Amityville: The People of New York vs Ronald J DeFeo Jr.

Writer/director Rob Levinson takes us on a journey of the legal case of Ronald DeFeo, from the perspective of the prosecutor. This tale avoids the well-tread supernatural shlock in other movies in the long-running, informal Amityville franchise.

Period costumes and scenery circa 1975, along with great acting and directing, bring you into the community in the aftermath of the famous murders. We see the previously untold story of the madman DeFeo as he attempts to defend himself.

A great movie for anyone who would like to see another side of this infamous story. If you had enough of copycat films, this fresh take is for you.

: Rob Levinson's documentary "The Prople versus Ronald DeFeo, Jr, is an accurate account of the most famous 1975 murder trial Long Island had seen in decades and it evoked the essence of the 1970s. The trial was a real game of chess between the prosecution represented by Gerard Sullivan, a passionate young ADA determined to to see justice done on behalf of the six murdered DeFeos (including four children) & a very canny, capable and adroit court appointed defense attorney named William Weber. Levinson's film does a masterful job of depicting this infamous trial & sticking to the facts. From the onset, few people had little doubt of DeFeo, Jr.'s guilt in slaughtering his entire family as they slept. The real questions were: was he sane when he committed the murders or did he really hear voices commanding him to kill. This film is Riveting and well worth watching!

Wow!!!! This was amazing and thankfully different than what we have all watched regarding the Amityville murders. The story starts with the actual 911 call from back in the day which draws you right in to wonder what's going on whether you are familiar with this story or not. Then it starts to tell the story from the prosecutors point of view and shows the unstable childish ways of DeFeo. The cast is so wonderful in this film. I really liked the choice of actors for each part. They all fit so well! Great acting. The set design captured the feel of that time frame perfectly. A lot of times in big well known stories like this, no one really talks about how it effects the lives of the other people involved, just the murder and the ones closest to them. This film makes you think about how it effected the life of the attorney, Gerard Sullivan and his family, taking on such a dark sadistic case. This was just a proof of concept. I can't wait to see the full film. I hope they get funding to make this a reality!!!! Great job everyone!! So well written!!

If you enjoy watching truly talented professionals on thier absolute A game then check out this proof of concept. Everyone involved, from the stars appearing on camera to the brilliant writer and director and his crew to the ingenious technicians who who worked in post production, all shined so very brightly in this picture. The story stays true to the actual horrifying events of the 1974 massacre while deftly transporting the viewer to that time and place. Ethan Rodgers and Eddie Nason who play Ronald Defeo Jr. And Attorney Gerard Sullivan respectively, deserve to be singled out for high praise even amongst a cast of New England Indie powerhouses. Rodgers so embodied the the titular character that some of his scenes could pass for true documentary footage. He gives Defeo an attitude and a body language that serves as a subtle mask for the demon that we know exists very close to the surface. At times Rodgers reveals this demon to frightening effect and always with utter realism. The moment that Nason's character bursts upon the screen we are instantly captivated. His charisma and positive energy provides the perfect foil for his on screen nemesis. Nason seems to have mastered that rare ability to perform in a way that is simultaneously genuine and effortless as well as exciting and entertaining. There is little doubt that two stars were born in this film. Meanwhile, the star of writer/director Rob Levinson continues to rise. This film has every hallmark of a master in full command of his craft. The subject matter and period piece nature of the film are certainly challenging in the world of independent, small budget film making but under Levinson's watchful and keen eye, the veil of the 1970's never lifts and the tragedy of a murdered family is always treated with respect and dignity. Levinson is an autuer in every sense of the word and to miss this film - made in the prime of his genius- would be a true crime indeed!