The Staircase (2004)

[Mr_Vindictive]

So, for the last week or so I've been slowly making my way through Jean-Xavier de Lestrade's 6 hour documentary The Staircase.  The film follows Michael Peterson a fairly wealthy writer from Durham NC who's wife is found dead one night at the foot of their staircase. 

The film follows Peterson from a few days after the "accident" to the end of the trial nearly three years later.  It's a fascinating look at the American legal system, a family that has lost a huge part of their life, and the secrets that we all keep.

The secrets are by far the most fascinating thing about the film.  There are things that come out during this trial that made my jaw drop.  There are coincidences, secret lives, etc.  At one point, the defense attorney looks dead on at the camera after hearing some unbelievable news and says "Your film just got a hell of a lot better."  I couldn't have said it any better myself.

I don't want to say too much about the film in case anyone here plans on checking it out.  The surprises here are not something that you want to spoil.

I highly recommend this to anyone.  I originally purchased it from Itunes to watch on my Ipod at work as I'm a huge fan of court trials and this took place in my home state of North Carolina.  Despite all of the media coverage about it, I don't remember it taking place.  Anyway, I hope to pick up the DVD set soon as I'm dying to know more about the case and what has happened since it took place.

Rating: 10/10 - Superb

[Mofo Rising]

I've added it to my queue.  Six hours, though...

[Ash]

Sounds interesting.

Though like you, it might take me a few days to get through it.

[Mr_Vindictive]

You guys won't be disappointed with the film.  It originally aired on the Sundance channel in 8 different sections, each one about 45 minutes long.  That's also the way it's presented on the DVD, with episodes.  It makes it much easier to watch the documentary and have pre-assigned stopping points.

Hope you guys enjoy it.