Review of Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired (2008) by Jack W — 17 Apr 2009

Roman Polanski was not exactly your prototype Good Polish Roman, but nevertheless he was and continues to be a brainy methodical film director who has lived quite an elevator life. Those highs and lows are chronicled in the indie documentary "Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired".

The main lowdown on Polanski, unfortunately for him, is on his well-publicized case of having sexual relations with a 13-year-old female minor in the late 70's that consequently brought major problemas to the Roman congregation! His Chuckie "Child's Play" brought no chuckles to many.

Before there was an "R. Kelly" there was a "R. Polanski"! OK, enough! Polanski was charged with counts of providing drugs to a minor, sexual relations with an underage person, and of rape.

Through plea deal bargaining, Polanski ended up pleading guilty to one count of having sex with a minor. Romanito pulled a page from "The Fugitive" screenplay and fled the U.S. to Paris before his sentencing.

Why not Rome, Roman? The escapist trap to Paris which Polanski pulled has many calling him the original "Ratatouille" himself. "Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired's" primary fixation is on the authoritative & unethical judicial control that Judge Laurence Rittanband presided over through the Polanski case.

However, there is a bit more Polanskism to the doc including: his turbulent childhood as a Holocaust survivor, the murder of his wife Sharon Tate & unborn son by the hands of the Manson Family, and his directorial hits "Chinatown" & "Rosemary's Baby".

"The Penis" (Oops! That was a Polanskian Slip of the Tongue!) I mean "The Pianist" was mentioned in the doc to a certain extent. Director Marina Zenovich does a credible job in spotlighting the eccentric nature of Polanski, but gets a bit too overwhelmed on Judge Rittanband's power trip! But maybe I am wrong, so I will let you be the judge of that.

There is a lot to like and dislike about Polanski, and that is showcased in the documentary. You will be more intrigued by The Polanski after watching the documentary which will cause you to dwell into the Polanski "You Tube" files, with a few stops along the way at Sharon Tate & Charles Manson's "You Tube" video villages.

Due to the Director's controversial nature, "Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired" will no be wanted and desired by many, but it is still recommended to visit Polanskiland for a good couple of hours.

**** Good.