Watch Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired

Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired is a 2008 documentary that delves into the life of the controversial filmmaker, Roman Polanski, and the notorious rape case that led to his self-exile from the United States. The film is directed by Marina Zenovich and features interviews with Polanski's friends, family members, lawyers, and even the victim herself.

The documentary's primary focus is on Polanski's arrest and trial in 1977 for the statutory rape of 13-year-old Samantha Geimer. The case caused a media frenzy and Polanski eventually fled to Europe before sentencing. The film examines the events leading up to Polanski's arrest, the courtroom drama that followed, and the aftermath of the case for both Polanski and Geimer.

Through a series of interviews with key players involved in the case, including Polanski's former lawyer, Douglas Dalton, the victim's attorney, Lawrence Silver, and Polanski's friend and producer, Andrew Braunsberg, the documentary challenges many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding the case. It also highlights the role of Judge Laurence J. Rittenband, who presided over the case and reportedly made controversial statements to the press about his intentions to make an example out of Polanski.

The film presents a compelling argument that Polanski was not only a victim of the media circus surrounding his case but also of Rittenband's personal biases. It shows how Rittenband allegedly made deals with Polanski's lawyers and changed his mind about the terms of the plea agreement, causing Polanski to flee the country out of fear that Rittenband would not honor the deal. The documentary also sheds light on the distasteful behavior of the media during the case and how it affected the public's perception of Polanski.

Throughout the documentary, we are given a glimpse into Polanski's personal life, including the tragic murder of his second wife, Sharon Tate, and his own experiences as a victim of the Holocaust. These insights into Polanski's past provide a deeper understanding of his behavior and motivations throughout his life.

The documentary handles the subject matter with sensitivity and objectivity, providing a balanced view of the events and the people involved. It neither condones nor condemns Polanski's actions, but rather seeks to shed light on the complexities of the case and the factors that influenced its outcome.

Overall, Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired is a well-researched and thought-provoking documentary that offers a fresh perspective on a case that has remained in the public eye for decades. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the film industry, the justice system, or the impact of media on criminal trials.

Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 78.