A fascinating re-telling of the events leading up to Roman Polanski's notorious 1978 arrest for having unlawful sex with a minor, the media circus that followed, and his subsequent flight into exile. Featuring interviews with the lawyers representing the case, the media covering it, and the unusually clear-eyed and candid victim, as well as clips from many of Polanski's films. Child Holocaust survivor and director of Rosemary's Baby and Chinatown, Polanski is regarded as one of the 20th Century's greatest filmmakers. Zenovich's documentary, however, focuses on the devastating downward spiral of events in Polanski's personal life that began with the murder of his pregnant wife Sharon Tate in 1969 by followers of Charles Manson and his subsequent trial for unlawful sex with a minor (a crime for which Polanski claims he was set up). The film's investigations of the publicity and possible malfeasance surrounding his arrest and trial for statutory rape have recently led Polanski and his attorney to publicly question the actions of the judge involved. More at thinkfilmcompany.com. 35mm
2008, color, 1 hour 39 minutes, USA