Documentary United Kingdom,United States of America
"Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired" is a documentary film that explores the public scandal and private tragedy surrounding renowned film director Roman Polanski, ultimately leading to his sudden flight from the United States. The film delves into the circumstances surrounding Polanski's arrest and subsequent escape while facing charges for the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl named Samantha Geimer.
The documentary starts by revisiting Polanski's life and career, highlighting his rise as a celebrated director with films like "Rosemary's Baby" and "Chinatown." It then focuses on the events that took place in 1977, when Polanski allegedly drugged and raped Geimer during a photoshoot at fellow actor Jack Nicholson's house.
The film examines the media frenzy surrounding the case and the controversial actions of Judge Laurence J. Rittenband, who presided over Polanski's trial. Rittenband's decisions and alleged unethical conduct created an atmosphere of bias and misconduct throughout the proceedings. The documentary reveals that the judge had informal conversations about the case with various parties involved, which is considered highly unusual.
It also delves into the tumultuous personal life of Polanski, specifically the tragic events that unfolded just a few years prior to the scandal. Polanski's pregnant wife, actress Sharon Tate, was brutally murdered by the Manson Family cult in 1969. The documentary suggests that the trauma from losing his wife and unborn child significantly influenced Polanski's actions and mental state during the events leading to his arrest.
As the legal proceedings progress, the film explores the behind-the-scenes negotiations and the pressure mounting on both the prosecution and defense to secure their desired outcomes. It delves into the conflicting emotions and motivations of the victim, Samantha Geimer, who eventually reveals her desire for the case to be dismissed and her plea for Polanski to be allowed a fair trial.
The documentary reaches a critical turning point when Polanski's defense attorney, Douglas Dalton, uncovers evidence that suggests Judge Rittenband had privately made a deal with a journalist to sentence Polanski to prison, despite the ongoing trial. This revelation leads to Polanski's lawyer filing a motion asking Judge Rittenband to recuse himself from the case.
However, before the judge could respond to the motion, Polanski unexpectedly flees the country, seeking refuge in France, his home country, where he is protected from extradition due to his dual citizenship. The film delves into the reasons behind Polanski's decision to flee, including fears of a biased trial and the potential breach of the previously agreed-upon plea deal.
"Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired" sheds light on the complex legal and personal circumstances surrounding the scandal, providing insights into the events that led up to Polanski's flight from the United States. By examining the media's role, the questionable actions of the judge, and the tragic history of the director, the documentary challenges the commonly held perception of the case and offers a multi-dimensional understanding of the scandal.
The documentary starts by revisiting Polanski's life and career, highlighting his rise as a celebrated director with films like "Rosemary's Baby" and "Chinatown." It then focuses on the events that took place in 1977, when Polanski allegedly drugged and raped Geimer during a photoshoot at fellow actor Jack Nicholson's house.
The film examines the media frenzy surrounding the case and the controversial actions of Judge Laurence J. Rittenband, who presided over Polanski's trial. Rittenband's decisions and alleged unethical conduct created an atmosphere of bias and misconduct throughout the proceedings. The documentary reveals that the judge had informal conversations about the case with various parties involved, which is considered highly unusual.
It also delves into the tumultuous personal life of Polanski, specifically the tragic events that unfolded just a few years prior to the scandal. Polanski's pregnant wife, actress Sharon Tate, was brutally murdered by the Manson Family cult in 1969. The documentary suggests that the trauma from losing his wife and unborn child significantly influenced Polanski's actions and mental state during the events leading to his arrest.
As the legal proceedings progress, the film explores the behind-the-scenes negotiations and the pressure mounting on both the prosecution and defense to secure their desired outcomes. It delves into the conflicting emotions and motivations of the victim, Samantha Geimer, who eventually reveals her desire for the case to be dismissed and her plea for Polanski to be allowed a fair trial.
The documentary reaches a critical turning point when Polanski's defense attorney, Douglas Dalton, uncovers evidence that suggests Judge Rittenband had privately made a deal with a journalist to sentence Polanski to prison, despite the ongoing trial. This revelation leads to Polanski's lawyer filing a motion asking Judge Rittenband to recuse himself from the case.
However, before the judge could respond to the motion, Polanski unexpectedly flees the country, seeking refuge in France, his home country, where he is protected from extradition due to his dual citizenship. The film delves into the reasons behind Polanski's decision to flee, including fears of a biased trial and the potential breach of the previously agreed-upon plea deal.
"Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired" sheds light on the complex legal and personal circumstances surrounding the scandal, providing insights into the events that led up to Polanski's flight from the United States. By examining the media's role, the questionable actions of the judge, and the tragic history of the director, the documentary challenges the commonly held perception of the case and offers a multi-dimensional understanding of the scandal.
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