documentary Film at the 2012 Academy Awards. It deserves to win. It probably won't. And that will be another injustice right there.