Review of Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired (2008) by The Critic ( — 11 Aug 2012

A fascinating, insightful and meticulously researched documentary about one of cinema's most celebrated filmmakers that would be considered too far-fetched to be produced if it were presented as a work of fiction. It's the sort of film that encourages discussion and debate as the many layers to its central figure are unravelled, from Roman Polanski's traumatic childhood to the murder of wife Sharon Tate and their unborn son, and Judge Laurence J. Rittenband's manipulation of the legal system to victim Samantha Geimer's reflections on the case. There's a lot to absorb and contemplate here; a sign of exceptional filmmaking by Marina Zanovich.

Notable films of Roman Polanski: 'Knife in the Water' (1962) - his first feature film, 'Repulsion' (1965), 'The Fearless Vampire Killers or: Pardon Me, Madam, but Your Teeth Are in My Neck' (1967) [also known as 'Dance of the Vampires'] - in which the director appeared alongside Sharon Tate, 'Rosemary's Baby' (1968), 'Macbath' (1971), 'Chinatown' (1974), 'Le Locataire' [also known as 'The Tenant'] (1976), 'Franitc' (1988) - featuring actress/model Emmanuelle Seigner, 'The Pianist' (2002), 'The Ghost Writer' (2010).