Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired
An incisive archival investigation of Roman Polanski’s 1977 case, exposing how celebrity, media spectacle, and judicial ambition distort the pursuit of justice.
Overview
A deep dive into the life of a controversial filmmaker and the chaos that ensued from a scandal.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- serious
- unsettling
- analytical
- focused viewing
- film history study
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the documentary as a deft, subtle, and compelling examination of the Polanski case, celebrity, responsibility, and judicial conduct, though some argued that its framing whitewashes the victim's experience.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film contrasts Polanski's artistic reputation and international celebrity with the criminal case and its consequences.
Interviews and archival evidence focus on Judge Laurence J. Rittenband, prosecutorial decisions, and the mechanics of sentencing.
Footage from Polanski's earlier films and media appearances is juxtaposed with case records, interviews, and later reflections.
The victim, attorneys, prosecutors, friends, and associates provide divergent perspectives on the 1977 case and Polanski's flight.
Films like Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired, and why
The Thin Blue Line
investigative documentary treatment of a controversial criminal case, media scrutiny, and competing perspectives
Leaving Neverland
documentary examination of celebrity, criminal allegations, and the justice system through archival material and interviews
Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills
critical inquiry into legal institutions, public narratives, and the gap between celebrity and accountability
Movie Details
- Director
- Marina Zenovich
- Release Date
- 2008-01-18
- Runtime
- 99 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (81)
Cast
- Andrew Braunsberg
- Richard Brenneman
- Douglas Dalton
- Marilyn Beck
- Steve Barshop
- Madeline Bessmer
- Michael M. Crain
- Samantha Geimer
- Mia Farrow
- Pedro Almodóvar
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Buy
- Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired about?
- An incisive archival investigation of Roman Polanski’s 1977 case, exposing how celebrity, media spectacle, and judicial ambition distort the pursuit of justice.
- What is Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired.
- What did critics think of Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired?
- Critics broadly praised the documentary as a deft, subtle, and compelling examination of the Polanski case, celebrity, responsibility, and judicial conduct, though some argued that its framing whitewashes the victim's experience.
- Which films are like Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired?
- Films with a similar feel include The Thin Blue Line, Leaving Neverland, and Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills.
- How long is Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired?
- Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired runs 99 minutes.
- Where can I watch Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired?
- In United States, Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired is available to rent or buy from Google Play Movies, YouTube.
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