Reviews
The Crazy Rulers of the World (2004)
A Brilliant Account
I found Jon Ronson's 'Crazy Rulers of the World' truly fascinating. For three years he researched paranormal experiments of the US Army. As a result he produced this three part documentary series and wrote a book called 'The Men Who Stare at Goats'. There is also a Hollywood feature film directed and starred by George Clooney, that goes by the same name.
The series tracks persons and phenomenas of the 'First Earth Battallion', as well as paranormal activities of the intelligence community. Jonson interviews high ranking army officers and other individuals, who played a central role in the subsequent events. He also investigates the origins of some contemporary applications such as the use of music as torture.
The end result is a gripping tale that starts from curious and progresses to bizarre. Jonson interviews some fantastic individuals, who seem surprisingly at ease in front of the camera. While 10 stars may seem an exaggeration to some, I found my self thoroughly satisfied and entertained at the end, with no complaints. It's a shame this series hasn't had a wider release.
The Diamond Queen (2012)
A Peak and a Praise
Andrew Marr's 'The Diamond Queen' is entertaining, but its hardly a documentary, and even less an examination like he claims. I'm a Finn, and for someone with no emotional or personal investment in the Queen what so ever, I found this series reeking like a prolonged promotional video for the British monarchy. I think there's nothing wrong with that, as long as people understand it and can then choose whether to watch it or not.
Like presented in the plot summary above, Marr tailed the Queen for little over a year around the world. He had virtually unlimited access to the royalty, politicians and other insiders. The series features multiple interviews with different protagonists around the Queen. Everybody praises her without exception. All criticism and objective studying of the monarchs and their actions throughout history are absent.
I liked the show because it gave a peak to the public day to day life of the Queen. On the other hand I was disappointed for the absence of questions and objective criticism from Brits who oppose the monarchy. I recommend the show to those who either like her or have at least neutral views on the matter.
On Death Row (2012)
A touching and brilliant mini-series
I watched the three episodes of this series only days after watching 'Into the Abyss'. While I found the full length feature documentary slightly boring and even more disappointing, the same can not be said about 'Death Row'.
Herzog, the creator of this series, does not go on a rampage to prove somebody's innocence, nor does he advocate loudly his opinion about capital punishment. Instead he creates an opportunity to the viewer to get to know the person condemned to die. The emphasis is not about what is right and wrong, or who did what. Its about the person in death row, as well as other human aspects involved. Proper weight is given to the case's individual details, and at least my curiosity about the evidence and what occurred in the crimes was satisfied.
I strongly recommend this series to people that find the theme at least mildly interesting. This series is politically some what neutral in spite of Herzog opposing capital punishment. I found some of the subjects - not all - likable, and felt strong compassion for them. This is a special mini-series and I'm very glad I watched it, even though I was disappointed by 'Into the Abyss'.
Fourteen Days in May (1987)
A superb documentary
Paul Hamann's BBC documentary 'Fourteen Days in May - The Execution of Edward Earl Johnson' has the qualities of a great documentary. His film crew seems to have enjoyed great freedom inside the Arkansas State Penitentiary. The co-operation of the warden and a some sort of 'why not attitude', absent in 2012 culture, is evident from the ease in which characters appear on screen.
Like the title suggests, Hamann and his crew spend two weeks in the prison. It is evident that the they manage to create a personal relationship with many of the films protagonists. Relevant questions about capital punishment are explored, especially about its in practice implementation.
I liked this documentary a lot. As well as being informative and interesting , some of it is just heart-wrenching. I recommend people who are interested in the subject to watch it.
Into the Abyss (2011)
A weak insight into a thrilling topic
I'm not familiar with Werner Herzog or his work, and had never heard of him prior to this film. I started watching 'Into the Abyss' expecting a peak into the life of a death row inmate, as well as hearing the tale of a horrible crime and its back round. I was utterly disappointed. The problem with this film is that it manages to make a story about capital punishment boring. At peak moments Herzog touches some interesting issues, but does not explore them.
In the end I felt unsatisfied, like a big part of the story was wasted. I still think this movie is worth watching, one just must not expect a flaming and intense debate on this matter. This film offers more a general humanitarian view.